Funk Music
With original, funky tracks and cleverly covered classic R&B tunes, Vancouver’s Brickhouse blends classic and modern (Blue Funk) with an ease that makes hearing and seeing them an addictive experience. For more than 10 years, Brickhouse was the official late-night house band for Vancouver’s famous Yale Hotel. It was on the Yale stage that they built a legion of fans as diverse as you can get: hipsters, university students, baby boomers, tourists, and musicians who experienced the band live and grew to love their brand of groovy, bluesy, funky music. Known for almost-hypnotically melding mind, body, and soul, Brickhouse audiences are encouraged to sing and dance along and become part of a fantastic live music experience. We encourage you to get up on your feet if the mood strikes.
Folk and Bluegrass Music
Annie Lou is the project of Anne Louise Genest, an artist who walks with the spirit of an old storyteller, creating songs steeped in the flavours of old-time mountain, Appalachian, traditional country, and bluegrass music. With guitar and banjo in hand she has spent years chronicling the rural life-paths of Canada, writing songs that tell the tales of the hard-won victories of everyday men and women. Her beautifully creative songs and tunes range from rousing and boisterous to gentle and poignant. They map a homescape of hard-drinking grandmas, rural dancehalls, blue collar fashions, small towns, and big cities. All are delivered with Genest’s vocal warmth; evocative of the sweet tones of Kate and Anna McGarrigle blended with the raw emotion of Hazel Dickens. Annie Lou has released three albums, toured major festivals and venues across the country, and been nominated for a Juno and several Canadian Folk Music and Western Canadian Music awards.
A Must-See Theatre Performance for Teens and Parents
Still/Falling tells the story of Nina. Nina has a great life. She loves her family, she does well in school, and her friends are awesome. But suddenly Nina starts feeling… off, and she finds herself slipping into a dark reality she cannot understand, let alone articulate to the people around her. Still/Falling follows Nina as she tries to come to terms with what it means to struggle with anxiety and depression, and to rise above it with as much strength, and as few scars, as possible. A realistic, honest, and bitingly funny look at the difference between ‘teen angst’ and mental illness and the ways vulnerable kids can start to find their way out of the dark.
Presented in partnership with Spruce Grove and Stony Plain Family and Community Support Services.
Recommended Age: 12 +
Theatrical Comedic Dance
This wonderfully sassy performance will celebrate International Women’s Day, and is a perfect mother/daughter date, girls’ night out, or show to share with your sweetheart. The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue keeps audiences coming back for more! More laughs, more tease, and more body confidence. Multiple award winners who have shimmied across stages in Las Vegas, Vancouver, Berlin, and more, the performers are as individual as can be; cute and geeky, rock ‘n’ roll, classic and elegant. The Cheesecakes are known for their high-energy, lavish costumes, comedic timing, seductiveness, and girl-next door accessibility. Armed with sassy-silliness, these ladies pack a sparkly punch that will make your heart happy and leave you loving the skin you’re in!
Recommended Age: 16+ Adult Content Warning
Family Matinee: Theatre for Young Audiences
While the King is away, the people of England suffer under the oppressive rule of his tax-happy brother, Prince John. Only a straight arrow like Robin Hood, the best archer in the land, can save England! By stealing from the rich and giving back to the poor, Robin keeps the spirit of justice alive, with the help of a few friends along the way, including Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, and Little John. But what if the Prince and the dreaded Sheriff of Nottingham lay a trap for our hero? With all the humour and fun you have come to expect, DuffleBag Theatre hits the mark with this on-target tale of bravery and courage!
Known for their retellings of original fairy tales, the DuffleBag actors’ goofy antics tickle kids’ funny bones and their wit entertains the grow-ups. And, just when you’re enthralled by the story, there’s a twist! Before your very eyes, audience members are pulled on stage to join in the action for a unique interactive theatre experience. Past giggle-inducing performances at Horizon Stage by DuffleBag Theatre include Cinderella and Snow White.
Recommended Age: 4 – 10
Free pre-show crafts in the lobby at 1 p.m.
Folk and Rock Music
One part folk, one part rock, with a pinch of gospel and a dash of growl, Vancouver’s Lion Bear Fox boasts acoustic guitars bookended by buzzing electrics and screaming keys. All of this, anchored by rich percussion and thrilling harmonies. With a name that is derived from a connection with their “spirit animals” this trio has a sound that harkens back to an era when the song was paramount. Described as “a musical force of nature” that’s sure to “be around for a lifetime”, Christopher Arruda, Cory Woodward, and Ryan McMahon were known initially for their solo careers but they joined forces in 2012 and soon after released their debut Lion Bear Fox CD. They’ve been touring relentlessly since then, making appearances at Canadian Music Week, the Mission Folk Festival, and The Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, and sharing stages with artists like Tom Wilson, Good For Grapes, Elliot Brood, and Kim Mitchell.
Instrumental Saxophone Music
The Proteus Saxophone Quartet is redefining the traditional saxophone chamber music experience with their high energy, intense, varied performances. Named after the god of the sea, being modular and versatile, the Proteus Saxophone Quartet explores the numerous instrumental combinations of the saxophone family through the creation and performance of chamber music. Since forming in 2011 these four Canadian saxophonists have developed an immediate artistic bond and vision and have committed themselves to presenting lively, diverse, and beautiful concerts. They have performed throughout Canada, France, and the United States. In an attempt to advance new works for saxophone quartets without adhering to a singular aesthetic or stylistic genre, they have collaborated with diverse guest artists and composers, including Sean Perrin, François Rossé, Robert Lemay, and Denis Levaillant.
Presented by Prairie Debut with support from The Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta, and the RBC Foundation.
Blues and Roots Music with Comedic Silent Films
Brandon Isaak is an award-winning Blues and roots musician, and Keith Picot won Canadian Bass Player of the Year in 2010. Together, they are The Silver Screen Scoundrels, playing old-time feeling music with modern themes, accompanied by custom-produced silent films.
As the Silver Screen Scoundrels, Brandon and Keith put on an entertaining multimedia show that combines music with silent films and comedy. The Scoundrels take the classic silent movies genre and thrust it into the modern world. Combine topnotch songwriting, world class musicianship, witty anecdotes, and a touch of slap-stick silent cinema, and you have a truly original show that has thrilled audiences in Canada, the United States, Western Europe, and China.
A Tribute to Heart and Pat Benatar
This remarkable concert is a melding of two incredible tribute shows: Barracuda – The Essential Tribute to Heart and All Fired Up – The Pat Benatar Experience.
Hailing from Vancouver, Barracuda perform the music of Heart with style, presence, and a true passion for the songs that have become beloved classics to fans worldwide. It is no wonder Heart founding member and guitar player Roger Fisher endorses them! The group is led by Donna Caruk (Almost Ann) who has a four-octave powerhouse voice and whose talents also extend to the flute and the guitar. Brenda Kashmir (Nearly Nancy) bears a remarkable resemblance to the beautiful and charismatic Nancy Wilson, rock and roll kicks included. The two leads have electric chemistry on stage as they sing Heart’s classic hits: “Magic Man”, “Straight On”, “Heartless”, and, of course, “Barracuda”. Backing the ladies are four seasoned musicians with a dedication to detail and a rock-solid delivery.
All Fired Up is an exact and precise tribute to the iconic singer Pat Benatar and her partner Neil Geraldo who have been rock n’ roll mainstays for over 40 years. Donna Caruk has been singing Benatar’s songs for 30 years. Not only does she nail the vocals she also has the stage presence dialed in as she performs such classic songs as “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, “Heartbreaker”, “Love is a Battlefield”, and “Treat Me Right”.
