Sled Island

That's a wrap!

Our five days of music, comedy, film, art and fun are over, but will linger on in our hearts for the rest of the year! Check out photo highlights from this year's festival here.

Whether you attended, performed, volunteered, sponsored, partnered or even just checked out one thing at Sled Island, we thank you. We can't wait to see you again for our 10th anniversary in 2016!

Sled Island is sad to learn that due to immigration issues, TroyBoi is unable to enter Canada and won't be making it to Sled Island or any of his other upcoming tour dates.

With the bad comes the good: we have now added ace party-starter Falcons to today's bill! Tory Lanez, Teengirl Fantasy, Mykki Blanco, Smalltown DJs and all the other great talent will be unaffected by the change and things will kick off in the East Village at 4:00pm.

Bonus: Teengirl Fantasy and Falcons are the secret guests for tonight's show at The HiFi Club!

Don't worry too much, TroyBoi fans—he's been rescheduled for November 5 at The Hifi Club. Stay tuned to The HiFi Club for more details on that show.

With so many artists playing Sled Island, things often change between when our program guide goes to print and when the festival hits. Read below for all the particulars on what's been adjusted.

Remember that our online schedule always has the most accurate and up-to-date information!

Wednesday, June 24

• Old Man Gloom replaces Pentagram at Dickens
• The Backhomes replace Iceberg Ferg and Astral Swans replaces Construction & Deconstruction at Local 510 Parking Lot
• Daniel Lanois is featured at the National Music Centre Master Series
• Aleem Khan replaces J. Sherri at Nite Owl (Downstairs)
• Avec Le Soleil Sortant De Sa Bouche replaces Superbloom at The Palomino (Upstairs)
• Eric Steel performs as part of Jupiter Comedy at the Oak Tree Tavern tonight

Thursday, June 25

• Counterfeit Jeans replaces Superbloom at Broken City (Patio)
• Feel Alright performs at Broken City (Patio) at 8:00pm

Friday, June 26

• Tee-Tahs replace Ben Disaster at The #1 Legion (Upstairs)
• WHIMM replaces Low Life at Dickens
• Fury Things replace Construction & Destruction at The Palomino (Upstairs)
• Yo La Tengo perform at Flames Central rather than Saturday as previously listed
• Derek Adams performs at the Theatre Junction GRAND Studio
• Brandon Craig performans at the Theatre Junction GRAND Studio
• Amy Bugg performs at the Theatre Junction GRAND Studio

Saturday, June 27

• Wares replaces Moss Lime at Tubby Dog
• Showcase artists revealed as High Klassified, Jazz Cartier and Keys N Krates at Nite Owl (Upstairs)
• Tough Age replaces Real Sickies at Nite Owl (Downstairs)
• Gina Freeman performs at the Theatre Junction GRAND Studio
• Jeff D'Silva performs at the Theatre Junction GRAND Studio

Sunday, June 28

• Technical Kidman replaces Moss Lime at the Topman Presents at Republik Stage

Sled Island, VICE and Fido have teamed up to bring you Unfiltered: a night of music courtesy of Keys N Krates, Jazz Cartier and High Klassified.

You can RSVP now for a free entry to the show. Don't worry, passholders—we've saved room for those of you who do not RSVP. Passes on sale right here. 
 

Need a little expert endorsement to narrow down your Sled Island schedule? We've got just the thing. Some of our favourite DJs at CJSW have compiled their picks alongside links to Soundcloud streams. Next up: Femcon Music from Jasmine Retzer & Kerry Maguire.

Read More >>

Need a little expert endorsement to narrow down your Sled Island schedule? We've got just the thing. Some of our favourite DJs at CJSW have compiled their picks alongside links to Soundcloud streams. Next up: Beats/Electronic from Kaleem Khan.

Read More >>

Today is your chance to get your Sled on early! We have a handful of events including the ninth annual Sled Island Poster Show opening at the Theatre Junction GRAND Mezzanine at 6:00pm, the Canadian premiere of Danny Says at 6:30pm at the Hifi Club, special Sled Island editions of Quiz Shoe at Broken City at 7:00pm and Punk Rock Bingo at the Ship and Anchor at 8:00pm. Don't forget, WRECK CITY Presents DEMO TAPE is in full swing down at the old Penguin Car Wash.

Then, of course, is the music! Our traditional Kick-Off Party at Commonwealth is chock full of talent including past festival favourites The Courtneys, Cousins and Shaani Cage plus Godspeed You! Black Emperor pick Avec Le Soileil Sortant De Sa Bouche and more, more, more! Limited walk-up tickets will be offered to those without a festival pass for $15.

Wanna see it all? You're gonna need a pass! They're still for sale online, but you can also buy directly at pass pickup at The Fairmont Palliser before 10:00pm.

