Brian Keating has been traveling the wilds of the world for over a quarter century, exploring some 50 countries on all seven continents. His passion for remote travel will be revealed as only Brian can do, with his buoyant method of storytelling. Punctuated throughout with humor and personal anecdotes, he illustrates his presentation with live-narrated video segments.
Going Wild promises a journey to deserts near and far, into rich polar-regions with unbelievable creatures, to mountain summits and rich tropical forests, and to places where wildlife numbers leave one overwhelmed with satisfaction. And finally, return to our own Canadian backyard, reconfirming the value of our collective understanding of the importance of wild spaces. This presentation is designed to inspire and enthuse, offering hope for a better tomorrow.
Brian Keating is the Honourary Conservation Advisor at the Calgary Zoo, a part time Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Calgary, and a regular guest on CBC Radio.
Written, directed, and performed by Rick Miller, BOOM is an explosive solo performance that documents the music, culture, and politics that shaped the Baby Boom generation (1945-1969). BOOM takes us through 25 turbulent years, and gives voice to over 100 influential politicians, activists, and musicians. It’s a mind-blowing experience for audiences of all generations, and a hit in Canada, the U.S., and France.
BOOM chronologically documents the period from the first atomic bomb in 1945 all the way to the Apollo 11 landing on the moon in 1969. These two iconic moments span one of the most tumultuous times in modern history, as a generation with incredible influence came of age alongside advances in technology and communication. Rick Miller performs all the characters and 25 moment-defining songs, in a stunningly staged production that blends cutting-edge multimedia, and tour-de-force storytelling. Experience the global events as they unfold: the Cold War, McCarthyism, Beatlemania, JFK, MLK, Vietnam… The various stories spiral into the “The Summer of Love’’, and BOOM ends as it began: with the birth of a new generation. One of only 4 Canadian dates this season!
The Slocan Ramblers are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative, and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans 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 alike.
On their much-anticipated new album, Queen City Jubilee, which was nominated for a 2019 Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year, The Slocans showcase their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time, and folk with deep song writing, lightning fast instrumentals, and sawdust-thick vocals. With their trademark raucous energy, this new album presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes to keep you up all night. This is roots music without pretension; music intended to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.
This audience-customized evening is part rock concert….part rock tribute….and all rock n’ roll. In this unique rock n’ roll revue created by Billy McGuigan, the audience is given the opportunity to pick the songs and music they want to hear, through music personality tests prior to the show. The result is Rock Legends taking on the personality and taste of the audience, making each show different from the last. The show’s musical choices will take you on a journey from the 50s rock n’ roll of Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Patsy Cline, to the psychedelic 60s of The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Wonder. You’ll hit the groove of the 70s with Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and the piano men – Billy Joel and Elton John, and even dabble in the music of the 80s with the likes of Tom Petty and U2. Rock Legends combines a dazzling performance of this music with some of the best musicians around and a stunning multimedia and light show to create an evening of pure rock n’ roll, customized and created by you – the audience!
Billy McGuigan last performed at Horizon Stage in Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience in 2015. He has won countless awards, sold out theatres across North America, and broken box office records in six theatres in the US.
This evening will be an intimate exploration of the art and craft of songwriting. Hosted by Alberta songwriter Ryan Langlois, it will feature a panel of artists who are passionate about telling stories through music. In the tradition of the world-famous songwriter rounds of Nashville, and many festival side-stages, the format will include each songwriter sharing backstories of their songs, and insight into their writing process. Each artist will play a few of their favourite songs, and will also be challenged to perform a cover of someone else’s work in their own stripped-down style. Expect the evening to involve 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. You can see the energy crackle through his veins like electricity.
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 young people and their families with fun, spirited and participatory music. When Tim teams up with his brother Nathan and two more musicians, the quartet becomes Tiny Islands.
In this super-fun show, Tiny Islands engages kids of all ages with irresistible tunes by jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller. Some of you may remember when Tiny Islands entertained crowds at the 2017 Canada Day Celebration. We loved them so much we’ve invited them back to be part of this Horizon Stage season.
Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Running time: Approx. 50 minutes – no intermission
Free preshow activities for children in the lobby from 1 – 1:45 p.m.
It’s hard for John and James Abrams to recall a time in their lives where they weren’t creating and playing music together. As fourth-generation musicians, The Abrams have already taken the “family business” to a whole new level, with their 2016 signing to Warner Music Canada and the release of their major label debut self-titled album. The brothers have been touring their distinct country sound worldwide for over 18 years, have been featured on CMT, NBC, FOX, Cosmopolitan, NPR, BBC, and CBC, and are among the youngest performers to have played at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Their single, “Fine,” charted in the top 40 on Country radio and they won Roots Artist or Group of the Year at the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards in 2017. The Abrams have opened for The Dixie Chicks, Feist, America, Tom Cochrane, John Hammond, Dean Brody, Tim Hicks, and many others. They have performed at Boots and Hearts, Big Valley Jamboree, Cavendish Beach Festival, Dauphin Country Fest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and Hillside Festival.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Horizon Stage. A Touch of Cole is an Edmonton-based jazz quartet, with vocals performed by Shelley Jones, that 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 classic “Cole” standards that takes 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 hear classic standards from artists such as Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone.
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 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 and a warm personality.
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. His live shows are agriculture-oriented and full of clean rural humour. Screen-projected artwork adds a unique element to his show, while his daughter’s accompanying fiddle and vocals illustrate his family values.
