At Big Rock we seem to always do it the hard way. I’m not sure if we do it that way because we are stubborn, slow witted or simply because we get to do it our way. When Ed started Big Rock during a recession, at the age of 60 and did it by brewing Ales (when everyone in the country was accustomed to Lagers) he definitely did it his way. Not easy but, alas, he did it and we are very happy he did.

Well, again it seems we are taking the hard way with a new project called Untapped Alberta. This project is the lovechild of four proud Alberta partners that are supporting Alberta artists and communities. I say this project is being done the hard way because it would be much easier to simply sponsor an existing project, slap our logo on it and be done with it. But that wouldn’t be meaningful and wouldn’t be our style.

ATB Financial, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Alberta Music and Big Rock Brewery have joined forces to create this five part concert series with the hopes of supporting emerging Alberta artists to get some additional exposure. Our bigger dreams are to have this be such a success that it gives us confidence to grow it over the years to come.

The musicians were selected from our Big Rock Untapped program as well as through recommendations from the four partners. Tickets are available at local ATB branches and venues for $10 (includes a beverage of course) with proceeds being donated to local community groups and charities.

Here’s where we are playing - hope you can make it:

CALGARY
Date: September 25, 2009
Venue: The Ironwood Stage & Grill
Artists: Chad VanGaalen, The Wet Secrets, Sidney York
Charity: Discovery House

MEDICINE HAT
Date: September 26, 2009
Venue: Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
Artists: Brett Nelson, Pear, John Wort Hannam
Charity: Santa Claus Fund

BEAVERLODGE
Date: October 3, 2009
Venue: Beaverlodge Community Centre
Artists: Celeigh Cardinal, Tracy Millar, Tenille Nadkrynechny
Charity: Hythe Playschool Society, Parents for Progress Playground Society

EDMONTON
Date: October 23, 2009
Venue: TransAlta Arts Barns
Artists: Krystle Dos Santos, Carrie Hryniw, Politic Live
Charity: Youth Emergency Shelter Society

RED DEER
Date: October 24, 2009
Venue: The Vat
Artists: Domino, Lindsay Ell, Soul Side In
Charity: Red Deer and Stettler & District food banks

I look forward to seeing you out there. Let me know what you think of the project and feel free to offer any advice to make it even better for the future.