Need a little expert endorsement to narrow down your Sled Island schedule? We've got just the thing. Some of our favourite DJs at CJSW have compiled their picks alongside links to Soundcloud streams. Next up: Punk/Metal/Heavy/Psych from Kai Sinclair.

Read More >>

Need a little expert endorsement to narrow down your Sled Island schedule? We've got just the thing. Some of our favourite DJs at CJSW have compiled their picks alongside links to Soundcloud streams. First up: Experimental/Other from Whitney Ota.

Read More >>

Hey, under-18 pals! Exams are almost done, which means it's almost time to party! To help you plan your Sled Island schedules, we had our All-Ages Reps comb through the lineup to let us know their picks. Read all about what has them excited below and check out our All-Ages page for more info and to get your All-Ages Pass. We can't wait to see you guys at the festival!

Sofia Daschle, Grade 8

Crosss
Not quite metal, but almost a genre of its own, Crosss is definitely an act worth seeing. With roots in post-punk, their brooding melodies and guitar lines will have you captivated. Find them at Tubby Dog on Thursday, June 25.

Isis Graham
Following Sled Island's Instagram, I was surprised to see that Isis Graham is a DJ! I know Isis from my music studio (Beat Drop), and I know I'll be checking out her beats at the East Village Block Party on Thursday, June 25.

WHIMM
Born in Toronto, WHIMM is a three person post-punk band. Their strong, fast beats mix perfectly with the distant sounding vocals on their records. Make sure you check out what is going to be an excellent show at Tubby Dog on Thursday, June 25.

Curtis Wilson, Grade 11

Godspeed You! Black Emperor
It is the beautiful chaos you never thought you would fall in love with. Godspeed You! Black Emperor is a powerhouse band from Montreal that disbanded in 2003 only to be brought back together in 2012 for a phenomenally well-received album ('Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!). Performing Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26 at the picturesque Central United Church, GY!BE is the powerhouse band of the festival that you (and I) do not want to miss!

Radioheaded 3: A Listening Party to Watch
One Yellow Rabbit's Denise Clarke and her Beautiful Young Artists take the stage and physically reimagine Radiohead's sixth studio album Hail to the Thief. This ensemble is certain to produce a masterpiece, incorporating their own unique talents and intermingling them with those of the beloved Radiohead. They are playing from Wednesday, June 24 to Saturday, June 27 at the Big Secret Theatre, and this is a secret you most definitely want in on.

Thor Harris on Mental Illness
Thor Harris is a studio veteran, having played with bands such as Ben Frost (who is performing at Sled Island this year), Swans (who were at Sled Island in 2013), and many, many more. Harris' discussion on Thursday, June 25 at the Theatre Junction GRAND Studio will touch on the prevalent link between creativity and mental illness within artistic communities, as well as share his own experiences. This is a master of his craft sharing insight on one of the largest struggles in his life, and a truly unique experience for this year's Sled Island lineup.

Maddison Zapach, Grade 11

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
I am most looking forward to the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, playing Saturday, July 27 at the Olympic Plaza. I dig their incredibly entertaining and multifaceted performance style. Their unique spin on brass music, incorporating elements of jazz, hip-hop and calypso, is sure to make for a legendary show.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor
The Godspeed You! Black Emperor show, in terms of my inevitable level of self-embarrassment and excitement, is another contender for first place. Their music, stripped of words and vocals, is so powerful and visual that it’s difficult for me not to phase out reality completely and buy into the wonderfully terrifying dramatics of their songs as I listen. This is surely the most popular band on Sled Island’s lineup this year, and I’m sure all who see and hear will testify that their post-rock sound shook the seats of Central United Church, where they’ll play on Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26.

Son Lux
Son Lux is another band that I am incredibly pumped to see. Their song “Lost it to Trying” has this crazy ability to be relevant in both my happy and my sad moments, and is what a 2011-version of myself would have described as “epic.” You will certainly see me amidst the crowd of music lovers on Wednesday, June 24 when the band plays Central United Church.
 

Get ready—we're adding four more headliners to the Sled Island 2015 lineup!

Sludgy, post-metal titans Old Man Gloom (made up of members of Isis, Converge, Zozobra and Cave In) will headline Dickens (replacing Pentagram) on Wednesday, June 24! All Pentagram ticketholders have been refunded online and those holding physical tickets should return to their point of purchase to receive a refund as these tickets will not be honoured for Old Man Gloom. Tickets for Old Man Gloom are now on sale here.

But wait, there's more! VICE and Fido will present Unfiltered, a party open to Sled Island passholders and those who RSVP, at Nite Owl on Saturday, June 27! This stacked lineup includes past Sled Island performers Keys N Krates plus next-big-thing rapper Jazz Cartier and chilled beat maestro High Klassified. Stay tuned for RSVP details or purchase your festival pass now!

