Categories: Lifestyle

The best of Calgary, according to a local radio host

Kue Varo and the Only Hopes (Photo via Sam Phelps/X92.9 Calgary's Alternative)

There are so many ways to experience a big city like Calgary.

However, it can become all too easy to start relying on your personal favourites, from restaurants to shops and all sorts of other local spots. There’s nothing wrong with having a go-to, but it can mean missing out on new experiences. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all that’s needed to discover something new — or at least, new to you.

As a DJ, podcaster, and photographer with X92.9, Calgary’s alternative radio station, Sam Phelps has his thumb on the pulse of all things music in YYC, along with the ins and outs of 17th Avenue, where the studio is located. We sat down with the afternoon host to break down his guide to Calgary.

Q: Take me through a day in the life of Sam Phelps

A: My show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so I like to get to the studio a little earlier to prepare. After that, it’s whatever digital work I have left for the day, and then I like to go out and walk around 17th Avenue, because we’re so close. There are a lot of great bars, music stores, and other stuff that I like to frequent in the area.

I always end up at Element Cafe. It’s the closest coffee joint, and the owners are so nice. I hate to go through my credit card statement and see all the charges for Element Cafe every month, so I just tell myself I’m happy to support a local business. [Author’s note: to illustrate this point, Sam is drinking an Element iced latte as we do this interview.]

Q: And how about food? Where do you like to go for an after-work bite?

A: I end up at PinBar way more than I’d like to admit. They have good drinks at a good price, and the burgers — have you ever had a Bastian Burger? It’s unreal. They have a food truck that’s kind of moved into the kitchen, so the food is always fantastic.

It’s also a cool place to hang out, and I can play the same pinball machine that’s at my dad’s house. I’m not very good, but [my girlfriend] Ash holds a record on the Ghostbusters machine at Greta Bar.

Q: You end up doing photography at a lot of concerts. What venues are your favourite?

A: I know it’s seasonal, but I love shows at Prince’s Island Park. The atmosphere is so cool, and everyone’s there down in nature having a great time. Folk Fest is hosted there, and it’s super popular — I’m very excited to see Ruby Waters headline this year.

Q: Any other must-attend festivals you want to shout out?

A: If you’re a music fan, you have to check out Sled Island. It happens across five days and multiple venues. There are so many different acts, and it’s the best way to discover new and independent artists.

Unrelated to music, I also enjoy the Calgary Underground Film Festival. Every year, they do showings at the Globe Cinema, and it’s introduced me to some of the coolest movies I’ve ever seen that I might not have discovered otherwise.

Q: Finally, what are some local bands that you’re currently into?

A: In Search of Sasquatch is a good one. I’ve seen them play at Dickens and The Palomino Smokehouse, and they’re a super fun group to see perform live. Kue Varo and the Only Hopes are another. Logan, our Xposure host here at X, is always telling us to check them out. They opened for July Talk at our last One Weekend Only event, and to see them play in that setting was pretty crazy!

There’s truly so much local talent in Calgary. If you end up at any venue, you’re sure to see some cool local acts and discover your own favourites.