Take a Sentimental Christmas Journey with Jim Witter

Celebrate Musical Christmas Memories at Horizon Stage on December 19 & 20

If there’s one thing that audiences at Horizon Stage know about Jim Witter it’s that he puts on an incredible performance. They loved his tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel, The Piano Men, in 2013 and they flocked to see his Simon and Garfunkel, and Lennon and McCartney shows, Feelin’ Groovy and The Long and Winding Road, last March. Now Jim is returning to Spruce Grove for not one night but two and he’s bringing the joy and nostalgia of Christmas with him. Christmas Memories - Starring Jim Witter is guaranteed to make the magic of the holidays come alive at Horizon Stage on Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20. 

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of December and let Jim Witter and his marvelous band take you back in time to Christmases past. Christmas Memories is about the feelings of eager anticipation and pure delight. It's about that special time of year when sparkling decorations, the laughter of children, and the first notes of "Charlie Brown Christmas" hold the promise that maybe Santa does exist. Experience the magic of the season as you relax and enjoy a heart-warming array of favorite Christmas tunes, including "Winter Wonderland", "Let There Be Peace on Earth", "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", and many more—all enhanced by an array of nostalgic holiday-inspired projections.

Whether it’s through country music, contemporary Christian music, or the repertoire of his musical heroes, Jim Witter’s versatility as an artist has allowed him the opportunity to reach out and share his endearing personality with audiences of all ages across Canada and the United States. Jim’s own music and songwriting have earned him multiple awards and nominations from the Canadian Country Music Association, the Junos, and the Dove Awards in Nashville, where his album “Forgiveness” was nominated for Inspirational Album of the Year in 2004. But it’s his multi-media musical tribute shows, The Piano Men, Feelin’ Groovy, and The Long and Winding Road, that have been his recent big hits; receiving rave reviews from music critics across North America, allowing him to perform with symphony orchestras, and taking him overseas to England, Scotland, Holland, and even Dubai!

With Christmas Memories Jim Witter has fashioned yet another masterful trip back into not just time—but into one's heart.  Let him take you on a sentimental journey that will leave you filled with holiday spirit, hope, and happiness at Horizon Stage on December 19 or 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $40 for adults, and $35 for students and seniors. Purchase yours in-person at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, or online at www.horizonstage.com.

This performance is proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro. 

Have a Blues-y, Rock-y, and Toe-Tap-y Christmas

Celebrate the Holidays with Big Hank and a Fist Full of Blues at Horizon Stage on December 13

Big Hank is known for his powerful voice, and when he’s joined on stage by his band, A Fist Full of Blues, additional horn players and vocalists, these seasoned musicians create an exceptional music experience.  Together, they slip into the blues and R&B as easy as you please – adding an edgy, special sound that makes them so much more than your average blues band. Whether performing with gut wrenching drive, or gently caressing a moment of musical tenderness, they promise to make audience members feel both the fun, and the magic, of the holidays on Saturday, December 13 at Horizon Stage.

Big Hank and four of his fellow band members grew up together in Stettler in the 60s and 70s. These life-long friends all performed with the legendary Edmonton band Tacoy Ryde at some point, or another. They decided to form A Fist Full of Blues in Edmonton in 2008 so that they could write, record, and play their own original songs. They then went on to record two CDs of all original material, perform across Western Canada and at some major festivals, and had the number 12 most played blues song on Galaxie/Sting Ray Music’s blues station in 2012.

Performing at Horizon Stage will be the six core members of A Fist Full of Blues: Hank Leonhardt (vocals), Duane Smith (bass), Barrie Nighswander (guitar), Ken Kirkwood (guitar), Bill Hobson (drums), and Dennis Meneely (keyboards). They will be also joined by special guests Rita McDade (vocals), Dave Herrick (trumpet) and Claude Godin (sax). This combination of exceptional musicians, and Big Hank's incredible voice, is going to have everyone grooving in their seats from the get-go.

December 13^th’s concert is a tribute to fabulous blues-y Christmas tunes from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. The song-list will include a good mix of swing, jazz and blues. “We worked real hard to put together this special tribute to the blues songs of Christmas and it is as much fun for us playing the tunes as it is for the audience who is listening to them.” says Hank Leonhardt.

Choose the blues and keep it live with Big Hank and A Fist Full of Blues Christmas, at Horizon Stage on Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors. Purchase yours in-person at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, or online at www.horizonstage.com.

This performance is proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro. 

