Sunday, July 4, 2010

Hopkins Happenings - July 2010

Hi everyone,

Phew - June was crazy! Between the Stage One workshop at Lunchbox Theatre, Across the Tracks in Vulcan, the ALS fundraiser at Broken City and my 27th birthday, I've definitely needed some recovery time. But now I'm back in the game, so if I haven't seen you in a while, give me a call in July - I've got some spare time to hang!

Speaking of ALS, thank you once again for making my annual fundraising events a huge success. With your help, we raised over $4,000 for Betty's Run for ALS, making me this year's third-highest individual fundraiser. I'm now planning Markapalooza 3 for late 2010, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

In the meantime, there's plenty to see and do in July, including:
  • Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
  • We Should Know Each Other #57
  • Boot Scootin' Boogie Ball
  • We Should Know Each Other #58
  • Ghost Town Pizza Party
- - -

Sled Island Music & Arts Festival

So, um... I'm a few days late releasing this newsletter, and the fabulousness of Sled Island (including the event co-hosted by Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre) is pretty much over. Oops!

However, there's a wrap-up party and pig roast happening right now at the Republik! What better way to spend your Sunday afternoon?


We Should Know Each Other #57

Sunday, July 4, 2010
7:00-11:00 pm
714 5A St NW (buzzer: M. Hopkins)
www.swallowabicycle.com

Since February 2008, I've been hosting 'We Should Know Each Other' parties in my living room, where you can have a drink, relax and meet a host of fascinating people!

We've had artists, engineers, police officers, accountants, journalists, politicians and more, and there's always a great mix of personalities and stimulating conversation. This is a great chance to step outside of your comfort zone and expand your social circle. I hope you can join us!

Boot Scootin' Boogie Ball

Thursday, July 15, 2010
'Hoe down' begins at 5:00 pm
$40 in advance, $50 at the door
Stockyards Saloon, 24 - 7400 MacLeod Tr South
www.stockyardssaloon.com

Yes, I am indeed involved in an event called the "Boot Scootin' Boogie Ball". A career in theatre takes you to strange places...

This Stampede party takes over the Stockyards Saloon, a bar so steeped in Western authenticity that it has a mechanical bull right next to the stage. Proceeds from the event will benefit both One Yellow Rabbit and the High Performance Rodeo, and the evening will feature two-steppers, swing dancers and a shoot 'em up Wild West showdown.

We Should Know Each Other #58

Sunday, July 18, 2010
7:00-11:00 pm
714 5A St NW (buzzer: M. Hopkins)
www.swallowabicycle.com

Um, this event is pretty much identical to 'We Should Know Each Other' #57, described above, so now I'm in an awkward position... how to fill this space?

Wellllll, if you want to know a bit more about the 'We Should Know Each Other' parties, they've been featured in Swerve, FFWD, U Magazine, The Calgary Herald and even on CBC's Definitely Not the Opera. Pretty cool, huh?

Ghost Town Pizza Party

Saturday, July 31, 2010
5:00-9:00 pm
Sam's Saloon
Rowley, Alberta
AMA website

Rowley, Alberta is a tiny ghost town located about a half-hour north of Drumheller. What distinguishes it from most ghost towns is that, on the last Saturday of every month, they open up the old saloon for a pizza night!

My sister and I went for the pizza night in June, and it was a tremendously charming experience. Hundreds of people from Drumheller and the surrounding area gather at Sam's for pizza and cheap beer, in the middle of an empty town that feels like Heritage Park come to life. This month, I plan to take advantage of the free camping and stay overnight. Let me know if you'd like to join me, or go ahead and plan a trip of your own!

Oh, and if you're in Sam's Saloon for the first time, be sure to ask the bartender about the ferret. Trust me.

- - -

Last month, I slacked off and didn't include a rundown of other rockin' Calgary events. This month, I won't be so lazy! You may want to check out:
That oughta keep you busy, hey? Whether you're Stampeding or not, there are loads of wicked events in July. Hope to see you out and about!

Mark Hopkins
Co-Artistic Director
Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre
www.swallowabicycle.com
403.710.0093

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