Game 1 of the three game series between the NPF Diamonds and the USSSA Pride finished this evening at Foothills Stadium with the Pride taking the win 6-5. With the Diamonds being a traveling team it has given the chance for Calgary to witness the National Pro Fastpitch league (formerly the Women’s Pro Softball League) up close. The evening attendance was 1,048 fans, well beyond the anticipated turnout. Given the action of the game and the stellar performance by both teams (several of the players also play on the US and Canadian Olympic teams), I wouldn’t be surprised if the next couple nights have similar crowds. The teams will also be playing Wednesday and Thursday (August 3rd and 4th, 2011), so make sure you see it while it’s here!
Currently ripping through Canada on tour this summer, I had a chance to quickly chat with The Joe (AKA Joe Gurba) after his recent performance at the Local Library.
The Joe will be back in Calgary on August 24th at Broken City. Here’s more of The Joe’s performance at Local Library:
After the opening bands (Free Nude Celebs and I Live Strong, You Live Strong), Hoyer started the night off channeling David Byrne, playing ukelele ditties clad in a white jacket, easing into the songs from his new record. He made the most of the poor lighting in Local Library, and had everyone swaying along to the music.
The Joe came out super strong with “You’re Cool,” opting for a more lyrical performance as the venue wasn’t lending itself to dancing. A bloody nose kept him from crowd-surfing, and was soon bleeding badly enough he had to cut the set short, but not before he blasted out “Klondike Days” to a pitch-black room full of fans singing along.
The Joe and Doug Hoyer will be back in Calgary on the return leg of their 7-week tour, playing at Broken City on August 24th, 2011.
I managed to get interviews with Joe and Doug after the show – give them a listen!
Game 2 of the Calgary Vipers/Yuma Scorpions finished up tonight, with the Vipers slamming the Scorpions a commanding 16-2. My earlier prediction that this would be one of the most exciting series of the season seems to be coming true, as the night saw player/coach Jose Canseco not only pound in his first home run of the season in the first inning, but also had him as Yuma’s closing pitcher. As well, it was Brian Rios’ last game in the North American League.
The Calgary Vipers season is heating up as they’ve just finished their first in a five game series against the Yuma Scorpions, winning with a score of 4-1. The Yuma Scorpions are lead by player/manager Jose Canseco, who has captured the awe and ire of the Calgary fans already. The Tuesday game drew an impressive crowd, and with games going up to July 2nd, this is definitely the must-watch series of Vipers’ season.