A Musical Game Show Twist on a Classic Fairy Tale

Alberta Opera Brings Their New Adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin to Spruce Grove on November 15

Things are not always what they seem in this thrilling new musical adventure! The Miller family lives an ideal life complete with a beautiful house, a white picket fence, and an adorable baby. But when an impossible situation threatens to change their lives forever, a mysterious figure emerges with an opportunity to turn their fortunes around. Is this mystery man the solution to their problem, or will he just make everything worse? Straight off a successful run at Fringe Theatre Adventures, don’t miss Alberta Opera Touring Association’s Rumpelstiltskin, at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m.

When Mr. Miller loses his job Mr. King from the bank of Listl & Prustemink threatens to take away everything that the Millers hold dear, including their newborn son. But the mystifying Skip Goldman and his “Spin to Win” game show offer the family fabulous prizes and, most importantly, hope. All they have to do is relinquish items that they value in order to be allowed to play. Will the odds work in their favour? Will they win enough money to make their problems disappear or will they lose it all? Are those actual dancing cereal boxes? Who IS Skip Goldman and what is his real name?

Written by Alberta Opera’s Artistic Directors, Farren Timoteo and Jeff Unger, this fun, flashy, musical adaptation of The Brothers Grimm’s 1812 fairy tale is full of catchy radio jingles and television commercials.  As the second show in Horizon Stage’s 2014/2015 Family Matinee Series it promises to be a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience for audience members of all ages. Come early for free preshow crafts and activities in the theatre lobby starting at 1 p.m.

Founded in 1984, Alberta Opera was created with a mandate to perform traditional opera for children around the province. Now in its 31st season, the Sterling-Award winning company continues to present high-quality, original, live musical theatre for young audiences and promote an understanding and appreciation of classic literature. Their celebrated musical theatre adaptations of fairy tales tour to hundreds of schools and theatres across our province every year. Famous for incorporating local students into their high-energy presentations, this production at Horizon Stage will be no exception as 8 – 16 young volunteers will be working as junior cast and crew on November 15.

Tickets to see Rumpelstiltskin at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. are $20 for adults, and $16 for children and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be bought online at www.horizonstage.com by clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link. This performance is recommended for audience members aged 4 and up. 

This performance is proudly sponsored by The Horizon Stagelighters, Ticketpro.ca, Travelodge Inn & Suites, Canadian Heritage, and The Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Bring Your Dancing Shoes to Horizon Stage and Get Ready to Rock!

Don’t Miss The Classics’ Farewell Performance in Spruce Grove on November 8

One of Edmonton’s most popular rock ’n roll and rhythm and blues cover bands is calling it quits – but they’re not going out without one last “Hurrah”. After over 20 years of playing together, in two incarnations, at venues such as Blatchford Field Air Hangar at Fort Edmonton, City Hall Plaza in St. Albert, the band-shell in Hawrelak Park, and in Winston Churchill Square during "A Taste of Edmonton", The Classics will perform for the final time at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove on Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m.

As one of Canada's largest rock and roll/rhythm and blues bands, The Classics performed as The Nomads from 1989-2006, after resurrecting the 1964-1968  Edmonton-based band of the same name. They kept a busy schedule performing at clubs, private parties, casinos, corporate functions, soft seat theatres and even a few locations that weren’t typical concert venues. They appeared on stage at The Winspear with over fifty members of The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for two sold-out nights of Rhythm and Blues, and a few months later they sold-out a performance in the Jack Singer Concert Hall with The Calgary Philharmonic. After changing their name to The Classics the group continued to enjoy a large amount of local success.

The Classics are: Bill Jamieson (tenor sax/vocals), Joseph Larmand (drums/vocals), Percy Marshall (guitar/vocals), Al McGee (alto sax/vocals), Robin Taylor (baritone sax/vocals), Les Vincent (bass/vocals), Al Wilson (piano/organ/vocals) and Bob Tildesley (trumpet/vocals). Prior to getting together, individual band members honed their talents in other well-known Edmonton groups including Any Wonder, Back Street Players, Better Days, Big Shot, The Brinkman Brothers, Cold Feet, Colored Rain, Countdown, The Embers, Fatback, Hidden Agenda, Hub Cigar Store, The Knights, The Lords, The Morning After, The Ookpiks, The Original Caste, Privilege, The Satellites, The Saratogas, Sea Breeze, The Sons of Adam, The Tommy Banks Orchestra, and the Trocadero Big Band.  

Today, the fire is still there and the musicianship has only continued to get better. The material these gentlemen play is rock and roll and rhythm and blues, and they make the energy roll off today’s stages just like it did in the clubs, school gymnasiums and beach halls when rock and roll was new. As a soft-seat venue, Horizon Stage doesn’t usually include a dance floor. But, for this special event, the theatre will be removing the first row of seats and encouraging audience members to get up and dance. And who can resist grooving and shaking to any of the classic songs on The Classics playlist? It’s going to be a great good-bye party!

