2023

A COMEDY FOR ALL AGES FULL OF LAUGTHER, SONG & HOLIDAY FUN!
Presented in partnership with The Huntsville Theatre Company (HTC)

This is not your typical Christmas Carol. Staged in the tradition of a British Pantomime (informally known as a panto), this type of musical comedy stage production is designed for family entertainment and generally performed during the Christmas and New Year season. This holiday celebration includes songs, slapstick comedy and dancing, and combines topical humour with a story loosely based on a well-known fairy tale. This year, we’re sending up A Christmas Carol, the tale of Mr. Scrooge. Bah! Humbug! The whole family will love the fun of singing along and participating in helping Scrooge get his smile back!

Adapted & Directed by Robin Clipsham

CAST (in order of appearance)
Street Musicians: Hannah Shira Naiman (fiddle); Jay Osborne (Ukelele and Harmonica/ Dance Caller)
Charlotte Dickens (Charles Dickens’ granddaughter; the Narrator): Lauren Rodrigues
Scrooge: Mike Pearse
Bob Cratchit: Mark Rodrigues
Mrs. Cratchit: Skye Goulbourne
Tiny Tim: Abigail Smith
Martha Cratchit: Jada Collins
Peter Cratchit: Marshall Jordan
Belinda Cratchit: Olivia Jordan
Fred (Scrooge’s Nephew): Justin Kopysh
Clara (Fred’s wife): Hillary Bignell
Ghost of Christmas Past: CJ Seaman
Ghost of Christmas Present: Sarah Downes
Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come: Jordan Ross
Mr. Fezziwig: Maria Cockburn
Mrs. Fezziwig: Ken Cole
Fezziwig Daughters: Paige Meunier, Victoria Hammond, Terry Savory    
Magic Spirits: Victoria Hammond, Sadie Laurence, Hillary Bignell
Clowns: Christopher Jordan-Stevens, Thomas Sinnege
The Teacher: Christopher Jordan-Stevens
Mrs. Dilber (Scrooge’s Housekeeper): Pru Donaldson
Mrs. Pots (Scrooge’s Cook): JoAnn Bennett
Mrs. Scrubbs (Scrooge’s Laundress): Jo Ann Jordan
Fan (Assistant to Scrooge): Jordan Ross
Stan (Office Worker): Terry Savory
Marley’s Ghost: Christopher Jordan-Stevens, Jay Osborne & Paige Meunier
W.I. Ladies: Paige Meunier, Cheri Killingworth, Julie Wallace, Linda Charbonneau, Pam Marshall Gray, Rachel Hunt, Krystyne Scagnetti
Young Ladies: CJ Seamans, Sadie Laurence

Stage Management: Lynne Jackson
Costume Designer: Barb Hartwick
Set Design/Make up: Suzanne Price

Leading the parade was the Cameron of Lochiel Pipes & Drums along with 30+ volunteers to carry the canoes along with some of the artists that have contributed to the Canoe Murals over the past 4 editions. Since 2020, for one week each summer, HfA has commissioned local artists to create interpretations of paintings by Tom Thomson and members of the Group of Seven Painters on the bottom of donated canoes. These canoes are then displayed outdoors in both downtown Huntsville and the surrounding area to feature the area’s connection between these famous artists and the beautiful spaces they painted.

Bidding for the canoes and paddles in the 2023 Algonquin Outfitters Paddle Art Auction is live now and will last until bids close on November 13, 2023. For more information about the auction visit https://algonquinoutfitters.com/paddle-art-contest

 

PART OF THE NURSERY NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SANDHILL NURSERY

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ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jenn has been nominated for three JUNO Awards to date, multiple East Coast Music and Music Nova Scotia award nominations and wins over the years, and has been long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize. In recent years Jenn’s music has been used across several international ad campaigns, trailers, TV shows and her song “Dreamer” from her debut album  is the long running theme music for the CBCs ‘Heartland’ now going into its 16th Season. 

 

Born on Prince Edward Island, a small maritime province on the east coast of Canada, famous for its lush sand dunes and ocean tails rising up to meet a vast, open sky. There is an undeniably ethereal quality to Grant’s voice and her music, described by Australia’s The Age is that of “dreamy, harp-and woodwinds folk, the work of a painter born in paradise” Consequence of Sound cite “majestic vocals” whilst Pop Matters refer to her voice as a “Aural Equivalent of a Warm Embrace”

 

She now lives in Nova Scotia, where she is raising her two young sons alongside renowned music producer Daniel Ledwell. In a lake house in a mostly rural community, art and music is being born everyday.  Jenn has spent over a decade touring across Canada, The U.S.A, Europe as well as Australia.

ABOUT THE VENUE

The concert takes place in Greenhouse #4 at Sandhill Nursery. This 1800 sq ft sp

ace features an intimate performance space with charming rustic décor and great acoustics. The audience space is floor level sturdy folding chairs facing a raised stage. Seating is by General Admission.

Audiences are invited to arrive early to explore Sandhill Nursery’s annual Fall Festival. Features include a pumpkin slingshot, two mazes, the scavenger hunt, cornhole games, art installations and more. Beverages will be available for purchase on site and announcements about food service will be coming soon.

