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.