Lennie Gallant - In Concert at Horizon Stage on October 10

Lennie Gallant is a master storyteller who weaves his tales in ways that never fail to intrigue and surprise. This prolific songwriter/performer has released 8 albums, including his most recent, If We Had A Fire, in the summer of 2009, and has won a host of awards and nominations from the Junos to the East Coast Music Awards. Musically, Gallant has performed with rock bands, traditional music groups, roots-oriented ensembles and symphony orchestras. And, in July 2009, astronaut Julie Payette brought his album, When We Get There, with her to the international space station! Inducted into the Order of Canada in 2003, Lennie Gallant is a powerhouse performer with an intense delivery that will reach down and touch your very soul.
Tickets: $25 Adults, $20 Students & Seniors
www.lenniegallant.com

Introduce Your Family to Fred Penner’s World at Horizon Stage

See one of Canada’s favourite children’s entertainers in concert on Saturday, October 3

Fred Penner’s warmth, ease, enthusiasm, grace, and ability to make people feel good have been making a difference in the Canadian music scene for over 25 years. Dubbed the “Canadian Minister of Positivity,” this Juno Award-winner has successfully transformed children’s entertainment into a family affair. Now Spruce Grove and Edmonton area families can meet Fred Penner and enjoy his music at one of two concerts at Horizon Stage on Saturday, October 3.

Born, raised, and still residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Fred is a Canadian treasure who is also loved by American audiences. The winner of four U.S. Parents’ Choice Awards, he was the first children’s entertainer to headline at the Los Angeles Amphitheater and his 1992 album Happy Feet was named Best Children’s Album of the Year by U.S.A’s Entertainment Weekly.

Here at home, the Canadian Institute of Child Health honoured Fred in 2000 for his contribution to the well-being and safety of children. He is also a recipient of the Order of Canada and the first winner of the Prairie Music Award for Outstanding Children’s Recording.

Fred Penner’s international visibility has allowed him the privilege and joy of using his voice to “bring something of value” as a spokesperson for organizations like UNESCO, World Vision, UNICEF and the National Conference on Down Syndrome. In 2005, he journeyed to Zambia, Africa with World Vision to host a program for Child Sponsorship in the Western World.

Penner’s diverse repertoire includes 12 albums, countless energetically-packed live shows and almost 900 episodes of the hit CBC TV show, Fred Penner’s Place. Not one but two generations of fans have been, and still are being, energized by his talent. Spruce Grove concert-goers will enjoy favourites like The Cat Came Back and Sandwiches along with tracks from his 2008 CD, Where in the World.

Bring your family to see Fred Penner Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Saturday, October 3 at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors, or $10 with the purchase of a Family Matinee Package. Family Matinee Packages cost $45 (regardless of age) and includes 1 Fred Penner ticket, 1 ticket to Michel Lauzière (physical comedian) on January 16, 1 ticket to Ted Outerbridge: Magical Moments in Time (magician/illusionist) on February 21, and 1 ticket to Dance Company Sursaut: At Nightfall (dance for young audiences) on April 10. Tickets and packages are on sale through the Horizon Stage Box Office. Call 780-962-8995 or visit the Box Office in person at 315 Jespersen Avenue to purchase yours today.

“Penner’s dynamic live performances are integral to his success. He consistently plays to
packed houses across North American, captivating throngs of energetic fans for 60 minutes
and enchanting not only the little ones, but their parents as well.”
The Weekend Guardian, Charlottetown, PE

“Penner exemplifies family warmth and welcome. Listening to his music puts you in a
comfort zone, inviting both active play and gentle relaxation.”
Billboard, New York, NY

http://www.fredpenner.com/

Stephen Fearing Date Changed

One of Canada's finest singer/songwriters, Mr. Stephen Fearing, has changed the date of his concert at Horizon Stage. He will now be perfroming in Spruce Grove on Friday, March 12th instead of March 19th. If you have purchased tickets to his March 19th performance please call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 780-962-8995.

2009/2010 Season Now On Sale!

Saturday, October 3 - Fred Penner - 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. (bonus family matinee)
Saturday, October 10 - Lennie Gallant
Saturday, October 24 - Jack Semple
Saturday, November 14 - Emma-Lee
November 26 – 28 - The Horizon Players Present: Steel Magnolias
Friday, December 18 - A Big Band Christmas
January 7 – 10 - Ian Tyson (Note: January 10 is a 2 p.m. matinee)
Saturday, January 16 - Michel Lauzière (family matinee) – 2 p.m.
Saturday, January 23 - Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company
Friday, February 5 - Soaring Strings
Friday, February 12 - Vishtèn
Saturday, February 20 Ted Outerbridge: Magical Moments in Time (90-min evening performance)
Sunday, February 21 Ted Outerbridge: Magical Moments in Time (50-min family matinee performance) – 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 28 - Ballet Jörgen Canada: Cinderella – 2 p.m.
Friday, March 19 - Stephen Fearing
Saturday, April 10 - Dance Company Sursaut: At Nightfall (family matinee) – 3 p.m.
Friday, April 16 - Nathan
April 23 & 24 - The Arrogant Worms
May 13 – 15 - The Horizon Players Present: Hamlet


Visit www.horizonstage.com for artist biographies, ticket prices and more!

Box Office Phone: 780-962-8995
Box Office In Person: 315 Jespersen Ave (Spruce Grove City Hall)

Ride The Canada Day Bus!

Are you planning to attend the Spruce Grove Canada Day and Street Performers Festival on June 30 and July 1? If so, then you might want to think about how you will be getting there. On-site parking is going to be very limited. If you live within walking distance, consider exercising and going by foot-power. If you live within biking distance then consider hopping on your two-or three-wheeler. The site itself is bike-free but there will be lots of bike racks available. If you are coming from out of town, or live too far away to walk, then consider riding the Canada Day bus. For the third year in a row, the City will be providing a free shuttle service between the Festival site at Spruce Grove Composite High School and Spruce Grove’s City Hall, Greystone Centennial Middle School and Living Waters Christian Academy.

The bus will run past each location at approximately 30-minute intervals, stopping for a few minutes at each to collect waiting passengers. The bus will operate, in a circuit, between 5 and 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 and between 9:30 a.m. and midnight on Wednesday, July 1.

New this year, the Festival has chosen to use a local school bus company. This will allow us to accommodate more people in each vehicle. And, we are also excited about the addition of a second bus from 7 – midnight on Wednesday, July 1.

Both busses will be available for a quick return to pick-up locations after 11:15 p.m. After the RONA fireworks display one bus will head straight to Living Waters and the second will go straight to Greystone and then on to City Hall. So, not only will the shuttle-bus get you to the site quickly and easily, it will also get you back to your car at the end of the day fast and headache-free.

Call Brandi at 780-962-7616 for further information regarding the Canada Day and Street Performer Festival bus or visit www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate.

Familiar Favourites and New Treats at the Spruce Grove Canada Day and Street Performers Festival

There is something to be said for the old adage, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” To that effect, The City of Spruce Grove has found a formula that really works for its Canada Day celebrations and plans to stick with it. The Spruce Grove Canada Day and Street Performers Festival activities kick-off on the evening of Tuesday, June 30th. They include the 3rd annual Vaudeville Variety Show at 7 p.m., the 2nd annual $5 Community BBQ (pulled pork, salads, buns, baked beans and dessert) from 5 to 8 p.m. and the 1st annual Social Capital Awards presentation to an outstanding community volunteer organization.

Wednesday, July 1 begins bright and early with the ever-popular $2 Pancake Breakfast. New this year will be morning entertainment provided by the combined bands of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and King’s Own Calgary Regiment, directed by Captain Michael Chute, CD.

A slight tweak to this year’s festival schedule now means that the vendors on-site will open early at 9 a.m. Bring your cash and plan to shop at such returning-favourites as Original Canadian Kettle Korn, Big E’s Mini D’s (mini doughnuts), the Girl Guides (snow cones), the Association For Supportive Community Connections, and the Sea Cadets (hamburgers and hotdogs), Work of Art Tattoos, Tara’s Treats (ice cream), The Thai Boutique, Bolli Imports and our 2 novelty toy vendors. Then, try something new at Mediterranean BBQ (chicken, lamb, pitas, veggies), WD’s Grill & Catering (Caribbean), Lemmon Heaven (lemonade), and Morse Code Dezynz (ladies beach wear).

Decorate your children between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. so they can participate in the Kids’ Parade and then head to the outdoor stage at noon for the official Canada Day Ceremonies and some free birthday cake.

Bring your loonies, toonies and $5-bills and get ready to giggle, guffaw and be amazed by Street Performers from across Canada and around the world between 12:30 and 5 p.m. Get your children’s faces painted and let them blow off some steam chasing bubbles, playing in the sand, or bouncing in the bouncy tents. Returning to the RE/MAX KidZone this year will be the hilarious Cap’n Arrr, Aerials Gymnastics demonstrations, and juggling workshops facilitated by Kim Potter.

Teenagers on site can hang with their friends in the Teen Zone where a variety of their favourite activities will be facilitated by the Log Cabin staff. They can then watch their peers perform on the main-stage when the Spruce Grove FCSS Battle of The Bands winners show off their musical skills at 6:30 p.m. Also, join the library staff to help create a masterpiece with the Library Tile Project from 1 – 3 p.m.

Grown-ups can sit back and relax with a patriotic beer in the Kinsmen Beverage tent starting at 6 p.m., and everyone is encouraged to attend the 5th Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

2009’s main-stage artists are Albertans through and through. The eclectic Polyjesters (http://www.polyjesters.com/), who perform at 8 p.m., hail from Carstairs. And, headlining country music star Gord Bamford (http://www.gordbamford.com/), who steps on stage at 9:30 p.m., still proudly lives in Lacombe.

The grand finale on July 1st will, of course, be the extremely popular and spectacular RONA Fireworks at 11 p.m.

Due to limited on-site parking, the City will once again be providing a free shuttle bus service between 5 and 9:30 p.m. on June 30th and from 9:30 am – midnight on July 1. Park your car at Living Waters Christian Academy, Greystone Centennial Middle School or City Hall and hop on the bus. Or, if you don’t live too far away from Spruce Grove Composite High School, plan to walk or ride your bike instead. The festival grounds are a bike-free (and pet-free and smoke-free) zone for safety reasons, but there will be lots of bike racks available.

If you have attended the Spruce Grove Canada Day and Street Performers Festival in the past then plan to come back this year and stay on-site a little longer. If you have yet to attend this wonderful community event, make 2009 your year to do so. It doesn’t need to be fixed. It just keeps getting better! www.sprucegrove.org/celebrate

2009 Summer Drama Programs

Drama Tots
Session 1: July 6 - 10
Program # Session 1: 20618
Session 2: July 27 – 31
Program # Session 2: 20620
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Ages: 5 – 7
Location: Agra Room - Spruce Grove Agrena - 9 Agrena Road
Cost: $80
Young children will explore creatively through a variety of dramatic activities. They will play games, sing songs, and do simple drama exercises. On the last day of class, family and friends will be invited to watch them present a showcase piece, and to enjoy a potluck dessert cast party.
Instructors: Julia Seymour & Mandolin Orr

Drama Troopers
Session 1: July 6 - 10
Program # Session 1: 20619
Session 2: July 27 – 31
Program # Session 2: 20621
Time: 1 - 3 p.m.
Ages: 8 – 10
Location: Agra Room - Spruce Grove Agrena - 9 Agrena Road
Cost: $80
Older children will explore creatively through various, more advanced, theatrical activities. They will participate in a wide variety of warm-up and dramatic exercises. They will learn about plot lines, creating characters and working together as a team. On the last day of class, family and friends will be invited to watch them present a showcase piece, and to enjoy a potluck dessert cast party.
Instructors: Julia Seymour & Mandolin Orr

Important:
Children should wear clothing that they can move and play easily in and non-slip indoor shoes. If the weather is warm they should wear sun screen and have
alternate outdoor shoes available. They should bring their own water bottle. A healthy, nut-free snack will be provided Mon-Thurs. and parents will be asked to send a nut-free snack or dessert to the potluck on Friday.