Members of The Classics last performed at Horizon Stage, as The Nomads, almost exactly 16 years ago on October 30, 1999. Don’t miss their farewell concert at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors and they are selling quickly! Purchase yours in-person at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, or online at www.horizonstage.com.

This performance is proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro. 

Two Pianos, Four Hands, 20 Fingers, 176 Keys = A Unique Concert

Acclaimed Bergmann Piano Duo perform at Horizon Stage on November 7

Internationally renowned pianists, the Bergmann Piano Duo, are bringing their “razzle-dazzle”, “electrifyingly rendered”, classical concert to Horizon Stage on Friday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. Promising to be a performance unlike any you have previously experienced, Elizabeth and Marcel
Bergmann will perform on matching grand pianos provided by Michael Lipnicki Fine Pianos of Calgary. Their Spruce Grove concert is part of an Alberta tour that also includes performances in Medicine Hat, Brooks, Bragg Creek, Red Deer, Leduc, Grande Prairie, Slave Lake, Athabasca, and Ft. McMurray.

“We have taken a page out of 20th century musical history” stated the artists in a pre-tour interview. “In the 50s and 60s the concert landscape was full of duo-piano teams on tour with their own pianos in tow.   We are simply trying to re-establish an old tradition that will be as successful today as it was in the past century.” The Bergmann Piano Duo have touched and inspired audiences with their uniquely eclectic programmes for more than two decades. Always adventurous, they combine virtuosic dedication with the instincts of professional entertainers who love their music.

As international prize winners, including the Dranoff International Two Piano Competition and Provincia di Caltanissetta International Chamber Music Competition, the couple has performed in recitals, and with orchestras, across North America and Europe including recent appearances at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Salkind Duo Piano Festival, San Francisco and Munich.  They have several recordings to their credit and have been frequently featured on CBC broadcasts.

Acclaimed as “one of the brightest stars in the elite world of piano duos”, the Bergmann’s recitals draw from an extensive repertoire ranging from the baroque to the contemporary. They incorporate numerous arrangements and original compositions by Marcel Bergmann who writes in a “uniquely original voice that straddles the best of the classical and jazz worlds.” Their Spruce Grove concert will include works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Astor Piazzolla, Egberto Gismonti, Leonard Bernstein, and 80s rock band Toto.

Tickets to see the Bergmann Piano Duo at Horizon Stage on Friday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. are $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be bought online at horizonstage.com by clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.  

This performance is proudly sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, CKUA, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro. 

Edmonton’s Favourite Improvisers Head to the Suburbs

Rapid Fire Theatre brings their Blazing Improv! to Horizon Stage on November 1

As Edmonton’s premier improvisational comedy troupe, Rapid Fire Theatre has been making audiences of all ages laugh for 33 years. Now they’re taking the laughter on the road and heading just 20 minutes west to Horizon Stage for a one-hour improvised comedy performance that is perfect for tweens, teens, and anyone over the age of 10 with a funny bone. No improvised show is ever the same so if you like to laugh, and laugh, and laugh some more, don’t miss Blazing Improv! on Saturday, November 1, at 4 p.m.

Rapid Fire Theatre produces improvised theatre in a variety of formats including their weekly shows at the Citadel Theatre: Theatresports and Chimprov, the annual international comedy festival: Improvaganza, and their long-form improv festival: BONFIRE, and The Wildfire Festival for junior high and high school students. Rapid Fire Theatre has received several awards, including a special Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for excellence in theatre. It is a company with vision, determination, skill and ambition tirelessly working to enhance the world of improvisation in Edmonton’s vibrant theatre community.

Blazing Improv!  is the perfect show for young people who have outgrown, or will soon outgrow, Horizon Stage’s Family Matinee series. The theatre has always done a great job of entertaining little kids but the 10 – 17 crowd sometimes drops off the radar. And that’s why Horizon Stage is presenting Rapid Fire Theatre. Comedy is cross-generational. It is a safe place for even the grumpiest 13 year-olds to let loose. Rapid Fire’s improvisers will make sure that anyone age 10 and up gets their level of humour. And that means Mom and Dad, or Grandma and Grandpa, can cajole their pre-teen or teenager into spending a late afternoon with them and maybe even take them for pizza after.

But adults without kids are still 100% welcome to attend as they too will enjoy the fresh, funny, and fully-improvised games and scenes. The only thing that everyone, regardless of their age, needs to know is that they’re going to chuckle, chortle, giggle, and snort. A lot. And they’re going to be asked to yell out stuff. A lot.  So come ready to shout out your favourite colour, breakfast cereal, room of the house, movie genre, or any other crazy suggestion that the actors request. Come with an open mind, a loud voice, and an empty bladder so that you don’t pee yourself laughing.