 

 

 

PART OF THE NURSERY NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES AT SANDHILL NURSERY

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Members check your inbox for instructions on how to purchase advance discount tickets.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Featuring a blend of acoustic instruments, rural soundscapes, and wistful vocals, Great Lake Swimmers are a critically acclaimed indie-folk group led by songwriter/vocalist Tony Dekker with a revolving backing band. Based in Toronto, the group emerged with a succession of heavily atmospheric albums recorded in old silos and rural country churches. The music has developed that pastoral warmth over subsequent albums through a continued vision to record and perform in acoustically unique and historical locales. They are renowned for their homespun folk and lush, intimate Americana in their live shows.

Great Lake Swimmers celebrated their 15th anniversary in 2018 with the release of The Waves, The Wake, which displayed both their pop-oriented side as well as a new direction utilizing instruments like marimba, harp, lute, and woodwinds and adopted a more orchestral and improvisational approach to modern folk music. They have been shortlisted for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize and nominated twice for Canada’s Juno Awards, with the CBC calling them “a national treasure.”

 

PART OF THE NURSERY NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES AT SANDHILL NURSERY

Members check your inbox for instructions on how to purchase advance discount tickets.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ben Caplan is both the roar of the hurricane and the eye of the storm. He has an uncanny ability to channel both wild abandon and quiet introspection. His songwriting pulls from many diverse influences but both his music and his lyrics regularly draw from his Jewish heritage. Often mixing biblical imagery and klezmer inflected melodies, Caplan re-appropriates ancient sounds and themes with a decidedly contemporary twist.

Ben released his first studio album in 2011, and has spent the last ten years recording music and performing to ever growing audiences in music clubs and theatres around the world. For the ten year anniversary of his first release, Caplan has recorded a retrospective collection of stripped back re-interpretations of songs from across his catalogue. The album, entitled Recollection, will be released in October of 2021 followed by an extensive European and Canadian tour.

 

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the release of Hawksley Workman’s certified Gold Record, Lover/Fighter.  In celebration of the record that had a #1 hit song in France and was toured all over the world, Hawksley and his band will be performing some select shows in Ontario this fall.

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Workman is a JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since his ground-breaking self-produced indie debut For Him and The Girls (1999) through to chart-topping singles of 2020, Hawksley has careened between major label international smash hits to Canadiana-soaked indie releases.  Boasting a catalogue of 17 solo records, Hawksley’s genre defying style strings together folk, chart pop and irrepressible cabaret. His show-stopping vocals on songs about weather, love, heartbreak and tales of end-times have garnered him a league of devoted fans.  Performing over a thousand shows worldwide, Hawksley has headlined prestigious venues like Massey Hall and The Olympia in Paris. For a uniquely Canadian artist Hawksley has built loyal fan bases in the UK, France, Norway and Australia launching many successful tours, demystifying and delighting fans while drawing on an enviable catalogue of mischievous favourites, glammy stompers and heartfelt hymns to small town Canada.

 

 

LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME!
Parking can be a challenge at the Resort. HfA is pleased to offer a free shuttle service on the night of the concert. Park your car at Bullock’s Independent (131 Howland Dr.) and catch the shuttle bus to take you out to Deerhurst Resort.

6:40PM-8:00PM | Departs Every 15 minutes from Bullock’s Independent

10:00PM-11:00PM | Return trip from Deerhurst Resort

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. BUS IS NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.

 

Book Your Table at the Antler Steakhouse HERE

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Join Dean Brody in an intimate acoustic performance as he takes us on a chronological journey through his music and story.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Multi-platinum, iconic Canadian artist Dean Brody is celebrating the biggest years of his career. No country artist has owned the Canadian “Live” stage more than Dean in recent years with three national arena tours (2 breaking national ticket sale records), an acoustic national tour and as the only Canadian country artist to hold a 7-year residency at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage.

Not one to ever slow down, Brody has been busy setting records and marking major career milestones. 2021 saw the acclaimed artist land his sixth and seventh number ones at Canadian country radio on back-to-back duets with his history-making track “Boys” feat. country music’s fastest rising star Mickey Guyton and “More Drinkin’ Than Fishin’” with labelmate Jade Eagleson. He also secured his 18th CCMA Award, landing the “Top Selling Canadian Single” with his #1 track feat. The Reklaws, “Can’t Help Myself.” He kicked off 2022 by earning a JUNO Awards nomination for Country Album of the Year and securing his first TRIPLE-PLATINUM single with “Bring Down The House,” making him only the second artist in Canadian history to ever achieve this status on a single. He also landed his eighth #1 with his single “Where’d You Learn How to Do That.” Brody celebrated these moments with fans throughout the year with headlining stops across the country including Budweiser Stage (Toronto), Festival Country Lotbinière and Dauphin Country Fest, a 10-night residency at the Calgary Stampede as well as a show in his hometown of Fort Steele with the NHLPA.

A passionate storyteller and unmatched lyricist, Dean has risen and continues to remain at the top of the Canadian country landscape with an impressive 34 Top-10 singles (including 8 #1’s), 18 CCMA Awards, 2 JUNOs, more than 425+ million global streams and numerous gold and platinum certified singles (including 1 triple platinum and 3 double platinum). Only Shania Twain has more Canadian streams than Dean when looking at Canadian country artists “lifetime” results.

While a consistently celebrated entertainer, Dean also dedicates a large part of his life to philanthropic efforts through his charity, The Dean Brody Foundation. To continue his foundations’ mission, Dean has recently entered into a partnership with International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization that shares the core values and goals of The Dean Brody Foundation. Working together to prevent violence and exploitation before it happens, the multi-year partnership with IJM will provide Dean the opportunity to work as an IJM Canada Ambassador and highlight his decade-long fight for justice on a global scale.

