Dynamite, Soul Shaking, and Passionate Blues and Roots Music

The Kirby Sewell Band Will Rock Horizon Stage on Friday, November 20

Kirby Sewell was born to sing.  The big Blues shouter, who stands 6 foot 6, belts out his tunes like the great gospel soul singers of the past. Called “dynamic”, “soul shaking”, and a “whiskey gargled power-crooner”, he commands the stage, shares nuances from his own life, and gives an unforgettable performance. Hailing from Calgary, and recently enjoyed by enthusiastic audiences at the Beaumont Blues Festival last summer, Kirby Sewell Band are heading back to the Edmonton area for a concert at Horizon Stage on Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Reaching out with modern interpretations, Kirby Sewell Band’s R & B arrangements are amped up and invigorating.  Their songs, “Devil’s in the Details” and “Till the River Starts to Overflow”, both charted at number one on Canada’s Roots Music Report, and their music is played regularly on SiriusXM, CBC and the CKUA and Galaxy networks. Touring steadily since the release of their CD Girl With a New Tattoo in 2014, they recently received two 2015 Maple Blues Award nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist or Group of the Year.

Bandmates Neil Gunhold (producer/guitarist), Morgan Turk (lead guitar), Jim Johnston (drums) and Jae Cho (bass) have cooked up a genre bending, sonic union, colored by  rock, country, and blues overtones that dynamically underpin Sewell’s deeply textured, powerhouse lead vocals. Their melodic heart-pulling stories come from the depths of old souls who have obviously spent personal time living the Blues.

It is this true-Blues magic, and the band’s zealous live concerts, that have been their ticket to perform at major events across North America including the San Jose Jazz Festival, Ontario’s Blues and Jazz Festival, and the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. While on the road they have shared stages with Colin James, Trombone Shorty, Burton Cummings, Coco Montoya, Blue Rodeo, the Downchild Blues Band, Edgar Winter and Savoy Brown.

Join fellow music lovers for an electrifying Canadian Blues Rock experience. Spend an evening with the Kirby Sewell Band at Horizon Stage on Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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, and online through Ticketpro.ca.

“Sewell’s powerful vocals and unflinching front man presence are magic

as he belts the songs out like an R&B bat out of hell.”

Mike Bell - Calgary Herald

Energetic and Exhilarating Gypsy Jazz Will Invigorate Spruce Grove’s Music Scene

Horizon Stage Presents Christine Tassan et les Imposteures on Saturday, November 14

Christine Tassan et les Imposteures play everything from standard gypsy jazz favourites to original compositions. Pioneers in a genre dominated by men, this all-female quartet reinvents timeless music by integrating new ideas and influences with originality and flair. Together since 2003, they have performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival Django à Liberchies in Belgium, and the famed Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-sur-Seine, France, where the legendary manouche guitarist lived. Currently on the road in Western Canada, they are looking forward to performing in Alberta’s capital region on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Horizon Stage.

Christine Tassan et les Imposteures are all extremely talented musicians who improvise together with ease and blend their voices together in perfect harmony. But Christine (lead guitar), Blanche Baillargeon (double bass), Martine Gaumond (violin), and Lise-Anne Ross (rhythm guitar) have a personal bond as well - they are, first and foremost, four friends harnessing their love of a musical genre. Their friendship shines through at their concerts as they interact between pieces and readily engage the audience, often venturing into the crowd while playing. Their shows are full of spirit, humour, and camaraderie making for a very down to earth yet uplifting musical experience.

The groups’ first two albums, De bon matin (2007) and Pas manouche, c’est louche (2010), achieved rapid critical acclaim. Only a few weeks after it was released, De bon matin went to the top of Radio-Canada’s Coup de Coeur hit list and reached number one on the Radio Couleur Jazz. In turn, Pas manouche, c’est louche was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the Québec Association for the Recording, Concert and Video Industries awards.

Their third album, C’est l’heure de l’apéro (It’s Happy Hour), released in 2012, follows in the same lively spirit. Like its predecessors it is a clever mix of original music and standards, songs and instrumentals. Brimming with a ripe confidence it clearly reveals the evolution of the group, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Christine Tassan et les Imposteures.

Enjoy a friendly, engaging, upbeat, and flavorful concert by Christine Tassan et les Imposteures at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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, and online through Tickpro.ca.

A World of Discovery, Emotion, Imagination, and Transformation

Bouge de là’s Bedtime! will expand young audience’s minds at Horizon Stage on November 7

Renowned for being highly contemporary, Montreal dance troupe Bouge de là combines movement with theatrics and multimedia effects to create memorable performances for young audiences. Their newest production, Bedtime!, is an energetic piece that centers around the concept of a child’s bed as a place for discovery, emotion, imagination, and transformation. They can be cozy places to dream or platforms for bouncing and playing on. With a transforming bed at the very center of the stage, the troupe explores four stages of childhood, from infancy to adolescence. Dream, discover, and explore with Bouge de là’s Bedtime! - the first show in Horizon Stage’s 2015/16 Family Matinee Series - on Saturday, November 7.

In tableau one, a young child grows and develops in their crib. It is a private, snug, and cozy place where the baby can push with their hands, roll over, crawl, and eventually walk upright. The child discovers their environment through touch, sound, and sight. The dancers delve into their inner-infants, explore, re-learn, and discover the world anew. 

In the second tableau, a 4-year-old is sent to her room where her anger explodes and she damages a favourite toy. After the storm she discovers how to calm her emotions and regain her equilibrium. Onstage she is surrounded by three dancers who echo her emotions and amplify her movements.

Alone in his bedroom a bored 8-year-old boy dreams of superheroes. His bed becomes his camp, a territory to be defended, and a battle ground. This surrealist tableau pays veiled tribute to comic books and the dancers act out the incredible situations imagined by the boy – being kidnapped, escaping, fighting evildoers, facing danger, and turning into a Transformer.

