As Caitlyn North introduces the Arden Theatre's 32nd season, the lyrics of Michael Bublé's chart-topping song Feeling Good keep looping through my head.
"It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life," he sings.
Somehow appropriate, the lyrics are a good match for North's robust yet diverse season. Peppered with the debut of two new series, the 41 acts are a charming cocktail of fresh faces and the comeback of old favourites.
The theme for the 2015-16 season is "Root Yourself in the Arts" and as professional programming presenter, North has done just that.
From the September season opener with returning artist Connie Kaldor to the April finale with jazz-pop siblings Matthew and Jill Barber, North shows the strengths of our diverse society and the infinite possibilities in the arts.
"Last year was a great season. We were very lucky. We had excellent audiences. We had a few hiccups when David Francey got sick. But by and large I feel very fortunate," said North.
She adds that ticket sales have consistently grown over the last few years. Last season sales were just shy of 13,000 tickets or about 80 per cent of the total.
At a time when the industry either puts top priority on the bottom line or caters to lemming-like attitudes, North is dedicated to encouraging personal artistic development and artistic freedom.
Speaker Series
A new idea percolating at the Arden is a four-part Speakers Series that introduces astronaut Chris Hadfield, Edmonton author Timothy Caulfield, Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist Vijay Gupta and Toronto's Choir! Choir! Choir!
"We're taking a bit of risk because there are other speakers series throughout the region, but we hope it continues into a regular thing. To what extent depends on how audiences respond."
She describes Hadfield as an "excellent" speaker. It's amazing how he can relate to so many different audiences even if we can't relate to what he's done."
North first heard Caulfield speak on radio.
"Every time I hear him, I'm quite entertained. He's like Chris Hadfield and can talk on any topic."
Gupta came to her attention from the TED Talks series.
"He offers us insight into how music can heal and transform people's lives particularly with mental health illnesses."
Instead Choir! Choir! Choir offers inspiration by offering an open door policy to music. The choristers go to bars, concert halls and other venues. They hand out music sheets and encourage everyone to join in the songfest.
"A lot of people find it intimidating to sing in front of people, but they found a special way to bring people together."
Cinema Series
North also launches a new Cinema Series that focuses on the fine arts.
"As we put in for theatre upgrades, we requested a projector and screen. We were aware of the need to increase our film programming especially since Grandin Theatre was closing. We want to continue to grow and evolve and we would like to provide more film programming."
As part of the four-part film subscription series, she ushers in the Globe's version of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, a documentary on Vincent Van Gogh and Royal Opera House's La Boheme and their signature ballet Romeo and Juliet.
Professional Series
After a 15-year absence from the Arden stage, Connie Kaldor returns as part of western Canadian tour to promote her new album Love Sask.
"I like the way she infuses humour in her songs. She has a real humble way of writing."
Tim Tamashiro, the nightly host of Tonic, a jazz show on CBC Radio 2, pairs up with Tommy Banks. With Banks accompanying Tamashiro's vocals, the duo performs the most popular hits from the great American songbook.
"It's a brand new project, just the two of them and it's the first time it's being done in the Edmonton region."
Pop-rock singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith returns to his loyal St. Albert fans with new music from Carousel One.
"He's a reserved quiet guy, but you feel you really get to know him through his songs. He crafts very well-written romantic songs and has a great sense of melody."
Ukraine's DakhaBrakha calls their music "ethnic chaos." However the Kyiv-based quartet leaves audiences breathless with their traditional folklore hybridized with contemporary rhythms.
"I saw them at the Edmonton Folk Fest last year. It was the wildest performance I'd ever seen. It's not a sound you hear every day. They almost put you in a trance."
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is once again travelling across Alberta. It makes a one-night stop showcasing an array of extreme sports from tough bike trails to wild waters.
Next up is Canadian-Chilean guitarist Oscar Lopez, a musician who has mesmerized audiences across the world. His latest album, Apasionado, is considered one of his best.
"We get a lot of requests for guitar players. People melt when they listen to him. He's a master guitarist and people appreciate his level of craftsmanship."
Not only do The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer have a great marketing moniker, but the British Columbia duo's wild mix of rock, southern roots, honky-tonk and Motown fuses a fresh form of blues that appeals to younger audiences.
"There's something cool and hip about what they do, but it's much more about the music than the image."
On the East Coast, Maritime folk artist Amelia Curran's release They Promised You Mercy earned her a 2015 Juno nomination. A poised stage performer, she delivers "knife-sharp" lyrics layered with beautiful instrumentation.
Anyone captivated by the Blues Brothers can relive the experience with the Official Blues Brothers Revue, a show endorsed by Dan Aykroyd and the Belushi estate.
"I'm super picky about tribute shows, but this one looks and sounds like the real thing. And if it has the blessing of the original creators, it's not one to pass up."
Last year, the Arden hosted a Grease sing-along to sold-out crowds. This year it's The Sound of Music.
"I didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be one of the most fun nights of the season. I was pleasantly surprised by how many audience members participated. There was a costume parade and about 65 to 70 people dressed up."
