Monday, December 21, 2009

November/December 2009 Feedback

Did you see any of the following performances at Horizon Stage in November/December 2009...
Emma-Lee on November 14
The Horizon Players: Steel Magnolias on November 26, 27 & 29
Big Band Christmas on December 18
Did you like, or dislike, the artists, the venue, the volunteers or 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.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Master of Unusual Comedy Bounces into Alberta

Michel Lauzière performs in Spruce Grove on Saturday, January 16 and in St. Albert on Sunday, January 17

Performing for over 20 years, Michel Lauzière always manages to amaze his audiences with new and exciting stunts. Having taken his act all over the world, performing in over six different languages, Lauzière claims that no matter where he goes, or how big the crowd is, as long as he can make kids laugh his job is done. Lauzière’s inventive comedy and musical routines are back in the province this January for two shows, Horizon Stage, in Spruce Grove on January 16 and the Arden Theatre, in St. Albert on January 17.

From the moment Lauzière stepped onto a stage, performing for children became his passion. “Kids are the most honest, generous type of crowd;” says the seasoned performer. “If they are not captivated by what you do they will soon make it known and you will lose their attention. But if they like it, there is no better experience than to have them follow you into your world.” And follow him they do, as he performs a variety of musical numbers on dishes, horns, bells and other self-created instruments, as well as some wacky and wonderful physical stunts.

“Every time I get to see Michel perform I see something new”, says Brenda Heatherington, the Arden Theatre’s Professional Programming Presenter. “He never ceases to amaze me.” Media around the world have called Michel "a modern clown without the red nose and oversized shoes”, "the alchemist of sound”, a “stream of fresh air on stage” and "the flagship of modern variety ".

Tickets for Michel Lauzière on January 16 in Spruce Grove are $15 for all ages and can be purchased by calling 780.962.8995. Tickets for his performance in St. Albert on January 17 are $20 for adults and $18 for children and can be purchased by calling 780.459.1542. Tickets for both shows are also available through Ticketmaster.

www.michellauziere.com

Sponsors: City of St. Albert, The City of Spruce Grove, Parkland County, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, Canada Council, Edmonton’s Child, EZ Rock and Grove Pontiac GMC

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Horizon Stage adds Canada's #1 Children's Author to its Season

See Robert Munsch Up Close and Personal in Spruce Grove on Saturday, May 29th

Horizon Stage is thrilled to announce that acclaimed children’s author, Robert Munsch, is coming to Spruce Grove for not one but two performances on Saturday, May 29th. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 11th, through the Horizon Stage Box Office, 780-962-8995, and Ticketmaster. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors.
Author of such classics as The Paper Bag Princess, Mortimer, Mmm Cookies and Thomas’ Snowsuit, Mr. Munsch is, quite simply, a Canadian treasure. Loved by children and adults around the world, his book Love You Forever, the #4 best-selling children’s paperback of all time, has sold over 15 million copies in 10 different languages. With 52 books published since 1979 he is always on the look-out for new characters and inspiration. Not only does he perform fan- favourites in front of his live audiences, he also fine-tunes new stories as well. Don’t miss the chance to see Robert Munsch Up Close and Personal in the wonderfully-intimate, 318-seat, Horizon Stage.

“I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be."
Robert Munsch

Friday, October 30, 2009

October 2009 Feedback

Did you see any of the following performances at Horizon Stage in October 2009...
Fred Penner on the 3rd
Lennie Gallant on the 10th
Jack Semple on the 24th
Did you like, or dislike, the artists, the venue, the volunteers or 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.

Rodeo Riders Concert Added

Thursday, February 4 – 2 p.m.
Country/Comedy

The Rodeo Riders’ unique blend of country music and comedy will have you singing along one minute and rolling in the aisles with laughter the next. Dusty Britches, Saddlesore Sam and Happy Bellows are like a cross between the Everly Brothers and the Smothers Brothers. They never fail to delight all who meet them on the trail. With smooth-polished harmonies and great instrumental arrangements, The Rodeo Riders perform songs by Roy Rogers, Gene Autrey, Hank Williams, and other country music legends. Their concerts are laced with comedic commentary and lots of general silliness. With Dusty’s palomino pony guitar (Spitball -The Wonder Horse) pumping out a steady rhythm, Sam’s bunkhouse bass bringing up the bottom end, and Happy’s melodic accordion accompaniment, this group’s unabashed joy of performing is evident from the first chord struck to the last note played.
Tickets: $20 All Ages - Group discounts available
www.therodeoriders.ca

Monday, October 26, 2009

Ian Tyson's Thursday Concert Cancelled

Horizon Stage has had to cancel Ian Tyson’s concert on Thursday, January 7, 2010. He will still be performing three shows on January 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and on January 10 at 2 p.m. If you have purchased tickets to Ian’s January 7 performance please contact the Horizon Stage Box Office at 780-962-8995 to arrange your ticket exchange or refund. We apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Enchanting Young Songstress Will Charm and Bewitch You

See the dazzling Miss Emma-Lee perform at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 14

The first time you hear Emma-Lee perform, either Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on November 14 or on her debut CD Never Just a Dream, you will feel like you have stumbled on a star. Brimming with the same ‘special something’ that performers like Feist, k.d. lang, Madeleine Peyroux and Norah Jones exude, her music will touch your heart and soul.