The teenage years are full of noise, disorder, change, contradiction, and rebellion against the established order. The bed becomes a place for jumping, pillow fights and partying until it’s time to leave childhood and the family home behind. The dance in this tableau is more rock ‘n roll. The structure of the bed unfolds and is dismantled, becoming a percussion instrument and a ladder leading to the adult world.

Eagerly drawing upon a variety of artistic disciplines - including dance, theater, multimedia, visual art, children’s literature, and shadow theatre - choreographer and artistic director Hélène Langevin has created a multidisciplinary experience that is unforgettable and unique. Previous performances by Hélène and Bouge de là at Horizon Stage include Like the 5 Fingers on your Hand (2003) and The Studio (2011). 

So wear your pajamas, cuddle up in your theatre seat, and get ready for Bedtime! 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, and online through ticketpro.ca.

Horizon Stage’s 2015/16 Family Matinee Series consists of three shows - Bouge de là: Bedtime! (Nov. 7), Fred Penner (Jan. 16) and DuffleBag Theatre: Snow White (April 9). Recommended for children aged 4 - 12, these 2 p.m. performances are approximately one hour long and include an hour of free pre-show activities in the lobby. In an effort to make family programming more affordable, Three-Show Packages (one ticket to each matinee) have been reduced in price to $30 - and single tickets are now just $12, regardless of age.

Watch Bedtime! Promo Video

Photo Credits: Suzane O'Neill

Edmonton Musicians Bring Beautiful Classical Music to Horizon Stage

Strathcona String Quartet to perform works by Brahms, Beethoven, and Avison 

Strathcona String Quartet is Edmonton’s most outstanding and versatile professional chamber ensemble. Performing together since 1987, they play everywhere from Alberta’s large concert and recital stages to weddings, conventions, and garden parties.  The group has released two highly praised CDs that are frequently played on radio stations across North America including locally on CBC, CKUA, and CJSR. They are now looking forward to performing in Spruce Grove as part of Horizon Stage’s 15/16 Season on Friday, October 30.

Born and raised in Edmonton, violinist Jennifer Bustin began her music studies at the age of three, completed postgraduate studies at the University of Alberta, and was concertmaster of the Academy Strings and University Symphony Orchestra. As one of Edmonton's most active freelance performers, Jennifer also works with Edmonton Opera, Opera Nuova, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Citadel Orchestra, and the Red Deer
Symphony Orchestra.

Shannon Johnson has won classical violin and fiddling awards at national and international levels. She began performing professionally at the age of eight, wowing music fans and critics with her strong, pure playing and exceptional improvisational skills. Shannon also performs with Edmonton’s Juno award-winning Celtic ensemble The McDades and popular local Celtic/folk/rock band, Captain Tractor.

A versatile musician, Josephine van Lier has garnered world-wide critical acclaim for her 4-disc recording of the Bach cello suites. Founding member, president and artistic director of Early Music Alberta, Josephine is a strong advocate for the historically informed performance practice of early music. A passionate and very active performer, soloist and chamber musician, she is always looking for challenging and exciting projects.

Sarah Wilbur-Woodman began her studies on viola at 10 years old.  She has played as an orchestral and chamber musician from coast to coast and performs frequently with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and many local chamber groups. Sarah maintains a busy private studio and conducts two student orchestras at Grant MacEwan Alberta College Conservatory.

The world of music, past and present, is populated by innovators, iconoclasts, and eccentrics.  The Strathcona String Quartet has chosen three of the most eccentric composers of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic music for their 2015 fall season; Beethoven’s Opus 18, No.4, Brahms’ String Quartet Opus 51, in A Minor, and Avison’s Concerto V in D minor.

Beethoven’s Opus 18, No.4, is one of his early quartets in which he demonstrates his precocious mastery of the classical form, beating Haydn and Mozart at their own game, and already beginning to show his impatience for something wilder. Brahms’ String Quartet Opus 51, in A Minor, is one of the three string quartets he published in his lifetime. This quartet was his first - excluding the 20 that he wrote previously and destroyed because he didn’t think they were good enough. Charles Avison’s Concerto V in D minor is a driving, energetic piece, full of excitement and forward motion.

Enjoy a night of stimulating and exhilarating music performed by Strathcona String Quartet at Horizon Stage on October 30. Concert start-time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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, and online by visiting www.horizonstage.com and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.

Six Guitars - Show Cancellation

Have you ever noticed that the best laid plans sometimes go astray? You make plans, you tell people about the plans, and then… stuff happens.

That’s what Horizon Stage experienced recently. We got an unexpected phone call from a very apologetic agent who explained that the spring tour for Six Guitars has to be cancelled. That was disappointing, considering the show on February 13 was selling very well. In fact, no one on staff was happy – we’ve all been looking forward to seeing this show ourselves.

Then we thought we had it worked out with a new date, and we started the process of change. Unfortunately, there was another hiccup, and now the show has been cancelled.

So what does this mean to you?

If you have tickets for Six Guitars, you can expect a phone call, encouraging you to exchange your ticket to another show in the 15-16 season. We are recommending The WONDERHEADS’ Grim and Fischer if you are looking for a theatre show (that happens to be on the night before the Six Guitars date), or either Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project or David Myles if you are looking for a concert with great guitar music. Of course, you are free to choose any show that has tickets available. Alternately, refunds will be given, up until October 19. We really hope that you will be able to find a show you’d like to see so your night out at Horizon Stage isn’t lost – and it might even be a good opportunity to try something you overlooked earlier. Give us a call at 780-962-8995 and we can chat about your options.

