Every evening after the dust settles from the GMC Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races, the Calgary Stampede puts on one of the most spectacular outdoor entertainment productions in North America: the Grandstand Show.

"If Stampede die-hards think they have been there, done that - they haven't seen anything yet," says Bill Avery, producer and director of the Grandstand Show.

This year, the show is charged with a re-energized format, new material and an edgy infusion of cultural and musical influences. It's tight and features a large ensemble cast that includes one of Canada's hottest new singers Suzie McNeil from the reality TV show Rock Star: INXS, Allie Bertram and Miles Faber, two of Canada's most well-known young dancers direct from the TV hit, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, and Canadian comedian Sugar Sammy, voted "Comedy's New Rock Star" by Askmen.com.

Other exciting features include:

... the 1,600 lb Wheel of Death rotating at heart-stopping speeds powered only by the two artists who leap and counter-rotate in a fearless display of acrobatics and astonishing teamwork.

... the futuristic Dream Flight cable system, an elaborate network of suspension wires lifting performers, ranging from drummers to acrobats, up to 80 feet above the TransAlta stage.

... new fireworks viewing areas to help share the brilliance of the award-winning TransAlta Lights Up The Night fireworks finale. Park visitors will be able to hear the music and see the light show from four designated viewing areas as well as from the Grandstand.

"We couldn't be more excited about all the new and wild acts we've got this year," says Avery. "And we've found wonderful ways to showcase the Stampede's Young Canadians in performance that incorporate martial arts, Bollywood moves and junkyard scenes."

For one Evening Show ticket you get two shows: The Big Show plays nightly following the GMC Rangeland Derby.