In less exciting news, Danny Fields and Brendan Toller are no longer able to attend Sled Island. Subsequently, A Conversation with Danny Fields has been cancelled, while Danny Says will still screen at the Hifi Club on Tuesday, June 23.

Sad news in the Calgary Herald today. After decades of amazing live music at different homes in Calgary, longtime Sled Island venue Republik is closing its doors. The Sled Island 2015 shows taking place at the venue will be unaffected, with our annual Pig Roast being the very last show to grace Republik’s stage. Let’s make sure to relive all our happy memories from Republik’s history and party twice as hard in its honour!

Here's what you catch at the Topman Presents at Republik stage at Sled Island:

Wednesday, June 24:
Swervedriver, Bridstriking, Slow Down Molasses and The Neutral States
Tickets

Thursday, June 25:
Daniel Lanois, Lydia Ainsworth and Jon Mckiel
In partnership with the National Music Centre
Tickets

Friday, June 26:
Hot Mess DJs
Walk-up tickets available

Saturday, June 27:
Jaga Jazzist, lushush and Untrained Animals
Tickets

Sunday, June 27:
Ex Hex, Obnox, Meat Wave, Homebody, Moss Lime and Renny Wilson Punk Explosion
The 6th Annual Sled Island Wrap-Up Pig Roast
Walk-up tickets available

Sled Island regrets to announce that due to immigration issues beyond the festival’s control, both Pentagram and Low Life have cancelled their appearances at Sled Island 2015. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Pentagram tickets purchased online will be automatically refunded via Ticketfly within 48 hours. Those who purchased a ticket in stores (Sloth Records or Lukes Drug Mart) may return their ticket to its place of purchase for a refund.

Sled Island will announce replacement artists soon.

Please direct any questions or concerns to info@sledisland.com.

A Sled Island pass gives you access to music, film, comedy, visual art, special events and even some red hot deals!

For the 2015 festival, we've teamed up with more awesome local businesses than ever to give passholders a deal on our favourite goods and services. During the festival, show your Sled Island wristband to save a few bucks on food, clothing, music, recreation and more while supporting our awesome Community Partners in the process. 

Check out the Discount Guide and grab your pass today!

UK fashion brand TOPMAN, available exclusively at Hudsons Bay Chinook Centre and Calgary Downtown, wants to treat you and a friend to Sled Island Discovery Plus Passes (value: $350/pass)!

Just fill out the online entry form below before June 17, 2015. Be sure to also sign up for TOPMAN’s e-newsletter to stay up to date on all things TOPMAN.

Enter now!

#TOPMANCA

Everyone at Sled Island is so proud of the amazing lineup that has come together for 2015. That said, with over 250 bands, comedy, film, visual art and special events, we know it can be a bit daunting to navigate! To help you out, our team has rounded up just some of the talent they are most excited to see. 

Check out our picks!

Use these picks as a jumping-off point for exploring everything the festival has to offer—once you've picked your own faves, why not grab a festival pass and build your schedule?

Sled Island is proud to welcome festival attendees under the age of 18 to a wide range of programming at our 2015 festival!

With a $50 All-Ages Pass, our younger pals can check out everything from small intimate concerts at Tubby Dog and the National Music Centre to the massive blowout at Olympic Plaza with Television, Drive Like Jehu, Viet Cong and more! In those venues (and more), you’ll have a chance to see everything from emerging bands featuring under-18 members themselves to some of the most well-respected and established artists in the world.

For complete listings, browse our 2015 lineup using the tag "all-ages." Individual tickets for select shows are available here and all-ages shows are marked accordingly. Don't forget: select film, art and special events will be open to attendees of all ages. Find out which ones by checking the schedule page for all events with diagonal stripes.

We've also compiled a Soundcloud playlist for your listening pleasure!

Sled Island is looking for music and arts lovers aged 12 - 17 to help spread the word about all-ages programming at the festival! If you're passionate about the arts and want to help us spread the word, hit us up at allages@sledisland.com. It's fun and there are some sweet perks!

Whether you're attending with individual tickets, as an Al-Ages Rep or with an All-Ages Pass, we welcome you to Sled Island 2015!
 

Now that we've announced our full 2015 schedule, even more single tickets for Sled Island shows are now on sale!

From the indie folk of Juan Wauters to the pummeling hardcore of Turnstile, the flawless electropop of Jessy Lanza to the art rock of Carla Bozulich, we have you covered. We've also added tickets for two special film screenings at Sled Island: A City Is An Island (with shorts including Dude, That's Insane: A Tribute to Chris Reimer) screens on Monday, June 22 at Commonwealth and Danny Says (with Danny Fields and director Brendan Toller in attendance) screens on Tuesday, June 23 at The Hifi Club. 

Click here for full listings of all individually ticketed options or head to the shop and get it all with a pass.