September is a celebration of the written word.

 The biggest highlight of the week is  Word on the Street, Sept.17 beginning at 11 a.m.

 

 There will be speakers, authors and live music from a variety of musicians including Starpainter performing at the Lethbridge Public library downtown.

 In addition to  Word on the Street, two terrific plays happen this week.

 New Wes Theatre’s production of multiple award winning drama  “Next to Normal continues at the Yates Theatre until Sept. 24.

 

 Jay Northcott and Eish Van Wieren  bring their joint “ The Parasite to Did’s Playhaus Sept. 14-17. They explore the  issue of reproduction through  “ an alienesque vapour wave world filled with wondrous masks and puppets.” Showtime is 7 p.m. each night.

 And the University of Lethbridge announced a busy semester filled with music and drama.

 

The playwright’s prize gala is  in the David Spinks Theatre at 5 p.m, Sept. 15.The U of l’s first drama mainstage presentation of the summer “ The Dumb Waiter” is in David Spinks Theatre, Oct. 4-8. And Dr. Faustus is Nov. 1-5.

 The first Theatre Xtra show of the season is  Nov. 17-19.

But those aren’t for a few weeks.

For  a few laughs, Drunk Improv returns to Good Times on Thursday. Juan Forno returns to Good Times, Sept. Sept. 16 and 17.

 There is a heap of music happening as usual.

Luke James Bruce hosts Mojos opne mic on the west side tonight, Sept. 12.

 

The blues jam at the Slice, scheduled for  Sept. 13 has been cancelled as Saskatchewan songwriter Jake  Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys  make their first Lethbridge visit at the Slice. There is a $13.75 cover.

 

 Greg Rekus returns to the Owl Acoustic Lounge to host their open mic with  Paige Beller, Sept. 13.

Be prepared to be blown away by the guitar wizardry of Australian acoustic guitar virtuoso Daniel Champagne. His first show at the Slice on Friday, Sept. 16 sold out quickly so he added another show on Thursday Sept. 15 . There are a few tickets remaining for it.

It is an eclectic week for music as usual.

Bow City Underground play some country music at Casino Lethbridge, Sept 16 and 17.

 

 Relive the softer side of the ’70s at The Owl Acoustic Lounge,  where Gabe Thaine and Cordurouy Brown play a James Taylor Tribute, Friday Sept. 16.

 On the other hand, relive the ’90s at the Place with Blink 182 tribute the Rock show with special guests , Calgary nerd-core band the Galacticas and  local pop punk favourites Sessions, celebrating their fifth anniversary, Sept.16. Doors open at 7 p.m.

 Get some soul at the Slice on Saturday, Sept. 17 with the Good Love band and Calgary’s the Syndicates of Soul. There is a $15 cover for the show.

 

Other than Word On the Street, the big show of the weekend is the return of Couleefest to  Lethbridge College, Sept. 17.

 In addition to getting to see everything the College has to offer, there is a full slate of entertainment  happening beginning at 1 p.m. 

 Local children's favourites the band formerly Known as Karen, Lewis and Pam play at 1 p.m.. Country rockers the Plaid Ramblers are on the bill as well as up and coming country musicians Lemon Cash and Hailey Benedict.

There is no charge to enjoy the music, beer gardens , food trucks and family activities and all of the other fun  in store for Saturday.

 

 Coda Lite host Honkers Pub”s open mic on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m, while local country/ pop band Horizon host the Saturday afternoon open mic at 5 p.m,

 

The Lethbridge Folk Club is back in action. They had their first open mic of the new season last week.

 Their first concert is Lennie Gallant and Greg Herman, Wednesday, Sept. 21 in the Lethbridge College Cave. Tickets are $40 non-members, $25 for members including a season’s pass and $10 for students.

Out of town, Southern Alberta folk band and storytellers, The Wardens play the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod  at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16. Tickets are $37.50.

The next night,  The McNally  Community Association hosts Sights and Sounds of McNally, Sept. 17.

 The Southern Accord Chorus and Bridge Brass play at 8 p.m. to raise some money for new lighting for the auditorium in the old McNally school.. Tickets are $25 at Casa

— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor