Showplace Performance Centre quite effectively killed two birds with one stone at an event on Thursday (June 22) at Millennium Park in Peterborough. The organization saluted its 250-strong volunteer team, while releasing details of its fall 2017 lineup of performances — which includes some big names including Bruce Cockburn, Jann Arden (already sold out), and Barenaked Ladies.
“I love how diverse it is, Ray did an awesome job with all the bookings,” enthused Showplace marketing and administrative manager Emily Martin, referring to Showplace general manager Ray Marshall.
“I really like how strong the stuff in the Nexicom Studio is. The fact that we have jazz and blues and Celtic and comedy — a little bit of everything — is great.”
The smaller Nexicom Studio space has been home over the past few years to the Elite Blues Series but that has been discontinued, with Martin noting “It’s tough to get artists up from the States.” Martin credited series founder and John Cranfield with doing a terrific job starting, and delivering, Elite Blues presentations.
According to Showplace board chair Pat Hooper, a newly adopted strategic plan for the performance centre is buoying optimism for what’s ahead.
“We do always need to be thinking about raising more money,” she explained. “A lot of people don’t realize we are a not-for-profit organization. They assume that we are part of the City. Although we get a City services grant each year, it’s not enough to carry the place, so we’re always doing anything we can to raise funds.”
Its not-for-profit status is one of the reasons Showplace is so appreciative of and grateful for the efforts of its dedicated volunteers.
As well, “new energy” is on the horizon in the form of four new board members, replacing existing board members whose terms are up.
With Showplace going into its 21st year, Hooper credited Beth McMaster’s vision and drive all those years ago with setting the groundwork for what the 640-seat venue has become and continues to be.
“I think anybody involved with Showplace should feel pretty good. There have been and there will continue to be challenges, but there’s some really good things coming up.
“I’m very excited about Jann Arden except I’m going to be away. I told Ray he had a lot of nerve booking that for when I’m gone.”
One area Showplace will continue to focus much attention on is sponsorships and naming rights, the latter best exemplified by the Nexicom Studio space.
Paul Downs, who has owned and operated the Millbrook-based telecommunications company along with his brother John, said their commitment to and investment in Showplace is rooted in a mission.
“To do what we can to enrich the community and the lives of the people in the community,” he said, adding that Showplace’s longevity “is a credit to the people who are there. The board, which is strong and very forward looking, has reached out to companies like ours and asked ‘How can we work together?'”
Fall Schedule at Showplace Performance Centre
The following performances are scheduled for Showplace from September through December. Jann Arden is not listed (as it’s already sold out), but tickets are available for all other presentations.
You can order tickets in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough) or by phone at 705-742-7469 until June 30th, or online anytime at www.showplace.org. During July and August, tickets will be sold exclusively online through the Showplace online box office.
Pat Temple
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Continuing the swinging tradition of 1990s cult hits Salamander Bones and Playin’ Havoc With My Heart, singer, songwriter and guitarist arrives in Peterborough on the heels of the release of new album Day For Day.
A 30-year performance veteran, Temple’s music remains rooted in many influences – western swing, jump blues, rockabilly and roadhouse soul among them. Adding colour and meaning to his lyrics is his compelling voice.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
A Musical Tribute To The Highwaymen
Saturday, September 16, 8 p.m.
Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash have long departed but are remembered and performed by look-and-sound-alike impersonators Bob Gill and Jim Yorifido, joined by Willie Nelson impersonator Guy Melanson.
Backed by a five-piece band, the trio recreates the sights and sounds of the 1984-born group of true legends.
Tickets are $39.50 or $35.50 for seniors.
Bruce Cockburn
Monday, September 25, 8 p.m.
The Canadian music icon brings his Bones On Bones Tour to Peterborough, joined by special guest Terra Lightfoot, for the Folk Under The Clock concert presentation.
With a catalogue of music spanning four decades, Cockburn continues to bring folk, jazz, rock and world beat music styles to his songs, calling heavily upon his experiences as a global traveler with a musical message to share and celebrate.
Tickets are $61.
A 24 Of Canadian
Thursday, September 28, 2 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Bob Trennum and Beth Hunt pay musical homage to Canadian songs, songwriters and singers.
They and special guests will be performing hits by the likes of Ian and Sylvia, Leonard Cohen, Paul Anka, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, and many more.
Tickets are $20.
The Marigolds
Friday, September 29, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Canadian singers/songwriters extraordinaire Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick, and Caitlin Hanford, backed by drummer Randall Coryell, play an intimate concert in the Nexicom Studio.
Their performance will show their love for and mastery of traditional country, bluegrass and blues music, including tunes from their second Juno-nominated album, That’s The State I’m In.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $29.
Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood
Sunday, October 1, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Prince Edward Island singer-songwriter and guitarist Gordon Belsher joins forces with fiery fiddler Richard Wood.
As a duo, Belsher and Wood enthrall audiences with their roller coaster ride of exhilarating jigs, reels, and beautiful airs.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $30.
Splash ‘n’ Boots: Live In Concert
Thursday, October 5, 6 p.m.
Showplace 4 Kids presents the Big Yellow Tunes Tour, bringing the multi Juno-nominated talents of Nick Adams (Splash) and Taes Leavitt (Boots) to the big stage from Treehouse TV.
Dance along with Charlie and Keys, get ready to shake it with Jumping Jack Granny, and stay tuned for a premiere appearance from Chef Brock Lee.
Tickets for Splash ‘n’ Boots cost $26.50 ($42.50 for VIP tickets.
Voice Of A Nation
Thursday, October 12, 7:30 p.m.
The Toronto Concert Orchestra, conducted by Kerry Stratton, presents the world premiere of “Voice of A Nation” on the Showplace main stage.
The performance features works by indigenous composer Ian Cusson, indigenous poet Marilyn Dumont, and indigenous singer Marion Newman, along with the Peterborough Children’s Chorus. The concert will also feature Stravinky’s Pulcinella Suite for ballet, which indigenous choreographer Aria Evans will re-imagine by re-telling the story of Pulcinella as the shapeshifting trickster Weesageechek.
Presented by Showplace and Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, tickets are $42 for adults and $22 for students.
Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline Tribute Show
Saturday, October 14, 8 p.m.
The duo of Bob Gill and Amberley Beatty will pay musical homage to two of country music’s biggest legends.
Gill will deliver hits such as “Luckenbach Texas” and “Good Hearted Women” while Beatty will perform timeless classics such as “Crazy” and “I Fall To Pieces”.
Tickets are $39.50 or $35.50 for seniors.
Barenaked Ladies
Tuesday, October 24, 8 p.m.
The multiple Juno-winning Canadian rock band of Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, and Tyler Stewart perform on the Showplace main stage.
The band will serve up its bevy of hit songs such as “One Week”, “It’s All Been Done”, “Brian Wilson” and “If I Had $1,000,000”, as well as music from their latest album Fake Nudes to be released this fall.
Tickets are $95.53, with silver and gold VIP packages (featuring premium seats, swag, and more) available for $205.64 and $303.51
Tonic @ Twenty
Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 29, 2 p.m.
Showplace brings back the Spring Tonic shows from a few years ago to fill the stage once again with comedy, song, and dance.
With script by Beth McMaster and musical direction by Danny Bronson, under the guidance of director Len Lifchus and producer Pat Hooper, there will be two performances of this show, a fundraiser for Showplace.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $20.
The Man In Black
Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m.
Shawn Barker performs his Las Vegas tribute to Johnny Cash, featuring all the hits in the arsenal of the groundbreaking singer and songwriter.
Tickets information for The Man In Black will be posted on www.showplace.org.
Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical
November 10 to 12, 15 to 18, 8 p.m.
St. James Players marks 45 years of presenting community theatre with its staging of the Broadway musical version of Mary Poppins, the 1964 film that catapulted Julie Andrews to fame and featured classic songs penned by the Sherman Brothers.
The show is produced by Jim Mills and Fred Bately and directed by Natalie Dorsett.
Tickets will be on sale near the end of summer. Check www.stjamesplayers.com for updates.
Lorne Elliott
Friday, November 24, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Comedian, musician, author and award-winning playwright Lorne Elliott gives his original, captivating, and hilarious take on contemporary trends and politics.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $30.
The Last Waltz
Saturday, November 25, 8 p.m.
An all-star cast of award-winning blues and roots musicians under the direction of Juno-winning producer and musical director Lance Anderson recreate The Band’s final concert, in 1976 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, featuring most all of the songs performed.
Tickets are $62.
Oh What A Night!
Wednesday, November 29, 7 p.m.
This Las Vegas tribute to the music of Franki Valli and The Four Seasons also features a special holiday season tribute to Andy Williams and The Williams Brothers.
Tickets are $55.50.
Another Bublé Christmas
Thursday, November 30, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Peterborough’s own Michael Bell, accompanied by the MB Swingtet, will croon the songs of the velvet-voiced Canadian singer Michael Bublé.
Tickets are $25.
The Jungle Book
Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8, 8 p.m.
Arbor Theatre and Showplace present the stage version of the hit 1967 Walt Disney film musical, adapted by Ray and Noah Henderson with music by Beau Dixon and choreography by Madison Sheward and Rachael Froggatt.
Auditions were held at the end of May and the show is currently in production. Ticket information will be posted at www.thearbortheatre.com.
Patricia O’Callaghan
Thursday, December 14, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Canadian soprano Patricia O’Callaghan performs the songs that have made her a sensation across Canada and well beyond, including her stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $35.
Classic Albums Live: Rush’s 2112
Saturday, December 16, 8 p.m.
The definitive Rush album, as well as the band’s first major commercial success, is performed cut-for-cut and note-for-note, with the second half featuring many of Rush’s other hit songs.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $38. A special 10%-off deal is available if you purchase Rush 2112 with Showplace’s other two Classic Albums Live presentations: Credence Clearwater Revival – Chronicles on March 2, 2018 and Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy on April 7, 2018.
For The Love Of Christmas
Sunday, December 17, 2 p.m.
The Foley Family and friends stage their 14th annual Christmas show, a fundraiser for teachers’ salaries at a school in Liberia, West Africa.
The popular holiday show features the talents of Bridget Foley and The Gospel Girls, 4 Front, Lizzeh Basciano, and many more.
Tickets are $15, or $10 for students.
Next Generation Leahy
Thursday, December 21, 7 p.m.
Next Generation Leahy features performers all under the age of 16 from Lakefield’s famous musical family.
They’ll bring Celtic music into the modern era with high-energy performances backed by fiddles, cellos, French accordions, piano, singing, and French-Canadian step dancing.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $50.50 for adults, $46.50 for seniors, and $26.75 for students.
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra
In addition to the above, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra is again calling Showplace home for its 2017-18 season, with the two performances before Christmas being “Step Into The Light” on Sunday, November 4th at 7:30 p.m., and “Hollywood For The Holidays” on Saturday, December 9th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
For ticket information, visit www.pso.org.
