A Funny, Smart, Engaging, and Multi-Dimensional Night of Comedy

Comedian Roman Danylo performing at Horizon Stage on Friday, October 3

Canadian comedian Roman Danylo has appeared in many television shows and movies and starred for five seasons in his own show on CTV, Comedy Inc. Now he’s “Roman around the country” doing a live comedy show that combines sketch, stand-up, and improvisation - and he’s making a stop at Horizon Stage, in Spruce Grove, on Friday, October 3.

Roman Danylo was born and in Calgary. His rise to fame began there in the late 1980s, when he worked for several local comedy clubs including The Loose Moose Theatre and Theatre Calgary. With a youthful optimism and naiveté, he moved to Vancouver in 1992. He starred in the UPN series Off Limits, was featured on NBC’s Late Friday, and appeared in the feature films Duets with Gwenyth Paltrow, and Happy Birthday with John Goodman. He also hosted a talk show pilot produced by fellow Canadian David Steinberg and acted in a stage sketch review show with Martin Short. Not always a comedian, Roman worked as a dramatic actor in television shows like Jeremiah, Outer Limits, and Sliders.

Roman has made appearances in several series Canadian TV series , including CBC’s Comics, These Arms of Mine, Made in Canada with Rick Mercer, the Just for Laughs Improv Championships, Slightly Bent, and Corner Gas. He won a Leo Award in 2004 for excellence in British Columbia film and television for his performance in CBC’s Western Alienation Comedy Hour. That same year, he was nominated for a Gemini for his work on Comedy Inc.

Roman is one of only a handful of comedians to perform in the prestigious HBO Comedy Festival in Aspen, and Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival in the same year. His stage show, Roman Danylo Live, is a sometimes light-hearted, sometimes edgy take on everything from love, to war, to snacks at the mall food court. A blend of comedy genres, the show includes high energy observational stand-up and the incorporating of audience members into interactive sketches.

Joining Roman for the improvised second half of the show in Spruce Grove show will be Edmonton comedian and actor, Neil Grahn.  An original member of Edmonton comedy super troupe Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie, Neil keeps in touch with his comedy roots by being the head writer for, and performing on, CBC Radio’s The Irrelevant Show.

Tickets to see Roman Danylo Live, with special guest Neil Grahn, at Horizon Stage on Friday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m. are $35 for adults, and $30 for students 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.  Once you see this show, you may never need to watch comedy again! 

"Danylo belongs with the country's best. He can do anything: clever observational stuff, impressions, physical bits and even improv. His comic comparisons are without equal." - NOW Magazine

"Roman Danylo's show is very funny, very smart, and engagingly performed... The improv at the end is among the best I've seen... He's a comic gem." - CBC 24hrs

"Five Stars...You can't help but laugh...Roman Danylo is a quick wit!" - The Winnipeg Free Press

This performance is proudly sponsored by Travelodge Inn & Suites, Canadian Heritage, and The Alberta Foundation for the Arts.                                                                 

Discover a Delightful Country and Folk Music Trio

See the Travelling Mabels perform at Horizon Stage on Saturday, September 27

 Celebrate Alberta Culture Days in Spruce Grove with the Alberta Country Music Association’s 2011 Group of the Year. The Travelling Mabels are a folk/country trio full of spirit, spunk, and laughter. With music that is true to Alberta, and true to the prairies, the Mabels’ harmony, humour, and musical professionalism draw crowds into their world, touching hearts wherever they perform. These three amazing ladies, Eva Levesque, Lana Floen, and Suzanne Levesque, are each able to vocally stand alone, but the moment you hear their harmonies blending at Horizon Stage on Saturday, September 27, you’ll know exactly why they perform together.

Collectively, the Mabels represent three generations of women, each of whom brings a wealth of musical and life experience to the stage. And it’s that diversity that creates a dynamic energy in their music and rapport with audiences. With influences that range from Dolly Parton to Sheryl Crow, and The Eagles to Bob Dylan, the Travelling Mabels’ comedic but heart-felt take on life means they easily satisfy a wide range of audience expectations and tastes whenever they perform.

Eva Levesque is a free spirit and her wit and charm entertain audiences of all ages. Eva started performing professionally in 1990 and formed the Levesque family band in 1991 - a group who had a huge following during their 14 year run. Her first solo album was released in 1999 and consisted of all self-penned original songs. 