Registration starts June 1st
Call: 780-962-8995

Scholarship Deadline Approaching

The application deadline for the Horizon Stage Theatre Advisory Board Artstrek Scholarship is fast appoaching on May 29th. Please see our previous post on April 12 for details.

Before & After

Just in case you haven't bee able to see it for yourself yet.

Horizon Stage before the renovations...




Horizon Stage after the renovations...

Festival Vendors Sought

Deadline for vendor applications for the 2009 Spruce Grove Canada Day and Street Performers Festival on June 30 and July 1 is June 1, 2009.
Please visit the City of Spruce Grove's website for details.

April Customer Feedback

Did you see Oliver Jones on April 3, the Emeralds on April 5, Sharon and Bram on April 18 or George Fox on April 14?
What did you think of the show, the staff and volunteers who served you, or the theatre itself. Good or bad - please let us know.
Please Note: Comments will be monitored and bad language will not be posted.

You Can Rate Horizon Stage

We've updated Horizon Stage's information on weblocal.ca. We now have a profile for Horizon Stage Perfroming Arts Centre and a profile for the Horizon Stage Ticket Centre in city hall.
Feel free to visit one, or both, and give us a rating and/or a review.

http://www.weblocal.ca/horizon-stage-ticket-center-spruce-grove-ab.html

http://www.weblocal.ca/horizon-stage-performing-arts-centre-spruce-grove-ab.html

Artstrek Scholarship Available

What is Artstrek?
Artstrek is a theatre school like no other — a residential summer theatre
program for teens that has been running in the province of Alberta since 1959. The program, which takes place each summer on the campus of Red Deer College, is about the exploration of theatre and the components of theatre production rather than getting a show on stage. Over the course of a week, participants explore acting, voice, movement, and directing with some of Alberta's finest theatre professionals. This year students will be working on the Tony Award-winning musical Into The Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.

Artstrek is not a talent-based program. It is for students who are enthusiastic about theatre and who will be focused on the fun of learning and exploring with their instructors and with other Artstrek participants.

When is Artstrek & Who can attend?
Theatre Exploration I runs July 5 - 11. It is for 13 - 15 year olds who have completed grade 7.
Theatre Exploration II runs July 12 - 19. It is for 16 - 18 year olds who have completed grade 10.

Do I qualify for the Horizon Stage scholarship?
If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, and have completed grade 7 or higher at a school in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain or Parkland County, you may apply for this scholarship. Only one scholarships is being offered. It can be used for either Theatre Exploration I or Theatre Exploration II. The value of the scholarship is $300.

How do I apply for the Horizon Stage scholarship?
To help decide the scholarship winner, Horizon Stage requires one letter from each applicant detailing their experience in theatre studies and productions, their plans for future involvement in theatre, and explaining why they would like to win this scholarship and why they deserve it. Factors such as academic excellence and financial need will be taken into account.
Letters of reference are a part of the Artstrek application process, but do not need to be sent to Horizon Stage. Complete your scholarship application letter and submit it to:
Horizon Stage Scholarship
315 Jespersen Ave
Spruce Grove, AB, T7X 3E8
Fax: 780-962-0616

ALSO Download your Artstrek Application form from www.theatrealberta.com/artstrek.htm
and submit it separately, along with the entire registration fee, to:
Theatre Alberta
3rd Floor, 11759 Groat Road
Edmonton, AB, T5M 3K6
Fax: 780-422-2663

The scholarship recipient will receive a reimbursement cheque for $300 after they are chosen.
The application deadline for the Horizon Stage scholarship is May 29.
Artstrek starts taking registrations on April 1, and they usually fill up early, so get your application to Theatre Alberta and your letter to Horizon Stage as soon as possible!!

