The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is located in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario at the corner of St. Paul and Carlisle Streets on the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Neutral Peoples and many other Indigenous People from across Turtle Island. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement. We offer our sincere gratitude and respect to the original and continued stewards of this land and are reminded that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous Peoples.
Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines
Centrestage is a publication of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) and is distributed to PAC Members via Canada Post. Centrestage is also available for pickup at the PAC in downtown St. Catharines, at partner and sponsor establishments and at select City of St. Catharines locations.
Discover music, theatre, comedy, dance, circus, family performances and special events.
Community Programs at the PAC
Making the arts come alive with and for our community.
Sharing Dance
Accessible dance programs for older adults.
Choir! Choir! Choir! Un-Silent Night
Sing your heart out with hundreds of music lovers.
Holiday Fun at the PAC
Holiday markets to magical concerts throughout December.
Yamato: The Drummers of Japan
Experience the rhythm of Japanese Taiko Drums.
ProArteDanza
Inspiration strikes from Beethoven to the Berlin Wall.
Pink Martini
ON THE COVER: Pink Martini celebrates three decades with an anniversary tour.
Family Day
Crafting memories for one and all.
Black History Month
Voices of Freedom: Commemorating Black History and Culture.
Pauly Shore
An autobiographical comedy show.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Captivating global audiences with traditional zulu music and modern harmony.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Taking bagpipes to a new level.
Brett Kissel
The side you’ve never seen of Brett Kissel.
Bageshree Vaze’s Global Bollywood Bollywood Without Borders.
Membership & Box Office Information
How to order tickets and support the arts.
Pink Martini celebrates 30 years as they perform a multilingual repertoire crossing genres of classical, jazz and old fashioned pop.
Colleen A. Smith CEO
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
As we dive into our 2024/2025 season, I’m so happy for what lies ahead. This season promises to be one of our most dynamic yet, with a lineup that spans genres, showcases diverse talent, and highlights the creative energy that makes the PAC so special.
As the holidays approach, join us for The Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas featuring Niagara Jazz Festival, where the iconic tunes will bring warmth and nostalgia. Don’t miss Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village with Chris McKhool and Friends, a vibrant combination of a Holiday Newcomers Market hosted by the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, and a performance by Chris McKhool celebrating Canada’s multicultural mosaic through song. These are unforgettable moments to share with loved ones!
This year, through our Give Joy Campaign, we invite you to support programs like our imPACt Education Series, which inspires and engages students, fostering creativity, well-being, and belonging. Your donation will directly support youth initiatives and spread the gift of JOY to many. I encourage you to join me as a PAC donor and help us to transform lives through the arts.
Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we take seriously our civic mandate of service – we are here for you, our audiences, our neighbours and our artists, providing programming that resonates in absolutely every experience that you have here at the PAC. You matter to us, and we want to matter to you. Now, more than ever.
Thank you for contributing to the experience of ‘live’ at the PAC. We remain hopeful for what the future holds as we continue to grow and inspire together!
Mario De Divitiis Chair, Board of Directors
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
As I reflect on the past five years as the inaugural Board Chair of FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, it fills me with immense pride to see how much we have accomplished together. Transitioning from a department within City Hall, empowered by City employees to an organization with its own individual identity, Board of Directors and vision has been a collective journey that I am very proud of.
From our very first meeting as a Board, staff and volunteers have poured their passion and dedication into making the PAC a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural expression in Niagara.
Over the years, we have expanded our community outreach, strengthened special partnerships with the City of St. Catharines and Brock University and cultivated new relationships for our future. We hosted such a variety of extraordinary experiences. From incredible headliners and talented local artists to countless youth dance recitals, retirement parties, intimate celebrations of life and perhaps one of my favourites… Family Day at the PAC. Through it all we have worked to make our space inclusive, innovative, welcoming… and oh yeah, a lot of fun!
As my term as Board Chair comes to a close at the end of 2024, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey, a special acknowledgment to all patrons and donors. Together, we’ve laid a strong groundwork for the future of the PAC, ensuring it will continue to be a leading force of artistic excellence in our community.
I have no doubt that the next chapter will bring even more growth and success. With a talented team, a dedicated Board, supportive partners and community, the future of the PAC is full of promise and possibility. It has been an honour to serve this incredible community gem, and I look forward to witnessing all that lies ahead… from mine and my wife’s seats in Partridge Hall. The Arts Live Here.
Our purpose at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is to make each day come alive through inspiring and engaging artistic experiences, for and with our community.
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre engages people in exceptional live arts experiences and enriches the lives of the citizens of the Niagara region by presenting the best of local, national and international artists.
We exist in service to our community, providing charitable programs from the heart of the region.
We offer an annual PAC PRESENTS season of multidisciplinary performing arts programs, an imPACt Education Series for students across Niagara, a dynamic Film House Series, specially designed outreach programs for youth and older adults, and a robust and diverse rental program for many local and visiting organizations and businesses.
We believe in the intrinsic role the arts play in strengthening communities, fostering a sense of belonging, and are committed to bringing a diverse range of artists that represent Canada and the world’s multicultural landscape to our stages.