Wry and Witty Pop and Folk Musician Tours to Horizon Stage

Two-Time Juno Nominee Jeremy Fisher Performs with Ariana Gillis in Spruce Grove on October 3

After developing a devoted fan base through five folk-influenced releases, Jeremy Fisher boldly ventured in a new, more pop-influenced direction with his 2014 album The Lemon Squeeze. Known for his witty lyrics and distinctive videos, this two-time Juno nominee has toured with Said the Whale, Hannah Georgas, Sarah Slean and Xavier Rudd, opened for the Proclaimers and Great Big Sea, and recorded with Hawksley Workman and Serena Ryder. Now touring in B.C. and Alberta with young singer-songwriter Ariana Gillis, the pair will make a stop in Spruce Grove on Saturday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m.

Jeremy Fisher is currently based out of Ottawa, but has previously made his home in Montreal, Seattle, Washington, and on Vancouver Island. Never one to travel down the most obvious – or easiest – paths, Jeremy spent six months touring across Canada to Halifax by bicycle. The tour, dubbed “One Less Tourbus”, in support of his 2001 independent album, Back Porch Spirituals, travelled 7500 kilometres, and included 30 performances. His videos are quirky and animated: 2007’s “Cigarette” was hugely popular on YouTube, 2014’s “Uh-Oh”, which pokes fun at politicians,  and the puppet-themed “The Bride is Dead” have been gaining similar momentum.

The decision to make The Lemon Squeeze a pure pop record was solidified after a discussion with producers Gus Van Go and Werner F. “When we first sat down, we batted around the idea of a pop record that would stay true to my typical, acoustic guitar-driven solo show. But when I started to write, the songs just weren’t coming on guitar.” says Jeremy. The end result was everything from Randy Newman-inspired piano ballads with strings, to Queen-esque guitar licks, to Billy-Joel-styled pop. Opening track, “I Love You...So”, is a tight pop tune owing more to Ben Folds than to any folk artist and “Uh-Oh”, featuring vocals by Canadian pop/folk favourite Serena Ryder, is cheeky and catchy.

Chosen as Young Performer of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards, 22-year-old Ariana Gillis is fulfilling the promise many saw in her when she released her first EP at the age of 17. Hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, Ariana launched her second CD with a live appearance on the US satellite station Sirius XM. When host Dave March played the track, “John and the Monster”, they got a call from an enthusiastic listener who wanted to know more about the unusual song and singer. That caller was Elton John’s lyricist and songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. Later, Bernie told Ariana’s father, musician and producer David Gillis: “I’m staggered by how good she is. There is not much that impresses me these days but after hearing her available tracks I can honestly say she’s the single most exciting thing I’ve heard in a very long time.” Now that’s a ringing endorsement!

Don’t miss what is sure to be fun, funky, and unpredictable concert - Jeremy Fisher with Ariana Gillis at Horizon Stage on October 3. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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, and online at Ticketpro.ca.

This Spicy Gourmet Recital Mixes Classical and Popular Music

Soprano Marie-Josée Lord Performs with Piano and Violin at Horizon Stage on Sept. 26

On Saturday, September 26, at 7:30 p.m. soprano Marie-Josée Lord will perform with violinist Uliana Drugova, and pianist Dominic Boulianne at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove. Their concert is the first presentation in Horizon Stage’s 2015/16 Season and the trio will have just started an extensive tour under the auspices of Prairie Debut.  Together they will perform Jambalaya, a spicy collection of audience favourites. Their gourmet recital will tastefully entwine classical, opera, and popular pieces by Gershwin, Verdi, Bernstein, Dvorák, Bizet, and many other composers. The program will simmer ever so naturally with results so flavourful that everyone will be asking for seconds!            

Known as a “warm, melodious, and emotionally generous soprano,” (The Montreal Gazette) Marie-Josée Lord has a stunning, original voice and an on-stage presence that will make you fall in love with whatever genre of music she is singing. The winner of many prestigious awards, including Prix d’Excellence de la Culture from the Fondation de l’Opéra de Québec, she was selected to represent Canada at the Cardiff Singer of the World competition. Last season, Marie-Josée sang Violetta in La traviata (Verdi) in Würtzburg, Germany as well as Serena in Porgy and Bess (Gershwin) for five sold out performances at l’Opéra de Montréal. Her first solo CD, with Orchestre Métropolitain, won a 2011 Félix award and received a JUNO nomination. Ms. Lord is a sought-after performer for opera, recitals, and with many orchestras. Her sound is described by Wholenote Magazine as "the voices of Jessye Norman and Renée Fleming, with a dash of Maureen Forrester ". This powerhouse soprano will be performing with violinist, Uliana Drugova and pianist, Dominic Boulianne, both exceptional musicians in their own right.

Prairie Debut is a Canadian classical and world music touring network that focuses on bringing the highest artistic standard of classical and world music artists to communities of all sizes throughout Western Canada.  Throughout its 18 years, Prairie Debut has cultivated some of Canada’s best musicians by providing performance opportunities, exposure and experience and connecting them with thousands of people across the Prairies. An organization with charitable status, Prairie Debut is based in Manitoba and incorporated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 

This tour has been generously supported by The Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Arts Council, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Manitoba Arts Network, Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta, Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation, RBC Foundation Emerging Artists Project, Calm Air, and Golden West. The performance at Horizon Stage is also proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, CKUA, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro.

Tickets to taste the music of Marie-Josée Lord Trio Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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.ca.

