When it comes to presenting top-notch concerts and sellout shows, the Arden Theatre in St. Albert is the venue to head to this autumn.
After its sterling success last year – it averaged 85 per cent ticket sales per show – professional programming presenter Caitlin North has created a fresh season of spectacular events.
"We've tried to bring back favourites while introducing new artists whether you've heard of it or not, and we're trying to offer something all demographics would enjoy," says North.
As a proud fan of folk, roots and country, North has also developed a taste for Americana in the last decade. Celebrating that genre are upcoming concerts with The Sadies, The SteelDrivers, Mary Gauthier and the much-acclaimed Tom Russell.
Kicking off the season are Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, two of North America's funniest improvisers launching their interactive theatrical craft with gusto and bravado.
"The early ticket sales are doing very well and we haven't even started the bulk of our advertising," says North, predicting an early sellout.
"We have a strong improv community and it made sense to do this for our first show."
For the second act of the season, North has booked Canadian indie rock band Sloan. With two decades worth of hits, the Toronto-based band has built a respected reputation and strong following. Opening the concert is rising star Mo Kenney.
In a special tribute to the Arden Theatre's 30th anniversary, North has invited Vancouver-based surf rock band Current Swell. It was founded by St. Albert natives Scott Stanton and Dave Lang.
"It's a nice nod to the community. They were originally from the community and still maintain roots here."
Variety
Adding versatility to the season are the Banff Mountain Film Festival's Radical Reels, a jaw-dropping cinematic look at high-voltage extreme sports.
The CBC also stops by to tape a segment of The Irrelevant Show.
"It's entertainment for all ages. It's goofy, and that brand of improv is really easy for a wide audience to enjoy. It's smart humour and I like the fact they incorporate current events and poke fun of news and popular culture."
Storyteller Corin Raymond brings his one-man show Bookworm to the Arden on Oct. 18, a co-presentation with LitFest and StarFest.
Right on his heels is a special concert with Kat Danser, a.k.a. Queen of the Swamp Blues celebrating the release of her new album Baptized By the Mud.
Cape Breton's Barra MacNeils, Canada's premiere Celtic ambassadors are prepped to create an energetic performance and a mystic vibe emanating from their traditional roots.
Montreal cellist Matt Haimovitz goes Beyond Bach. He peels back the layers of classical music and spices up the groove with more provocative hooks and rhythmic lines.
North has booked two back-to-back Christmas concerts. On Dec. 13, audiences will be treated to Canadian singer-songwriter Meaghan Smith. Three years ago, she toured with k.d. lang. Last year she released a Christmas album that was inspired by the '20s, '30s and '40s.
"It's a little bit vintage. It's very accessible and pop-oriented," North says.
The following evening the big sound of the multi-award winning Craig Brenan Big Band performs Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker Suite and a series of holiday standards.
In a shift to a different discipline, Danse Lhasa Danse brings a dash of warmth to Jan. 2014. This evening of contemporary dance is a tribute to Lhasa De Sela, a singer-songwriter who died of cancer in 2010.
On a lighter note, Canadian pop singer-songwriter Royal Wood introduces his melodies of folksy romanticism.
"He's very charming, a great songwriter and a great musician. He's incorporated torchiness in his songs and he's a bit of a crooner. But he's got a good pop sensibility and crafts great songs."
Straight from Mali, Fatoumata Diawara sings for peace, hope and empowerment.
"I like music from Mali. It's very playful, lively and fun. It's kind of a little bit jazzy."
Something for everyone
Since Josh Ritter was introduced in the Edmonton market 10 years ago, he's been a favourite with audiences.
"He's a total charmer when he's on stage. Every woman watching is swooning in her seat. His songs are so relatable and I feel I can connect with the music."
The California Guitar Trio and Montreal Guitar Trio have forged an alliance for a show-stopping evening of sizzling strings.
"They've planned a tour for Alaska and they're stopping here on their way to their respective homes."
On Valentine's Day, Turtle Island Quartet presents their cutting edge arrangements featuring works by Miles Davis to Jimi Hendrix and Dave Brubeck to Bob Dylan.
In a special one-off concert, the storytelling moxie of Mary Gauthier, Lori McKenna, Rose Cousins and Edmonton's Chloe Albert unite on Feb. 22.
In a double bill of versatility, North has paired the a cappella gospel and soul of Chic Gamine with the country-roots of Oh My Darling.
Trading on their traditional Quebecois roots, Le Vent du Nord blows into town for an energetic kitchen party celebrating their 19th anniversary release Tromper de temps.
The list of performers seems endless – Northwest Dance Project, Martyn Joseph, Battlefield Band, Maria Muldaur, Maria Dunn and John Wort Hannam, and finally Darrell Scott and Tim O'Brien.
"It's one of those seasons where there is something for everyone. It's a nice complement of some of the talent in our back yard both regionally and domestically. It's a season overflowing with talent."
Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. Call 780-459-1542 or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
