4 must-see musical shows at the High Performance Rodeo

High Performance Rodeo has set the bar high in past years by featuring such music luminaries as Brian Eno and Laurie Anderson.

Though there are no big names in music included in this years program, music lovers can still get a bit of a fix with some offerings from the rodeo.

• 4 theatre shows to see at the High Performance Rodeo
• AUDIO |Jessica Goldman previews the High Performance Rodeo

CalgaryCarillonCelebration: Tower-Treesby Tona Ohama

Ive lived in Calgary now for 18 years and had no idea those bells I heard at noon downtown were actually coming from the Calgary Tower and areplayed on a keyboard instrument called a carillon. I was also happily surprised to discover Im not the only one who actually loves the Trees sculpture outside Bankers Hall.

The elusive, mainly Calgary-basedelectronic recording artist Tona Ohama has composed two soundscapes utilizing two iconic Calgary structures, the Calgary Tower and the Trees sculpture as inspiration and location that will play for the duration of the rodeo.

Jan. 9 toFeb. 1

Stephen Avenue Mall

All the Way Cabaret byOne Yellow Rabbit and Guests

You think you havegot the Rabbits pegged and then they go and do somethingweird,differentrabbity.

All The Way Cabaretis about surprises. There willbe music, possible nudity (Im only guessing here), dance, laughs, high jinks and who knows what else! Its the Rabbits and its the closing party for the rodeo, so chances are itll be wild.

Two nights only, featuringnewly minted Order of Canada recipient Denise Clarke, the mysterious Blake Brooker, the One Yellow Rabbit team and the many featured and fabulous local performers and entertainers whograce stages around Calgary.

Jan. 31 and Feb.1

Big Secret Theatre

Young Drunk Punk byBruceMcCulloch

Certainly at the top of the musical list is legendaryKids in the HallmemberBruceMcCullochsautobiographical showYoung Drunk Punk.

If youre like me, younever tire of the stories of Calgarys music venuesin the1980sthe old Westward, The National, Ten Foot Henry's. From what I can tell, you couldnt throw a beer bottle without hitting someone connected to One Yellow Rabbit back in the day.

Expect elevated stand up comedy steeped in Calgary punk history. And the best part?Shadowy Men on A Shadowy Planetguitarist BrianConnellywill be joiningMcCullochon stage.

Jan. 16-18

Martha Cohen Theatre

Boom byRick Miller

Anyone who has thecojonesto play the ghost of Canadian musical icon Glenn Gould deserves my respect. Check out Rick Miller's website for information on his performance pieceGlenn Gould Variations.

Gould aside, Rick Miller's performanceis atour-de-force. Hebrings25 years of pop culture to life through music, dance and visual art in his one man show.

Using his skills as an impersonator, singer, and multilingual actor, Miller promises to show the audience a thoroughlymoderntake on historical events, portraying the world's most influential politicians, activists and musicians.

Jan. 15-19

Max Bell Theatre