Horizon Stage's 2015/2016 Season

September

26           Marie-Josée Lord Trio

October

2              Barry Allen and the New Rebels

3              Jeremy Fisher with Ariana Gillis

8              Brent Butt

17           Sing-a-long-a Grease

30           Strathcona String Quartet

November

7              Bouge de là: Bedtime

14           Christine Tassan et Les Imposteures

20           Kirby Sewell Band

21           Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience

December

5              A Quartette Christmas

19           Christmas with River City Big Band

January

16           Fred Penner

22           Kira Isabella with Livy Jeanne

25           Will Stroet and the Backyard Band

30           Derina Harvey Band

February

4              Rosie and the Riveters

12           Grim and Fischer by WONDERHEADS

13           Six Guitars

March

6              Canada’s Ballet Jörgen: Sleeping Beauty

12           Suddenly Mommy

20           Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project

April

5 & 6      Lisa Brokop: The Patsy Cline Project

9             DuffleBag Theatre: Snow White

15           David Myles

23           The Contenders: Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard

Enjoy a Wild Night of Rockabilly, Western Swing, and Honky-Tonk

Cousin Harley hits Horizon Stage and takes on Spruce Grove on April 12

Cousin Harley is the high energy hillbilly persona of Vancouver musician and singer Paul Pigat. With a hard-earned reputation for delivering everything from hot-rod rockabilly to foot-stomping vintage country and western swing, Cousin Haley’s concerts are high energy, wild, and crazy fun! Adding elements of traditional swing, classic jump blues, roots, and jazz to their music they have a truly unique and invigorating sound. Spruce Grove is the only Edmonton area stop on Cousin Harley’s Spring Thaw Tour and their hillbilly squonk, honky-tonk, and cow punk rippers, are going to excite and energize the audience at Horizon Stage on Sunday, April 12.

Called the "Motorhead of Rockabilly" by a delirious fan after a particularly raucous show in Holland, there's nothing tentative about Cousin Harley's pedal to the metal approach to this stripped down form of rock and roll. To paraphrase the old blues song, Paul Pigat’s got so many tunes he don’t know which way to jump. So instead he simply gives into his muse and exuberantly follows wherever it carries him, cranking up the energy so high that no one can resist dancing.

From solos raw enough to melt the door off an old Cadillac, to delicate etudes, Paul is a guitarist who can truly play it all. He is partial to the Merle Travis style of picking and his virtuoso guitar skills set him apart as one of the few guitarists able to do Merle’s style justice. Paul’s superb talent on the guitar is easily matched by his vocal abilities and his warm baritone is equally at home singing flat-out rock songs or crooning relaxed country swing. Is he a genteel sideman, unrepentant redneck, sensitive singer/songwriter, classical composer, or a blend of all the above? Listen long enough and you'll realize it really doesn't matter what he plays, it’s all superb.

Rounding out Cousin Harley are Keith Picot on upright bass, and Jesse Cahill on drums. With a hard hitting slap style, all his own, Keith can drive a beat like the devil, then equally and effortlessly draw out the sweet tones of a saint. In 2011 he won a Maple Blues Award for being Canada’s Best Bass Player. Jesse Cahill has become one of the busiest drummers on the Canadian music scene, working with jazz legends and performing, touring, and recording with many internationally recognized artists. His playing can be heard regularly on CBC Radio One and Two and he has been a featured guest and performer on Jazz Beat, Hot Air, and Canada Live.

Get ready to buckle up, hold on, and enjoy a  wild and wonderful night with Cousin Harley at Horizon Stage on Sunday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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 by visiting Horizon Stage's website and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.

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

Canadian Country Artist George Fox Returns to Horizon Stage

Enjoy an intimate evening with this charming country music star on April 10 & 11

From cattle rancher to Canadian country music ambassador, taking the road less traveled has been the hallmark of George Fox's life and career. His mantle may be filled with music awards - including three Junos, three Canadian Country Music Awards, and nine RPM Big Country Awards - but he is happiest working the land on his expansive acreage/farm in Ontario. George is a bonafide country music star but it’s his down-to-earth music and attitude that keeps fans coming back to his concerts. Horizon Stage is pleased to be presenting him for not just one night, but two, on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11.

George has released 27 singles, recorded 11 albums, written a book, and there’s a street named after him in his hometown of Cochrane, Alberta.  His string of chart-topping hits in the 1980s and 90s included songs like “Clearly Canadian”, “First Comes Love”, “What’s Holding Me”, “Wear & Tear on My Heart”, and “I Give You My Word”. George has traveled the world, opening for some of the biggest names in country music and headlining sold out shows of his own from coast to coast. He starred in four television specials in the 90s that were enjoyed by over 4 million viewers and he hosted the Canadian Country Music Awards from 1991-1994.

George's charm is found not only in his music but in his ability to weave a story and engage his audience. His Christmas album is a holiday classic and his 2006 CD, With All Due Respect, paid tribute to some all-time great artists and songwriters from John Denver and Dean Martin to Eddie Arnold and Don Messer. Tired of the fast lane, he now lives the “quiet” life with his wife and two daughters, farming winter wheat, soybeans, and corn, and touring selectively.  Other hobbies include hockey, carpentry, and reading. George last performed at Horizon Stage in 2006 and 2009.

Get Up Close and Personal with George Fox at Horizon Stage on April 10 or 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $40 for adults and $35 for students and seniors 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 by visiting horizonstage.com and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.

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

A Family Friendly Afternoon Filled With African-Inspired Music and Fun

Singer-Songwriter Garth Prince Shares His Namibian Heritage with Spruce Grove on March 14

Born in South Africa and raised in Namibia, Garth Prince spent his youth immersed in a cornucopia of 14 languages. Growing up in a unique country that boasts both desert and pristine ocean playgrounds - where lions, giraffes, and elephants roam in harmony - he is extremely proud of his African heritage. This multiple award-winning songwriter now resides in Edmonton, and with the help of 6 other local musicians he is bringing the stories, sounds, and culture of his own childhood to children in his new home country. Garth Prince and his band are happy to be the third and final show in Horizon Stage’s 14/15 Family Matinee Series on Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m.

Garth's musical skills were honed at a young age when he became a soloist in the prestigious, internationally recognized, Mascato Youth Choir, and toured Africa, Europe, and Canada. But, it was his tenure as a lead vocalist and co-founder of Afroshine, one of Namibia's most popular vocal groups that skyrocketed his career to new levels. With Afroshine, Garth performed for tens of thousands of adoring fans, made appearances on national television, and toured the African continent. The group’s music charted in the number one position on South Africa’s “Coca-Cola Top 10” and had high rotation on MTV Africa. Afroshine received multiple award nominations and won the Best Music Video Award at the televised National Film Awards in Namibia.

