2013-14 Burlington Performing Arts Centre Professional Series Launch

There is something about being in a darkened theatre with a hushed audience that creates such a sense of anticipation.  Adding to the suspense is that no one knows what great acts are going to be announced, so the atmosphere was electric at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre season launch on May 8.

Executive Director Brenda Heatherington was the M.C. of the launch event and she encouraged the attendees to forget their trials and tribulations and be transported by attending a live performance. While I watched the season unfolding on the screen, I was amazed by the eclectic mix of live performances that we will be hosting right here in our very own theatre in Burlington. 

Here is a rundown of the season, however we suggest that you check the site often as new performances are added regularly throughout the year plus some like Bruce Cockburn are already SOLD OUT!  In fact what I have found really helpful is to sign up to get their Enewsletter by email so you don’t miss out on seeing some of your new or old favorites.

This year there are a few new series added for the young or young at heart.  

photo courtesy of Burlington Performing Arts Centre

I know the moms and grandparents in our building are looking forward to attending some of these with their wee folk.  The Cushion Concert Series is for children ages 2-5 years and promises to be a great way to spend some quality time with your little ones enjoying puppeteers and classic children’s stories.  The Family Series will captivate all members of the family with memorable performances that will spark your imagination. 

The Studio 440 – Cabaret Series held in the intimate Community Studio Theatre allows the audience to feel like part of the performance you are that close to the stage.  This year there is a mix of folk, blues, or country and you can enjoy a drink and the show.  Since I am a closet country fan I am psyched for the Kira Isabella (love Songs about You) and Tim Chaisson concert in March 2014!

photo courtesy of Burlington Performing Arts Centre

Back by popular demand is the Classically Yours – Sunday Brunch Series hosted by former co-host of CBC Radio’s As It Happens, Barbara Budd, one of the most recognized voices in Canada.  Enjoy a tasty brunch with your friends before the recitals, be delighted by the intimate musical experience in the community theatre and stay after the performance for an enlightening conversation with the featured artist.  What a great way to spend a leisurely Sunday!

photo courtesy of Burlington Performing Arts Centre

The Main Stage will once again be filled with some of the most electrifying and diverse performances found anywhere.  Some old favorites from the 70’s & 80’s will take me back to the day like Gino Vannelli, Colm Wilkinson (the original Phantom), John McDermott, Jesse Cook and Harry Manx.  Besides music there is also the comedy of One and Mac King, a variety of theatre including a solo performance of Hamlet, One Noble Journey:  A Box Marked Freedom, A Beautiful View (which I want to attend with my BFF) and dance with BBOYIZM, the Nutcracker, and Les Ballets jazz de Montreal and The Peking Acrobats.

I would be remiss if I didn’t feature Burlington’s own Melissa McClelland and husband Luke Doucet performing in Canadian folk rock band Whitehorse just prior to Valentine’s Day - gift now solved!

After the season was unveiled the audience was treated to something very special, a performance by members of Leahy!  Here is a little Leahy trivia for you… they come from a family of 11, they are from Lakefield, Ontario and the group is comprised of eight siblings -all musically inclined including the next generation.  We were enthralled when their children came out and danced and playing the fiddle – thanks to Adele, Greg, Ben, Mary, Cicelia and Michael.  This was a great preview of their Christmas performance which always sells out quickly, so mark December 11 down on your calendar and bring the family. 

Click here for a full list of performances.

Bruce Cockburn – Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 8pm - SOLD OUT

Chic Gamine (Studio 440 - Cabaret Series) – Friday, October 4, 2013 at 7:30pm

The Robert Cray Band – Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 8pm

Jesse Cook – Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 8pm

Rose Cousins (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Friday, October 25, 2013 at 7:30pm

Gino Vannelli – Friday, October 25, 2013 at 8pm

ONE (Theatre Series) – Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 2pm

Hamlet (Solo) (Theatre Series) – Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 2pm

Joel Plaskett (Acoustic) (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 7:30pm

Harry Manx (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 7:30pm

Nathalie Vachon: Imagination on the Loose! (Cushion Concert Series) – Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 11am 

The Alcan Quartet (Classically Yours… Sunday Brunch Series) – Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 11:45am

Les Ballets jazz de Montréal – Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 8pm

The Celtic Tenors – Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 2pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favourites (Family Series) – Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 11am

Colm Wilkinson: Broadway, Christmas and Beyond – Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 7pm

Leahy Family Christmas – Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 8pm

Nutcracker – Friday, December 13, 2013 at 7pm, Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 2pm and 7pm

John McDermott – Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 2pm

Peter and The Wolf (Cushion Concert Series) – Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11am

Rosanne Cash – Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 8pm

Blackie and The Rodeo Kings – Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 8pm

Mo Kenney & Matthew Barber (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Friday, January 31, 2014 at 7:30pm

Whitehorse – Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 8pm

2012 Honens Prize Laureate, Pavel Kolesnikov (Classically Yours… Sunday Brunch Series) – Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 11:45am 

Dib & Dob and The Journey Home (Family Series) – Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 2pm

Measha Brueggergosman – Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 8pm

One Noble Journey: A Box Marked Freedom (Theatre Series) – Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 2pm

Mac King – Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 8pm

Tim Chaisson & Kira Isabella (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:30pm

Sierra Maestra – Friday, March 7, 2014 at 8pm

Take 6 – Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 8pm

De Temps Antan (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 7:30pm

A Beautiful View (Theatre Series) – Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 7:30pm

The Peking Acrobats – Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 2pm and 7pm

Pinocchio (Family Series) – Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 2pm

Dichterliebe: The Poet’s Love (Classically Yours… Sunday Brunch Series) – Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 11:45am

Bboyizm – Friday, April 11, 2014 at 7:30pm

Jill Barber – Friday, May 2, 2014 at 8pm

Pinocchio in My Suitcase (Cushion Concert Series) – Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11am

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 8pm

 

To order your tickets call 905-681-6000, visit www.burlingtonpac.ca, or visit the Box Office at 440 Locust Street.

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