Women in Calgary’s music scene took center stage on Monday at an event focused on promoting equity and inclusion in the industry.
The event, hosted by Mayor Jyoti Gondek ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday, celebrated women’s contributions to the local music scene and highlighted the need for greater gender representation.
“I thought it was important to showcase what’s happening in the music scene and amplify the voices of women taking on different roles—whether they are performers, producers, or journalists,” Gondek said. “It’s important to hear their perspectives, understand their challenges, and recognize that their success in music contributes to the success of our economy.”
Calgary singer-songwriter Kate Stevens emphasized that the city’s music scene extends beyond its country and folk roots. She noted the growing presence of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and classical music.
“Calgary is a music city,” Stevens said. “There are so many talented and incredible musicians here. We don’t need to go to the U.S.”
While progress has been made, Stevens acknowledged ongoing challenges for women in the historically male-dominated industry.
“Sometimes I still get asked, ‘Are you the merch girl? Are you the girlfriend?’ when my name is right there on the poster,” she said. “Small things like that still happen, and they don’t feel great. But we’ve made a lot of progress.”
Stevens also stressed the need for supportive and accessible venues. She recalled struggling to find places to perform early in her career.
“I was playing at farmers’ markets—anywhere that would let me,” she said. “Opening up more spaces is super important.”
She noted that an increasing number of performance venues in Calgary has helped more women enter the industry, reducing the competitive barriers they once faced.
“We still want a piece of the pie, but we’ve just made the pie bigger in Calgary,” she said, referring to the growing opportunities for musicians.
Gondek emphasized the importance of strengthening Calgary’s music ecosystem. She pointed to successful artists such as Tate McRae, Tegan and Sara, and Jann Arden as examples of Calgary’s musical potential. She also stressed the need to support emerging artists so that more women can succeed in the industry.
“Calgary is home to many talented artists who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations,” Gondek said in a statement. “By celebrating their achievements and supporting their journeys, we can encourage young girls to follow their passions and make their mark in the music industry.”
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