Dear Editor
The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts thought a response to correct factual errors printed about the centre in a recent letter to the editor was appropriate (But is it art? News-Optimist March 19). The board of directors has not booked any tribute bands into the centre. The four tribute bands, not six or seven as stated, who have appeared at the centre were booked by promoters who rent the centre for that purpose. These rental bookings provide revenues that offset overhead costs and allow the board to present a wide range of exceptional Canadian talent for the enjoyment of area residents.
By the end of our first season, September through June, we will have presented 12 such performers. Collectively they have won or been nominated for Juno awards 29 times. Perhaps even more exciting is that the Dekker Centre will have hosted 33 evenings of local theatrical and musical productions in a professional performance space that is the envy of the province. In all our first season will have seen " the curtain go up" on 61 separate occasions. Drama, comedy, jazz, blues, ethnic dance, magic, rock and roll, Celtic and country music will have been enjoyed by over 13,000 people. We hope that you will be one of them.
Moe McGuinty
General Manager
Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts
