Running a venue like the Arden Theatre is a series of ups and downs. There’s lots of bureaucratic red tape to cut through while government grants and cultural subsidies come and go.
At times staff may feel as if they’re trying to fly without wings.
But if Going to Graceland, the first sold-out concert of the New Year on Jan. 15 is any indication of success, then professional programming presenter Caitlyn North has tapped into her audience’s pulse.
Before the season ends in mid-April, North has booked 21 acts that range from classical, bluegrass, jazz and world music to dance, circus art, film, speakers and kids concerts.
Going to Graceland – sold out
Friday, Jan. 15
On the 30th anniversary year of the release of Paul Simon’s most successful album, Graceland, a nine-piece group of local musicians led by James Murdoch and St. Albert’s Nathan Carroll, take fans through a journey of eclectic musical styles that transcend racial and cultural barriers.
Timothy Caulfield
Saturday, Jan. 16
As part of the Speaker Series, University of Alberta professor and writer Timothy Caulfield, a self-described “celebrity junkie” has gone to great lengths to research and debunk celebrity product claims. In this engagement, Caulfield reveals the lengths people go to achieve physical beauty.
Duo Rendezvous
Sunday, Jan. 17
Engaging stories, captivating charm and dazzling virtuosity is the hallmark of Duo Rendezvous. Violinist Jasper Wood and guitarist Daniel Bolshoy are internationally recognized artists that perform rich interpretations of multi-layered works from Bach, Debussy, Ravel and Gershwin.
J.P. Cormier
Friday, Jan. 22
Some singer-songwriters have a knack for grabbing a listener’s attention within the first few lines of song. J. P. Cormier is one of those talents. The Maritimer’s bluegrass songs are a travelogue of personal memories and tales from his past and he strikes a chord with blazing fretwork and conversational performances.
The RĂ©mi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble: Tribute to Dave Brubeck
Saturday, Jan. 23
Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer and one of the foremost crusaders of cool jazz. Some of Montreal’s best jazz musicians, The RĂ©mi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble and special guest pianist Francois Bourassa team up to share the beautiful melodies and catchy swing of Brubeck’s iconic jazz.
Alex Cuba
Friday, Jan. 29
Cuban-Canadian musician Alex Cuba returns to the Arden after a long break with Healer, his most cohesive album to date. The multiple Latin Grammy and Juno Award winner’s warm vocals and charming stage personality is a flawless mix of confidence and vulnerability wrapped in Cuban-soul-rock rhythms.
Vincent Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing
Sunday, Jan. 31
Made in collaboration with gallery curators and art historians, this film explores the life of post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most fascinating painters of the 19th century.
Mary Lambert
Wednesday, Feb. 3
Juno Award nominee Mary Lambert returns to the toddler infused Noisy Theatre with colourful props, infectious energy and upbeat music.
Vijay Gupta
Thursday, Feb. 4
Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist and TED Senior Fellow, Vijay Gupta is a renowned advocate for the healing power of music. As part of the Speakers Series, Gupta shares how music has the ability to change our brains, heal ailments, transform lives and form empathic connections with people.
Ron James
Saturday, Feb. 6
A pillar of Canadian comedy, Ron James has a natural comic’s eye for satire and a writer’s ear for language. As part of the Gemini Award winning team of writers for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, James has spent nearly a decade with Second City and starred in Blackfly. Expect a night of stand-up that pulls no punches on everyday observations of life.
Hoja
Thursday, Feb. 11
As part of the Heritage Series, Hoja swings by with their individual style of a cappella-comedy. From doo-wop to rock, disco to country and beatboxing to pop, this trio of musicians sets the standard for impressive harmonies and fun choreography.
Montreal Guitar Trio & California Guitar Trio
Friday, Feb. 12
A favourite with St. Albert audiences, these six guitar virtuosi become one dazzling acoustic voice that combine more than 40 years of performing experience. They shatter stylistic expectations playing legendary groups such as Queen, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Rush with their own original compositions.
