Homegrown Canadian Bluegrass That’s Rooted in Tradition

The Slocan Ramblers Bring Their Bold Dynamic Sound and Raucous Energy to Horizon Stage on March 22

The Slocan Ramblers are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative, and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have just been nominated for two 2020 Canadian Folk Music Awards. A tight-knit ensemble with lots of drive, they have become a leading light in today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship, and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, they have been winning over audiences at festivals and theatres across North America and now they have Spruce Grove in their sights. The Slocan Ramblers’ Western Canada tour this March includes a stop at Horizon Stage on Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Based in Toronto, Frank Evans (banjo), Adrian Gross (mandolin), Darryl Poulsen (guitar) and Alastair Whitehead (bass), uniquely blend bluegrass, old-time, and folk with deep song writing, lightning fast instrumentals, and sawdust-thick vocals. With a vibrant, raucous energy, The Slocans are currently performing at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes that will keep you up all night. They have released three albums, with their most recent one, Queen City Jubilee, being nominated for a 2019 Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year. Edmonton area fans may already have enjoyed seeing them perform live at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, Festival Place, or The Uptown Folk Club.

If you’re looking for an innovative take on the usual bluegrass sounds, The Slocan Ramblers are reinventing the genre; simultaneously steering old sounds in fascinating new directions while pushing back to its early Appalachian roots. They play music without pretension; music intended to make you feel something. Say hello to your new favourite band at Horizon Stage on Sunday, March 22 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), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Ticketpro.ca.

“The Slocan Ramblers put on one of the most vibrant shows of acoustic music I’ve seen in some time. It’s rare for Canadians (especially young Canadians) to play this music with such authority, passion and yet ability for experimentation. Chops galore, and a handsome bunch of fellas”

– Tom Power – Host of CBC’s “q”

“I love it – smokin’ bluegrass

Five Alberta Artists Gather to Share Their Songs and Stories

Ryan Langlois Hosts Horizon Stage’s Inaugural Singer Songwriter Night on Saturday, March 7

Enjoy an intimate evening exploring the art and craft of songwriting. Hosted by Alberta songwriter Ryan Langlois, this Singer Songwriter Night will feature a panel of four guest artists - Mark Times, Hannah Gazso, Maddison Krebs, and Martin Kerr - all of whom are passionate about telling stories through music. In the tradition of the world-famous songwriter rounds of Nashville, and many festival side-stages, each will share backstories and insight into their writing process. Each will play a few of their favourite songs, and will be challenged to perform a cover of someone else’s work in their own stripped-down style. Singer Songwriter Night with Ryan Langlois at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 7 promises to be filled with laughter, behind-the-scenes turmoil, and vulnerability – any of which can be the basis of a good song.

The former lead singer of The Boom Chucka Boys, Ryan Langlois’ solo career has earned him three Alberta Country Music Award nominations, and second place in the Project Wild Country Artist Development Program in 2018. He is a barstool balladeer who can turn ordinary moments into lessons in wisdom and grace. Every time he takes the stage, he gives all he has to offer, and something special happens.

Hannah Gazso is a 16 year old singer-songwriter from Ardrossan. Her passion lies in storytelling, and she loves to share her music with anyone who will listen. She has a homegrown coffeehouse country style that is sure to catch your attention. Back from her third trip to Nashville, she is looking forward to what this year will bring her!

Maddison Krebs, a singer-songwriter from Southern Alberta, got her first guitar when she was six so she could put her poetry to music.  She won ole Media Management’s "On The Spot" competition and signed a publishing and record deal in 2016. She has performed at Big Valley Jamboree, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance International, Calgary Stampede and The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Her single "Real Real Thing" charted in the Top 40 on Radio Disney Country and her EP, Bulls-Eye, reached Top 6 on iTunes Country music chart.

Mark Times from Stony Plain is a novelist with a Gibson, plucking stories from the windswept prairies and humming to the slow clack of typewriter keys. His work is the product of raw emotion filtered through a thoughtful process, distilling songs that are just the right amount of head and heart. His self-titled 2017 EP earned him nominations for the Singer/Songwriter and Roots/Folk Recording of the Year at the Edmonton Music Awards, while the track “Saskatchewine” received an honourable mention in the Canadian Songwriting Competition.

Edmonton-based singer-songwriter Martin Kerr built his career as a busker. He has been an independent musician for 10 years and has achieved some incredible things during that time, including selling out the Winspear Centre twice and landing an album in the Canadian Top 10. Often compared to James Taylor, Kerr's powerful voice and intricate songwriting has earned him praise from the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Bruce Cockburn. His song ‘You’re Amazing’ has been the soundtrack to summer festivals where the audience joins in for the line “I’m not bad myself but you’re amazing.”

