Bringing the big band sound to Peterborough for the holidays

Since 2013, local theatre company Art for Awareness (AFA) has made its mark both socially and artistically by putting on a series of intense performances that bring topical social issues to the forefront. Well, for their next show AFA is putting away the heavy topics and celebrating the holiday season with good friends, great music and big talent.

AFA is teaming up with The Kawartha Jazz Ensemble to put on a “Big Band Christmas” at Market Hall on Thursday, December 17th and Friday, December 18th. Hosted by Danny Bronson, partial proceeds from the show will go to The Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Fund.

“It’s kind of a departure from the theatre we normally do,” says AFA’s Geoff Bemrose. “We did Rent last year, and then Next to Normal. We’ve done a lot of heavier things, so we want to do a show for the sake of doing a show and do it for a good cause.”

Alongside Danny and Geoff, there will be performances by some of Peterborough’s favorite singers including Beau Dixon, Kate Suhr, Paul Crough, Kate Brioux, and Marsala Lukianchuk. They’ll be backed by the Kawartha Jazz Ensemble’s 20-piece band, directed by Royce Williamson and Lori Davidson.

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A taste of AFA’s Big Band Christmas: “Jingle Bells”

Here’s a rehearsal recording featuring The Kawartha Jazz Ensemble and vocalists Kate Suhr, Kate Brioux, Marsala Lukianchuk, and Geoff Bemrose.

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“It’s nice to do these projects with good people,” Geoff says of the performers participating in the concert. “A lot of these people are professional level as well.”

Money from ticket sales will be donated to The Salvation Christmas Hamper fund, as well as helping to support future AFA projects. One of the most dynamic companies in Peterborough, AFA has been hitting hard by producing shows that look at subjects ranging from mental illness to sexual identity.

“We have a lot of things in development right now,” Geoff explains. “We’ve had a lot of people come to us and have pitched ideas. There are different connections all over and see where we’re going to next.”

A big part of AFA’s success is the collaborative spirit of the Peterborough community. The Kawartha Jazz Ensemble approached AFA to do the show, and together they are pooling their talents to create what will be a memorable Christmas concert.

“My true joy in making art is in the collaboration,” Geoff says. “You can always learn something new with a new collaboration. That’s a part of our mandate. If you want to work with us and have a love and the arts and support a good cause, we’ll listen to your ideas. The power of the arts is pretty amazing.”

For more information on AFA, visit www.artforawareness.net.

AFA’s Big Band Christmas takes place on December 17th and 18th at the Market Hall in Peterborough. General admission tickets are $25, available in advance or at the door.