Since moving to Alberta, Garth has assembled a band of exceptional Edmonton-based musicians that includes Joel Forth (guitar and vocals), George Koufogiannakis (guitar and traditional string instruments), Elise Reneau (vocals and percussion), Karen Porkka (saxophone, melodica and vocals), Roya Yazdanmehr (vocals and mbira), Thom Bennet (drum kit and percussion), and Keith Rempel (bass and vocals). Together, they have performed in a multitude of traditional and non-traditional venues including festivals, theatres, and corporate events. Their week-long artist-in-residence gigs at many local schools have included grand finale performances with the students, for the general public, teachers, and families.

Garth’s engaging live performances entertain, educate, and share the wonders, visuals, joy, culture and beauty of his African roots in song, stories and audience participation. They include authentic dance and dress, genuine traditional vocal techniques (clicks/chants/calls), cultural expressions, and lyrical elements. His self-titled debut solo album was released in December 2012, and it garnered him a nomination for Best R&B/Soul Recording at the Edmonton Music Awards. A dedicated songwriter, he and his team are now creating new material for his highly anticipated second Canadian album release. Also a humanitarian, Garth’s work to help fight the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and in Canada, is another testament to his willingness to share his positive energy and give back to those in need.

Tickets to see Garth Prince at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 14 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. Free preshow crafts start at 1 p.m. 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.              

Three Great Artists Connect for an Intimate Evening of Country Music

The Troubadours - Duane Steele, Jake Mathews, and Wyatt Easterling - at Horizon Stage - March 7

How often can you see not just one but three chart-topping, award-winning, highly acclaimed country musicians performing together in an intimate local venue? Horizon Stage is pleased to offer just such an opportunity by presenting The Troubadours on Saturday, March 7. Duane Steele, Jake Mathews, and Wyatt Easterling are each respected country singer/songwriters in their own right. Together, they are The Troubadours, offering an Up Close and Personal evening of song, storytelling, and fellowship.

Duane Steele has been part of Canada’s country music scene since 1984. Hits like “Anita Got Married”, “Stuck on Your Love” and “Two Names on an Overpass” won him the hearts of country music fans in the mid-90’s. He won two Canadian Country Music Awards, and was nominated for multiple Juno Awards. Duane’s pure voice and natural stage presence make his live shows a must-see.

Also a multiple award-nominee, Jake Mathews has been a fixture of the Canadian Country Music scene for over a decade. He has released three solo albums and toured with his brother Gil Grand to raise money for Ronald MacDonald House Charities. Jakes songs “A Woman and a Song” and “Beer Necessities”, climbed the charts in 2013 and still receives generous air-play on radio stations across the country. His newest single, "In Our Own Backyard", is now in rotation on CMT.

Wyatt Easterling is a Nashville singer, songwriter, and producer with deep folk and Americana ties. His career has spanned four decades and has been filled with chart-topping songs - including cuts with Dierks Bentley, Joe Diffie, Billy Joe Royal, Paul Thorn, Neal McCoy, Sons of the Desert, and Robbie Hecht. Wyatt is now focusing his energy on bringing his music and stories directly to his audience. His intricate guitar work and smooth voice draws in listeners as his songs take them through poignant moments pulled from the world that surrounds us.

Join Duane, Jake, and Wyatt for an intimate and refreshing evening of country music. This special songwriters circle will showcase their individual material and styles while still leaving room for musical spontaneity, informal interplay, and camaraderie among performers and their audience members. Throughout the evening they will take turns lending their voices, varied experiences, and observations to create a fun and friendly concert atmosphere.

Spend an unforgettable night with The Troubadours at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting www.horizonstage.com and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.


This performance is proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, CFCW, Servus Credit Union, Travelodge Inn & Suites Spruce Grove, and Ticketpro.

John Worth Hannam Brings Narrative Folk and Roots Music to Horizon Stage

John Wort Hannam is a powerful singer whose melodic songs are matched with a narrative writing style and laden with lyrical hooks.  His winsome, lonesome style of acoustic roots reveals a woven textile of metaphor, phrasing, irony, and rhyme that reads with ease like well-written prose. Horizon Stage is thrilled to be presenting John Wort Hannam on Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.

“Mr. Wort Hannam” used to teach grade 9 language arts on the largest reserve in Canada - the Kainai Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy. But, in 1997 he heard a Loudon Wainwright III record and was hooked by the music and the stories. In 1998 he bought a guitar and learned some chords, and in 2002 he quit teaching completely to pursue his dream of becoming a working musician.

A prolific song-writer, John independently released his debut CD, pocket full of holes, in 2003 and his second CD, Dynamite and ‘Dozers, in 2004. His third CD, Two-Bit Suit, was released by Black Hen Music in the spring of 2007, and in 2009 John went back into the studio to record Queen’s Hotel. In 2011, John was commissioned to write the official Alberta Winter Games song, “Like the Northern Lights”, and in 2012 he wrote the official song for the 100th Anniversary of the Empress Theatre in Fort McLeod. His most recent CD, Brambles and Thorns, was recorded in 2012 with producer Leeroy Stagger in Lethbridge.

In his 12 years as a working musician, John has received a Juno nomination for Best Traditional/Roots Album, a Canadian Folk Music Award for Album of the Year, and 7 other grand prize/first place awards for his songwriting. His music has taken him from his home in Alberta, to his birthplace on the Isle of Jersey in the UK, and to festivals around the world. He has performed in Trafalgar Square in London, and at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

John looks a little like Billy Bob Thornton, hails from rural Alberta, and does roots-country like no one’s business. He is one of the new torch-bearers of a vast songwriting tradition in the styles of John Prine, Louden Wainwright III, and Steve Earle but he’s also very proudly Canadian.  His narrative songs speak of life on the prairies with an eloquence similar to that of Sinclair Ross, W.O. Mitchell, Margaret Laurence, or Sharon Butala.