 

One part documentary and another part musical activism, Spin is inspired in part by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry, the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1895.

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ABOUT THE SHOW:

Evalyn Parry takes her audience on an uncommon theatrical and musical journey in Spin, her tour-de-force performance celebrating the Bicycle. A fascinating web of stories that travel from 19th-century women’s emancipation to 21st-century consumer culture, peeling back layers of history to reveal a surprising and contemporary heart to her theme of liberation.

A vintage bicycle, hooked up to simple electronics and suspended in a mechanic’s stand, is played – from fenders to spokes to vinyl seat, from whirling pedals to bells – by percussionist Brad Hart, providing a captivating sonic accompaniment to parry’s songs and monologues. Staged by award-winning director Ruth Madoc-Jones, with stunning visual projections by acclaimed designer Beth Kates, this unique show has delighted audiences across the continent.

“Part theatre, part music gig, part spoken word poetry, part documentary: whatever it is, it is brilliant” Toronto Star

“…a welcome breath of fresh air….SPIN makes something beautiful out of taking your life into your own hands” Globe & Mail

“Annie Londonderry’s story becomes a portal into Parry’s own life and heart and that is what gives the show such resonance.” Calgary Sun

“…this magnetic artist and her winning production team invest the work with such intelligence and playfulness, it’s hard not to be charmed. NOW Magazine

“a show with as much heart as it possesses design and brains.” Calgary Herald

Written and performed by Evalyn Parry
Featuring Brad Hart playing the Bicycle
Directed by Ruth Madoc-Jones
Production design by Beth Kates

The show premiered in Toronto’s Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (a coproduction with OutSpoke Productions) in 2011, and over the decade that followed has enjoyed more than 300 performances across North America, with tour dates from the Lincoln Center in New York City, to the Northern Arts and Culture Centre in Yellowknife, and many, many stops in between.

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores important and timely subjects. It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Created by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Three contemporary stories by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Todd Parr: author and illustrator of more than 71 books for children. His books are available in over forty countries throughout the world. Todd is the co-creator of the three-time Emmy-Nominated children’s television show ToddWorld™ as well as short films for Sesame Street.

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores important and timely subjects. It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, The Earth Book, is a sweet homage to our beautiful planet inspiring readers of all ages to do their part to keep the Earth happy and healthy. This is My Hair is a funny exploration of how silly hair can be and that no matter how your hair looks, always feel good about yourself.Directed and adapted by Jim Morrow, veteran director of numerous internationally acclaimed Mermaid productions, the performance features a diverse cast, an innovative approach to puppetry manipulation and construction, combined with playful original music for which the company has earned worldwide praise.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Author / Illustrator – Todd Parr
Director / Production Designer – Jim Morrow
Composer – Asif Illyas
Sound Producer – Shehab Illyas
Narrator (The Earth Book) – Rebecca Thomas
Narrators (It’s Okay To Be Different) – Students from Armbrae Academy: Laura Britton, Nicholas Wang, Lachlan MacSween, Lydia Muchangi, Milena Tucker, Anik Jeyakumar
Project Manager – Struan Robertson
Associate Designers – Deborah MacLean & Rosie Browning
Scenic Painter – Lisa Bedard
• 60 Minutes – No Intermission
• Sensory Inclusive or Relaxed performances available
________________________________________
learning connections
• Encourage Early Literacy
• Enhance Emotional Development
• Celebrate Multiculturalism
• Promote Character Growth

 

Susan Aglukark is Canada’s first Inuk artist to win a Juno (4), a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime artistic achievement, and she is an officer of the Order of Canada.

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Susan Aglukark is Canada’s first Inuk artist to win a Juno (4), a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime artistic achievement, and she is an officer of the Order of Canada. Susan holds several Honourary Doctorate degrees and has held command performances.

During a career that has spanned more than 25 years, Susan’s journey as a singer-songwriter has led her to reflect on who she is, where she comes from and the importance of discovery – discovery of history, culture and self, this time of reflection, writing and songwriting has Susan coming back to one area of profound knowing, the Inuit are an extraordinary people deeply grounded in a culture forged by their Ancestors, their journey is what shaped them.

Produced by Chad Irschick, Dreaming Of Home is a collection of uplifting contemporary seasonal favourites, a combination of traditional and contemporary music, sung in English and her mother tongue Inuktitut. Susan has re-recorded some Christmas traditional songs like Silent Night and has also re-done one of her personal favourites Old Toy Trains. “The selection of songs on this new album was inspired by the realization that for many of us Christmas is often celebrated away from home, away from loved ones, and coming to the place in our lives where home is where the heart is, we can make whereever we are, home”. Please join Susan and her band for an evening of Christmas music. ᐅᐱᓐᓇᖅ – Upinnaq in this use means to be in awe or wonder.

MUSKOKA’S ONLY PINK FLOYD SHOW

Acoustic Muskoka Productions and Huntsville Festival of the Arts present ACOUSTIC FLOYD!

Muskoka’s only Pink Floyd show had a successful sold-out run of medium sized venues in 2022. With the backing of Huntsville Festival of the Arts the company is now staging Acoustic Floyd 2.0. With the inclusion of some new songs to the repertoire and the addition of original short film segments, this updated production is going to be a concert for the ears, eyes, and mind.
Musically, Acoustic Floyd is a textured take on the Floyd’s catalogue that reflects some of the music’s seldom thought of attributes. David Gilmour’s lapsteel that slides across a lot of the band’s records. The ever-featured female background vocals reminiscent of gospel choirs. The solo saxophone that wails as much as Gilmour’s guitar. Then there’s the acoustic guitar playing, singer/songwriter that is Roger Waters. Don’t worry, this show does not overlook the early years with Syd Barrett. Acoustic Floyd offers a beautiful twist on the twistedly beautiful music of Pink Floyd.

The band features Sean Cotton on acoustic guitars, vocals, and foot drumming; Tamica Herod and Liz Anderson on vocals, and hand percussion; Chris Hess on saxophones, and vocals; George Axon on lapsteel and guitars; Mike “Lopez” Phillip’s on bass guitar.

 

GRAMMY WINNING CUBAN CANADIAN SINGER SONGWRITER

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Alex Cuba is a Latin Grammy/Juno winner, singer-songwriter. His sound is the unique confluence of tradition and global influences in articulate arrangements that convey emotions through melody and lyric. In 2022 he won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop for Mendó as producer, artist and engineer. His musical evolution for years was all about searching for the simplicity and soul in Cuban music – taking apart the complex arrangements, mixing it with North American influences, adopting the melodic simplicity of pop music, looking to Cuban folk traditions for inspiration – he’s always exploring, always creating something fresh and new, and always, it seems, getting it just right.

SUITABLE FOR STAR WARS FANS FROM AGES 6 TO YODA!

ABOUT THE ARTIST
From the producer of Evil Dead! The Musical and Potted Potter! Starvox Entertainment presents One-Man Star Wars Trilogy™. Charles Ross will stun and amaze you with his fun, energetic and extremely entertaining performance of One-Man Star Wars Trilogy™. One-Man Star Wars Trilogy™ has been performed for over a million Star Wars fans from London’s West End, Off-Broadway, Dubai and the Sydney Opera House! The result of Charles Ross’ ‘misspent” youth is the creation of his hilarious One-Man Star Wars Trilogy™ show, where Ross single-handedly plays all the characters with spot-on voice impressions, sings the music, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots of the three films into one hilarious production. Suitable for Star Wars fans from ages 6 to Yoda!

One Man Star Wars Trilogy performed with permission of Lucasfilm Ltd.  All ‘Star Wars’ elements property of Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved. 

NAMED TRADITIONAL SINGER OF THE YEAR AT THE CANADIAN FOLK MUSIC AWARDS FOR HER ALBUM “KNOW THE MOUNTAIN” (2017), HUNTSVILLE’S HANNAH SHIRA NAIMAN COMBINES HER POWERFUL SONGWRITING AND IMPRESSIVE MUSICIANSHIP TO DELIVER EXCITING CONTEMPORARY VERSIONS OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC SHE WAS RAISED ON

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Named traditional singer of the year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards for her album “Know The Mountain” (2017), Huntsville’s Hannah Shira Naiman combines her powerful songwriting and impressive musicianship to deliver exciting contemporary versions of traditional music she was raised on.

 

PLAYING ROCK N’ ROLL HITS FROM THE 1950’S & 60’S

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Modern. Retro. Revival. The Dreamboats are creating a sound that is equal parts Chuck Berry & The Wonders. This quartet of Canadian boys delivers a high energy show that has audiences dancing the night away! After international tours in both Europe and California, The Dreamboats are ready to tear up the stage with their award-winning tunes inspired by the 50s & 60s music that they adore. Their on-stage antics are complimented by tales from their adventures on the road: from performing at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool (where the Beatles cut their teeth), to hearing how Rock n’ Roll came to Canada first-hand from the legendary Ronnie Hawkins, to swimming in Elvis Presley’s pool! The Dreamboats are bringing back sounds from this timeless era forward for a new generation to discover.

FROM OPERA, TO CONTEMPORARY, TO JAZZ, MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN-LEE IS AN INTERNATIONAL STAR OF THE STAGE WHOSE SOARING VOICE IS ONLY MATCHED BY HER CHARMING STAGE PRESENCE.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Motivated and hungry for new experiences, Ms. Brueggergosman’s career effortlessly embraces the broadest array of performance platforms and musical styles and genres.Measha began her career predominantly committed to thert of the song recital and has presented innovative programs at Carnegie Hall, Washington’s Kennedy Center, London’s Wigmore Hall, both the Konzerthaus and Musikverein in Vienna, Madrid’s Teatro Real, as well as at the Schwarzenberg, Edinburgh, Verbier and Bergen Festivals with celebrated collaborative pianists Justus Zeyen, Roger Vignoles, Julius Drake, and Simon Lepper.On the opera stage, her recent highlights include the roles of Giulietta and Antonia in Les contes d’Hoffmann, Elettra in Idomeneo, Jenny in Weill’s Mahagonny, Emilia Marty in Janáček’s Věc Makropulos, Hannah in Miroslav Srnka’s Make No Noise, and Sister Rose in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking. On the concert platform last season she returned to Carnegie Hall with the New World Symphony, performed Elettra in Idomeneo at Opera Atelier, Toronto, and gave a recital at the Barbican Center, London. 

FESTIVAL FAVORITE JIM CUDDY RETURNS TO HUNTSVILLE!

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jim Cuddy returns to the festival stage with a treasure trove of songs that have become indelible in the soundtrack of our Canadian lives. His extraordinary catalogue of songs continues to find new ways to balance personal reflection and plainspoken storytelling, remaining both intimate and accessible.

As one half of one of Blue Rodeo’s songwriting partnership, Jim Cuddy has one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music thanks to omnipresent hits such as “Try,” “5 Days In May,” and “Bad Timing.” As a group Blue Rodeo has sold over 5 million records world-wide, won countless JUNO Awards, been inducted in to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and Jim (along with songwriting partner Greg Keelor) was invested as Officers of the Order of Canada.

In 1998, in between Blue Rodeo projects, Jim released his first solo album All In Time and hit the road with the eponymous Jim Cuddy Band featuring Colin Cripps (guitar), Anne Lindsay (fiddle), Joel Anderson (drums), Bazil Donovan (bass) and Steve O’Connor (keyboards). Since that first release the Jim has recorded three more solo albums; The Light That Guides You Home (2006), Skyscraper Soul (2011), Constellation (2018). Jim’s latest release, Countrywide Soul, is a celebration of sorts – a celebration of music and the musicians who join him on stage each night.

After an extensive tour in support of their album, Constellation, The Jim Cuddy Band reconvened at Jim’s family farm in Southern Ontario. Inspired by the band’s live show, Jim wanted to capture this energy on record and showcase each member’s skill, allowing them to stretch out and shine. Produced by Tim Vesely, Jim Cuddy and Colin Cripps, Countrywide Soul was recorded live on the top floor of Jim’s barn and kept as natural as possible to retain the woody sound of the barn board room and the energy that only comes from playing together live.

“When we go into the studio to make records, the songs are born out of my imagination and the band contribute their incredible talents to make those ideas come to life. The songs evolve and become part of our collective imagination,” explains Jim. “But it is on tour that they really take flight. We are connected by art. We are connected by what we create together. That’s what I wanted to capture on this record. How much I enjoy listening to the band reveal their imagination and add their creativity to the songs was really the inspiration. How vital that is to me. So as much as this is a musicians’ record, it’s really an example – if you’re lucky – of what bands can create together.”

To achieve his goal on Countrywide Soul, Jim re-worked a number of songs previously recorded for his solo career and with Blue Rodeo. To round out the record, he wrote two new songs and included a couple of favourite cover songs.

“When choosing songs for the album, I tried to find those in which I could change the mood and tone as in ‘All In Time’ or songs that had been underdeveloped on previous records such as ‘Clearer View’,” says Jim. “’Almost Persuaded’ was a song Blue Rodeo performed in the early days. It was a favourite of an old friend of ours, so I recorded this in her honour.”

THE MOST LAUDED INDEPENDENT CANADIAN BAND OF ALL TIME

ABOUT THE ARTIST

It’s a strange thing to be one of the most lauded independent Canadian bands of all time; it’s almost a back-handed compliment, since it feels like the “independent” qualifier is somehow intended to lessen the achievement. Shouldn’t it be cause for greater celebration when you make your name without the muscle and reach of a major label?

The story is stranger still when you consider that some of Lowest of the Low’s success came in spite of themselves. Never at ease with the ‘big machine’ of the music industry, they may have indulged in more than one bout of self-sabotage along the way back in the Nineties. That simply means they can take a certain pride in knowing that the victories they did score (and the defeats they endured) were always of their own making, which is far better than putting your fate in someone else’s hands. That’s a true hallmark of independence.

You can trace the roots of the Low back to 1983, when Ron Hawkins and David Alexander played together as teenagers in a heavily politicized, straight-edge band called Social Insecurity. They rubbed intellectual elbows and shared small stages with Toronto punk scene legends like L’Étranger, most famous these days for having two of their members represent the NDP in the House of Commons. That led to the band Popular Front in the late 80s, where Ron and David were joined by guitarist Stephen Stanley. At one point they boasted as many as eight players, but the three friends remained the core as other members came and went. While the music was a little slicker than their punk days and contained Afro-Caribbean flourishes, the focus on socially conscious lyrical content remained.

After a few years of gigging, the trio felt restless with both their sound and scene. They began jamming at acoustic open-mic nights with a clutch of new songs that were stripped down yet infectious. The romantic-but-realistic lyrics, assembled from character sketches and journal entries in Ron’s ever-present notebook as he wandered the streets of Toronto, were always front and centre. Popular Front evolved into Lowest of the Low, and shortly afterwards Hawkins traded his four-string in when John Arnott joined on bass.

The quartet built a faithful following and a very full dance card on the strength of their joyous live shows, where they perfected the Low’s mix of clever wordplay, razor-sharp hooks and airtight harmonies. They also began recording what were meant to be demos in a film production studio with friend Andy Koyama. There wasn’t much interest from the A&R men of the day (and the feeling was mutual), so they elected to plow ahead on their own and press up CDs and tapes of those demos to sell off the stage. By the time 4,000 copies of what came to be known as Shakespeare My Butt… had found homes, the Low secured distribution through indie outfit Page Publications (run by ex-Barenaked Ladies singer Stephen Page’s father Victor). Within what felt like a few weeks, they were setting sales records for indie bands at the HMV Superstore and in heavy rotation on Toronto alt-rock station CFNY with songs like “Salesmen, Cheats And Liars”, “Rosy And Grey”, “Bleed A Little While Tonight” and “Eternal Fatalist”.

