Three to See: Indie Bookstore Day, Matt Masters and Jabulani Arts Fest

Edmonton Independent Bookstore Day Extravaganza: Bookstores are the heart and soul — never mind the brain — of a city, so this is really exciting: Eleven local indie bookstores are banding together to celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day, including Audreys, Paper Birch, Wee Book Inn, Alhambra, Mandolin, Daisy Chain, Variant Edition, The Book Boudoir, Ascendant, The Edmonton Bookstore and Sherwood Park’s The Bookworm.

Article content

Pick up a special passport at any of them to get stamped for special perks, and if you hit all 11 you’re entered to win a pooled gift basket. Read on!

Article content

Daisy Chain Book Co. owner Brandi Morpurgo. Photo by David Bloom /Postmedia

Details: Saturday and Sunday at our various indie bookstore locations

Matt Masters: “I haven’t done a gig since December,” notes Calgary country and western singer and music industry advocate Matt Masters. “That’s my longest break from performing since I started 25 years ago. I’m nervous about these shows but I’m also excited about having new songs.” Making his way across the country form Vancouver to Toronto, he just added this living room show — just email thegroovenor@gmail.com $25 and put his name in the comments to reserve your spot!

Matt Master Groovenor — Matt Masters is playing The Groovenor Sunday. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia

Details: 7 p.m Sunday at The Groovenor (10450 144 St.), $25

Jabulani Arts Festival: The Ribbon Rouge Foundation presents the first-ever iteration of this multi-genre arts fest including theatre, poetry, dance, music, visual art and community art workshops packed with African, Caribbean and Black Albertan artists.

Wednesday is a group art opening including Tope Akindele and Elsa Robinson, Thursday a poetry showcase, while folktale play Ogboingba Tries to Change Her Fate begins its run. Much of the programming is free, including the first night of the play and the poetry and drumming workshops with Timiro Mohamed and Uncle Eric respectively next Saturday. Full sked at theatrenetwork.ca.