Master of Pop, Jazz, and Blue-Eyed Soul Has New Motown Show

Luke McMaster Brings His Icons of Soul Project to Horizon Stage on November 17

Luke McMaster has a silky smooth voice that’s perfect for crooning, and he does a lot of that in his new show, Icons of Soul. Formerly one half of the gold-selling Canadian pop duo McMaster & James, Luke is taking the Motown and soul influences that have always filled his music to a new level. Icons of Soul uniquely marries contemporary songwriting with legendary hit songwriters.  Audiences will be treated to brand new music co-written with iconic R & B songwriters, hear fresh covers of some of Motown’s greatest hits, and enjoy favourites from Luke’s own catalogue, including his smash hit “Good Morning Beautiful” (#3 US Billboard AC). Luke McMaster is bringing Icons of Soul to Alberta in November and his only Edmonton area date is at Horizon Stage, on Saturday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, Luke and Rob James, aka McMaster & James, experienced success with the hits "Love Wins Every time", "Thank You", I Understand", and "Sweet Sensation” in 2000 and 2001. Performing with McMaster & James, Luke cut his teeth on some of the biggest acts of the day; sharing stages with Randy Bachman, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and more.

Now an in-demand songwriter with multiple credits and collaborations with global superstars like Rihanna and Nick Lachey, Luke’s first love has always been singing, performing, and connecting with his audience. He has spent time entertaining Canadian troops in Afghanistan, touring across North America, and serving as an artist ambassador for the Government of Ontario where he now calls Toronto home.

Luke is excited about his latest solo project, Icons of Soul, which includes the live stage show, a new CD, and a video documentary. In addition to covering immortal chart-toppers written by Rock ‘N Roll and Songwriter Hall of Fame members Felix Cavaliere (“Good Lovin’”, “Groovin’”, “People Got to Be Free”) and Lamont Dozier (“(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave”, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”, “You Can’t Hurry Love”), Luke has co-written two songs apiece with these prodigies at their respective Nashville and Las Vegas homes. These new Motown inspired tunes are so catchy that when you hear them you’ll be snapping and singing along with them like you’ve known them all your life.

Icons of Soul audience members will be treated to new renditions of “Stop in the Name of Love”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).” Segments from the Icons of Soul video documentary will be screened as part of this live concert presentation, helping to bring the entire experience alive.

Don’t miss Luke McMaster: Icons of Soul, at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $35 for Adults and $30 for Students and Seniors and 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.

Enjoy a New and Different Spin on Songs You Know and Love

Johnny Summers brings his jazzed up versions of American classics, movie themes, 

Sinatra songs, pop tunes, and more to Horizon Stage on November 2

Multiple award-winning vocalist, trumpeter, and composer, Johnny Summers, strives to create a lasting and varied entertainment experience for his audiences. The Johnny Summers Little Big Band plays classic jazz, blues, soul, funk, pop, rock, New Orleans’ music and more. Drawing from Sinatra, pop culture including movie themes, video games, classic American songbook, and pop music through the decades, Summers’ unique arrangements appeal to a wide variety of music lovers. Horizon Stage is excited to be presenting Johnny Summers Little Big Band on Friday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Making his home in Calgary, Johnny has created multiple groups and ensembles to aid his growth as a performer, composer, and arranger. From his first quartet in University to his current quartet, quintet, Little Big Band, and orchestra his goal is to reach out to people, bring joy, comment on the human condition, and connect through his musical passion in a fun and accessible way. Johnny also directs the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, which he founded in 2004, with the goal of bringing the highest quality of jazz music possible to Calgarians.

Johnny’s musical abilities are accented by his capacity to bring wit, laughter, and soul to every performance. He has worked and performed with many world-renowned artists including Frankie Valli, the Temptations, Ellis Marsalis, Tommy Banks, and Maria Schneider. With musical influences like Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra, it comes as no surprise that he has something to offer everyone in the audience.

A master of versatility, in both style and mood, Johnny’s commitment to excellence is evidenced in the seamless performances he gives every time he steps onto a stage. Even after hundreds of concerts, and years of working diligently on his craft, he still sees every performance as sacred. Johnny’s hours of daily practice can easily go well into the night. One of his many gifts to his audience comes in the form of expecting nothing but the best from himself and his
musicians. The eight piece Johnny Summers Little Big Band is made up of some of Canada’s top professionals on piano, bass, drums, trumpet, two saxophones, and trombone, and, of course Johnny himself on vocals/trumpet. 

Enjoy a new and different spin on songs you know and love and experience a night of first class entertainment with Johnny Summers Little Big Band at Horizon Stage on Friday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $35 for Adults and $30 for Students and Seniors and 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.