 

SING-A-LONG TO YOUR FAVORITE SONG. THERE ARE NO AUDITIONS, AND THE AUDIENCE IS THE CHOIR!

DUE TO DEMAND! SECOND SHOW ADDED.

Fleetwood Mac’s songs only get more popular with age. Because they are the most sing-along-able bands of all time! Iconic jam after jam, we are going to fill that main hall with all your beautiful voices. It’s been too long, we need this. Prepare for an EPIC MAC ATTACK!

Save the date, gather your pals, + get your tickets NOW! And start brushing up on your MAC so you’ll be ready to hit it! The main tune will be DON’T STOP + we’ll also sing some of the greatest of their greatest hits!

The first show sold out in only a few days, so don’t hesitate! Get your tickets before they are gone!

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Choir! Choir! Choir! is a Toronto-based singing group led by creative directors Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman. The duo takes a non-traditional approach; there are no auditions, and the audience is the choir. Show up and they’ll teach you an original arrangement to a song you love. Founded in 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! has amassed a dedicated and passionate community of singers and a thriving international fan base on YouTube amassing 10s of millions of views on some of their videos.

The group has performed with renowned artists such as Patti Smith, David Byrne, Rick Astley, Tegan and Sara, and Rufus Wainwright, and onstage at New York’s Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall with the likes of Debbie Harry and The Flaming Lips. They’ve created content for NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar with Hamilton’s Brandon Victor Dixon. And they they’ve performed at the MET in New York for New York Pride and hosted their own float in Toronto Pride. They remembered Canadian music hero, Gord Downie, by performing Grace Too with the surviving members of the Tragically Hip to 10,000 fans in Toronto.

Choir! Choir! Choir! exists to celebrate music and push the boundaries between practice and performance, artist and audience, offering
therapeutic benefits with the ultimate side effect: a powerful community.

Socials:
Website URL: WWW.CHOIRCHOIRCHOIR.COM
Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/CHOIRX3
Twitter / Instagram: @CHOIRCHOIRCHOIR
YouTube: www.youtube.com/choirx3

 

LEGENDARY BLUES & REGGAE ARTIST PLAYS THE ETWELL CONCERT SERIES

CONCERT RUNS RAIN OR SHINE

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jay Douglas is a 3 times Juno Awards nominee, a music producer and band leader of the Jay Douglas All-Star Band. He has performed at various festivals worldwide, including the likes of Rastafest Festival in Toronto and the 4 Seasons Reggae Cruise in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jay Douglas first took to the stage in Montego Bay, Jamaica many years ago as a teenager. With over 45 years of showmanship, he has developed a wide-ranging repertoire and plenty of stage charisma. Back in the early ‘60s and 70’s, Jay was the frontman for “The Cougars,” who, with their skill and verve, lit up clubs in Toronto, Montreal, New York, and Washington D.C. with Soul, Blues, Funk & Reggae. Jay has since shared his gift at various venues all the way from Hong Kong to the Mediterranean.

On top of numerous television appearances and acting roles, Douglas has earned prime-time support slots for a veritable “Who’s Who” of musical legends including Fats Domino, Joe Tex, Percy Sledge, bluesman Roscoe Gordon, The Manhattans, The Drifters, Reggae icons Toots and the Maytals, Sly & Robbie, Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, The Fab 5 band, Freddie McGregor, Third World, and his friend actor/comedian Jim Carrey.

Jay Douglas has always had a strong connection with blues and jazz, which is glaringly obvious in his newest album released in 2022, Confession. In Douglas’ own words “Confession is a new album that serves as a testament to my long love of Blues and the type of Rhythm and Blues that came out in the 50’s from artists such as Rosco Gordon, Johnny Ace, Bobby Bland, Dave Bartholomew and Ray Charles.” The album since its release in spring 2022 has been well received reaching top 20 chartings on major Blues charts in US, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Website: www.jaydouglasmusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jay.douglas.1042
Twitter: @JayDouglasMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydouglasmusic/?hl=en
Bookings: megacitymusic@hotmail.com

COMBINING ELEMENTS OF BOTH ROCK AND FOLK MUSIC, ALONG WITH  PERSONAL SENTIMENTS, DARK HUMOR, AND A VOICE ABLE TO CHANNEL BOTH THE FALSETTO HIGHS OF NEIL YOUNG AND THE WAVERING RASPY LOW TONES OF LEONARD COHEN, TORONTO’S HAYDEN HAS SPENT HIS CAREER CREATING UNIQUELY AFFECTING MUSIC

ABOUT THE ARTIST

For over 25 years Hayden has been making music on his own terms and on his own schedule. The Polaris Prize and Juno nominee has produced, engineered and mixed most of his records at home, creating a world of his own, exploring themes ranging from love lost and found to bear maulings and home invasions. He is also the co-founder of Dream Serenade, an annual benefit concert every Fall at Toronto’s Massey Hall for children with developmental and physical disabilities and their families established in 2014. The legendary Toronto indie-folk rock fixture whose heartrending songs are a soundtrack to coming of age just released his ninth studio album, Are We Good, featuring the singles On A Beach ft Feist and East Coast.

Please follow along @haydendesser for more touring and album updates.