Tickets to see Rapid Fire Theatre’s Blazing Improv! at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 1 at 4 p.m. are $20 for adults, and $16 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be bought online at www.horizonstage.com by clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.  

Enjoy a Night of Fire, Passion, Music, and Dance at Horizon Stage

Let yourself be swept away by the sizzling romance of the Tango on Friday, October 24

Spend a spicy evening with the Romulo Larrea Tango Ensemble as they explore the pulsating world of the tango. These exceptional ambassadors of this hugely popular dance genre will leave you breathless and wanting more. Three incredible musicians, two talented dancers, and a sensual vocalist, will please and satisfy you with their stunning show TANGO: A Passion of a Lifetime, at Horizon Stage, in Spruce Grove, on Friday, October 24.

 A partner dance that originated in the 1890s in South America, the tango is popular around the world both with ballroom dancers and audiences alike. The Romulo Larrea Tango Ensemble has been performing together since 1990 and their concerts and recordings are recognized internationally. Headed by renowned bandoneon player, Romulo Larrea, the ensemble has developed a unique approach to the tango and become a benchmark for novices and aficionados alike.  Their musical interpretations and rich repertoire prolong the tradition of the original Buenos Aires tango orchestras.

Bandoneon player, composer, and ensemble musical director, Romulo Larrea is recognized as one of the leaders on the international tango scene. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he began playing the bandoneon at age ten. In the 1960s he formed his first ensemble, began composing, recorded his first album, and worked with several orchestras in Montevideo and Buenos Aires. After moving to Quebec at the end of the 1970s, Larrea founded his first tango group. Known for introducing tango to Montreal, he has toured throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America, shared the stage with many renowned francophone artists, and created multiple tango-themed shows.

A type of concertina that is similar to an accordion, the bandoneon is popular in Argentina, Uruguay, and Lithuania. It is an essential instrument in most tango ensembles from the traditional orquesta típica of the 1910s onwards. TANGO: A Passion of a Lifetime is an intimate presentation that tells the love story between the tango and the bandoneon through music, dance, bits of history, and treasured anecdotes. Romulo Larrea leads the trio of bandoneon, piano, and bass, and is joined by singer Verónica Larc and an inspired pair of tango dancers.

Tickets to see TANGO: A Passion of a Lifetime at Horizon Stage on Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. are $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be bought online at www.horizonstage.com by clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.  

“This was a wonderfully put together show that I truly enjoyed.

The dancing was passionate and skilled, and the music was phenomenal.”

 - Submitted Review on Ticketmaster Website

        

This performance is proudly sponsored by Ticketpro, CKUA, Travelodge Inn & Suites, Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ).                                                             

A Funny, Smart, Engaging, and Multi-Dimensional Night of Comedy

Comedian Roman Danylo performing at Horizon Stage on Friday, October 3

Canadian comedian Roman Danylo has appeared in many television shows and movies and starred for five seasons in his own show on CTV, Comedy Inc. Now he’s “Roman around the country” doing a live comedy show that combines sketch, stand-up, and improvisation - and he’s making a stop at Horizon Stage, in Spruce Grove, on Friday, October 3.

Roman Danylo was born and in Calgary. His rise to fame began there in the late 1980s, when he worked for several local comedy clubs including The Loose Moose Theatre and Theatre Calgary. With a youthful optimism and naiveté, he moved to Vancouver in 1992. He starred in the UPN series Off Limits, was featured on NBC’s Late Friday, and appeared in the feature films Duets with Gwenyth Paltrow, and Happy Birthday with John Goodman. He also hosted a talk show pilot produced by fellow Canadian David Steinberg and acted in a stage sketch review show with Martin Short. Not always a comedian, Roman worked as a dramatic actor in television shows like Jeremiah, Outer Limits, and Sliders.

Roman has made appearances in several series Canadian TV series , including CBC’s Comics, These Arms of Mine, Made in Canada with Rick Mercer, the Just for Laughs Improv Championships, Slightly Bent, and Corner Gas. He won a Leo Award in 2004 for excellence in British Columbia film and television for his performance in CBC’s Western Alienation Comedy Hour. That same year, he was nominated for a Gemini for his work on Comedy Inc.

Roman is one of only a handful of comedians to perform in the prestigious HBO Comedy Festival in Aspen, and Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival in the same year. His stage show, Roman Danylo Live, is a sometimes light-hearted, sometimes edgy take on everything from love, to war, to snacks at the mall food court. A blend of comedy genres, the show includes high energy observational stand-up and the incorporating of audience members into interactive sketches.

