Nine exciting performances have been lined up and now is your chance to get a great deal on seeing them all. The Yorkton Arts Council has announced the 2013-14 Stars for Saskatchewan concert series and it doesn't disappoint.
Plenty of care goes into selecting the performers who will come to Yorkton says Debbie Hayward, Performing Arts Coordinator. While some of the names making the list may not be instantly recognizable to all, it does not mean each show won't be fantastic.
"Come to the concert, and chances are you'll walk away with a new favorite! It's great to watch a live performance on stage," she says. "Having a series of concerts such as Stars for Saskatchewan, right here in Yorkton, is another important facet of the "diamond" that is our terrific community!"
An active arts scene, adds Hayward, helps make Yorkton a more rounded, interesting, vibrant community.
Indeed it does.
Making the list this year are the following shows:
MEMORY LANE (Sept. 18, 8 p.m.) Memory Lane has audiences "dancin' in the aisles and singin' along" to all the classics from the 40's, 50's and 60's, from artists like Buddy Holly, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Roy Orbison, Glenn Miller, Doris Day, The Platters, The Beatles and many more. The 8-piece band is fronted by Irish born Stephen Maguire who has been named one of CBC Saskatchewan's Future 40. www.stephenmaguirelive.com
JEFFREY STRA-KER (Oct. 24, 8 p.m.) Singer-songwriter pianist Jeffery Straker performs 100+ shows a year across Canada and beyond. Starting with childhood piano lessons in a small Saskatchewan town of 300, he's gone on to release several studio albums, record for CBC Radio's Canada Live, reach the top 10 on Much More Music and along the way has left critics raving. He recently performed the sold-out orchestral debut of his music with the Regina Symphony Orchestra. "Straker was simply spectacular demonstrating showmanship in every sense of the word." He has performed at national showcase events including Canadian Music Week, Breakout West, JunoFest, and the National Arts Centre with Canadian Musician Magazine saying "Very much an artist to watch". The Chicago Free Press has written "Rufus Wainwright, as well as k.d. lang are among the Canadians making essential and beautiful music. Add Jeffery Straker to that list." www.jeffstraker.com
GORDIE MAC-KEE-MAN and his rhythm boys (Nov. 17, 2 p.m.) Hailing from Prince Edward Island, the award-winning Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys serve up old-time roots music with an energy level that practically yanks you out of your seat by the collar. If ever someone was deserving of the nickname "Crazy Legs", it just might be Gordie MacKeeman. His thrilling dance style mixed with great bluegrass vocals, Peter Cann's blistering guitar solos, the lively multi-instrumental talents of Thomas Webb and Mark Geddes, make Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys a complete entertainment package. www.gordiemackee man.com
JIMMY RANKIN (Dec. 4, 8 p.m.) A well-known solo artist, Jimmy also doubles as the front man of Canadian Celtic heroes, The Rankin Family. Between the two roles, the singer-songwriter has amassed many awards and nominations including five JUNO awards and 27 East Coast Music awards, to name a few. On this tour, he will be sharing seasonal selections from his own Christmas recording "Tinsel Town", along with favourites from his extensive solo and Rankin Family catalogue. "The challenge was to take these great songs and to interpret them in a new and interesting way," he says. From his rockabilly take on "Jingle Bell Rock" to his stunning, stripped-down version of "White Christmas", Jimmy does indeed render his special magic to these cherished standards. www.jimmy rankin.com
MUSICA INTIMA (Prarie Debut) (Feb. 1, 8 p.m.) Internationally renowned for their warm and engaging stage presence, impeccable musicianship, and unique perspective on ensemble singing, Musica Intima has earned a reputation as Canada's most exciting vocal ensemble. But what makes Musica Intima truly unique is that the singers rehearse, perform and function as a collective. In rehearsal they self-direct, exchanging ideas freely while exploring their own musical creativity. In performance, they engage the audience with a spontaneity and directness all their own. Founded in 1992, Musica Intima has graced the stages throughout Canada, the USA, Ireland and Denmark and is frequently heard on national and international radio broadcasts. "The most exciting small choir in the land.": John Fraser/National Post. www.prairiedebut.com
JOHN GRACIE (Mar. 2, 2 p.m.) John will be performing excerpts from his Vintage Vegas show, featuring songs from his latest album "Live from the Flamingo", which is a tribute to the music of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Audiences will love John's renditions of these Swing Jazz Classics. John has toured nationally and internationally and received rave reviews from audiences, Entertainment writers and the music industry. Backed by some of the country's best jazz musicians, Gracie delivers this music effortlessly. www.johngracie.ca
INFINITUS (Mar. 16, 2 p.m.) Infinitus is a string trio known for their unique sound and upbeat performance style. With programs that feature polished Classical Works and original Jazz, Latin and Hip-Hop arrangements/compositions, audiences can expect a fun and interactive concert experience. The members have won numerous awards at the local, national, and international level. The group has been broadcast on CBC and are co-directors of the Vancouver Chamber Players. They are on faculty at the Saint James Music Academy and the Vancouver Academy of Music. Infinitus is dedicated to quality outreach and often performs for schools, nursing homes, hospitals, Native reserves, fundraisers, and correctional facilities. Since 2006, they have performed over 500 outreach concerts throughout North America. www.infinitusmusic.com
GUY AND NADINA (Prarie Debut) (Apr. 14, 8 p.m.) The Guy & Nadina Duo is renowned for artistry, musicianship, engaging performances and fashion. The duo has performed throughout North America, been featured on numerous recordings and broadcast internationally. From their beginnings as farm kids to the international concert stages of the world, multi-instrumentalist (trumpet & piano) Guy Few and bassoonist Nadina Mackie Jackson's lives weave a fascinating story. Let the Guy & Nadina Duo take you on a musical journey with its unique program titled Carnet de voyages (The Travel Book). An album of audio snapshots, this program celebrates some of the duo's favourite musical works, complimented by personal stories of travel and touring which inspire the theme. www.prairiedebut.com
EVERYTHING FITZ (May 6, 8 p.m.) Everything Fitz is a six piece family band featuring four of Canada's finest young musicians and their parents. With roots in the Canadian old-time fiddle tradition and Ottawa Valley step dancing, their unique stage show combines a variety of musical styles: everything from traditional jigs and reels, bluegrass, swing, Celtic, and gospel as well as novelty numbers and dance routines. The group features Julie (24), the 2009 & 2010 Canadian Grandmasters Fiddle Champion - not to be outdone by her youngest sibling Tom (20), who won this prestigious title in 2012. Pat (25) dances and plays percussion and Kerry (23) dances, plays fiddle, mandolin and keyboard. These spirited young performers are noted for their polished performances and provide wholesome, captivating entertainment for a diverse audience. www.everythingfitz.ca
Tickets for all nine performances are on sale now. Get yours by calling the Yorkton Arts Council at 306-783-8722 or from Welcome Home Floral & Gift Shop. Early Bird pricing is in effect until July 31. All shows take place at the Anne Portnuff Theatre in the Yorkton Regional High School.
"Buying a season subscription at the early bird price is a terrific value, even if someone can't make it to every concert," points out Hayward. "Going by single ticket prices, a season subscriber can miss three or four concerts and still not be losing money. This is good news for our snowbirds who might be away in January or February and are worried that they might miss some concerts."
Stars for Saskatchewan series tickets also make great gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, or Christmas gifts.
"For the person who 'has everything,' a Stars subscription gives them a whole season of great entertainment. We have a wonderful, varied line-up, so there is something for everyone!"