Enjoy an intimate evening with John Wort Hannam at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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 by visiting horizonstage.com and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.

This performance is proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, CKUA, Servus Credit Union, Spruce Grove Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro.

Meet One of Alberta’s Own “Bomb Girls” in Never Let the Crew See You Cry

Acclaimed Fringe Play Tours to Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove - February 13

The Horizon Stagelighters, Theatre Alberta, The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta, and Fringe Theatre Adventures are please to present Northern Sabbatical Productions/MAA & PAA Theatre's production of Never Let the Crew See You Cry by Linda Wood Edwards at Horizon Stage on Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.

This is the heart-warming story of 17-year-old Ethel Wood who lies about her age and leaves the family farm to chase her own dream of being a pilot. She finds friendship, and romance, along the way. Rosie the Riveter has nothing on Ethel who becomes a flight line mechanic at Elementary Air Training School in De Winton, just south of Calgary. Ethel works on maintaining planes during the war and she helps to train nearly 2000 pilots - making an indelible impression on both the airmen and her fellow workers.

During World War II, many women left their homes to join the workforce to become mechanics all across Canada.  Alberta's "Bomb Girls" were trailblazers, forging a new path for themselves, their daughters, and granddaughters. Never Let the Crew See You Cry is a hilarious, touching, and (almost) all true coming-of-age story that speaks to, and for, this entire generation of Canadian women.

Playwright Linda Wood Edwards proudly brings her own mother’s story to the stage in this fast-paced, 70-minute production directed by David Cheros and starring Laura Raboud, Alex Mackie, and Judy McFerran.  Presented first at the 2013 Edmonton Fringe Festival, Never Let the Crew See You Cry received rave reviews, and performed to packed houses. The show is now touring Alberta as part of Theatre Alberta’s ‘Picks of the Edmonton Fringe’ program.

Enjoy an intimate evening of theatre, including a talk-back after the show with Never Let the Crew See You Cry’s author and cast, at Horizon Stage on February 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $30 for adults and $25 for students and seniors 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 by visiting horizonstage.com and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.

“…a charming and light romp through an era that made heroes of ordinary men and women, and celebrates the tales of those behind the scenes who were just as dedicated to fighting the good fight as those on the front lines.”
- Edmonton Journal

“…the dialogue was wonderfully written, with plenty of laughs and plenty of singing along from the audience.”
- Retro Reporter

“…a riveting production worthy of a packed audience.”
- St Albert Gazette

This performance is proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta, Theatre Alberta, Fringe Theatre Adventures, CKUA, Servus Credit Union, and Ticketpro. 

Enjoy an Intimate Evening of Jazz, Soul, and Pop

Juno Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Kellylee Evans Performs at Horizon Stage on February 7

Canadian rising star Kellylee Evans is a chameleon-like performer, whose natural charm and improvisational vocal style have carried her on an adventurous journey through the jazz, soul, and pop genres. In the past decade she has released two indie solo albums of original songs, earned two Juno Award nominations, and won "Best Jazz Vocal Album" for Nina, her impassioned tribute to Nina Simone. Considered to be one of the most beautiful voices of her generation. Kellylee’s live performances include her new musical interpretations of songs by the likes of Eminem, John Legend, and Kanye West alongside classic jazz standards. Now, Edmonton and area fans have the opportunity to see her Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m.

A mother of three, Kellylee went straight from singing in the shower to performing live at the Kennedy Center and coming in 2nd place in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in 2004. Inspiringly motivated, she threw herself into her dream of singing and has never looked back. Her unfettered determination enabled her to overcome being struck by lightning in 2013 at her home near Ottawa. The rare incident made national news, and though suffering much pain and unable to walk at first, Kellylee didn't cancel a single tour date.

Kellylee has been captivating audiences across Canada and has a growing legion of fans in France. She has performed around the world, opening for such stars as John Legend, Dianne Reeves, Derek Trucks, George Benson and Willy Nelson. She has appeared at the Vancouver and Edmonton Jazz Festivals and sung on television in Treehouse’s 4 Squared and CBC’s Ottawa’s Studio 14 Sessions. Dynamic, hip, and modern, Kellylee’s warm, soulful timbre will remind you of Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu. Her arresting combinations of smooth jazz, up-beat pop, and soulful grooves feel simultaneously fresh and retro.

Enjoy an intimate evening with Kellylee Evans at Horizon Stage on February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors 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. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting www.horizonstage.com and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.

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

Spend a Deliciously Enlightening Morning with Pianist Sarah Hagen

Enjoy The Music of Brahms - Love in Every Bite at Horizon Stage on Friday, February 6

 Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen’s weekday morning recital in 2014 was such a lovely event that Horizon Stage is pleased to present her again. Sarah’s concerts are unlike any other classical music presentation. While enjoying a musical feast for the ears, and tasty treats for their tummies, her audience members also learn about the featured composer and gain insight into the pianist's perspective. Sarah promotes an informal ambiance, providing opportunities for listeners to ask questions, voice opinions, or just sit back and listen to the music. For something different on a winter morning, join Sarah Hagen at Horizon Stage on Friday, February 6 for The Music of Brahms - Love in Every Bite. Tea, coffee, and goodies will be served at 10 a.m. and the concert will start at 10:30.

Sarah will focus this year’s recital on the romantic story and music of nineteenth century German composer and pianist Johannes Brahms. Sometimes grouped with Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as one of the "Three Bs", Brahms' popularity and influence in the classical world has been huge. Considered both a traditionalist and an innovator, many of his works have become staples of the modern concert repertoire. But, as an uncompromising perfectionist, he also destroyed some of his works and left others unpublished.

