Ones to Watch at Big Winter Classic 2024
Big Winter Classic is Calgary, Alberta’s way of staying satisfied during the cold, frigid months and what better way to do that than to warm up with the best heaters the music landscape has to offer? Taking place between January 24 to 28 at various locations throughout downtown, the festival provides opportunities for locals to emerge from their homes and embrace our thriving music scene. The REVERIE team will be catching everything they can during those four jam-packed days, so we decided to narrow down our lineup recommendations for those who are looking to make a few tough decisions on who to check out at the festival first.
Debby Friday
Polaris Prize 2023 winner Debby Friday released an acclaim album on Sub Pop last year titled “Good Luck” and we can’t wait to see these songs brought to life at the Bloxs Art Centre. Performing at a small, intimate, all ages venue, Debby Friday will surely be one of the most talked-about shows at Big Winter Classic for those who are looking to experience the true magic that the festival has to offer.
Photo credit: Stella Gigliotti
Hot Garbage
It wouldn’t be Big Winter Classic without welcoming a proper band to the city to shred it up and melt our faces off. With Hot Garbage’s newest album, Precious Dreams, just around the corner - set to release January 19 via Mothland - the Toronto psychedelic rock outfit will bring their signature raw sound to Commonwealth.
Photo credit: 1upcloud
Alex Nicol
Hailing from Montreal, Quebec - Alex Nicol has a textured, melancholic sound that leaves a long-lasting impression. Whether it’s his take on cowboys, movie heroes, or spiritual redemption, Nicol’s music will resonate with those of us in the prairies who are ready to embrace the depths of our emotions. Alex is playing an earlier show at 5:30pm on the Last Best patio - so grab a bite, a pint, and let the tunes carry you away.
Photo credit: Stacy Lee
Sea of Lettuce
As an integral part of Calgary’s local surf rock/indie scene - Sea of Lettuce radiates a laid-back summer feel that brings a much needed warmth to a cold, winter festival. You can catch their fresh take on the genre as they help kick off Big Winter Classic on Thursday at Modern Love.
Photo credit: Grey Hill Studio
Hi Tops
Joining Sea of Lettuce on opening night is none other than Calgary Big Winter Classic legends, Hi Tops. The band left a lasting impression on festival goers when lead vocalist Kole Halvorson accidentally lost his tooth as a sacrifice to the music gods on stage (aka, he fell and the mic hit him a little too hard). The pictures quickly made their rounds on the internet, but Hi Tops move just as quickly gaining recognition at acclaimed festivals like Sled Island and the Stampede shortly thereafter.
Photo credit: Michael Gallo
Pony Girl
Bringing a taste of the east coast to the west is Pony Girl. Their experimental pop songs have resonated with countless underground music scenes throughout Canada - with their latest album Enny One Wil Love You climbing the National Community Radio Charts - but what’s even more exciting is the way they bring improvisation into their live acts. You can hear it for yourself at the Bloxs Art Centre on the first day of Big Winter Classic!
Photo credit: Francois Mittins
Sunglaciers
Sunglaciers will be joining their Mothland labelmates, Hot Garbage, at Commonwealth and there’s something about a hometown show that really spikes the energy. The band are known for their gleeming indie rock and icy post-punk blend that brings pals and newcomers into the fold to catch the buzzing live act before they embark on their next big tour.
Photo credit: Kate Killet
Oranje
Every solid festival needs an emo/math rock presence and Oranje fulfills those needs just right. With crisp instrumentation that is reminiscent of the complex pioneers within the genre like Totorro, Toe, and Origami Angel, Oranje - with a lovely hint of Tiny Moving Parts - the local band will showcase their engaging sound at Commonwealth alongside Vundabar.
Photo credit: Joshua Landagan