Bobs and Lolo
Sunday, Feb. 14
The Canadian duo, Bobs and Lolo, have captured the hearts of children, their parent and educators for over a decade. The Treehouse TV stars share positive messages, lively music, movement and make-believe.
Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal
Saturday, Feb. 20
This internationally renowned contemporary dance company is strong, expressive and definitely provocative. Their sexy, explosive and original works are marked by dynamic physicality and authentic expression. The evening’s repertoire incorporates three dances: Rogue, Mono Lisa and Kosmos.
Lennie Gallant
Thursday, Feb. 25
Considered one of the finest songwriters living today, French-Canadian musician Gallant writes and sings of the landscapes in his life creating visual stories and stirring memories. The folk veteran returns to the Arden performing new songs and familiar favourites.
The Hearts & The Provincial Archive
Friday, Feb. 26
The Hearts, led by St. Albert born frontman Jeff Stuart, and the Provincial Archive with St. Albert’s Craig Schram, share a double bill of some of area’s foremost retro-pop and folk rock. Sonic experimentation, strong musicianship, brilliant lyricism and introspective musicality is written in their calling card.
Alejandra Ribera
Saturday, Feb. 27
Ribera is best known for drawing audiences into a deep timeless trance with her distinct, indefinable voice. The world-pop-jazz recording artist released her much anticipated CD La boca to rave reviews, an exquisite collection that contain exotic nuances and echoes of Lhasa de Sela, Tom Waits and Bjork. The Canadian born artist divides her time between Montreal, Paris and Malaga where she continues to create.
The Wailers
Thursday, March 3
One of the globe’s premiere reggae and world music bands, The Wailers bring diversity and dazzling high energy to their concerts. Together with the late Bob Marley, they’ve sold 250 million albums worldwide and have performed with the elite including Sting, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear. The current lineup features Jamaica’s most exciting new singers and the authenticity of their sound is undisputable.
Sharon Shannon
Thursday, March 17
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon charmed audiences for 25 years. She’s blazed a path through traditional music and emerged as a new entity. Unafraid to test new waters, Shannon has achieved legendary status for her collaborations across genres from hip hop to Cajun, country to classical, as well as folk, rock and world.
Juan de Marcos & the Afro-Cuban All Stars
Friday, March 18
The Afro-Cuban All Stars have shared Cuba’s rich musical legacy for the past two decades. Led by Juan de Marcos, they have gained international fame playing a multitude of Latin rhythms from bolero to timba, guajira to danzÄ‚Ĺ‚n and salsa to rumba.
Romeo and Juliet
Royal Opera House Cinema
Sunday, March 20
Kenneth MacMillan’s groundbreaking ballet, Romeo and Juliet, is a signature work of The Royal Ballet’s repertoire. Set to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, the film is rich in the swaggering street life of Verona, sword fights and celebrations.
Timber!
Cirque Alfonse
Tuesday, March 29
Cirque Alfonse comes to life with daring axe juggling, jaw-dropping acrobatics, log throwing and whip cracking – and it’s all to the sounds of traditional Quebecois music. A dynamic group of acrobats, dancers and musicians plunge into the heart of French-Canadian folklore by reviving a wacky encampment of lumberjacks and loggers.
Choir! Choir! Choir!
Friday, April 1
Closing the Speaker Series is Choir! Choir! Choir! The premise behind this concert is an open door policy to sing. Choristers Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman believe that anyone who wants to sing should sing. Their mass choirs are an experiment where anyone who wishes to join is welcomed, and in this way the audience becomes the star.
Keri Lynn Zwicker
Thursday, April 7
Harpist Keri Lynn Zwicker closes the Heritage Series with an enchanted string journey. The Edmonton-based artist is a true musical chameleon playing everything from classical to Celtic to cowboy tunes.
Matthew Barber & Jill Barber
Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16
Channelling a vintage spirit, Jill Barber and her troubadour brother Matthew, have chosen the Arden to celebrate their solo hits and new music for their duet CD, The Family Album.