A visionary and an idealist herself, Sarah’s performances are conceptually innovative. With expressive technique and an engaging personality, she is equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra or in an intimate concert lecture setting. Sarah is the Artistic Director for Pro’ject Sound, a performance project involving live piano with large-scale projected images. She has curated, hosted, and performed as part of numerous concert series in BC, sharing the stage with artists from around the world.  Highlights of her career include winning the 2013 Bradshaw & Buono International Competition, performing twice at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, and touring the prairies with cellist Rebecca Wenham. Sarah 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 performance by Sarah Hagen, at Horizon Stage on Friday, February 6. 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. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting www.horizonstage.com and clicking on the ‘Tickets’ link.

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

Polka Up A Storm with The Emeralds in Spruce Grove

Edmonton’s favourite show and dance band returns to Horizon Stage on Thursday, February 5

Back by popular demand, The Emeralds Show and Dance Band are looking forward to ‘polkaing up a storm’ with Spruce Grove and area polka and waltz lovers. As one of our province’s best-known and beloved bands, their music has been a staple at weddings, hall parties, and school dances for many years. The Emeralds last performance at Horizon Stage was in 2012 and they are pleased to be returning on Thursday, February 5 for a special 2 p.m. weekday matinee.

Since their formation in 1970, The Emeralds have recorded 29 albums - six went gold, two went platinum, and one went double platinum!  They have been nominated for four Junos, won an Alberta Achievement Award, and were inducted into the City of Edmonton's Cultural Hall of Fame in 1997. The Emeralds have toured the world, from New Zealand and Australia to Singapore, Hong Kong, London, Trinidad and across the United States - but they always enjoy performing for their home audiences the most. In fact they still perform regularly at local events for enthusiastic crowds.

Always fun and full of pep and energy, an Emeralds concert features favourites like “Blue Hawaii”, “Cotton Eyed Joe", “In The Mood”, “Amazing Grace”, “Clarinet Polka” and “Waltz Across Texas”.  But it’s their biggest hit, “The Bird Dance”, that was featured on a Hollywood movie sound track and gets the most recognition. From kindergarteners to seniors - fans of all ages love to shake their tail feathers when they hear that iconic “na na na na na na na na”.

The band’s five current members are Allan Broder (tenor saxophone and vocals), Wallis Petruk (tenor saxophone, violin, flute, clarinet, and vocals), Don Remeika (drums and vocals), Terry Kole (rhythm guitar, banjo, and vocals) and Reiner Piehl (keyboards, bass, and vocals). Together, these talented musicians will get your feet tapping, your hips swaying, and your whole body up and moving.

So be prepared to dance in your chair, or take a spin around the front of the stage (we encourage it), and spend a wonderful afternoon with The Emeralds Show and Dance Band at Horizon Stage on Thursday, February 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are just $25 for all ages and discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Purchase tickets 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 as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

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

The Closest You Will Come to Seeing the Fab Four on Stage Together Again

Beatles Tribute Band, Day Tripper, Takes Fans on a Journey Through Their Hits and Highlights

Hey Beatles fans! Get ready to re-discover and re-live your favourite Beatles music and moments. Day Tripper: The Beatles Experience is a non-stop rock concert where four young musicians take on all the nuances, mannerisms, voices and accents, that define John, Paul, George and Ringo. This incredible tribute band delivers a spot-on experience with no pre-recorded background music or storytelling as filler. Fans will be blown away as they perform a full-on, high-energy show featuring the songs and costumes that define each period of the Beatles’ career. Enjoy the Beatles Up Close and Personal in five incredible acts at Horizon Stage on January 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Act 1 … Beatlemania: In 1964 four lads from Liverpool ignite the stage of the Ed Sullivan theatre. Their toe-tapping catchy hits, their casual wit, and their unforgettable charm win the hearts of teenagers all over the world.

Act 2 … Shea Stadium: By 1965, The Beatles are on top of the world. In the midst of the world tours, movie sets, dining with royalty, and recording studios, they are jet-setting across continents. In the studio, they push the creative limits of popular music into new-found territory. Lyrics take on deeper meanings, and the addition of heavy orchestration and studio effects became more and more common.

 Act 3 … Sgt. Pepper’s: By August 1966, frustrated with the hardships of touring and fuelled by experimentation, the Beatles decided to stop touring and focus their efforts in the studio. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band completely re-invents the concept of pop music. Free from the constraints of having to perform their music live, The Beatles are able to let their creativity soar and create sounds no one had ever heard.

Act 4 … Solo Acoustic: By 1968, their songwriting becomes less collaborative and more personal. Many of the songs written for the White Album were written while in India with an acoustic guitar. Paul starts showcasing his independence as a writer and performer through songs like ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Mother Nature’s Son’, George becomes every bit as credible a songwriter with classics like ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, and John becomes an unwavering political activist.

Act 5 … Abbey Road: Although Beatlemania is coming to an end and The Beatles are growing further apart, many regard this stage of their career as their best. The back-to-basics rock and roll attitude of ‘Let it Be’, and the refinement of ‘Abbey Road’ encompass everything they have learned over their remarkable careers.

 Day Tripper: The Beatles Experience is the closest you will ever come to seeing the fab four together again in their finest… and final hours. Tickets are just $40 for adults and $35 for students and seniors. The show on Friday, January 30 is close to selling out but there are great seats available for Thursday, January 29. Purchase your tickets 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, Servus Credit Union, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro.

Wiggle and Giggle in Your Jammies at Horizon Stage's Munchkin Matinee

Mary Lambert’s Pajama Party Promises to Be a Fun-Filled Morning for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Horizon Stage is always on the look-out for unique and interesting artists to entertain our local youngsters. Last year we added a Munchkin Matinee performance especially for audience members in the 6-and-under age bracket and everyone who attended had so much fun! We are now pleased to present our second Munchkin Matinee concert - Mary Lambert’s Pajama Party - on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 10 a.m.

Parents and child care providers have always known instinctively what scientists have now proven: young children thrive on music. It’s one of the best vehicles for learning in early childhood development. Dancing and moving to music helps children develop body control, co-ordination, balance, and spatial awareness. And, shared laughter has physical, mental, and social benefits for people of all ages. So it’s never too early for kids to discover the joy of a live performance, especially if the show has been created specifically for them.

