Backstage Pass - Lit Gala

Calgary Library Foundation Fundraising Gala

After the successful opening of the library in 2018, the Calgary Library Foundation came back to fuze and requested another entertainment extravaganza for their 2023 gala fundraiser. We were again tasked to supply entertainment, move their guests throughout the space and support their theme centered around the Graphic Novel.

They wanted to create a contemporary and urban feel for the evening so we dipped into our vault of local artists to customize an unique experience for their guests.

Four Floors. One Big Night.

With four floors of the Calgary Central Library to work with, entertainment became part of the journey. Each level offered guests something new to discover, creating an experience that evolved as they moved through the building.

The evening brought together an eclectic mix of local talent, including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Opera, a string quartet, 15 singers, costumed dancers, tap and beatbox performances, keyboard and vocals, a DJ and drum duo, and a pop-up dance performance.

It was a lineup designed to keep guests curious about what might be waiting around the next corner.

Entertainment That Moves With You

With performances happening throughout the space, timing and coordination were key. The entertainment needed to complement the flow of the evening while helping move guests naturally from one area of the library to another.

Rather than putting all eyes on one stage, the building itself became part of the experience. Different artists, sounds and performances brought new energy to each floor while keeping everything connected to the contemporary, urban atmosphere of the gala.

A Library Like You’ve Never Seen It

From orchestral sounds to beatboxing, tap, dance and live vocals, the mix of entertainment played with contrasts in a way that suited the Graphic Novel theme perfectly.

The result was an evening packed with unexpected performances, local talent and plenty to discover across all four floors, transforming the library into something guests definitely wouldn’t experience on an average visit.