The Arden Theatre’s 2025-26 concert season has officially taken shape, from iconic megastars to lesser-known artists.
“The season is very diverse and eclectic, a collection of some of the most extraordinary culture makers we can provide a platform for," said Arden professional programming presenter Elliott Garnier. "We have huge headliners like Daniel Lanois, Josh Ritter and Michael Kaeshammer. We have a ton of returning artists including Delhi 2 Dublin, who are celebrating their 20th year as a band and have a new album coming out. We also have a blend of exciting new discoveries."
The star-studded lineup of 24 shows features music, comedy, theatre, dance, acrobatics, puppetry and an expanded film lineup.
Kids in the Hall alumnus Bruce McCulloch launches the season with Tales of Bravery and Stupidity on Sept. 27. The Canadian comedian-actor-writer-director last performed Young Drunk Punk at the Arden in 2014. In this new gig, McCulloch continues what he does best — sharing funny observations about life.
“I reached out to his team after I heard him on Moth Radio Hour on NPR (National Public Radio) tell one story about the death of a family pet. It was a real slice of life that is relatable, but he is capable of finding the heart and comedy. He also has a longstanding relationship with the Arden and was happy to perform here,” Garnier said.
Following up on Oct. 7 is the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.
“Every year it’s action-packed with adrenaline and there’s such a loyal fan following. These films transport you around the world and showcase incredible adventure and jaw-dropping photography,” Garnier said.
Daniel Lanois Trio makes its Arden debut on Oct. 10. Lanois, a seven-time Grammy Award recipient, has worked with top-tier artists including Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young and U2, not to mention his collaborations with Brian Eno.
“He is obviously a sonic music maker, and his work is so iconic. He has an astounding breadth of talent. He demonstrates true love for the sonic experience and that’s what’s going to make this show so special.”
Anyone who is an admirer of the late John Prine, one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, is invited to In Spite of Ourselves: A Celebration of the Music of John Prine on Oct. 16.
Prine’s legacy is performed by multi-instrumentalist/producer Doug Cox, Juno Award winners Tom and Kalissa Landa from The Paperboys, fiddler and former Prine tourmate Kendel Carson and songwriter/artist Steve Mitchell.
“This is a celebration of John Prine, not an imitation. All the musicians in this show have definite credentials and are performers in their own right.”
Two Toronto-based bands, Elliott BROOD and Great Lake Swimmers, make their Arden debut Oct. 18.
“Both are a big part of the Canadian folk renaissance of the mid 2000s. Great Lake Swimmers are a toe-tappin' folk swing band that ignited my love of folk music. Tony Dekker is an incredibly talented songwriter. Elliott Brood instead has rock influences and is full of high energy.”
After a brief hiatus, Cirque Kalabanté is back with Afrique en Cirque on Oct. 24. The African acrobatic show is known for its invigorating athleticism and tall human towers, as well as flamboyant heritage costumes and pulsating rhythms.
“This is their third time here since 2022. They are a vibrant ambassador of West African culture. This isn’t just a show. It’s a cultural celebration.”
Immediately following on Oct. 25 are two boundary-pushing feminist trailblazers, Paula Cole and Sophie B. Hawkins. Although it’s a double bill, the two artists perform separately.
“You may not know their names, but you know their music," Garnier said. "Paula Cole is a Grammy winner who wrote the theme song to Dawson’s Creek and Where Have All the Cowboys Gone. And Sophie Hawkins has written a string of hits including I Wish I Was Your Lover.”
The Arden Theatre’s Halloween offering on Oct. 26 is The Boo Revue, a family-friendly black-light musical theatre adventure. Creators Brendan James Boyd and Reese Scott, who have also appeared on Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, manipulate puppets behind the scenes.
In this musical spook-a-lishous show, the friendly inhabitants of a creepy old cemetery reveal themselves and present a spooky cabaret. It is recommended for ages four and older.
CBC’s Laugh Out Loud with Ali Hassan & Friends on Nov. 12 brings together a mix of established, emerging and well-known comedians.
“It’s a full Canadian lineup featuring six comics. The experience will be recorded.”
Juno Award winning singer-songwriter Celeigh Cardinal, finishes 2025 with a series of heartfelt Christmas songs on Dec. 12. Backed by a stellar band, the Indigenous recording artist brings her signature powerhouse vocals to the stage.
“It’s a homespun Christmas show, and she’s thrilled to be here. She’s called it the Christmas crooners show, and it will be filled with nostalgia.”
The New Year starts on Jan. 24, 2026 with A Fresh Lens: National Film Board Festival of Shorts. The film is a collection of shorts that provide a spectrum of the immigrant experience and the challenges of living in a new land.
Inn Echo, a high-energy trad Celtic-roots trio, who were part of the 2023 Plaza Series, return for an afternoon matinee concert Feb. 4. The ensemble’s fierce fiddling, grooving guitar and soaring cello earned the trio a 2025 Juno nomination for its album Hemispheres.
Neo-soul recording artist Katie Tupper drops by on Feb. 11. Although a native of Saskatoon, the indie/R&B artist has given fresh meaning to Prairie music. Although only 23, she’s amassed more than 11 million streams and received a 2024 Juno nomination for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording.
“She has a fantastic voice like honey. She has a voice made for singing soul. She has R&B songs that catch you on the groove.”
Before Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner and Beyoncé there was Josephine Baker, the first African-American international superstar who shot to fame in 1920s Paris.
Tymisha Harris performs Josephine: A Musical Cabaret Feb. 14 in this dazzling retelling of the star's revolutionary life as a singer, movie star, Second World War spy, civil rights activist and more.
“She led a fascinating life during a tumultuous time in history," Garnier said. "Tymisha has created such a compelling character you can’t help but root for her.”
Goddess of the Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIllwaine is a documentary to be screened Feb. 21. McIllwaine was a Canadian singer and musician who fought for the right to play the slide guitar in a male-dominated world.
Filmmaker Alfonso Maiorana covers her childhood years when she travelled the world with her missionary parents to a more rebellious life of rock and blues in her road to stardom.
“Ellen lived mostly in Alberta, so she has a strong local connection. She passed away in 2021. Rachelle Van Zanten is opening with a special tribute set and after the screening there is a Q&A with the director, Holger Peterson from Stony Plain Records and Rachelle.”
Sue Foley’s One Guitar Woman on Feb. 21 celebrates the pioneering women who popularized the guitar. They include Memphis Minnie, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Maybelle Carter and Lydia Mendoza. Foley, who has 15 albums to her name, will also display their diverse musical styles from blues and country to flamenco and classical.
Ballet Jörgen performs another one of its neoclassical hits, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, on March 7. The adaptation from Shakespeare's popular comedy is about four Athenians who find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate humans.
Misguided love, accidental magic, and lighthearted fun are the basic ingredients of this tale. Artistic director Bengt Jörgen pays a tribute to Canada’s north and adds forest creatures such as moose, beavers, bears and squirrels.
Eectronic foursome, Delhi 2 Dublin, arrives March 13. They’ve pioneered a global bass sound they call Subcontinental Pop, a high-energy blend of Bhangra, electronic, hip-hop, reggae and Celtic influences.
“Sonically, it’s music that makes you want to get up and dance.”
Michael Kaeshammer is more than a jazz-pop pianist. He’s a child prodigy, songwriter and incredible musician able to coax a dazzling kaleidoscope of sounds from the piano. He even plays two pianos simultaneously.
The Victoria-based artist enjoys a globe-trotting career that includes the release of his 15th album, Turn It Up, a jazz-based pop album. He performs on March 14.
“He’s funny and charming and superbly talented. He even has a cooking web series.”
Canadian Inuk singer-songwriter, Elisapie, makes her first appearance at the Arden on March 15. In her fourth solo record, Inuktitut, Elisapie sings 10 classic rock and pop songs reinterpreted into her mother tongue.
“She’s changed the lyrics, and the music is heard in a whole new way. The songs are exquisite. They are transformative.”
Come St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, Newfoundland’s Mary Walsh will light up the stage with straight-ahead standup comedy.
“What can I say about Mary? Her comedy is side-splitting. She’s created characters that are so loving. She’s a comedic powerhouse. It takes a lot to be a great comedian. You have to have razor-sharp intelligence and she’s very quick.”
Audience favourite Josh Ritter is back March 30. At his previous Arden concert, the folk-rock singer-songwriter sold out two back-to-back concerts.
“I’ve been working on getting this show since I got the job,” said Garnier. “We are so thrilled to have him. For this tour, he is performing solo. He’s an incredible singer-songwriter and people instantly connect with him.”
Scottish folk quartet, Gnoss, makes its Arden debut April 15. Based in Glasgow, its signature sound combines multiple acoustic layers, outstanding musicianship and clever tunes brimming with character.
“They are similar to Skerryvore. Their songs have big Celtic colours. They’re huge in Scotland and they have tons of streams. They have an established audience, and they are on their first Canadian tour.”
Closing the season on April 16 is Christine Tassan et Les Imposteurs. They have performed for 20 years but are new to St. Albert audiences. The four-piece ensemble blends original compositions with reimagined classics and infuses it with Django-style jazz.
“They create a Paris café vibe. They are sonically different and are nice end to the season.”
Tickets are all-inclusive, either in the single or subscription model, and are available at 780-459-1542 or online at tickets.stalbert.ca.
