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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Burlington Performing Arts Centre - Experiences that Inspire

2012-13 Professional Entertainment Series – Experiences that Inspire

Did you know that in it’s inaugural season the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre welcomed over 30,000 people?  After having such a successful first season you may think that would be hard to top but the recently launched 2012-13 season does not disappoint! 

Executive Director Brenda Heatherington was the M.C. of the launch event on May 23 and her excitement and passion for the centre, the program and the arts shone through as she introduced the performance schedule.  While the entertainers were brought to life on screen she couldn’t help but tap her toes and move a little to the music. That enthusiasm was hard to miss and was contagious.  While I watched, I was inspired by the talent and variety of acts that we will be hosting right here in our theatre.  I was singing along (quietly so as not to annoy people) to classics like Colin James, Cowboy Junkies, and David Clayton-Thomas.  It sure brought back memories and reveals my age!

Here is a rundown of the season but a word to the wise, check the site often as new performances are added regularly throughout the year.  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.

The Main Stage will once again be filled with some of the most electrifying and diverse performances found anywhere.  You can listen to legends like David Clayton-Thomas or Grammy Award winning blues sensation Taj Mahal, laugh with the star of Corner Gas – Brent Butt, dance in the aisles to Mediterranean sounds of Pavlo (who played at the launch and were fabulous) and bring the whole family to sing along to the classic movie, The Sound of Music.  

Here is a listing of the main stage line-up:

October

10         Matt Andersen - With an amazing eight albums under his belt, Matt Andersen has been called “Canada’s greatest guitarist.

19         Colin James - A consummate professional and a superb guitarist, Juno award winner Colin is a musician’s musician. – SOLD OUT

23         Oysterband - Combine revved-up folk dance rhythms and remarkable lyrics with pointed social commentary, exceptional musicianship and insanely catchy melodies, and you've got Oysterband - the greatest British folk-roots band of all time.

26         Arlo Guthrie - Join Arlo Guthrie in honouring the enduring commitment of Woody Guthrie with an unforgettable night of music and stories. 

November

2          Cowboy Junkies - American roots, blues, gospel, bluegrass, folk, and country have been folded into the languorous, smoky melodies, trademark musicianship and unmistakably haunting voice of Margo Timmins.

23         Pavlo- Pavlo’s decades-long love affair with the guitar has resulted in an indescribable one-of-a-kind fusion of Mediterranean musical styles

29         David Clayton-Thomas - Five-time Grammy Award-winner, Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and former lead singer of Blood, Sweat and Tears, David Clayton-Thomas has a unique voice that will stop you in your tracks.  

December

12         John McDermott - The Celtic/Canadian superstar shares some of his most memorable and heartwarming songs from his Christmas and holiday catalogue favourites.

14/15   Nutcracker – Returning to The Centre after two sold out shows last season, the incomparable State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents the beloved classic ballet, The Nutcracker. 

16         TSO Brass - The renowned brass section of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra brings its astonishing precision and ringing sound featuring classical and popular brass favourites, sacred and popular music of the season, and a       carol sing-along! 

18         Leahy Family Christmas - The Leahy Family promises the full spectrum of holiday music from best-loved carols and tunes to fiery Celtic jigs and medleys.

January 2013

17         Brent Butt - Best known for the highest-rated Canadian comedy series, Corner Gas, writer and comedian Brent Butt brings his hilarious stand-up comedy.

24         Peter Appleyard and the Sophisticated Ladies - A once in a lifetime concert event as legendary bandleader Peter Appleyard is joined by three of Canada’s top female jazz singers -  Elizabeth Shepherd, Jackie Richardson, and  Diana Panton performing songs from Peter’s new Sophisticated Ladies album along with other classic jazz standards

February

1          Taj Mahal Trio - A self-taught singer-songwriter and film composer who plays the guitar, banjo and harmonica Taj Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music by fusing it with non-traditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific.

7          Ballet BC - Ballet BC has a distinctive style that is both bold and innovative.  The company consists of a select group of 15 dancers with exceptional classical and contemporary dance training.  

14         Alex*Cuba - Latin Grammy Award winner and two-time Juno Award winner, Alex*Cuba has a soulful vocal style and lyrical poetry that are only matched by his brilliant and unique guitar skills.

18         Sing-a-long A Sound of Music - Join in and sing along at this fun-filled interactive screening event of the The Sound of Music complete with onscreen lyrics, props, costumes and vocal warm-ups.

22         Amazing Grace - The Elmer Iseler Singers, a twenty-voice professional chamber choir, is one of Canada’s most illustrious professional choral ensembles. They are joined by the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canada’s first professional choral group dedicated to Afrocentric music of all styles. 

