Wheelchair Sports Camp are bringing their sound back to Calgary, AB
Photo credit: Daman Singh - Wheelchair Sports Camp live at Sled Island 2026
When Denver’s Wheelchair Sports Camp made their Calgary debut at Sled Island, they didn’t exactly ease their way into the city. The hip-hop outfit quickly became a crowd favourite, closing out their trip with new friends, a karaoke party and even a music video filmed while they were here. Now, just months later, they’re already making their return—opening for Peaches at Commonwealth on September 1.
Led by rapper Kalyn Heffernan, Wheelchair Sports Camp make music where humour, politics and lived experience collide, moving freely between hip-hop, punk and whatever else catches their attention. Their latest album, Oh Imperfecta, has introduced the long-running project to a growing audience, and ahead of their return to Calgary, we’re revisiting our conversation with Heffernan about disability, dark humour, the music that shaped them and why their first trip north left Wheelchair Sports Camp eager to come back.
REVERIE: For readers who may be discovering Wheelchair Sports Camp for the first time, how would you introduce the band and what do you hope people take away from your music?
I like to think we’re Denver’s biggest smallest band. I hope the music speaks for itself and lets our listeners take them on whatever path it puts them on. I can only write from my truest self and trust the universe will do what it does with this art pouring out of our hearts.
REVERIE: Your work often challenges assumptions about disability and accessibility. How do those conversations naturally find their way into your songwriting and live performances?
My disability is so pronounced I’ve never been able to hide it, so I went full-on loud mouth about it all. I never got to come up seeing people like me do this, so I made it my own and won’t keep it to myself.
REVERIE: Wheelchair Sports Camp has built a reputation for high-energy shows that feel both celebratory and political. How do you balance having fun with delivering a message?
Well, I care too much about the world we all are supposed to share, and me existing is political, so it comes naturally. That being said, I have to find humor in it all or I will suffer a miserable life. I’m always trying to get deep and offer some comedic relief. Sarcasm and dark humor is how I survive this burning planet.
REVERIE: The project blends influences from hip-hop, punk and beyond. What artists, communities or experiences have shaped the sound of the band over the years?
Touring is great because we get to hear music and see art we wouldn’t without immersing ourselves into other scenes. I grew up on early ’90s hip-hop and fell in super hard to TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, Missy Elliott, etc. But the older I get, the more my taste diversifies, and I’m always trying to challenge myself and stretch beyond my comfort zone.
REVERIE: When we first spoke, you were bringing Wheelchair Sports Camp to Calgary for Sled Island. What stood out to you about that first visit?
It was our first time in Calgary, which people say is the Denver of Canada. It tracked. We had such an amazing trip, got to send off the fest with Maud Salvi and the rad organizers with the best karaoke party ever! Met some great bands, made new friends and even filmed a video! CJSW was amazing too. We can’t wait to come back.
REVERIE: Looking ahead, what feels most important to Wheelchair Sports Camp right now—whether that’s new music, advocacy, touring or something else entirely?
The internet brought a lot of new people to us and we’re so excited to ride this wave. Our new album Oh Imperfecta is showing out to a whole new audience and our stars are really aligning. We plan to play where music takes us and can’t wait to record some new tunes when we get back home. Also filmed two amazing videos, so those are gonna rip.
Wheelchair Sports Camp open for Peaches at Commonwealth in Calgary on September 1, 2026. Get tickets here.
