Every Saturday afternoon for the past 20 years, the Ship and Anchor Pub reveals a lesser known gem in its already heavily-bejewelled crown. Long known for the legendary patio, punk-rock bingo nights and top of the list of places-to-be-seen in the city, the Ship means much to many.
The Saturday Afternoon Jam kicks into gear just as the European football fans start clearing out from the morning games – another hugely popular weekly event. Prepare your ears for a bizarre range of sounds; from smooth bluegrass folk-country to sultry wedding bands to teenagers trying to get their Led out; the Saturday Jam has heard it all. And yet, every Saturday is something new.
Laying down the bassline at the Ship and Anchor Jam
Hosted each Saturday from 2 to 6pm, the Jam takes place on the Ship’s stage, an already locally famous venue for punk and rock shows. Every week is led by one or two opening acts to set the tone, followed by several hours of Open-Mic Jam time. This is not the sloppy open-mics you might remember from sketchy half-empty pubs in the middle of nowhere. This is the open-mic big leagues at the heart of 17th Avenue. Be ready to hear some real talent in a rowdy and diverse crowd. In the spring, they even use the Jam to host the Calgary Folk Fest Song-writing Contest where local acts jostle for a chance to win a coveted stage spot at Folk Fest in July.
This past week, a duel-vocalist folk-rock band Northern Beauties opened with a rousing opening act. The high-energy and upbeat set was very well recieved and set the tone for the afternoon. The lead act will typically play for an hour or so, then return to close out the Jam after the open-mic portion. After their set was complete, the stream of open-mic jammers began.
For one understandably nervous first-time jammer, the Northern Beauties returned. The band decided to help out the singer/guitarist, adding an upright bass, a drum kit and backup vocals on the fly. The results were an improvised jam as each band member returned one by one, adding into a building rhythm that got the entire crowd roaring. The Jam offers a magical experience like this every week.
Northern Beauties up close
This kind of spontaneous music is why the Jam has remained so popular. Too many local legends to name have passed through the Jam stage on their way to their own bigger gigs.
If you have the talent – and the confidence – bring your instruments on any Saturday and sign up!
Or just take the coward’s way out (i.e. my way) and come by for a few pints and some great music played by people more talented than you.
I’ll see you on Saturday!
Ship and Anchor Jam Schedule here.
Ship and Anchor Saturday Jam Pro-tips
- Show up early. Seriously. I have been attending for nearly two years and often am forced to stand or go for a multi-hour lean. And that is when if I show up a few minutes before the Jam starts. If you have been to the Ship for any of the other reasons it is an awesome place, you know the drill. Go early.
- If it is nice out – and you are in for more of a patio afternoon – try to sit at the benches nearest to the stage, on the west-side portion of the patio. This gives you the best of both worlds, a sunny spot to enjoy the sun while easily able to hear the music through the adjacent windows in case you hear something interesting and way to tuck inside for a set. Or two.
- Best seat: Corner booth. Chances of getting it? Next to none. I have only been fortunate enough to nab the corner booth once in two years of attempts. How I did it? I can’t reveal that strategy, it is too valuable.
All pictures provided by Kaye Booth @booth_kaye
Article by Greg McCarthy @G_Mc_C