Historic No. 1 Legion music venue for Matt Masters

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Historic No. 1 Legion music venue for Matt Masters

Postby newsposter » Sun Apr 29, 2007 11:11 am

Matt Masters hosts an Old Time Music Matinee
by Kenna Burima

http://www.ffwdweekly.com/Issues/2007/0426/mus4.htm

Starting Saturday, April 28 everyone’s favourite urban country gentleman Matt Masters will host an Old Time Country Music Matinee. The location Masters chose for his new project is not only unique but also completely appropriate. The Olympic Lounge, located in the historic No.1 Royal Canadian Legion on 7th Ave S.E. was certainly one of the coolest places to hang out during its heyday. Masters is adamant that it will be again with his weekly music matinee featuring great local musicians, namely the ever-rotating lineup of The Gentlemen of the Rodeo. This Saturday The Gentlemen will be comprised of guitarist Greg Cockerill of County Fair, bassist Rob Oxoby of the Black Coffee Cowboys and drummer Pat Phillips of Tim Hus, Steve Coffee and Erin Ross.

Masters’s intention with the matinees is simple enough – provide Calgarians with a chance to hear some good old-time country music in a good old-time country setting. He considers himself lucky in being able to host his matinees in a provincial historic building. Its history dates back to 1919, when ground was first broken for construction during the first royal visit of Edward, Prince of Wales – later to become King Edward. Due to construction delays and cash shortfalls the building was not completed until 1922 but since then has been a gem of the city hidden or otherwise.

"I want to bring more young people into the Legion so they can see what a great facility it is," says Masters. "I hope to draw some tourists looking for an authentic Calgarian good time. Also, it’ll provide an opportunity for the Legion to connect with the local music community. Hipsters can come for a drink in a super-hip old-school room, it’s close to the C-train for suburban types who can come down without having to drive and it’s close to all the big hotels so we can draw a mixed crowd from all over."

Matt Masters and guests will be hosting the Old Time Country Music Matinee at the No.1 Royal Canadian Legion on April 28, May 5, May 19 and June 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is only $2 and you don’t have to be member.

Sherlock 77 photo. For more on the history of the Legion building, go to the Encana information - accessible from the front page on the left.
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