Calgary Guitar Collective: The Summer Showdown

Six of Calgary’s finest guitarists. One night. Live backing band, rotating sets, and a full ensemble finale. Limited to 100 people.

Some nights just feel different. This is one of them.

On Wednesday July 29th, Calgary Guitar Collective is taking over Toolshed Beer & BBQ for The Summer Showdown – a live music night featuring six of Calgary’s favorite guitarists, each bringing their own style, story, and sound to the stage.

This isn’t a jam night. Every player performs a short set with a live backing band, bringing real arrangements and real energy. The night closes with all players on stage together for a finale that’s going to be something special.

The lineup:

Matty McKay – country, Americana, and pedal steel at the highest level. Matty is a working professional musician with deep roots in the Calgary scene, a rare pedal steel specialist, and one of the most versatile players you’ll hear on any stage. He headlines the night.

Russell Broom – feel, musicality, and restraint. Best known as the guitarist for Jann Arden, Russell is one of the most respected session and live players in the country.

Barry Mason Jr. – psychedelic-pop, neo-soul, jazz, funk, and folk, all at once. Barry’s debut EP The Feels is out now, and his live shows are known for being frenetic, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. Weird and rad, in the best possible way.

Dan Clayton – singer and guitarist with years of live performance behind him, from original rock bands across the UK to corporate and festival work, to guitar teaching and co-founding the Fret Success Guitar Show here in Calgary.

Sam Coulson – technique, tone, and serious credentials. Sam has toured with ASIA and Journey, performed Brian May’s solos in We Will Rock You, and been mentored by Paul Gilbert. One of the most accomplished rock guitarists to call Calgary home.

Mackenzie Meding – jazz-trained, math rock-seasoned, and quietly one of the most interesting players on the Calgary scene. A Red Deer College Jazz Performance graduate, Mackenzie composes intricate solo guitar work, plays in a math rock band, and mentors young players every summer at BAM! Camp.

The format keeps things moving. Each guitarist performs two to three songs with a live drummer and bassist, rotating through styles and approaches across the evening. No two sets sound the same. By the end of the night you’ll have heard more quality guitar playing in two hours than most people catch in a year.

The night closes with a full ensemble performance – all players on stage together for a finale that wraps up the evening in style.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Music runs from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Food and beer available to purchase from Toolshed’s kitchen and bar throughout the night. All ages welcome.

Tickets are $25 and strictly limited to 100 people.

Proudly supported by R Guitars and Guitar O.R.