Blue Jay Sessions announces details for its April pop-up in Calgary

Drag performances, fun food and drinks and more during this music-and-food event series

Photo of singer Awab Paracha performing during a Blue Jay Sessions event by Emily Holloway.

Hot off the heels of winning a 2024 Country Music Alberta Award for its dynamic programming, the Blue Jay Sessions is very excited to announce its first muti-day event series of 2024.

Taking place at The Prairie Emporium from April 19-21, Blue Jay Sessions: Spring Edition promises to be a mix of captivating performances and storytelling, with Canadian independent artists sharing the stories behind their original music. The series will feature a total of 18 musicians as well as one fabulous drag performer.

The Friday (April 19) and Saturday (April 20) sessions will be hosted by notable Calgary-based country acts Megan Dawson and Devin Cooper (respectively), while its special Sunday session will feature songs and stories like usual, but with drag performer Valerie Hunt hosting the brunch in a playful talk-show format style.

The full list of performers is available on the event's Showpass listing, which includes a mix of emerging and established musical talent like Mariya Stokes, Amy Hef, Lily Monaghan, Justin Sutton, Tea Fannie and more.

"I always love getting a chance to play a Blue Jay Sessions event and getting to be part of this special music-meets-drag brunch edition is going to be an absolute blast," says award-winning singer Amy Hef. "Valerie Hunt is a local drag icon and I think she'll be a ton of fun as our session host."

In terms of food and drink, this event series at The Prairie Emporium will also serve as a spring launch of its food truck offerings that will include things like fried chicken wedge salad, braised jerk chicken tacos, fried pickles, and more. There will be a mix of Russell Brewing Co. seasonal craft beer on the drink menu along with a full selection of spirits, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tickets for Blue Jay Sessions: Spring Edition 2024 are available now via Showpass.