If you’ve ever wanted to know the stories behind the songs don’t miss Singer Songwriter Night with Ryan Langlois at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are just $25 for everyone and they 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.

Good, Honest, Authentic, Country Music. No Filters. No Gimmicks.

The Abrams Sing About Deeply Personal Yet Widely Relatable Subjects at Horizon Stage on February 22

These days, a lot of what we experience has been carefully curated, filtered and targeted. It seems we’ve become desensitized by it, especially where every little social interaction and every mundane object is glossed up to look #instagood. But when The Abrams play live, what you see is what you get. Still in their 20s, brothers John and James Abrams have the hard-earned ability of seasoned touring veterans. They perform with an explosive energy, honed over two decades of experience in front of audiences around the world. Their live show is the kind that can’t be whipped up over a few weeks in a rehearsal space. The Abrams make honest music and they are looking forward to sharing it, Up Close and Personal, at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.

This country duo from Kingston, Ontario, are something of an anomaly, having performed at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and embarked on repeated tours across multiple continents. With their acceptance of the Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin award in 2006, they were recognized as ambassadors for peace in the Middle East through music. All of this took place before they reached legal driving age.

The Abrams' 18-year touring career has had a significant influence on their songwriting, which continues to have a lasting emotional impact with their fans across cultural divides, whether they are playing in a community hall in Texas, or at a world music festival in Israel. John and James’ most recent songs speak about experiences of love and loss, through good times and tough times, partly drawn from their long-term relationships with their wife and girlfriend respectively, who support them through the successes and difficulties that come with a touring lifestyle.

As the 4th generation in a line of songwriters, performers, and recording artists who instilled in them the ability to tell stories that speak to the hearts of their fans, the Abrams have taken the ‘family business’ to a whole new level. Their newest album is full of songs that are both deeply personal, and widely relatable, led by the first single “Sounds Good To Me”, produced by Matt Rovey (Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson). "Sounds Good To Me” is all about the little things. The real and honest things. The simple moments in life that end up being everything we live for, especially with the people we love.”

While these brothers have gone through many different stages of their career, two things have always been true: their deep and intrinsic love of country music, and the fact that they cannot remember life before they started making country music. It has simply always been there, and they have always been doing it. Knowing what they can accomplish in the studio, and how to translate that to the stage, The Abrams have taken their place alongside Canada’s best-known country music stars.

To put it plainly, The Abrams are as authentic as it gets. There is nothing to hide here. No tricks. No gimmicks. No smoke and mirrors. No filters. The Abrams just make good honest music. If you’re a country music fan don’t miss their concert at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 22 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), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Ticketpro.ca.

Give Your Love the Gift of Heart and Soul with a Touch of Cole

Local Jazz Band to Perform the Unforgettable Music of Natalie and Nat King Cole on February 15

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Horizon Stage with A Touch of Cole. This Edmonton-based jazz band highlights the timeless music of Natalie and Nat King Cole.  Paying tribute to the unforgettable musical legacy of both father and daughter, they weave together a collection of “Cole” standards to take the audience on a musical journey that spans from jazz and Latin to modern blues and soul.  With a vision to uplift and inspire their audiences, A Touch of Cole performance provides a captivating experience for music lovers of all ages.  Audiences will also enjoy classic jazz standards from artists such as Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone. Spend a romantic night with A Touch of Cole at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m.

A Touch of Cole features the vocal styling of Edmontonian Shelley Jones accompanied by Wes Caswell on bass, Wes Yaciuk on guitar, Bruce Mohacsy  on piano, and Sandro Dominelli on drums. The group has performed together as a trio and a quintet and they have sold out both Festival Place and the Yardbird Suite.

Blessed with a voice that can seamlessly fit into almost any musical genre, Shelley Jones brings a sense of authenticity and soul to every song she sings. Be it jazz, blues, pop, R&B, soul, groove, rock or country, Shelley has sang it all and made each style her own.  Growing up in rural Alberta listening and singing along to her four older siblings’ music collections, Shelley first discovered jazz after entering the vocal music program at Grant MacEwan. After graduation she began performing jazz professionally, working in duos, trios, quartets and big bands as well as a few symphony orchestras. Some of her performance highlights include being a guest vocalist with Tommy Banks at the Winspear Centre, performing with Alfie Zappacosta, and singing background vocals for Tom Cochrane. Shelley also regularly performs alongside some of Alberta’s top musicians including PJ Perry, Sandro Dominelli, Andrew Glover, and Don Berner.

Shelley has also developed her songwriting skills; writing, recording, and releasing four solo albums and a Christmas CD with the Flextime Band.  She has appeared as a guest vocalist on numerous recordings from other artists and has sang several radio/television jingles. As a highly experienced stage performer with a warm, personable and captivating stage delivery, Shelley continues to expand her fan base across the country.

Give your love the gift of heart and soul with a Touch of Cole at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 15 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), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through ticketpro.ca.

Mosey Over to Horizon Stage for some Agriculturally-Oriented Western Music

Ben Crane Combines Cowboy Songs and Cheeky Artwork to Create a Unique Concert Experience on February 6

From the Alberta ranchlands just east of Rocky Mountain House comes western country singer and songwriter Ben Crane. His love for the west-country and the outdoors comes through not only in his music, but in his original artwork as well. Ben’s musical stylings are rooted in traditional country, with hints of bluegrass, jazz, blues, and swing, and range from old cowboy ballads, to recently-written songs of the western lifestyle, and straight-ahead gospel songs that pack a punch; all delivered with conviction, a warm personality, and a touch of cheeky humour. Mosey over to Horizon Stage on Thursday, February 6 at 2 p.m. and warm up with a generous helping of Ben Crane.

Music has been keeping Ben busy for over 25 years. With six albums of his own, and countless others under his belt in various capacities as producer, engineer, arranger, session player, or vocalist, he is making a significant mark in the western music field. Several of his projects have been nominated for awards in the U.S. where western music's current resurgence is at an all-time high, and these same albums are receiving airplay as far away as Europe and Japan.

Ben is also an accomplished artist, recognized on both sides of the border, and one of only a few Canadians drawing for the famous greeting card company Leanin' Tree. A founding member of the Cowboy Cartoonists International, he has won many awards, and has been a standard at western festivals and art shows all across western North America, including Oklahoma City's National Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Calgary Stampede, C. M. Russell Museum and annually in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo. His art has also graced many books and magazines, as well as private collections in many parts of the continent and overseas.

A Ben Crane concert is agriculture-oriented and full of clean rural humour. His screen-projected original artwork adds a unique element to his show, while his daughter's accompanying fiddle and vocals illustrate his family values. Horizon Stage is looking forward to presenting Ben on Thursday, February 6 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are just $25 for all ages 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.

"Super combination of visual and performing art."

-Hudson Bay Allied Arts Council

"Ben Crane never fails to deliver with off the wall humour, clever concepts and some memorable serious songs

that reach deeply into the heart of everyone who loves the west."

-Hugh McLennan, Spirit of The West syndicated radio show.

Tiny Islands Want to Introduce Your Kids to Classic Jazz Standards

Wiggle and waggle along with irresistible tunes by Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller on February 1

There’s no more exciting way to introduce kids to a variety of musical instruments than through the upbeat, can’t-sit-still jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Hailing from a musical family, Tim Sars, veteran leader of Vancouver’s popular Carnival Band, has over a decade of experience entertaining and engaging children and their families with fun spirited music. When Tim teams up with his brother Nathan on multiple brass instruments, a double bass player, and a drummer the quartet becomes Tiny Islands. Together they’re aiming to get everyone up and dancing at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m.

 

Tiny Islands engages young people, and the young at heart, with irresistible tunes by jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller. Every song has an audience participation aspect, from knocking on the door to swimming in the deep blue sea. From classics like “When the Saints Go Marching In”, to a family-friendly version of Clarence Williams’ “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It” that changes beer to lemonade, the music they play will make you want to wiggle, waggle, and sing along and that’s encouraged. Residents of Spruce Grove and surrounding area may remember when Tiny Islands entertained crowds at the City’s 2017 Canada Day Celebration. Horizon Stage staff loved them so much that they jumped at the opportunity to invite them back to perform as part of this 2019-2020 Family Programming series.

A natural musician in every respect, both of Tim Sars’ parents were professional musicians so it was inevitable that he would follow in their footsteps.  When not performing with Tiny Islands he also works with a trio, a quartet, and a carnival band! Tim's fluent and deeply melodic saxophone style draws on a spectrum of inspirations - from Afrobeat, New Orleans, Ellingtonian jazz, Balkan Brass, Funk, and Latin jazz. He also plays, piano, clarinet, and flute. In his recent self-produced album you can hear his skill as a composer and arranger of various styles of jazz, pop, and funk.

Start February 2020 off on a happy note - literally. Bring your kids, grandkids, or nieces and nephews to enjoy Tiny Islands in concert at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are just $12 for all ages 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. Free preshow activities will run in the lobby from 1 - 1:45 p.m.

Exultation is an Intoxicating Music and Storytelling Collaboration

Multi-talented Pianist and Spoken-Word Artist Breathe Life into Rachmaninoff and his Compositions at Horizon Stage on January 28 

An intoxicating music and storytelling collaboration, Exultation is a stirring and unique exploration of the music of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Award-winning classical pianist Sarah Hagen performs all 13 preludes of Rachmaninoff’s Opus 32 while spoken-word artist and former Canadian SLAM champion, Brendan McLeod, intersperses stories and poems. The result is a narrative journey that focuses on Rachmaninoff’s life -  from his exile from Russia to his battle with depression, tireless work ethic, and dedication to beauty - in order to examine the estrangements, losses, and redemptions at the heart of contemporary political and social life. Centered by Hagen’s intricate and passionate performance and McLeod’s intense torrent of words, Exultation will build into a powerful crescendo at Horizon Stage on Tuesday, January 28.

Horizon Stage audiences will remember Sarah Hagen from her previous performances featuring the works of Robert and Clara Schumann, and Brahms. She has performed across Canada and in Europe and been heard on radio broadcasts throughout North America. Her interpretations have been  described as “outstandingly inventive", ”played flawlessly”, and “with great sensitivity and heart.”. An avid collaborator, Sarah has performed with many other musicians and appeared as a soloist with the Victoria Symphony, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, the West Coast Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific, and the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra. As a First Prize Winner in the 2013 Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, she was awarded the opportunity to perform solo at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in May 2013. Her debut solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards and she released her second album, Devoted: Music of Robert & Clara Schumann, in 2013.

 

Brendan McLeod is a Toronto-based writer, spoken word artist, and singer. He’s the author of one novel, The Convictions of Leonard McKinley, a one woman play, The Big Oops, and three monologues — including his award-winning piece on consciousness, Brain, and Exultation. Brendan is the founder of The Fugitives, a folk group that tours internationally who have been nominated for multiple Canadian Folk Music and Western Canadian Music Awards. Brendan was the 2012 Poet of Honour at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word and the 2015 Poet of Honour at the Victoria Spoken Word Festival. He is an active youth arts educator who has served as a writer in residence at dozens of secondary schools across Canada, the US, and Europe, and taught a spoken word class at Langara College for two years. Brendan has an MA in Philosophy from the University of Waterloo.

Allow yourself to be swept away by Sarah Hagen and Brendan McLeod’s intensity and dramatic flair. Enjoy Exaltation, a classical music and poetry pairing like you have never experienced before, at Horizon Stage on Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors. Tickets can 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.

“Hagen is one of the most expressive piano players that I have ever seen perform…”

- The Guardian (Charlottetown)

“McLeod is a smart, his rapid fire delivery so clean and confident, his wit so casual, copious, and reassuring.”

- The Georgia Straight

Take a Scoop of Toe-Tapping Tunes, Add a Dash of Silliness, Then Rattle and Strum

That’s The Recipe for Fun at Horizon Stage’s Munchkin Matinee on January 27

                                                                                                                                                      

 The recipe for fun?  We take a scoop of toe-tapping tunes, add a dash of silliness, then rattle and strum until we’re ready to fall over. Rattle and Strum gets kids dancing, singing, and having fun.  With Heather on guitar and Steve on drums, this highly interactive Calgary-based band leaves nobody out, and is known for original music that parents enjoy too. Bring your toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners to experience Rattle and Strum, Horizon Stage’s Munchkin Matinee on Monday, January 27 at 10 a.m.

Rattle and Strum’s self-titled first children’s album was released in 2013. It received a prestigious Parents’ Choice Gold Award, their highest stamp of approval, along with nominations for a Western Canadian Music Award and a Canadian Folk Music Award. Their second album, Ants in My Pants, was released in 2018. It included exciting new original tunes about wild turkeys, marshmallows, sneezing, pocket contents, the mysterious superhero Meatball Man, and of course, ants in pants!

Armed with their catchy tunes, great grooves, visual props, and an incredible sense of fun, a Rattle and Strum concert is an experience that children, and their grown-ups, won’t soon forget! The husband and wife duo has performed many times at the Arden Theatre and the International Children’s Festival in St. Albert. In 2019 they played on the Community Stage at Spruce Grove’s Canada Day Celebration and we’re excited to welcome them back!

Rattle and Strum is not a show that kids need to sit still and be quiet at; dancing and singing along is encouraged. Come play with Rattle and Strum at Horizon Stage on Monday, January 27 at 10 a.m. Their concert will be 50-60 minutes long and is recommended for everyone age 6-and-under and adults who are young at heart. Tickets are just $12 for adults and $6 for children and discounts are available for daycare, preschool, and school groups. Tickets can 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. Seating for this concert will be general admission.

“Awesome music makers!!” - Facebook Fan

“Great songs & great recordings. Such a great voice!”  - Fellow Artist

“Fresh and exciting children’s music at its best 10/10” - HerScoop Blog

“… effortless child appeal, quirky humour and irresistible melodic flare…” - Parent’s Choice Awards

“I find myself singing about ants in my pants daily now… We love it!!!” - Parent & Daycare Director