Juno Award Nominee, Mary Lambert, is a family singer/songwriter/performer, and outstanding Canadian artist in the children’s entertainment field.  Her two Juno nominations and ten awards from the United States (Parents’ Choice Award Winner, iParenting Award Winner, Preferred Choice Award Winner, and Dr. Toy’s Best Children’s Vacation Product Award Winner) are a remarkable testimony to her talent and artistry.  Mary’s wonderful voice and colourful performances are filled with infectious music, sheer energy, and lots of audience participation.

Since 1993, Mary has toured and performed over 3000 shows at schools, libraries, music festivals and family focused events throughout Canada.  Mary Lambert Productions has released 12 CDs, and two live concert DVDs. Mary’s highly interactive Pajama Party concert features dance breaks, finger-play, sing-along songs, and tons of fun! It includes play-time and story-time themed songs from her “Pajama Party” CD. Children, and their parents, are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal, or blanket, and wear their pajamas to this 50-minute long performance.

So hop out of bed, feed your kids breakfast, throw a coat over your jammies, and head to Horizon Stage to spend quality time with a theatre full of energetic young music fans.Tickets to Mary Lambert’s Pajama Party on January 26 are just $12 for adults, $6 for children and seniors, and babes-in-arms are free. Discounts are available for preschools, daycares, and kindergarten classes. Purchase your tickets 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.

Classical Music and Theater Combine in Tom Allen’s Debussy vs Ravel: The Judgment of Paris

Choose your side and may the best composer win!

As the thunderclouds of the Great War pile up and burst, musical revolutionary Claude Debussy and his one-time follower Maurice Ravel compete for the love of their proud, fickle, darling, Paris. The Judgment of Paris is a mix of cabaret, history, storytelling, timeless music by Debussy and Ravel, and original songs by its performers. It is new and old, heroic and tragic, history and fiction. Allow yourself to be swept away by the music and passion of another era at Horizon Stage on Friday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m.

Together with his musical friends, Tom Allen has put together an incredible concert that combines chamber music with storytelling. As the host of Shift on Radio 2, CBC listeners will be familiar with Tom’s voice and personality. His programs are filled with interesting facts about the selection, the composer, or about our times. Tom is the author of three non-fiction books, and a talented trombone player - a skill he also demonstrates during The Judgment of Paris.

Soprano Patricia O’Callaghan is a recording and performing artist with five solo CDs and several collaborations.  Her fifteen-year career has taken her across genres, continents, and a range of disciplines and passions. She has toured both on her own, and guest artist on other artists’ shows, throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. She has also worked in film, theatre, and television. Patricia last performed at Horizon Stage in 2008.

Bryce Kulak is an actor, singer, pianist, and composer from Edmonton who has been touring professionally since he was 11. He has recorded three albums and performed with symphony orchestras and in theatrical world premieres across Canada. Often compared to the great songwriters of the original cabaret era, he carries the torch of that compelling genre into the new century. 

Cellist Kevin Fox is a composer, arranger, and vocalist with three solo recordings of his own and countless credits as a supporting artist. He studied at McGill, has composed for Justin Bieber and Kathleen Edwards, recorded with Raine Maida and Celine Dion, and toured with Sarah Harmer, Chantal Kreviazuk, Steven Page, Tom Cochrane, and Olivia Newton-John. Kevin last performed at Horizon Stage in 2011.

Lori Gemmell is the Principal Harpist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. She also performs often with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Lori has released two recordings of solo harp music, two duo recordings, and recorded with Feist.

Judge the composers for yourself at Horizon Stage on Friday, January 23 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, Servus Credit Union, CKUA, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro. 

Enjoy A Rollicking Rocky Mountain Celtic Kitchen Party

Traditional Irish and Newfie Music with an Exciting Modern Canadian Twist

 Cod Gone Wild is a modern Celtic/Roots/Rock band based out of the Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia. The “Cods” are a group of veteran musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, whose modern Celtic sound is flush with driving rhythms and tight vocal harmonies. Their concerts are always brimming with warmth, positive energy, and good cheer - the perfect place to spend a cold January night. Don’t miss your chance to catch the “Cods” at Horizon Stage on Friday, January 16.

Cod Gone Wild was born when Newfoundlander and lead singer/guitarist Andrew Mercer moved to B.C. in 2009. He brought with him a passion for the traditional Irish/Newfoundland music he grew up with and a vision to create something uniquely Canadian. He recruited a group of Westerners with little Celtic background and ended up with a new and exciting spin on the Celtic sound.

The members of Cod Gone Wild are Andrew Mercer (guitar, vocals, harmonica, bodhran, and ugly stick), Chad ‘Rhino’ Carter (drums, percussion, harmonica, and vocals), Anjuli Otter (fiddle, percussion, and vocals), and Roy Kawano (bass, percussion, and guitar). Together, they pool their extensive backgrounds and training in a variety of genres including folk, rock, jazz, classical, and funk, to create their own, uniquely western Canadian, Celtic music.  

The band released their self-titled debut album in 2011, and it still receives regular airplay on the east coast, across Canada on CBC, and on Celtic radio stations around the world. In 2012 they toured extensively to promote their second album, ‘The Traveler’, were named ‘Best of the Okanagan’ by Okanagan Life Magazine, and recorded their first live DVD during the Vernon Winter Carnival Irish Pub Night.

Cod Gone Wild’s third album ’Battered & Fried’ was released in March 2014. It has more of a focus on modernizing the Celtic sound and contains more original music. Their “Battered & Fried Tour” this January will take them across Alberta, from Nojack to Forestburg, with multiple stops in between.

Party with the “Cods” at Horizon Stage on Friday, January 16 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, Servus Credit Union, CKUA, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro.