Curling fans will be treated to a week of rock – both on and off the ice.
When they’re not watching their favourite curlers take to the sheets at Pason Centennial Arena, guests can find rock and roll music playing in the Social House, a beer gardens next door in the Foothills Centennial Centre.
Black Diamond musician Robert Libbus will take to the stage during the day, in between draws.
“He’s going to be the daytime entertainer in the Social House, and he’s great,” said Social House chair Angie Wedderburn. “He’s a guitarist and he’s not necessarily a rigid entertainer, he’s very casual.”
Entertaining at bonspiels is a favourite pastime of the Cape Breton native, who took up curling when he moved to Black Diamond and started playing music during banquets at the curling club.
His son, Mike Libbus, is head of the ice-making committee for the Grand Slam of Curling Masters this week. He also manages the Oilfields Curling Club in Black Diamond and the Okotoks Curling Club.
“I started doing jams at the curling club on Friday nights,” said Robert. “It’s a lot of fun and when you’re doing open mics you socialize with people, and I always try to get people to entertain themselves at the same time. They entertain me too, you know?”
His repertoire ranges from Maritimes music to 50s rock, Elvis, James Taylor, Ian Tyson, the Eagles, and everything in between – but no heavy metal, he said.
He jumped at the opportunity when he was asked six months ago to provide daytime entertainment for the Masters.
“I can’t wait,” said Robert. “I’m glad they asked me to play, it’s an honour to be able to perform at an event like this, for basically a non-recording artist. I just like to entertain people.”
Wedderburn said he’ll have plenty of time to entertain, with his music slotted for an hour and a half between each game as fans retire for a break while the ice is prepared for the next draw and a new group of ticketholders.
There will also be food trucks set up outside the Social House to feed hungry fans looking for a bite to eat with their brew. Customers can choose from Bean Muggin’, Clare’s Kitchen, The Dogfather and Il Forno Vagabondo.
The concession will also be open at the Pason Arena, with the Rock ‘n Roll Lounge next door featuring a jukebox playing old classics for fans to get up out of their seats and enjoy a beverage on the concourse.
Wedderburn said the most popular place in Pason is going to be Pinty’s Bar and Grill, selling Pinty’s wings and a full-service bar.
“It’s exciting to be so close to the curlers you see on TV all the time,” she said. “It’s like a rock star, except they’re curlers. For curling fans it’s exciting to be right there because they get to interact with the curlers and hear them talking and making comments just 10 feet away.”
The Social House will also be brought to life Friday and Saturday night with live bands and dances beginning at 9 p.m. each night. The dance is free to attend with a game-day ticket but is open to the public for $5 cover charge.
Kixxsin will take the stage at the Social House on Friday night. The band is known for its ability to take classic country songs and add a rock twist or “countrify” a Top 40 hit.
On Saturday night Liquid Rhythm, a popular corporate party cover band out of Calgary, will entertain dancers with all genres of music ranging from the 60s to current hits.
“The dances should be a lot of fun,” said Wedderburn. “We’ve got some great bands lined up and we’re looking forward to a good time with the curling fans and the community.”
There is also family entertainment planned for Saturday morning. The Humpty’s free pancake breakfast is part of every Grand Slam of Curling event, she said.
The event will feature face painting, tattoos and a photo booth along with breakfast in the Social House from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 29.
Wedderburn said she’s looking forward to a week chockfull of curling, fun and music, and to seeing the hard work of more than 300 volunteers coming to life.
“We’re confident the fans will not only enjoy watching top-notch curling all week, but will be treated to some great entertainment and socializing with friends in the Rock ‘n Roll Lounge and the Social House,” she said. “Pack your dancing shoes because Okotoks is going to be rockin’.”