Joining Roman for the improvised second half of the show in Spruce Grove show will be Edmonton comedian and actor, Neil Grahn.  An original member of Edmonton comedy super troupe Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie, Neil keeps in touch with his comedy roots by being the head writer for, and performing on, CBC Radio’s The Irrelevant Show.

Tickets to see Roman Danylo Live, with special guest Neil Grahn, at Horizon Stage on Friday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m. are $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be bought online at www.horizonstage.com by clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.  Once you see this show, you may never need to watch comedy again! 

"Danylo belongs with the country's best. He can do anything: clever observational stuff, impressions, physical bits and even improv. His comic comparisons are without equal." - NOW Magazine

"Roman Danylo's show is very funny, very smart, and engagingly performed... The improv at the end is among the best I've seen... He's a comic gem." - CBC 24hrs

"Five Stars...You can't help but laugh...Roman Danylo is a quick wit!" - The Winnipeg Free Press

This performance is proudly sponsored by Travelodge Inn & Suites, Canadian Heritage, and The Alberta Foundation for the Arts.                                                                 

Discover a Delightful Country and Folk Music Trio

See the Travelling Mabels perform at Horizon Stage on Saturday, September 27

 Celebrate Alberta Culture Days in Spruce Grove with the Alberta Country Music Association’s 2011 Group of the Year. The Travelling Mabels are a folk/country trio full of spirit, spunk, and laughter. With music that is true to Alberta, and true to the prairies, the Mabels’ harmony, humour, and musical professionalism draw crowds into their world, touching hearts wherever they perform. These three amazing ladies, Eva Levesque, Lana Floen, and Suzanne Levesque, are each able to vocally stand alone, but the moment you hear their harmonies blending at Horizon Stage on Saturday, September 27, you’ll know exactly why they perform together.

Collectively, the Mabels represent three generations of women, each of whom brings a wealth of musical and life experience to the stage. And it’s that diversity that creates a dynamic energy in their music and rapport with audiences. With influences that range from Dolly Parton to Sheryl Crow, and The Eagles to Bob Dylan, the Travelling Mabels’ comedic but heart-felt take on life means they easily satisfy a wide range of audience expectations and tastes whenever they perform.

Eva Levesque is a free spirit and her wit and charm entertain audiences of all ages. Eva started performing professionally in 1990 and formed the Levesque family band in 1991 - a group who had a huge following during their 14 year run. Her first solo album was released in 1999 and consisted of all self-penned original songs. 

Lana Floen began her professional music career at the age of 26 as part of Kickstart, a top notch band that has been active in the corporate and country music scenes for over years 15. Lana has had the pleasure of performing with, and opening for, some of Canada’s finest artists including Ian Tyson, Tom Jackson, and Jason McCoy. In 1998 Lana won a “Sing with Shania” contest that put her on stage singing lead for one of Shania’s hits to a sold out crowd of twenty thousand at Calgary’s Saddledome while Shania herself provided backup vocals.

Suzanne Levesque started performing with her mother, Eva, and the Levesque family band at age 12. It was there that she found her great voice and developed her own style on bass guitar. It didn’t take long for audiences to realize Suzanne had superstar qualities and, after touring extensively with bands throughout Western Canada, she was offered a full-time position with Canadian country recording artist Gord Bamford.

Joining the ladies on stage is Keith Floen, their band leader, keyboard player, and Lana’s husband. Nominated for CCMA Keyboard Player of the Year in 2012, Keith provides a musical backbone for the group. He also produced, and co-engineered, both the Travelling Mabels’ CDs. A professional musician for over 30 years, Keith has had the pleasure of working with many great artists including Johnny Reid, Shania Twain, Charlie Major, Jim Cuddy, Susan Aglukark, Ian Tyson, Tom Jackson, Patricia Conroy, and Horizon Stage’s season opener- Lisa Brokop.

Tickets to see The Travelling Mabels at Horizon Stage on Saturday, September 27 are $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors. Concert start time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be bought online at Ticketpro.ca. 

      

This concert is proudly sponsored by CFCW, Travelodge Inn & Suites, Canadian Heritage, and The Alberta Foundation for the Arts.                                                                         

Country Music Star Lisa Brokop Opens Horizon Stage’s 2014/2015 Season

Five Time Canadian Country Music Award-Winner to perform on Friday, September 5

As an exciting last minute addition to Horizon Stage’s calendar, Lisa Brokop's  concert on Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. doesn't appear in our new season brochure. But who could say no to the opportunity to present Lisa Brokop?

In a day and age when many artists barely flicker for a moment before fading out of the spotlight, Lisa Brokop is set to celebrate 25 remarkable years of singing, songwriting, and performing professionally. Born in 1973, Lisa’s love affair with performing began when she very young. Even as a baby, it was clear to her family that she was special—she was singing before she could talk! Growing up in suburban Vancouver, she joined her musical mother and brother on stage to perform everything from polkas to Kenny Rogers’ classics when she was 7. By age 12 Lisa was sitting in with other Vancouver bands, then went professional at age 15 and joined a touring band. A year later she began her solo career, releasing “Daddy Sing To Me”, the first of a string of successful singles from her independent debut album My Love in 1991.

At the age of 19, Lisa landed the lead female role in the feature film Harmony Cats. The movie, in which she played a country singer who leaves home in search of a big break in Nashville, proved to be prophetic. Shortly after filming wrapped, and on the strength of her very first Nashville showcase, she was signed to Capitol Records.

Lisa released three more albums in the 1990s, toured, and had a string of hits including “Give Me a Ring Sometime”, “Take That”, “How Do I Let Go”, and “Better off Broken”. The release of her Canadian independent  album, Undeniable, in 2000, earned her a series of CCMA Awards, including two for Independent Song of the Year, and three consecutive wins for Independent Female Artist of the Year.  Lisa released albums in 2005 and 2008 and married fellow country artist Paul Jefferson in May of 2008. The couple began performing and recording together as The Jeffersons.

Lisa has charted over 20 singles in Canada and the United States. Her songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire, Terri Clark and Pam Tillis. Now, as she prepares to release her eighth solo album Lisa is able to reflect with a perspective that brings a smile to her face. Her musical journey has included twists and turns and ups and downs – but it’s been a great ride… and it’s far from over!

Tickets to see Lisa Brokop at Horizon Stage on Friday, September 5 are $40 for adults, and $35 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be bought online at www.horizonstage.com by clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.  

Horizon Stage 2014-2015 Season

Lisa Brokop – September 5

The Travelling Mabels – September 27

Roman Danylo Live –October 3

Checkerboard Guy – October 4

TANGO: A Passion of a Lifetime – October 24

Lunch at Allen's – October 25

Rapid Fire Theatre: Blazing Improv! – November 1

Bergmann Piano Duo – November 7

The Classics – November 8

Alberta Opera Touring Association: Rumpelstiltskin – November 15

Bridget Ryan: Here's to the Ladies Who Laugh – November 22

Horizon Players: Doctor Dolittle, Jr. - November 26, 27, 28, & 29

Big Hank and a Fist Full of Blues Christmas – December 13

Christmas Memories – Starring Jim Witter - December 19 & 20

Cod Gone Wild – January 16

Tom Allen’s Debussy vs Ravel: The Judgment of Paris – January 23

Mary Lambert's Pajama Party – January 26

Day Tripper: The Beatles Experience – January 29 & 30

The Emeralds – February 5

Sarah Hagen: The Music of Brahms - Love in Every Bite – February 6

Kellylee Evans – February 7

Jimmy Rankin – February 8

Never Let The Crew See You Cry – February 13

John Wort Hannam – February 28

The Troubadours – March 7

Garth Prince – March 14

Rebecca Caine: Leading Ladies – March 29

George Fox – April 10 & 11

Cousin Harley – April 12

Horizon Players: Anne of Green Gables, The Musical - April 30, May 1,2,3,7,8, & 9

Don't Miss A Hillarious Family Matinee Performance by Norman Foote

Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m.

Combining puppetry, comedy, and music into a complete entertainment package, Norman Foote summons laughter from audience members of all ages. Bringing to the stage a mix of original, Juno Award-winning children’s songs and old favourites with hilarious new interpretations, both kids and adults alike will appreciate his lighthearted antics. The winner of four Parents Choice Awards, Norman has written and recorded songs for Disney Records, Shari Lewis and, most recently, for the live musical versions of Max & Ruby and Toopy & Binoo. Get ready to shake a leg, snap your fingers, and clap your hands because Norman gets kids a-movin’ and a-groovin’!

What makes Norman so great is his ability to find subject matter that challenges and engages his audience. He puts his theatrical and comedic talents to use as he weaves stories and paints musical imagery that audiences respond to immediately. His hilarious adaptation of nursery rhymes sung by rock stars is a routine that defines his talent for creating material that can bridge the generation gap. He calls this a “twist on tradition". His claim to fame are his props with an attitude. Simple by nature, fascinating by delivery. These characters enter the stage as inanimate objects and with the element of surprise and improvisation come to life, never failing to bring the house down with laughter and applause.

Also joining Norman on-stage on March 15 will be 48 members of the Brookwood School Choir. These talented young singers are looking forward to performing for their friends, families, and community. 