Another musical marvel is Six Guitars, a one-man show where Chase Padgett masterfully embodies six musicians.
"It's very clever, very funny and very heart-warming. It's amazing how one man, one guitar can change characters at the drop of a hat. With the snap of a finger he can go from a 16-year-old metal-head to an 80-year-old Delta Blues singer."
Molly Johnson, a smart, sassy and humorous jazz-blues singer, has poured her heart and soul into Because of Billie, an ode to the legendary Billie Holiday.
"You can hear the influences from Billie, but she's very much her own singer."
In December, Lúnasa comes back to the Arden after a 10-year absence for a Celtic holiday concert with special guest Karan Casey.
"Lúnasa is one of the last Irish traditional groups in the world and they are on tour with Karan. She sings like a bird and the two together will do a very special holiday show."
In the new year, the Edmonton-based Going to Graceland is doing a full-on tribute to Paul Simon's pivotal album of the same name.
"I saw their presentation at a conference. That recording was so amazing. It has such a distinct sound. I was a bit skeptical, but it blew me away. They made a sound that captures the energy and vibrancy of the original record and I'm excited to see the full show."
On a quieter note, the uncommon pairing of violin and guitar Duo Rendezvous cleverly interprets the richly textured works of Bach, Debussy, Ravel and Gershwin.
J.P. Cormier, a bluegrass-folk singer-songwriter has carved a special niche in music history. His 2015 release, The Chance, is a striking success, in part due to the viral response of Hometown Battlefield.
"He's one of the best guitar players in the country. He's been able to create a body of work that is hard to rival."
Montreal's Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble pays homage to the great Dave Brubeck with beautiful melodies and catchy swing compositions. Leaving the core of Brubeck's work intact, the ensemble strives to keep arrangements fresh and unique.
"We haven't seen a lot of jazz concerts and it's nice to develop our jazz audience. It's a genre that doesn't get a lot of support except at the Yardbird Suite and the jazz festival."
Alex Cuba returns with his Cuban-soul-rock influences in January 2016.
"I get so many requests for this guy. I'm so excited to bring him back. He has so much soul, so much personality."
Ron James, dubbed the King of Comedy, unsheathes his rapier wit for a 90-minute pull-no-punches show. He was part of This Hour Has 22 Minutes and spent nearly a decade with Second City.
"He's one of those guys everybody knows. He appeals to every age and every demographic."
Two years ago when the Montreal Guitar Trio and California Guitar Trio joined forces, they forged a momentous alliance. The six guitar virtuosos return to perform original compositions as well as tunes from Queen, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Rush.
"They are one of those groups that everybody responds to so positively. When they were here a couple of years ago, we had so many kids in the audience. It was great to see families come out when we didn't expect it."
The internationally renowned Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal is also featured. Known around the world for its explosive works, dynamic physicality and captivating expression, the troupe reflects the beauty and creativity of contemporary dance.
Folk artist Lennie Gallant also returns to the Arden with a slate of new songs and familiar favourites from Live Acoustic at the Carleton.
"Everybody loves this guy. People really relate to his lyrics. He's a songwriter's songwriter. He's really developed the craft so well."
In a special nod to St. Albert grown talent, North has paired The Hearts and The Provincial Archive for a night of folk-rock.
"Musically they are different, but both draw influences from folk-rock genres. They have two bands of darn good musicians and they are strong writers as well."
Montreal-based Alejandra Ribera's spectacular vocals once more treat audiences to the confluence of melodies from her second album La boca.
"She has one of those sultry, sexy voices. And the way she moves is very exotic. She's very accomplished and has collaborated with many established artists."
Prolific composer and musical icon Sharon Shannon turns on the charm with her legendary status as an Irish accordionist. She's collaborated across the genres from hip-hop to Cajun and classical to country-rock.
"At the 2014 folk festival she was exceptional. You should see her fingers fly. I sat quite close and I was spellbound."
Internationally acclaimed Juan De Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars arrive with their booty shakin' rhythms. A leader in the Cuban musical revival, De Marcos has gained international fame for sharing the diversity and vitality of Cuban musical influences.
This season Cirque Alfonse passes through with Timber! Versatile acrobats, dancers and musicians take crowds through French-Canadian folklore reviving a quirky world of lumberjacks and loggers.
"It's fun, wacky and clever and a bit tongue-in-cheek. They play up the French stereotypes and are exceptional artists and acrobats."
Closing the season are traditional sell-outs Matthew and Jill Barber. Matthew, a Toronto troubadour, is known for soul-searching ballads while Jill, a vintage spirit is recognized for her distinct voice.
Spoken word poetry champion Shane Koyczan was a late addition to the lineup and is not mentioned in the printed brochure. However, he is listed on the Arden website and will perform April 2, 2016.
"Shane is funny and gut-wrenching at times. He is very serious and heavy, but he tells it in such a way that is easy to digest. He's not everyone's cup of tea, but you should see him in your life. There is something exceptional about him."
For complete information visit stalbert.ca/experience/arden-theatre.
