Theatre & Performing Arts abound in Burlington

Photo Courtesy of Al Pettman

If you weren’t able to get out and see a local performance during the holidays or if you did and that inspired you to see more, we have good news for you…there is some great entertainment planned in the city in 2013.  Some of our tourism team enjoyed performances this fall such as Wrong for Each Other at Burlington Theatre, and the TSO Brass at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.  We thoroughly enjoyed these experiences and especially liked that they were hosted in our own backyard. 

I admit to being the first in line when the box office opened to buy Nelly Furtado tickets a few weeks ago. It is fabulous that a multi-award winning Canadian artist is going to be playing locally in such an intimate setting.  Plus I have method in my madness, I convince my better half to go out for dinner prior to the show at one of the amazing eateries.  Some restaurants actually offer pre-show dinner specials, check out the details on our Tourism Burlington site. 

Photo Courtesy of Dan Banko Media

We have a number of theatre companies and performance groups in Burlington that present shows on a regular basis including Aldershot Players, Burlington Teen Tour & Concert Bands, Burlington Student Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Theatre Burlington, Koogle Theatre Company and Tottering BiPed Theatre.  The shows we are aware of for the next few months are featured below but we would suggest that you check out the websites for more events and activities as they become confirmed.  These theatres are also looking for volunteers to help them stage their productions.

In addition to these companies and groups, several local clubs and restaurants feature entertainment on selected days.  Refer to our entertainment page on the website, follow our social media and sign up for our free enewsletter for more details.  By the way, our visitor Enews is sent 5x/year and highlights events and activities in the Burlington area and is a great resource to plan your family activities or when you have visiting friends and family and are looking for things to do.  Another good local resource is the events calendar located on the City of Burlington website. 

So check out all the great activities listed below and treat yourself or someone close to you to a great experience. 

What’s On in Burlington

28         Nelly Furtado - With hits such as “I'm Like A Bird”, “Promiscuous”, and “Maneater”, Nelly Furtado is a household name and Canadian superstar. She has earned numerous awards including 2 Grammy Awards, 10 Juno Awards, 3 MuchMusic Video Awards, and a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. Nelly is currently on her The Spirit Indestructible tour which celebrates her fifth album by the same name. BPAC

February

1-Mar 9 32^nd Music Hall – Music, vaudeville, Comedy.  Drury Lane Theatre

1-3, 8-10, 14-16           

Suddenly Last Summer by Tennessee Williams - Aging Louisiana aristocrat, Violet Venables, plots to silence her traumatized niece Catharine Holly (featuring Natalie a travel counsellor at  Tourism Burlington!) from sullying the family's honour with her mad tale of the death of cousin Sebastian.  Theatre Burlington      

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. BPAC

2          The Beatlemaniacs turn imagination into reality, bringing The Beatles back together in a fully produced live reunion concert! The Beatlemaniacs are the only group to reunite The Fab Four in a one of a kind post-Beatles experience, including several of the band’s solo album hits never performed live as “The Beatles.” BPAC

3          Jake’s Gift - 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. Inspired by her own visit to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, gifted actress and playwright Julia Mackey absorbs audiences in her amazing transformations, seamlessly shifting between four distinct characters including a cantankerous – though warm-hearted – veteran and a precocious 10-year-old French girl. Jake’s Gift is emotionally restrained, yet heartfelt – a profoundly moving hour of must-see theatre.

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.  BPAC

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. BPAC

            Scarlett Deva Antaloczy - Come and a Valentine's concert filled with love songs that touch and inspire in a warm and intimate setting with tables and delicious desserts. Great familiar and original music in a variety of styles and languages. BPAC

16         Abba and the BeeGees - Recreation of ABBA and BEEGEES in Concert back by popular demand.  BPAC.

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. BPAC

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. BPAC 

24         Burlington’s Women’s Show Ticket includes complimentary food and drink samples, fashion, beauty, fitness and fun. Event highlights include: Nicole Manek, from Slice Channel’s Make Me Over, Make Me Under, as our fashion show host and a health seminar hosted by Leigh Ann de Jonge. BPAC

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. BPAC

March

1          Symphony on the Bay - A. Gilliland: Dreaming of the Masters I: A Jazz Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra (2003), with James Campbell (clarinet) F. Schubert: Symphony #8 in B minor, D.759, "Unfinished" W.A. Mozart: Concerto for Clarinet in A major, K.622, with James Campbell (clarinet)

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

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. BPAC

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. BPAC

17         Georgy Tchaidze -Calgary's prestigious Honens International Piano Competition is among the world’s most respected events of its kind and once every three years it discovers and launches a star. Georgy Tchaidze, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, was the First Laureate in 2009. He has since performed for the Governor General of Canada and made his stunning debut recording on the Honens label while in residence at The Banff Centre. Don’t miss this bright, young, talent. BPAC

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. BPAC

            Miss Representation - Halton Women’s Place ’s screening of the 2011 documentary, Miss Representation, which examines the media’s portrayal of women and how it leads to a lack of female representation in position of power. BPAC

April

12-13, 18-20, 25-27

Tuesdays with Morrie - An ever so human story of a young journalist's love and respect for an old and dying man. Accidentally catching a TV interview with erstwhile teacher and mentor, Morrie Schwartz, Mitch learns the man is battling Lou Gehrig's disease, and decides to reconnect with him after sixteen years. A simple visit becomes a weekly pilgrimage each Tuesday that gradually evolves into disarming lessons in the meaning, the wit, the survival, of life. Burlington Theatre

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. BPAC

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. Jasper Wood and Daniel Bolshoy, two leading Canadian performers, formed as a result of a great demand for a refreshing and passionate chamber ensemble. BPAC

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. BPAC

24        Good Lovelies - Funny and upbeat with just a pinch of sass, the Good Lovelies’ textbook three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping and witty on-stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape. The Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award winning band is comprised of Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore. BPAC

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. BPAC

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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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