Tickets: $20 Adults, $16 Children & Seniors
Babes in Arms (under age 2) FREE if sitting on an adult’s lap.

Tickets available by phone at 780-962-8995 OR 1-888-655-9090, in person at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave.) and online at horizonstage.ticketpro.ca

SPIN celebrates the Bicycle as a muse, a musical instrument, and an agent of social change.

Innovative artist Evalyn Parry takes her audience on an uncommon theatrical and musical journey in SPIN, her tour-de-force performance celebrating the Bicycle as muse, musical instrument, and agent of social change. Inspired in part, by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry – the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1894 - Parry spins a web of stories which travel from 19th century women’s emancipation to 21st century consumer culture, peeling back layers of history to ultimately reveal a profoundly contemporary and personal heart to her theme of liberation. Theatre, music, and poetry lovers alike will enjoy Evalyn Parry’s performance in SPIN when she makes a stop at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove on Sunday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m.

In SPIN, 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. This brilliant and ground-breaking production was originally developed and presented by Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto in 2011. It has since been presented at numerous theatres and festivals across Canada and in the U.S.

While SPIN recounts the story of several 19th century adventurers and women’s rights activists, for whom the bike provided a truly revolutionary form of emancipation, it’s easy today to take our many rights and freedoms for granted, and to forget the hard-won battles fought by courageous pioneers who helped pave the (still unfinished) road toward true equality.  Inspired by the many histories / ‘herstories’ and metaphors contained in bicycles, SPIN is ultimately about more than just the love of bikes: it’s about the pursuit of freedom, and how every act of resistance, however complex, plays a role in our evolution as a human race, moving us further down the road.

Evalyn Parry is an award-winning theatre creator, songwriter, and spoken-word poet based in Toronto. Inspired by a powerful vision of social activism, Parry’s solo and collaborative performances have taken her to music, storytelling, poetry and theatre festivals from coast to coast of North America. Her witty, personal and highly original creations have been widely produced, broadcast, commissioned, and anthologized, and she has released four critically acclaimed CDs. Accompanying herself on guitar, water bottle, shruti box and loop pedals, she shoots from the hip and aims for the heart. Fierce, funny, poignant and provocative, Evalyn Parry takes her unique perspective on the world and transforms it into art that spans genres, genders, and generations.

Part theatre, part musical gig, part spoken-word poetry, and part documentary, don’t miss Evalyn Parry’s SPIN, Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Sunday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be purchased online through Ticketpro.
 
“…a welcome breath of fresh air….SPIN makes something beautiful out of taking your life into your own hands“ - Globe & Mail

“The depth Parry gives to the concept of the bicycle through her script is quite staggering…an ingenious mixture of songs, monologues, video projection, and modern technology.” - Torontoist

This performance is proudly sponsored by CKUA, Servus Credit Union, Seal & Bedard Accountants, Travelodge Inn & Suites, The Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The Horizon Stagelighters, and Ticketpro.
                   

2013/2014 Patron Appreciation Performance Announced

2013/14 has so far been a wonderful season here at Horizon Stage. We’ve had some fantastic performances, and with them come great audiences. We are always happy to host you in our “house” and want to say thank you for your support of live performance in our community.

To do so, we are offering a special Patron Appreciation performance on Friday, May 9. Teresa Walters is hailed as "The International First Lady of Piano," and "one of the world's most significant pianists." Noted for her commitment to music as the ultimate universal language, Teresa shares enlightening information about each piece before she performs it. Her current concert presentation, Cameos of Great Composers and Well-Loved Melodies, includes selections by Beethoven, Chopin, Robert and Clara Schumann, Liszt, and Gershwin.

If you have purchased tickets to any 2013/14 Horizon Stage season performance, you may claim up to TWO complimentary tickets (while they last) to the May 9 piano recital. Please call 780-962-8995 or visit the City Hall Ticket Centre. If you require more tickets, or if you are not a 2013/14 season ticket buyer, they are available to purchase for just $15, all ages.

We know that there are not enough seats in our venue for ALL our 2013/14 patrons in one show, so we encourage you to claim your tickets early. And, if you discover later that you are unable to attend, please contact us so we may pass your tickets on to another music-lover.

Thank you from the staff at Horizon Stage!.

Enjoy Beautiful Classical Music in a Relaxed and Informal Setting

Pianist Sarah Hagen Performs at Horizon Stage on January 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Do you take pleasure in classical music but find it hard to enjoy in a concert setting? An Up Close and Personal recital by pianist Sarah Hagen may be just what you are looking for. While being treated to a musical feast for the ears, Sarah’s audience members also gain insight into the pianist's perspective and are encouraged to join the discussion. Sarah promotes an informal ambiance at her concerts, providing opportunities for listeners to ask questions, voice opinions, or just sit back and enjoy the magnificent music while sipping a warm beverage. For something different on a winter morning, join Sarah Hagen at Horizon Stage on Thursday, January 30. Tea, coffee, and goodies will be served at 9:45 a.m. and the concert will start at 10:30.

