The Blues Can – Calgary's Treasure

Published on 2 October 2024 10:00 AM
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Tucked into the heart of Inglewood, Calgary’s oldest neighborhood, stands a beacon for blues lovers north of the border: The Blues Can. More than just a bar, it’s a living, breathing celebration of the blues — gritty, groovy, and full of soul. If you've ever longed for the deep rhythms of a Delta groove on a snow-swept Canadian night, this is your place.

A Juke Joint Spirit in the Canadian Cold

At 1429 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB, The Blues Can channels the raw spirit of Mississippi juke joints with a dash of Alberta charm. The building might be humble, but step inside and you're wrapped in the warmth of live music nearly every night of the week.

  • Live blues, roots, and soul music 7 nights a week
  • Rotating local, national, and international acts
  • Blues jam nights every Tuesday – everyone’s welcome to sit in

“Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore.”
— B.B. King

The venue honors legends and lifts up the next generation, making it a vital artery in Canada's blues bloodstream.

A Home for Community and Culture

More than a stage, The Blues Can is a cultural hub — the kind of place where the walls themselves feel like they’ve soaked up a century of sorrow and joy. It’s not unusual to find:

  • A young slide guitarist trading licks with a seasoned harmonica vet
  • Locals crowding tables, sipping local brews and shouting for more Muddy Waters
  • First-time visitors discovering that blues is not just music — it's a feeling

The Blues Can isn’t just about performances — it’s about presence. You don’t just watch music here. You live it, shoulder to shoulder with a community that breathes blues like it’s lifeblood.

For upcoming shows, jam nights, and event details, visit www.thebluescan.com.

Photo by Bill Longstaff License