Watch the video for On A Beach featuring Feist, Matt Berninger from The National and Steve Buscemi:

OUTDOOR CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE FOR ALL AGES

ABOUT THE ARTIST

La bulle features a one-of-a-kind bubble tent (a character in its own right) and its confined inhabitant: Pierrot, the iconic loner and dreamer. Together, they live in transparent symbiosis. In this theatrical setting, there is nowhere to hide: an absurd situation, fully exploited by a lucid and lunar Pierrot. Through mime, dance, text, even drawing, he tries to connect with his audience. Dressed in the archetypal black and white costume and make-up, he manages to create bonds, alas all ephemeral, with those who are willing to give him a little time. He embraces solitude whole-heartedly, and swims freely like a fish in water in the realm of dreams. Poetry and humour are always at his side, true to CORPUS’ vocation.
La bulle was conceived long before COVID. The show was already exploring the theme of social distancing before it became a concern for all. This new work also speaks of an equally contemporary paradox: private space in full transparency. La bulle places the audience in the round. Audience members are seated or free to circulate around the set, without constraint or restriction of movement

Conceived, directed and designed by David Danzon & Carolin Lindner
Performed by David Danzon/ Guy Marsan (TBC)
Company name: CORPUS
Stage Manager: Samira Banihaschemi
Assistant Stage Manager: Avideh Saadatpajouh
Set elements: Jonathan Danzon and 6 par 6
Bubble built by J.C Keller
Costume Design: Françoise Autran
Technical advice: Hagop Ohannessian, Martin Martin, Cédric Cambon

Premiered in 2021 in France, presented by the mairie de Cordes-sur ciel; and in Toronto, in co-presentation with Jamii and le Théâtre français de Toronto

AN EVENING OF TOE-TAPPING CELTIC MUSIC FROM CANADA’S CELTIC AMBASSADORS

Canada’s Celtic ambassadors! For more than three decades, Cape Breton-based family group the Barra MacNeils has been thrilling audiences of all ages, near and far, with their sparkling repertoire, vocals, instrumental prowess and vibrant showmanship.

LOCAL SINGER-SONGWRITER PRESENTS AN INTIMATE EVENING EXPLORING ADELE’S REPERTOIRE OF PLATINUM SELLING HITS

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Local Singer-Songwriter presents an intimate evening exploring Adele’s repertoire of platinum selling hits. “Gina Horswood has become known as one of the most talented singer songwriters in Muskoka, switching seamlessly from her own music to rock classics and pop standards, much to the delight of the audience.” Jeff Carter, Hunters Bay Radio

HFA WELCOMES TO THE STAGE, VETERAN STAND-UP COMEDIAN, RADIO AND TV STAR, STEVE PATTERSON, FOR A NIGHT OF RAZOR-SHARP WIT AND WELL-ROUNDED LAUGHS.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Along with hosting THE DEBATERS on CBC Radio for over 16 seasons now, Patterson is a household name in comedy through his numerous television specials including most recently serving as anchor for the “If It Makes You Happy” Gala at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival in 2022 which aired on CBC and across various media platforms in 2023. Known for masterfully keeping the audience engaged with long-form stories, concisely constructed letters and even original songs, Patterson packs much more than just punchlines into his shows. Indeed, sometimes a tear or two may be induced. But by the end, they’ll be tears of laughter.

“There’s no debate Steve Patterson is hysterical. Don’t miss him” – Rick Mercer

 

PRE-EMINENT INTERPRETATIVE SINGER WORKING BETWEEN THE POLES OF JAZZ AND POP

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Holly Cole is lauded in many different places, receiving praise as a pre-eminent interpretative singer working between the poles of jazz and pop. Her unique interpretations are applauded as being highly musical, intensely original, sophisticated, witty and sexy. In her hands, even familiar repertoire – from Hank Williams to Cole Porter – enjoys the potential to shine like never before. Holly never fails to present her music with style, humor and grace, sending it out on journeys straight to the listener’s heart. Her approach is sensual and intense, non-calculating and without any retro pretensions. All of this has been a continuous virtue in the singer’s illustrious career, a career that started some twenty years ago with her debut album Girl Talk. Many distinctive albums have followed since, accompanied by passionate live appearances internationally that have cemented her reputation as a major contemporary song stylist and a highly compelling, acclaimed performer.

DRAG PERFORMANCE FROM TORONTO’S TRUE QUEEN OF THE NORTH AND FRIENDS

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born and raised in Toronto, Lemon is a true queen of the North. Spending her youth inside of the world of conservatory and competitive dance with Vlad’s Dance Company in Richmond Hill, she built a foundation and a passion for dance performance. At the age of 18, Lemon left Toronto with big dreams to find her way in the epicenter of professional dance, New York City. On full scholarship, she attended the prestigious Alvin Ailey School studying modern dance and ballet, two years at a contemporary ballet company in New York City, and another year in the city fulfilling her OPT (Optional Practical Training). She was on track to become a full time company dancer, but as the universe always does in the most sly of ways, another door of opportunity opened itself to her.

Being openly gay in NYC, Lemon found a community inside of the bar and nightlife scene. And like a passing summer breeze, she caught wind of a local drag competition called Lady Liberty with a prize of $500, which no young artist surviving in the Big Apple could pass up. This competition has seen the likes of well-known queens such as Jackie Cox, Jan Sport, and Rosé; she knew winning would bring a sense of notoriety and accomplishment she craved. She competed and sadly placed 3rd. But if Lemon had learned anything so far in her life it’s that you hustle and hone your craft and try again until you get first place!

