X92.9’s Matt Berry to host virtual cocktail class in support of Calgary music venue

A gin-timate cocktail experience for a great cause

Photo of Matt Berry and partner Chelsea Squires courtesy of Ana Iammatte

The arduous effects of the past nine months of lockdowns and restrictions have left so many performance venues across the country struggling to survive and some even closing their doors permanently. Community support is proving imperative in helping keep these bars and concert halls afloat until things return to "normal".

Tomorrow night in Calgary, X929 Music Director and host of Xposure, Matt Berry along with partner Chelsea Squires, are giving Canadians yet another opportunity to show their support by way of a virtual cocktail class to raise funds for one of the city's most well-established live music venues, Broken City.

“Calgary has such a rich music scene, and so many incredibly talented acts, and Broken City is one of the spots that welcomes so many bands from around the city, across the country, and internationally as well,” explains Berry. “Broken City has been significantly impacted by the closures associated with COVID-19 and we want to do our part to keep its doors open and keep Calgary's bands on its stage.”

During the livestream, Berry will walk viewers through a variety of hand-selected gin-based and zero-proof cocktails, breaking down each step and ingredient, as well as providing real-time interaction with participants. 

“The 'Gin-timate Cocktail Class' is meant to be a fun, [approachable] event. I’ve had a lot of friends ask what goes into this cocktail, or what’s this tool for, etc.,” says Berry. “So we want to discuss some basics, different types of gin, and we’ll talk about things like the importance of ice in cocktails, sugar, and a big focus of the event will be starting with a gin sour, and how you can build from that.”

Although the cocktail class supports a venue in Calgary, Berry says that cocktail enthusiasts from across the country are encouraged to take part. Registration for the livestream is priced at $10 per person, and is set to take place Saturday, December 19 at 8 p.m. (MDT) via Zoom.