This Artstrek Scholarship is funded by the Horizon Stage Theatre Advisory Board.

March 2009 Feedback

Did you see any of the following performances at Horizon Stage in March...
Hotel California on the 15th?
10 Lost Years on the 20th or 21st?
The Horizon Players: Disney's 101 Dalmatians on the 26th, 27th or 28th?
Did you like, or dislike, the artists, the venue, the volunteers, the staff?
Please let us know your thoughts regarding your visit to our theatre.

Please Note: Comments will be moderated and course language will not be posted.

Oliver Jones on QTV

Great Canadian Jazz Pianist to Perform at Horizon Stage

Enjoy an intimate evening with Oliver Jones in Spruce Grove on April 3rd

Oliver Jones is considered to be one of the best Canadian jazz pianists in history. Now at age 74, this member of the Order of Quebec and Order of Canada, Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards recipient and Felix and Juno Award-winner continues to tour and record. He will make a highly-anticipated stop in Spruce Grove on Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Oliver Jones was born and raised in Saint Henri, a predominantly working-class area of Montreal, just a few blocks away from fellow pianist, Oscar Peterson. As a youngster he would sit on the Peterson family’s porch, listening to the older boy practice. Oscar’s sister, Daisy Peterson Sweeney, eventually became Oliver’s first piano teacher, and twelve years of lessons with her solidified his already considerable skills. He began performing publicly at the age of five and made his first nightclub appearance at age nine. Oliver Jones’ six-decade musical career has been rich and varied. He has released 16 albums and toured across North America, Europe, Cuba, Brazil and Africa, He has performed and recorded with the likes of bass legend Ray Brown, drummer Jeff Hamilton, bassist Skip Bey, trumpeter Clark Terry and singer Ranee Lee. After retiring at age 64, Jones was lured back to the stage in 2003 by the opportunity to play a duet with his friend Oscar Peterson at the Montreal Jazz Festival's 25th-anniversary event. He has since recorded the CD, One More Time.

Horizon Stage is an intimate 318 seat theatre in Spruce Grove. Recently renovated in the summer of 2008, it is a cozy and comfortable venue. With a thrust performance space, sitting in the comfy seats at Horizon Stage almost feels like being in your own living room. And, with only eight rows in total, this isn’t the kind of theatre where you need binoculars to see details. Every artist is truly Up Close and Personal, and that’s Horizon Stage’s motto. Performers and audience members alike enjoy the intimacy that they share when they are so near each other.

Tickets to see Oliver Jones at Horizon Stage on Friday, April 3 are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors and are available through the Horizon Stage Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Call 780-962-8995 to reserve your seat for this incredible concert.

www.justin-time.com/authors/oliverjones

Special thanks to the sponsors of this event: The Alberta Foundation For The Arts, Canadian Heritage, Servus Credit Union, CKUA Radio, The Edmonton Journal, Royal Inn Express and Birdsell Grant Gardner Morck Barristers & Solicitors

10 Lost Years Update

A limited number of seats have been released for 10 Lost Years on Saturday, March 21.



This production was directed by Northern Light Theatre founder Scott Swan. NLT co-founder Merrilyn Gann is performing in it. Former Theatre Alberta Dramaworks and Citadel Theatre school coordinator Cheryl Swan (ne Matheson) is also performing in it, and NLT co-founder Angela Gann is the music director. This is not the same play that was produced in Toronto in the 70’s. It is Scott Swan’s own adaptation of the Barry Broadfoot book.

February 2009 Feedback

Did you see any of the following performances at Horizon Stage in February...
Jim Byrnes on the 5th?
Marc Atkinson Trio on the 7th?
Ballet Jorgen Canada's Romeo & Juliet on the 14th?
Cranked on the 25th or 26th?
The Nylons on the 26th?
Mud Bay Jugglers on the 28th?
Did you like, or dislike, the artists, the venue, the volunteers, the staff?
Please let us know your thoughts regarding your visit to our theatre.

Please Note: Comments will be moderated and course language will not be posted.

Country Music Star George Fox added to Horizon Stage Season Line Up

Tickets for his Friday, April 24th concert are on sale now.

If you’re a fan of Canadian country-music star, George Fox, rejoice. Horizon Stage has made a late addition to its 2008/2009 season. Mr. Fox will be performing in Spruce Grove on Friday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m.

With three Canadian Country Music awards, three Junos and nine Big Country awards on his mantle, George Fox has certainly made it to “the big time”. He has recorded eleven albums, written a book and had a string of chart-topping hits, including “Clearly Canadian”, “First Comes Love”, “What’s Holding Me” and “Wear & Tear on My Heart”. His most recent CD, With All Due Respect, is a tribute to some all-time great artists and songwriters from John Denver and Dean Martin to Eddie Arnold and Don Messer.

Born in Calgary and raised in Cochrane, Alberta, George is still an incredibly down-to-earth kind of guy. He now lives in Southern Ontario with his wife and two daughters on an expansive acreage and farms winter wheat, soybean and corn. Besides music and farming, his hobbies include hockey, carpentry and reading.

Spruce Grove loves George Fox. In 2005 he performed for a huge, enthusiastic crowd at our Canada Day celebration. He was last seen at Horizon Stage at Christmas 2006, when he sold out not one, not two, but three concerts! That is why when Horizon Stage discovered he was available in April they invited him immediately!

Tickets to see George Fox Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Friday, April 24th have only just gone on sale, but they aren’t expected to last. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for students and seniors. Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 962-8995 for more information and to reserve your seats before the show sells out!

Be sure to visit www.georgefox.com & www.horizonstage.com

Special thanks to the sponsors of this event: The Alberta Foundation For The Arts, Canadian Heritage, Royal Inn Express and Birdsell Grant Gardner Morck Barristers & Solicitors

Horizon Stage adds a Second 10 Lost Years to its Line Up

March 21 performance sold out, March 20 performance added

Based on the book by Barry Broadfoot, 10 Lost Years is a powerful play about real people and communities during the “Dirty 30s”. It is a compilation of stories about hard times and resilience in the face of extended drought and economic depression. Produced by Vancouver’s Seacoast Productions, 10 Lost Years has already sold out one performance at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 21st. Now, a second performance of this wonderful production has been scheduled on Friday, March 20th, at 7:30 p.m.

Barry Broadfoot traveled Canada in 1973, asking people in bars and train stations, on planes and buses one simple question, “What do you remember about the Depression?" Initially, many of them weren't able to recall anything. But, gradually, as his tape recorder rolled, memories filled with humour, emotion, tragedy, love, and courage were unlocked. He collected those stories, published them word for word, and 35 years later they are still substantial, gripping and awe-inspiring. They were the experiences of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents and they should never be forgotten.

Vancouver director Scott Swan bought Barry Broadfoot’s book and, as he read it, he was amazed by the honesty and simplicity of the stories and the humour and stoicism of the men and women telling them. He decided to produce a performance that focused on the people themselves. Using just the actors, images from that era, music and the audience, he created this incredibly compelling piece of theatre and toured it across Western Canada.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this compelling production for yourself. Tickets to see
10 Lost Years at Horizon Stage on Friday, March 20th are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 780-962-8995 for more information. Reserve your seats before this show sells out too!

“This production touches the heart and enlivens the spirit of everyone who sees it…”
Gail Barrington-Moss, City of St. Albert

“Sitting in the audience, we forget we are watching actors on the stage and are transported to another time.“
Vivian Elias, Athabasca

Special thanks to the sponsors of this event: The Alberta Foundation For The Arts, Canadian Heritage, Servus Credit Union, The Edmonton Journal and Birdsell Grant Gardner Morck Barristers & Solicitors