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.
Known for her powerful voice and infectious warmth, Krystle Dos Santos’ live shows are intimate and otherworldly. An accomplished singer-songwriter and performer, and a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, she released her debut, award-winning album in 2008 and is scheduled to release her fourth studio album in late 2018. From singing on stage with Stevie Wonder, to performances in the musical Dreamgirls and her own original productions, Dos Santos brings her eclectic style, powerful vocal prowess, and magnetic charm to every performance. She can be seen performing regularly on stages in Vancouver with The Lovemakers, in Edmonton with the The Black Mambas, and across Canada. At this performance Krystle and her band will mesmerize the audience with a set list brimming with Motown favourites.
RupLoops is an interactive, live looping performance that uses vocal percussion, rhythmic rhymes, and an arsenal of eclectic instruments from around the globe. Rup utilizes his diverse skills as a musician to create a pulsating, entertaining, and engaging musical experience that is fun for all ages. A gifted educator and performer, he has a deep passion for intercultural work and sounds. Rup’s show, The Human Radio, will take you on a journey of sound; exploring anatomy, geography, and culture. Through body percussion and beatboxing, Rup demonstrates and teaches how the human form is a musical instrument. Mixing hip-hop, blues, and bhangra, the Human Radio tunes into themes of home, identity, culture, justice, dignity, and celebration.
Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Running time: approximately 1 hour, no intermission
Free pre-show crafts and activities in the lobby starting at 1 p.m.
The Arrogant Worms (Mike McCormick, Chris Patterson, and Trevor Strong) have been making songs about important topics like cows, vegetable rights, and pirates on the Saskatchewan River for over 26 years. Their shows are fast, furious, and family friendly. The wit is quick, the satire is biting, and the musicianship is second to none. Their appeal has earned them fans from kids to parents to grandparents to Princess Leia. The Arrogant Worms have sold more than 160,000 copies of their 15 albums. Their most recent offering, The First Farewell Album, is a collection of 12 new songs that was funded by a kick-starter campaign and released in 2016. It bravely tackles hard issues like kids cooking, jean shorts, and family vacations. The Arrogant Worms have played on three continents, entertained at corporate functions, and sung anthems at sporting events. Their songs are in school lesson plans, in textbooks, and have even been played on the Space Shuttle to wake up the astronauts. On earth or in space, everyone digs these Worms. Wear something green and come celebrate St Patrick’s Day with them.
The Ennis Sisters have weathered a lifetime of phases, and a series of musical explorations together. Now they are returning to their roots, singing contemporary folk songs with a traditional Irish-Newfoundland twist. With multiple accolades – a Juno Award, SOCAN Award, multiple East Coast Music Awards, and Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards – Maureen, Teresa, and Karen Ennis, are world-renowned, celebrated songbirds. With their buttery harmonies, and voices as powerful as the Atlantic, it’s in their bones to sing. After wading in and out of pop and country waters, The Ennis Sisters took a break, realized that they felt most satisfied singing songs inspired by their own origins, and returned to the music scene in 2015 with their album Stages for a happy homecoming.
The story of Coppélia takes us into the mysterious mind of Dr. Coppélius, a lonely and disillusioned toy maker who wishes he could bring his dolls to life to find his perfect wife. He creates Coppélia, a life-sized dancing doll so beautiful that Nathanael, one of the local villagers, falls madly in love with her. Nathanael’s spurned sweetheart Klara enacts revenge by dressing as the doll and pretending to come to life. This comedic love story is told through the vibrant contemporary choreography of the award-winning Bengt Jörgen. Coppélia is a playful fairytale that features a set of large interlocking geometric shapes which are integrated into the choreography through intricate scene changes. Coppélia is like a real life Toy Story, told through dance.
Canada’s Ballet Jörgen is a classical ballet company that aims to make ballet accessible and relevant to 21st century audiences. They like to tell Canadian stories and always reflect a Canadian identity in their programming.
A musician’s voice mirrors their path through life. Travels, influences, people, and encounters combine to create a unique story. Beginning his public career at age 14, pianist Avan Yu captured attention with an international competition win. In this special program, Journeys, Avan shares his expeditions as a pianist and features milestone pieces from his major performances, and composers who have defined his musical growth. Demonstrating delicate nuances to great technical facilities, he plays with a freedom and expression learned only from his worldly experiences. His destinations are a story of their own. From Hong Kong to Vancouver, to living in Berlin, Paris, and now New York, his explorations have shaped both his life and his artistry. Join Avan Yu in this special and personal program that evokes amusement and contemplation for all audiences into the life of a pianist.