She listened and learned, sculpted her makeup, refined her style, conceptualized her performance, and went back to sweep the competition and claim 1st prize, all while dressed as one of her greatest inspirations, Paris Hilton, doused in Tinkerbell perfume. From there, Lemon was born and a force to be reckoned with. Catching the eye of Sasha Velour, she went on to walk in her opening ceremony collaboration for New York Fashion Week, alongside performances by Shea Couleé, Farrah Moan, and Christina Aguilera. She began working weekly shows at drag bars across Manhattan and before she knew it, was a full time, fully realized drag queen.

Lemon went on to compete in the World Pride edition of Lady Liberty at the Playboy Club, gaining the attention of Brita Filter and Alyssa Edwards, and snatching the crown for first place. Like a vision in the night, the official announcement for Canada’s Drag Race was released and Lemon was never more confident in anything, that being on that show’s first season was a stroke of destiny. Calling both Toronto and NYC home, Lemon’s journey has just begun and she has big plans to take the world by storm because when life gives you Lemon, Lemon gives you life.

A JUNO-NOMINATED, POLARIS-SHORTLISTED, AND MULTI AWARD-WINNING ARTIST BASED IN ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Best known as the writer and front man of Hey Rosetta!, a Juno-nominated, Polaris-shortlisted, and multi award-winning band based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. With over 15 years of performing their high-energy spectacle in stadiums, clubs, theatres and major festivals all over the world, Hey Rosetta! called it quits in 2017. Baker has since transitioned from being the leader and songwriter of a major indie rock band, and ascended to a profound solo artist. His solo LP, Forever Overhead (Arts and Crafts), garnered him a Juno nomination for Songwriter of the Year, three East Coast Music Awards (and several nominations), and a Polaris longlist…Baker’s The Festival is a polychromatic album of redemption, joy, release, and intrinsic connection.

SOLEMN AND SOARING, BACKED BY A SWIRLING BLEND OF INDIE, SOUL AND ELECTRONIC SOUNDSCAPES, MOURNFUL SAXOPHONE AND PULSE-QUICKENING FINGER-PICKING, AYSANABEE’S STRIKING SOUND IS EQUAL PARTS HYPNOTIC AND MELODIC

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Aysanabee is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer songwriter currently based in Toronto. He is Oji-Cree, Sucker Clan of the Sandy Lake First Nation a remote fly-in community in the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario.He began creating music under his mother’s maiden name during the pandemic when the stillness allowed him to slow down and create music, he says, more directly represents himself as an artist. Solemn and soaring, backed by a swirling blend of indie, soul and electronic soundscapes, mournful saxophone and pulse-quickening finger-picking, Aysanabee’s striking sound is equal parts hypnotic and melodic which has been compared to Bon Iver, Matt Corby, Don Ross, Kim Churchill, Kings of Leon and Sam Smith. His debut album, Watin (2022) named after his grandfather, includes 10 tracks and nine interludes featuring the voice of his grandfather and is both part music and journalism, artistry and expression. “Watin actually started out as a series of conversations between myself and my grandfather,” says Aysanabee. “We spent the first year of the pandemic talking about things we’ve never spoke about, his life on the trapline on Sandy Lake First Nation, falling in love, his life in residential school and then leaving everything behind..we never spoke of it until now. Even though we were over 1,000 kilometres apart, it was probably the closest we’ve ever been.”In a short amount of time, three singles were released including “Ego Death” (Oct 2022), “Nomads” (Aug 2022) which charted on Billboard Canada and became #1 on CBC Music and finally, “We Were Here” (July 2022), which charted on the Indigenous Music Countdown and featured in an episode of Station 19.In a whirlwind year, Aysanabee performed nearly 100 shows on major stages and festivals and venues across the country and across the ocean including Ottawa Bluesfest, Montreal Jazzfest, Mariposa, Riverfest, Summerfolk, Mission Folk, Alianait, Wake the Giant and many more.The artist has shared the stage with such notable acts including The National, Digging Roots, Amanda Rheaume, Sam Roberts, Our Lady Peace, DJ Shub, Julian Taylor, Jeremy Dutcher, Dan Mangan Mavis Staples, July Talk, Half Moon Run, Tokyo Police Club, Steven Page, Aqua, and more. The album is being released through Ishkode Records, founded by Amanda Rheaume and Shoshona Kish, one of the first Indigenous and women-owned labels in the country.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose work has been recorded by some of Country music’s most significant artists like Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington, The Judds, Dallas Smith and many others.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Steven Lee Olsen’s path to mainstream success has been a lengthy yet admirable and rewarding journey. Born and raised in a suburb of Toronto, Olsen moved to Nashville in 2004 to pursue his dreams of being a songwriter. He spent years in Music City working on his songwriting skills by drawing upon his R&B, soul, country and pop influences, eventually breaking into the upper echelons of Nashville songwriters. Olsen’s work has been recorded by some of Country music’s most significant artists like Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington, The Judds, Dallas Smith and many others. He has notched impressive accolades, including two No.1 hits in the US with his Grammy-nominated, double-platinum certified song “Blue Ain’t Your Color” performed by Keith Urban and “More Girls Like You” performed by Kip Moore. He also went No.1 in Canada with co-writing credits on the platinum hit “Drop,” performed by Dallas Smith.