Above Watch: Calgary musician Hans Sahlen is making a desperate plea to the public for his working partner’s return. Jill Croteau reports.
CALGARY – Calgary musician Hans Sahlen is making a desperate plea to the public for his working partner’s return.
“She’s been my girlfriend for a long time,” said Sahlen. “She’s right here right by my heart, that’s why she’s so important to me.”
Sahlen is referring to Blue Belle, his standup string bass—missing since Saturday night. The two are a fixture at the Calgary Farmers’ Market and have been making music together for nearly a decade.
“I went down to get into my van, I saw some things I recognized of mine on the floor…The back window was just broken and I open up the side and Blue Belle was gone, my amplifier was gone, and also my case with all my songs I sing,” said Sahlen. “You’re almost in denial. It’s like—this is a secure parking garage.”
The good news is Sahlen’s amp has already been returned. An unsuspecting Calgary couple bought it from the thieves but recognized it from photos on social media.
“They…said, ‘We have your amplifier. Someone just came and sold it to us in the back alley 10 minutes ago,’” said Sahlen. The couple told him a man claimed his father had given him the bass and he didn’t want it anymore. He said he’d sell it for $50.
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“He said, ‘Sure I’ll pay $50’…and they came over last night, and completely refused my offer to be reimbursed.”
Sahlen and Blue Belle perform regularly at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre, various seniors clubs, and kids’ birthday parties.
Axe Music is advertising a $500 reward for her return, and Sahlen hopes it will allow them to continue their musical journey.
“Blue Belle and I have been through a lot, met a lot of people. I’m hoping I can get her back so we can keep meeting people.”
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