Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta
Dedicated to the maintenance, development and growth of a strong touring arts industry in Alberta
Matilda the Musical is based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. The musical’s narrative centres on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life.
Headlining folk circuits around the globe, Emmy award nominee Ruthie Foster has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, the Allman Brothers and Susan Tedeschi. Her soulful voice combines a taste of blues with the gospel of the American South in an intimate night with this talented songstress.
A tapestry of songs and stories, with impeccable three part harmonies, providing a sweet music experience.
This charismatic, globetrotting trio are the most successful classical crossover act to emerge from Ireland. They sing songs they love, and they most certainly don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s all about the music, the harmonies and the fun.
David Francey is a Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter, who has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland to parents who were factory workers, he moved to Canada when he was twelve. For decades, he worked across Canada in rail yards, construction sites, and in the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry, setting it to melodies in his head and singing it to himself as he worked.
A truly authentic folk singer, Francey is a documentarian of the working person who never imagined earning a living from his music. But when he was in his 40s, his wife, artist Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his songs and sing in public. The reaction was instant. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was a hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, won three Juno Awards and has had his songs covered by such artists as The Del McCoury Band, The Rankin Family, James Keelaghan and Tracy Grammer.
Francey also had the honour of receiving the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award as well as taking home the Grand Prize in both the International Acoustic Music Award and in the Folk category for the John Lennon Songwriting Award.
“David’s straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day.” Shelter Valley Folk Festival.
There’s just something honest, compelling, and immediately likeable about Trevor Panczak and his music. With a refreshing authenticity that is increasingly rare to find, the Alberta-based country recording artist writes, interprets, and records songs that speak to one’s heart in a way that is simple, soulful, and with an appeal to a broad array of music fans. Whether singing original compositions, or recording those of other writers, Trevor takes ownership of a song. His vocal performance grabs hold of your attention, evoking memories and emotions born out of a life that has seen tragedies and triumphs. Trevor has developed the remarkable ability to connect not only with his audience but with individual songs, translating his own personal connection with them and engaging listeners.
The first of its kind at Horizon Stage, this evening will feature up-and-coming artists we want you to get to know. You’ll get a sample from several talented performers in a variety of genres, making for a very unique experience. Think of it like “an evening of opening acts”, complete with a headliner. We’ll be announcing the full line-up as the season goes on, and we’ve priced the show so you can support emerging artists virtually risk-free.
Headlining the evening, Nuela Charles is an alternative/soul artist from Edmonton who is known for her expressive vocals and captivating stage presence. Nominated for a Juno Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year in 2018 she was noted as “one to watch” by the legendary SoulTrain.com. Nuela has brought her distinct voice to various stages across North America, headlined at the Edmonton Jazz Festival, and opened for Ziggy Marley. The lead single, “Crumbling Down”, from her sophomore album The Grand Hustle spread nationwide as it landed on the CBC Radio 2 Top 20 charts for seven weeks.
Vancouver’s ABRA Cadabra has been touring the world for over 18 years, helping audiences of all ages and cultures re-live and celebrate the timeless and uplifting music of ABBA. This high-energy and captivating stage show takes you on a nostalgic journey through all of your favourite ABBA hits including “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen”, “Take A Chance On Me”, “Waterloo”, “Does Your Mother Know”, “Gimme Gimme Gimme”, “Fernando”, “SOS”, “Super Trooper”, and many more! As fans of the music themselves, ABRA Cadabra do not impersonate the original members of ABBA, but instead recreate the amazing music and legacy of the Swedish Super Group with powerful vocals, musicians, dancers, costumes, and lots of stories and information about the real ABBA. Dress up in your mini skirts, bell-bottoms, jumpsuits, tube tops, and platform shoes and celebrate the 70s with us.
The ABRA Cadabra concert on April 6 has only single tickets available. A second concert on April 7 has been added.
This world class fiddle and guitar duo will bring us country/roots/acoustic music of the highest caliber.