Lana Floen began her professional music career at the age of 26 as part of Kickstart, a top notch band that has been active in the corporate and country music scenes for over years 15. Lana has had the pleasure of performing with, and opening for, some of Canada’s finest artists including Ian Tyson, Tom Jackson, and Jason McCoy. In 1998 Lana won a “Sing with Shania” contest that put her on stage singing lead for one of Shania’s hits to a sold out crowd of twenty thousand at Calgary’s Saddledome while Shania herself provided backup vocals.

Suzanne Levesque started performing with her mother, Eva, and the Levesque family band at age 12. It was there that she found her great voice and developed her own style on bass guitar. It didn’t take long for audiences to realize Suzanne had superstar qualities and, after touring extensively with bands throughout Western Canada, she was offered a full-time position with Canadian country recording artist Gord Bamford.

Joining the ladies on stage is Keith Floen, their band leader, keyboard player, and Lana’s husband. Nominated for CCMA Keyboard Player of the Year in 2012, Keith provides a musical backbone for the group. He also produced, and co-engineered, both the Travelling Mabels’ CDs. A professional musician for over 30 years, Keith has had the pleasure of working with many great artists including Johnny Reid, Shania Twain, Charlie Major, Jim Cuddy, Susan Aglukark, Ian Tyson, Tom Jackson, Patricia Conroy, and Horizon Stage’s season opener- Lisa Brokop.

Tickets to see The Travelling Mabels at Horizon Stage on Saturday, September 27 are $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors. Concert start time is 7:30 p.m. 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 Ticketpro.ca. 

      

This concert is proudly sponsored by CFCW, Travelodge Inn & Suites, Canadian Heritage, and The Alberta Foundation for the Arts.                                                                         

Country Music Star Lisa Brokop Opens Horizon Stage’s 2014/2015 Season

Five Time Canadian Country Music Award-Winner to perform on Friday, September 5

As an exciting last minute addition to Horizon Stage’s calendar, Lisa Brokop's  concert on Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. doesn't appear in our new season brochure. But who could say no to the opportunity to present Lisa Brokop?

In a day and age when many artists barely flicker for a moment before fading out of the spotlight, Lisa Brokop is set to celebrate 25 remarkable years of singing, songwriting, and performing professionally. Born in 1973, Lisa’s love affair with performing began when she very young. Even as a baby, it was clear to her family that she was special—she was singing before she could talk! Growing up in suburban Vancouver, she joined her musical mother and brother on stage to perform everything from polkas to Kenny Rogers’ classics when she was 7. By age 12 Lisa was sitting in with other Vancouver bands, then went professional at age 15 and joined a touring band. A year later she began her solo career, releasing “Daddy Sing To Me”, the first of a string of successful singles from her independent debut album My Love in 1991.

At the age of 19, Lisa landed the lead female role in the feature film Harmony Cats. The movie, in which she played a country singer who leaves home in search of a big break in Nashville, proved to be prophetic. Shortly after filming wrapped, and on the strength of her very first Nashville showcase, she was signed to Capitol Records.

Lisa released three more albums in the 1990s, toured, and had a string of hits including “Give Me a Ring Sometime”, “Take That”, “How Do I Let Go”, and “Better off Broken”. The release of her Canadian independent  album, Undeniable, in 2000, earned her a series of CCMA Awards, including two for Independent Song of the Year, and three consecutive wins for Independent Female Artist of the Year.  Lisa released albums in 2005 and 2008 and married fellow country artist Paul Jefferson in May of 2008. The couple began performing and recording together as The Jeffersons.

Lisa has charted over 20 singles in Canada and the United States. Her songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire, Terri Clark and Pam Tillis. Now, as she prepares to release her eighth solo album Lisa is able to reflect with a perspective that brings a smile to her face. Her musical journey has included twists and turns and ups and downs – but it’s been a great ride… and it’s far from over!

Tickets to see Lisa Brokop at Horizon Stage on Friday, September 5 are $40 for adults, and $35 for students 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.  

Horizon Stage 2014-2015 Season

Lisa Brokop – September 5

The Travelling Mabels – September 27

Roman Danylo Live –October 3

Checkerboard Guy – October 4

TANGO: A Passion of a Lifetime – October 24

Lunch at Allen's – October 25

Rapid Fire Theatre: Blazing Improv! – November 1

Bergmann Piano Duo – November 7

The Classics – November 8

Alberta Opera Touring Association: Rumpelstiltskin – November 15

Bridget Ryan: Here's to the Ladies Who Laugh – November 22

Horizon Players: Doctor Dolittle, Jr. - November 26, 27, 28, & 29

Big Hank and a Fist Full of Blues Christmas – December 13

Christmas Memories – Starring Jim Witter - December 19 & 20

Cod Gone Wild – January 16

Tom Allen’s Debussy vs Ravel: The Judgment of Paris – January 23

Mary Lambert's Pajama Party – January 26

Day Tripper: The Beatles Experience – January 29 & 30

The Emeralds – February 5

Sarah Hagen: The Music of Brahms - Love in Every Bite – February 6

Kellylee Evans – February 7

Jimmy Rankin – February 8

Never Let The Crew See You Cry – February 13

John Wort Hannam – February 28

The Troubadours – March 7

Garth Prince – March 14

Rebecca Caine: Leading Ladies – March 29

George Fox – April 10 & 11

Cousin Harley – April 12

Horizon Players: Anne of Green Gables, The Musical - April 30, May 1,2,3,7,8, & 9

Don't Miss A Hillarious Family Matinee Performance by Norman Foote

Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m.

Combining puppetry, comedy, and music into a complete entertainment package, Norman Foote summons laughter from audience members of all ages. Bringing to the stage a mix of original, Juno Award-winning children’s songs and old favourites with hilarious new interpretations, both kids and adults alike will appreciate his lighthearted antics. The winner of four Parents Choice Awards, Norman has written and recorded songs for Disney Records, Shari Lewis and, most recently, for the live musical versions of Max & Ruby and Toopy & Binoo. Get ready to shake a leg, snap your fingers, and clap your hands because Norman gets kids a-movin’ and a-groovin’!

What makes Norman so great is his ability to find subject matter that challenges and engages his audience. He puts his theatrical and comedic talents to use as he weaves stories and paints musical imagery that audiences respond to immediately. His hilarious adaptation of nursery rhymes sung by rock stars is a routine that defines his talent for creating material that can bridge the generation gap. He calls this a “twist on tradition". His claim to fame are his props with an attitude. Simple by nature, fascinating by delivery. These characters enter the stage as inanimate objects and with the element of surprise and improvisation come to life, never failing to bring the house down with laughter and applause.

Also joining Norman on-stage on March 15 will be 48 members of the Brookwood School Choir. These talented young singers are looking forward to performing for their friends, families, and community. 

Tickets: $20 Adults, $16 Children & Seniors
Babes in Arms (under age 2) FREE if sitting on an adult’s lap.

Tickets available by phone at 780-962-8995 OR 1-888-655-9090, in person at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave.) and online at horizonstage.ticketpro.ca

SPIN celebrates the Bicycle as a muse, a musical instrument, and an agent of social change.

Innovative artist Evalyn Parry takes her audience on an uncommon theatrical and musical journey in SPIN, her tour-de-force performance celebrating the Bicycle as muse, musical instrument, and agent of social change. Inspired in part, by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry – the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1894 - Parry spins a web of stories which travel from 19th century women’s emancipation to 21st century consumer culture, peeling back layers of history to ultimately reveal a profoundly contemporary and personal heart to her theme of liberation. Theatre, music, and poetry lovers alike will enjoy Evalyn Parry’s performance in SPIN when she makes a stop at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove on Sunday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m.

In SPIN, a vintage bicycle, hooked up to simple electronics and suspended in a mechanic’s stand,

is played – from fenders to spokes to vinyl seat, from whirling pedals to bells – by percussionist Brad Hart, providing a captivating sonic accompaniment to Parry’s songs and monologues. This brilliant and ground-breaking production was originally developed and presented by Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto in 2011. It has since been presented at numerous theatres and festivals across Canada and in the U.S.

While SPIN recounts the story of several 19th century adventurers and women’s rights activists, for whom the bike provided a truly revolutionary form of emancipation, it’s easy today to take our many rights and freedoms for granted, and to forget the hard-won battles fought by courageous pioneers who helped pave the (still unfinished) road toward true equality.  Inspired by the many histories / ‘herstories’ and metaphors contained in bicycles, SPIN is ultimately about more than just the love of bikes: it’s about the pursuit of freedom, and how every act of resistance, however complex, plays a role in our evolution as a human race, moving us further down the road.

Evalyn Parry is an award-winning theatre creator, songwriter, and spoken-word poet based in Toronto. Inspired by a powerful vision of social activism, Parry’s solo and collaborative performances have taken her to music, storytelling, poetry and theatre festivals from coast to coast of North America. Her witty, personal and highly original creations have been widely produced, broadcast, commissioned, and anthologized, and she has released four critically acclaimed CDs. Accompanying herself on guitar, water bottle, shruti box and loop pedals, she shoots from the hip and aims for the heart. Fierce, funny, poignant and provocative, Evalyn Parry takes her unique perspective on the world and transforms it into art that spans genres, genders, and generations.

Part theatre, part musical gig, part spoken-word poetry, and part documentary, don’t miss Evalyn Parry’s SPIN, Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Sunday, March 9 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) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be purchased online through Ticketpro.
 
“…a welcome breath of fresh air….SPIN makes something beautiful out of taking your life into your own hands“ - Globe & Mail

“The depth Parry gives to the concept of the bicycle through her script is quite staggering…an ingenious mixture of songs, monologues, video projection, and modern technology.” - Torontoist

This performance is proudly sponsored by CKUA, Servus Credit Union, Seal & Bedard Accountants, Travelodge Inn & Suites, The Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The Horizon Stagelighters, and Ticketpro.
                   

2013/2014 Patron Appreciation Performance Announced

2013/14 has so far been a wonderful season here at Horizon Stage. We’ve had some fantastic performances, and with them come great audiences. We are always happy to host you in our “house” and want to say thank you for your support of live performance in our community.

To do so, we are offering a special Patron Appreciation performance on Friday, May 9. Teresa Walters is hailed as "The International First Lady of Piano," and "one of the world's most significant pianists." Noted for her commitment to music as the ultimate universal language, Teresa shares enlightening information about each piece before she performs it. Her current concert presentation, Cameos of Great Composers and Well-Loved Melodies, includes selections by Beethoven, Chopin, Robert and Clara Schumann, Liszt, and Gershwin.

If you have purchased tickets to any 2013/14 Horizon Stage season performance, you may claim up to TWO complimentary tickets (while they last) to the May 9 piano recital. Please call 780-962-8995 or visit the City Hall Ticket Centre. If you require more tickets, or if you are not a 2013/14 season ticket buyer, they are available to purchase for just $15, all ages.

We know that there are not enough seats in our venue for ALL our 2013/14 patrons in one show, so we encourage you to claim your tickets early. And, if you discover later that you are unable to attend, please contact us so we may pass your tickets on to another music-lover.

Thank you from the staff at Horizon Stage!.

Enjoy Beautiful Classical Music in a Relaxed and Informal Setting

Pianist Sarah Hagen Performs at Horizon Stage on January 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Do you take pleasure in classical music but find it hard to enjoy in a concert setting? An Up Close and Personal recital by pianist Sarah Hagen may be just what you are looking for. While being treated to a musical feast for the ears, Sarah’s audience members also gain insight into the pianist's perspective and are encouraged to join the discussion. Sarah promotes an informal ambiance at her concerts, providing opportunities for listeners to ask questions, voice opinions, or just sit back and enjoy the magnificent music while sipping a warm beverage. For something different on a winter morning, join Sarah Hagen at Horizon Stage on Thursday, January 30. Tea, coffee, and goodies will be served at 9:45 a.m. and the concert will start at 10:30.

Sarah will focus her Horizon Stage recital on the romantic music, and story of Robert and Clara Schumann. Theirs is a tale of incredible talent and star-crossed love, infinite joy and devastating sadness, wrapped in beautiful music. Robert Schumann (1810 –1856) is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. He left the study of law to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist but focused his musical energies on composing after a hand injury.  Clara Schumann (1819 – 1896), also a talented composer, is considered to have been one of the most distinguished and influential pianists of the 19th century.  When her parents disapproved of their relationship, and forbade their marriage, they gained permission to marry through the German court system. They eventually had seven children together and a loving but rocky marriage. Robert’s growing mental instability led to a suicide attempt, incarceration, and death in an asylum. Over a 61-year concert career Clara is credited with changing the format and repertoire of the piano recital and the tastes of the listening public. A tireless crusader for her husband’s music she was a strong matriarch who supported her family both financially and emotionally, though many hardships.

