Wednesday
Start your night off with Final Fantasy at Central United Church (7 p.m.)
Kick it off right with Final Fantasy’s beautiful live show. The Central United Church is a gorgeous venue with acoustics to die for.
Local hip-hop at the Bamboo (9 p.m.)
Some of the greatest Calgary hip-hop acts, like Ricca Razor Sharp and Dragon Fli Empire, in one place. Park your ass right at the front.
Punk rock night at the Ship! (10 p.m.)
Not only for the mohawk crowd, this show will feature plentiful beers and tight-knit quarters — perfect for moshing to Rocket Reducers and SNFU.
Thursday
Rollickin’ night at Broken City (9 p.m.)
Check it — Alberta-born Toronto transplants Rural Alberta Advantage are on the same bill as Calgary surf-rockers the Ramblin’ Ambassadors and the badass rockabilly crew Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir. Bring an extra pair of pants.
Pack the Palomino (9:30 p.m.)
Eat some of the Palomino’s delicious barbecue ribs or their amazing mac and cheese combo, then pop downstairs for an evening of dark, low-down, moody blues. Vancouver’s Pack A.D. is the star of this bill for sure, but Analog Bell Service will be a surprise revelation for those lucky enough to see their set.
The legendary Legion after-parties (10:30 p.m.)
Downstairs, you’ve got Japanther and Japandroids and “secret guests.” Upstairs, King Khan and the BBQ Show followed by Curtis Santiago. No contest. These nights are always sweaty, muggy affairs, so be sure to refresh yourself with some cheap swill from the bar.
Friday
Narduwuar’s Video Vault, with Hot Panda and the Evaporators (7 p.m.)
Narduwuar’s band the Evaporators will finish off the night, but in between see sets by Hot Panda, New Danger Kids and Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Narduwuar himself shows off videos from his archives.
Monotonix at Tubby Dog (5 p.m.)
Look. The last time Monotonix came to Broken City, the show leaked out onto 12th Ave. Vegas odds are 2-to-1 that the show will end up causing traffic congestion on 17th Ave.
Post-fun indie rock night at Broken City (9 p.m.)
Cross your arms and appreciate some of the best independent rockers as Sled Island brings together No Gold, HEALTH, Azeda Booth, the always awesome Japandroids and Ladyhawk for music appreciators to nod along with quietly.
Saturday
All ages Art Life (11 a.m.)
Wake up bleary eyed, slam back a coffee and make it out to the cramped Art Life Gallery. Woodpigeon violinist Foon Yap goes solo project as Foonyap. She performs alongside the way-too-good-for-her-young-age Indiensoci. This promises to be one of the secret treats of the festival.
Colin Newman presents: an amazing line-up at the Warehouse (9:15 p.m.)
Wire guitarist Colin Newman’s personal show is truly incredible. Women, Holy Fuck, HEALTH and even his own project, Githead in one venue. While it won’t be as epic as the Legion set, anyone who checks this show out won’t regret it.
Dastardly night at Dicken’s (9:15 p.m.)
If you’re not into Holy Fuck, run over to Dicken’s Pub instead to check out Calgary’s the Ex-Boyfriends and the New York-formed, Berlin-based Liars. This will be another fantastic way to close off Sled Island ’09.