A torch singer in the very best sense of the word, Emma-Lee effortlessly shifts between numerous genres including country, big band jazz, bossa nova, and pop. Armed with a voice that will make you melt, her original songs are saucy and sweet, pensive and pure. Fans of slow-burning ballads and music with an old soul will find a lot to like in Emma-Lee. With artistic influences like Joni Mitchell and jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, her exquisite voice creates a hauntingly-beautiful musical landscape.

Whether performing her epic song “Flow”, which tells the story of a girl who sublets the apartment of her globe-trotting ex-boyfriend and renders herself at the mercy of his memory, or the soaring “That Sinking Feeling”, with its sting of realization, or the ragtime bounce of “Jealousy”, which cheekily suggests you get what you deserve for snooping, Emma-Lee deftly captures the many dimensions of love and loss. But her music is about so much more than youthful heartbreak. It delves into the pleasures of May-December relationships, suggests regret for past mistakes, and calls out for understanding. At times playful, at others wistful, her collection of songs is inspired by the sort of heartache that is universal to anyone who has lived a life worth living.

An incredible talent like Emma-Lee’s must be heard to be believed. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover her for yourself at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 14. Tickets are just $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Horizon Stage Box Office. Call 780-962-8995 or visit the Box Office in person at 315 Jespersen Avenue to purchase yours today. Visit www.emma-lee.com to hear samples of Emma-Lee’s songs and watch her videos.

“As a songwriter, Emma-Lee has a lot of potential, giving clever little lyrical twists to songs that initially seem completely conventional. Lots of jazzy vocalists can sing nice, comfortable music, but not many play with the conventions creatively, which is where she shines.”
Benjamin Boles, NOW Magazine

“Emma-Lee is blessed with a delicate yet potent sound… Her brand of ethereal pop has doo-wop, country and blues accents bolstered by handclaps, folky guitar and cat-and-mouse strings. And she’s a top-shelf songwriter… She’s destined for big things.”
Ashante Infantry, Toronto Star

Thursday, October 08, 2009

The Enchanting Emma-Lee



Emma-Lee will be performing at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 14.
Tickets $25 Adults, $20 Students & Seniors
Call 780-962-8995
Visit www.emma-lee.com
Watch all off Emma- Lee's videos at www.youtube.com/neverjustadream

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Multiple Genre Guitar Master Performing in Spruce Grove

See Jack Semple Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Saturday, October 24

Jack Semple is a Juno Award-winning guitarist from Regina, Saskatchewan, who plays with unparalleled feeling and total technical control. The master of many genres, his 11-album portfolio includes R & B, jazz, roots, gypsy jazz, tango and a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. Also a talented singer, Jack’s voice has been described as “smooth as silk and jagged as rocks cutting through an ocean shoreline.”

Jack started his musical career by playing with various Regina-based bands. He burst onto the Canadian national scene when he won the Much Music contest "Guitar Wars" in 1992. After a brief stint in Toronto, Jack moved back to Regina and became more involved in the television and movie-score business. He even made a brief jump into acting, in the title role of "Guitar Man" in 1994. He has since played everywhere from Vancouver, B.C., to Montreux, Switzerland. His music has been used in television and film soundtracks, and he has shared the stage with a wide range of top artists including Martha Reeves, k.d. lang, the Lincolns, Ronnie Hawkins and Colin James. Jack's performances are frequently in demand, especially here in Western Canada. He tours solo, with favourite guest artist friends, and with "The Jack Semple Band".

Jack Semple is one of those rare guitar players who leaves a crowd speechless, in absolute awe of what they have just experienced. Listening to him, and watching him play, fills one with a sense of having witnessed an event that will not soon be forgotten. Discover for yourself the treasure called Jack Semple at Horizon Stage on Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors. Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 780-962-8995, visit the Box Office at 315 Jespersen Avenue, or go online to http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Jack-Semple-tickets/artist/1052115 to purchase yours today.

Watch Jack Semple on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr0UvA2S8iE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZuuQqiuP6Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzj9b2-8O7k

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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

Thursday, September 10, 2009

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/

Monday, August 31, 2009

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.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

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

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

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...

Monday, May 11, 2009

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.