Sarah’s own star is steadily rising on the Canadian music scene. With expressive technique, an engaging personality, and startling fresh concepts, she is equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra or in an intimate concert setting. Her solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards. As First Prize Winner in the 2013 Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, Sarah performed solo at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in May 2013. Since moving to an artist loft in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods in 2011 she has become deeply involved with intricate projects inspired by urban vitality and is motivated by the belief that music has the power to be a window into our souls, regardless of age or knowledge.


Enjoy tea, goodies, and a beautiful morning performance by Sarah Hagen, at Horizon Stage on Thursday, January 30. For an even more Up Close and Personal concert experience, seating will be general admission and a limited number of seats will be available at tables on the stage, right next to Sarah and the grand piano. Tickets are just $25 and 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 purchased online through Ticketpro. 

CONCERT RESCHEDULED: Hotel California

Weather. Is there anything more Canadian than talking about the weather? We don’t think so.
Unfortunately, due to the weather in Toronto and all the flight cancellations, Hotel California's concert on Thursday, January 9 has been canceled. The band has expressed their deep regret, but they have been up all night trying to find a way to get here, with no luck.

Fortunately, we have been able to reschedule their performance. The new date is Sunday, February 23 at 1 p.m.

If you have tickets, they will be honoured on the new date. If you are unable to attend the new show, please contact the City Hall Ticket Centre at 780-962-8995 for options. Refunds will be offered until Friday, January 17. Exchanges or gift certificates will be offered after that date.

Thank you for your understanding. And suddenly, our weather doesn’t look so bad, does it? It’s all about perspective.

Enjoy Fun, Family Friendly, Comedy with a Powerful Beat

BAM! Percussion Performs at Horizon Stage on January 25 at 4 p.m.

Th d ynamic, comedic percussion trio BAM! Percussion formed in Quebec in 1999 and they have since performed at hundreds of festivals, including Montreal’s Just for Laughs, and theaters, across Canada and around the world. Their high energy blend of physical comedy and intense rhythm is equally enjoyed by audience members of all ages and nationalities. BAM! use their child-like clown personas, gibberish, drumming, and audience interaction to create a performance experience like no other. Described as a cross between taiko drummers and a three-ring circus, current troupe members Jean-Sébastien Dallaire, Denis Richard Jr., and Krystina Marcoux are looking forward to their performance in Spruce Grove on Saturday, January 25.

Calling themselves ‘drumstick meets slapstick’, BAM! Percussion is about seizing your inner child and refusing to let go, no matter how much he kicks or screams. Tickets to their 4 p.m. Family Matinee performance (note special start time) at Horizon Stage are $20 for adults and $16 for children and seniors. Free pre-show crafts and activities for the kids will run in the theatre lobby starting at 3 p.m. 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.  Whether you’re bringing actual children to see BAM! Percussion, or just wanting to entertain your own inner child for an hour, you won’t be disappointed!

Purchase: BAM! Percussion Ticket Online

Watch: Exerpts from BAM! Percission's Show

CONCERT CANCELLATION - Joe Sealy on February 8th

Due to unforseen circumstances Joe Sealy's entire Africville Stories tour has been cancelled, regretfully, by the promoter and the artist.  The reasons are not health related.
If you have purchased tickets to Mr Sealy's concert at Horizon Stage on Satuday, February 8, please contact the City Hall Ticket Centre at 780-962-8995 regarding ticket refunds and exchnages.

Africville Stories Cast Announcement

 

We are excited to announce that acclaimed Canadian jazz singer and award-winning actress, Jackie Richarson, will be providing the vocals for Joe Sealy's Africville Stories at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Ms Richardson is best known for her screen roles in The Gospel According to the Blues, The Doodlebops, and Sins of the Father. She is also a noted stage performer, winning a Dora Award in 2004 for the musical Cookin' at the Cookery.The musical Big Mama! The Willie Mae Thornton Story was conceived of and written by Audrei-Kairen Kotaska for Jackie who starred in the first production in 1999 and then again in 2012. Bassist Paul Novotny will also be performing.

Give The Gift of Entertainment

Are you looking for a unique present for the person on your holiday shopping list who has everything? Give them the gift of high quality entertainment. Our gift certificates are valid for any Horizon Stage season performance and are perfect for any occasion. They are available in any denomination and can be purchased in person at the City Hall Ticket Centre.