Depending on the time of day, the glass and concrete edifice of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium catches the light in just the right way, scattering it out to where University of Alberta students hurry past.
Built in 1957 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the province of Alberta, the Jube is one of Edmonton’s premier destinations for performances of all kinds. While the Edmonton Opera and Broadway Across Canada often grace the 2,500-seat facility, in 1978 the Jubilee hosted the weightlifting events for the Commonwealth Games.
“Nearly 70 years later, these twin performing arts venues continue to bring people together,” says Kylie Lakevold, the interim executive director and marketing and communications manager for the Friends of the Alberta Jubilee Auditoria Society. (The Jube has a twin in Calgary.) “We’re proud to host patrons in a building with such a rich history.”
When parking at the Jube, you might find yourself closer to the back entrance, but the true scale of the building is revealed when you enter the front doors and see the full sweep of the lobby.
Some say the best seats in the house are at the front of the first balcony, but there really isn’t a bad seat in the auditorium. Of course, the show itself is just part of the night out.
If you’re up for a short walk get to the area well before your performance, and enjoy what the neighbourhood offers. A perfect night at the Jube involves the lead up to the show just as much as the show itself. The University of Alberta’s north campus is a great area to wander any time of year, and the area around 109 Street and 88th Avenue have excellent pre-show dining options.
Looking for casual and familiar bites before a concert? Stop by Highlevel Diner and try the grilled chicken and cheddar sandwich — to this day I haven’t been able to bring myself to order anything else there. Want an intimate atmosphere and a pizza classic for date night? Try Rosso Pizzeria for a Filetto Di Manzo. Craving French cuisine before the opera? La Petite Iza has what you’re looking for, and on a cold night that should include a bowl of the french onion soup.
Renovations over the years mean the Jubilee continues to exceed attendees’ expectations. In 2005 there were significant improvements to the building’s acoustics. In the last two years, the Jubilee’s lobby bars have undergone overhauls and new payment systems. These upgrades go a long way to reducing wait times, letting you soak up the venue. “It makes it easier for patrons to move through the building and spend more time enjoying their visit,” says Lakevold.
To experience it for yourself, swing by the venue’s bars in the lobby and balcony floors. In addition to brews from Sea Change, certain shows have feature drinks to immerse you in the experience. It’s hard not to pick up on the anticipatory hum of the waiting crowd. But are you dressed appropriately? As long as you’re dressed, the answer is yes. People at the jube wear everything from blue jeans to ball gowns.
Broadway Across Canada performances take that a step further with the new Jubilee Happy Hour. Those shows feature entertainment in the lobby from DJs or musical quartets before the performance, and pop-up food vendors are on site. It’s a new initiative Lakevold hopes they can start offering for other shows as well.
“Whether you’re new to Edmonton, visiting the city or returning to a favourite venue, the Jubilee offers a welcoming place to discover something new,” says Lakevold.
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
University of Alberta | 11455 87 Ave NW, Edmonton | jubileeauditorium.com/edmonton