Sarah will focus her Horizon Stage recital on the romantic music, and story of Robert and Clara Schumann. Theirs is a tale of incredible talent and star-crossed love, infinite joy and devastating sadness, wrapped in beautiful music. Robert Schumann (1810 –1856) is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. He left the study of law to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist but focused his musical energies on composing after a hand injury.  Clara Schumann (1819 – 1896), also a talented composer, is considered to have been one of the most distinguished and influential pianists of the 19th century.  When her parents disapproved of their relationship, and forbade their marriage, they gained permission to marry through the German court system. They eventually had seven children together and a loving but rocky marriage. Robert’s growing mental instability led to a suicide attempt, incarceration, and death in an asylum. Over a 61-year concert career Clara is credited with changing the format and repertoire of the piano recital and the tastes of the listening public. A tireless crusader for her husband’s music she was a strong matriarch who supported her family both financially and emotionally, though many hardships.

Sarah’s own star is steadily rising on the Canadian music scene. With expressive technique, an engaging personality, and startling fresh concepts, she is equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra or in an intimate concert setting. Her solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards. As First Prize Winner in the 2013 Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, Sarah performed solo at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in May 2013. Since moving to an artist loft in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods in 2011 she has become deeply involved with intricate projects inspired by urban vitality and is motivated by the belief that music has the power to be a window into our souls, regardless of age or knowledge.


Enjoy tea, goodies, and a beautiful morning performance by Sarah Hagen, at Horizon Stage on Thursday, January 30. For an even more Up Close and Personal concert experience, seating will be general admission and a limited number of seats will be available at tables on the stage, right next to Sarah and the grand piano. Tickets are just $25 and may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be purchased online through Ticketpro. 

CONCERT RESCHEDULED: Hotel California

Weather. Is there anything more Canadian than talking about the weather? We don’t think so.
Unfortunately, due to the weather in Toronto and all the flight cancellations, Hotel California's concert on Thursday, January 9 has been canceled. The band has expressed their deep regret, but they have been up all night trying to find a way to get here, with no luck.

Fortunately, we have been able to reschedule their performance. The new date is Sunday, February 23 at 1 p.m.

If you have tickets, they will be honoured on the new date. If you are unable to attend the new show, please contact the City Hall Ticket Centre at 780-962-8995 for options. Refunds will be offered until Friday, January 17. Exchanges or gift certificates will be offered after that date.

Thank you for your understanding. And suddenly, our weather doesn’t look so bad, does it? It’s all about perspective.

Enjoy Fun, Family Friendly, Comedy with a Powerful Beat

BAM! Percussion Performs at Horizon Stage on January 25 at 4 p.m.

Th d ynamic, comedic percussion trio BAM! Percussion formed in Quebec in 1999 and they have since performed at hundreds of festivals, including Montreal’s Just for Laughs, and theaters, across Canada and around the world. Their high energy blend of physical comedy and intense rhythm is equally enjoyed by audience members of all ages and nationalities. BAM! use their child-like clown personas, gibberish, drumming, and audience interaction to create a performance experience like no other. Described as a cross between taiko drummers and a three-ring circus, current troupe members Jean-Sébastien Dallaire, Denis Richard Jr., and Krystina Marcoux are looking forward to their performance in Spruce Grove on Saturday, January 25.

Calling themselves ‘drumstick meets slapstick’, BAM! Percussion is about seizing your inner child and refusing to let go, no matter how much he kicks or screams. Tickets to their 4 p.m. Family Matinee performance (note special start time) at Horizon Stage are $20 for adults and $16 for children and seniors. Free pre-show crafts and activities for the kids will run in the theatre lobby starting at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Ticketpro.ca.  Whether you’re bringing actual children to see BAM! Percussion, or just wanting to entertain your own inner child for an hour, you won’t be disappointed!

Purchase: BAM! Percussion Ticket Online

Watch: Exerpts from BAM! Percission's Show

CONCERT CANCELLATION - Joe Sealy on February 8th

Due to unforseen circumstances Joe Sealy's entire Africville Stories tour has been cancelled, regretfully, by the promoter and the artist.  The reasons are not health related.
If you have purchased tickets to Mr Sealy's concert at Horizon Stage on Satuday, February 8, please contact the City Hall Ticket Centre at 780-962-8995 regarding ticket refunds and exchnages.