26         Ladysmith Black Mambazo - With hot-running rhythms, rich harmonies and rigorous dance routines, South Africa’s a-cappella sensation delivers a message of hope, peace and unity that resonates with listeners around the globe.

March

6          Coleman & Lemieux- Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie proudly present AllOneWord, an evening of dance works from acclaimed Canadian choreographer James Kudelka. 

8          Scrap Arts Music - The original, beats-driven music uses more than 100 mobile sculptural instruments that are hand-built from recycled materials ranging from accordion parts, to aluminum scraps and even artillery shells. 

14         Jamie Adkins - Whether he’s juggling a lemon on his body, jumping into a cardboard box to see if he can, or balancing for dear life on the slack rope, Jamie’s skill with his materials and his sense of humor are sure to delight and entertain the whole family.

20         Bowfire - Stringing together one show-stopping hit after another, Bowfire is an "All Star Show" of the finest lineup of fiddle and violin virtuosos ever assembled on one stage. 

April

13         Gruffalo - Animated with songs, laughter and scary fun, young audiences happily join Mouse as he walks confidently through the woods scaring away otherwise hungry animals with tall tales of a terrifying Gruffalo. 

18         The Piano Men: Starring Jim Witter –The show is set entirely to the music of Elton John and Billy Joel. Jim, featured on grand piano, makes no attempt to mimic his heroes, but rather uses the familiar arrangements, and his phenomenal singing ability to evoke their music. 

25         Natalie MacMaster - Cape Breton fiddle virtuoso Natalie MacMaster presents her signature East Coast sound for an evening of irresistible toe-tapping tunes from her latest album, Cape Breton Girl.

This year they have introduced three brand new series in the intimate Community Studio Theatre.  All series subscribers become members of the centre’s loyalty program.  You can purchase The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Series OR Create Your Own Series OR buy a single ticket. 

  Classically Yours...A Sunday Brunch Series

Valerie Milot Sunday, October 21
Young Québec harpist Valérie Milot has an impeccable technique and is such a colourful and powerful musician that she challenges all the clichés about her instrument.

Georgy Tchaidze Sunday, March 17
Georgy Tchaidze, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia has performed for the Governor General of Canada and made his stunning debut recording on the Honens label while in residence at The Banff Centre.

Jasper Wood & Daniel Bolshoy– DUO RENDEZVOUS Sunday, April 14
Duo Rendezvous celebrates Paris, the romantic inspiration of Europe, and a program featuring music by the composers who made Paris their home in the early 1900s.

  Studio 440 – Cabaret Series

Matt Dusk Friday, November 16 at 7:30 PM  SOLD OUT
Matt Dusk a student of one of the best Jazz musicians of all time, Oscar Peterson takes swing music to another dimension as one of the best interpreters of jazz standards you will ever hear.

Cindy Church Wednesday, November 28 at 7:30 PM
A stellar presence on the Canadian music scene, Cindy Church has acquired national acclaim as one of the best singers in the country and an international reputation for her musical adeptness across country, jazz, blues, gospel and swing styles.

Florence K Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 PM
An evening with Florence K is like a musical voyage around the world with her blend of styles from bossa nova, blues, pop to Cuban, including her own original material and Christmas standards.

Danny Michel with special guest The Heartbroken Friday, January 18 at 7:30 PM
The Toronto Star wrote that Danny Michel is one of the finest and most charming singer-songwriters to grace a stage.

The Good Lovelies Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 PM
Funny and upbeat with just a pinch of sass, Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award winning band the Good Lovelies’ textbook three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping and witty on-stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape.

  Theatre Series

Miss Caledonia Written and performed by Melody A. Johnson Sunday, December 2 at 2:00 PMThe year is 1955. Desperate to escape the drudgery of life in RR#2 Caledonia, Peggy Ann Douglas has a plan, she will simply become a movie star – and she will start her journey to the top by winning the local pageant.

Santaland Diaries Friday, December 14 at 7:30 PM
Meet the quintessential elf gone bad as he relives a series of less-than-merry misadventures in David Sedaris’ hilarious antidote for holiday havoc. This production is not intended for young audiences.

Jake’s Gift with special guest Burlington Teen Tour Band Sunday, February 3 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
An award-winning and fiercely moving one-woman play, Jake’s Gift chronicles a World War II veteran’s journey back to Juno Beach to find the grave of a brother who never returned home.

For more information Phone: 905-681-2551  Email: bpac@burlington.ca  Address: 440 Locust Street, Burlington ON, L7S 1T7


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