FOR THE LOVE OF
Discovering New Artists
Uplifting Experiences
A Welcoming Space
The Creative Process
Feeling at Home
Knowledge Building
Transformative Storytelling
Thriving Community Partners
Hosting Lively Conversations
Caring Donors and Sponsors
Celebrating our Shared Humanity
Learning New Perspectives
Supporting Creativity
Inspiring the Next Generation
Making Memories Together
Our Beloved Niagara Community
FOR THE LOVE OF
upcoming events
Brock University Department of Music presents RBC MUSIC AT NOON
Tuesdays | 12pm – FREE
Running until 1 April 2025
The Recital Hall
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre presents SOCIAL TANGO PROJECT
Sun 17 Nov 2024 | 7:30pm Partridge Hall
Niagara Symphony Orchestra presents THE QUEEN SYMPHONY
Simply put, the PAC loves our home in Niagara. In addition to the rich natural beauty, internationally award-winning wine and culinary offerings, it’s our growing and diverse community that really make Niagara a special place to visit and call home.
We come to work each day at the PAC inspired by our mandate to make the arts come alive with and for our community because we believe in the transformative power of the arts to build a thriving, shared space.
As our world continues to be divided through social upheaval, it’s the arts that bring us back together and remind us of our universal humanity. And this is our work at the PAC - to bring diverse groups together to connect, share stories and celebrate together, to break down social barriers and to build unity.
Yes, we aim to put on great shows, and we are extremely proud of the calibre of artists that grace our stages and screens each season. We also value access as a key pillar of the work we do and are constantly finding new ways to remove barriers to access our programs.
DID YOU KNOW that our imPACt Education Series hosts more than 5,000+ learners from across Niagara annually? In addition to ensuring tickets remain accessible at $10+HST per student, we have established a subsidy program, generously supported by community donors, to ensure that all Niagara students can attend our programs.
DID YOU KNOW that $1 from every ticket purchased at the PAC goes directly to the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP), the City’s grant program to support the work of St. Catharines artists and arts organizations?
DID YOU KNOW that we work to create a welcoming environment for newcomers to feel at home in Niagara? We partner with the CANOO ticketaccess program, powered by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, to provide complimentary tickets to newcomers to discover the PAC. In addition, we proudly continue our ongoing partnership with the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre to bring Newcomer Markets and ticket access programs to their clients.
DID YOU KNOW that we are committed to our work in Truth and Reconciliation with the Indigenous community? We produce an annual concert for the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund with community and visiting artists, have ongoing partnership events and with our local Friendship Centres, and partner with the City of St. Catharines and Niagara Regional Native Centre to bring accessible programs to the community for Indigenous Peoples Day.
DID YOU KNOW that each month The Film House hosts pay-what-you-can Community Screenings? We partner with local groups to screen a film that often includes a post-screening talk back as a way to bring our Niagara community together to reflect on the issues of our time.
DID YOU KNOW that we develop accessible arts programs that aim to engage Youth and Older Adults with the benefits of the arts? Perhaps you’ve danced with us as part of our Sharing Dance Older Adult Dance program presented in partnership with the National Ballet School of Canada? Or a young cinephile in your life has taken part in our Youth FiIm Club where they’ve developed skills in film programming, marketing and event hosting.
It is because of generous community support that we are able to bring our mandate to life each day. We welcome YOU to join our growing PAC Family of Donors to help the arts touch the lives of our Niagara community.
Fundraiser
We brought a little bit of Prince Edward Island the PAC this fall for our annual fundraiser, welcoming 150 friends to enjoy an evening of traditional East Coast music with special guests 6 Hearts (members of Vishtèn and The East Pointers), fabulous food, dancing, silent and live auctions and a whole lot of fun!
Not only was this a night to remember, but the 2024 East Coast Kitchen Party raised over $87,000 to support our many essential community programs. Thank you to our title sponsor, FirstOntario Credit Union, the generous supported by the Legacy of Nancy Court and our many sponsors, live and silent auction donors and patrons who attended.
The arts provide a platform for self-expression, a means to explore diverse perspectives, and a source of inspiration for both artists and audiences alike. The impact this can have on a young person’s life is immeasurable.
The PAC has an annual commitment to provide learners across Niagara with high quality performances and programs that align with the Ontario curriculum through our imPACt Education Series. The PAC recognizes that even the guaranteed low ticket price of $10 may be out of reach for many in the Niagara region. Thanks to the generous support of individuals and businesses, we are able to offer these programs at a low cost or fully subsidized to ensure that all can attend.
MAKE AN IMPACT – give JOY
by donating to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre by visiting firstontariopac.ca, calling 905-688-0722 or scan the QR code.
Give JOY and DONATE TODAY
education series IM PA C T
Setting the Stage for Young Minds
Mermaid Theatre
GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUNAWAY BUNNY
Mon 2 Dec | 10am + 12:30pm
A celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum.
CELEBRATE! HOLIDAYS OF THE GLOBAL VILLAGE
Tues 10 Dec | 12:30pm
Celebrate Canada’s multicultural mosaic with songs that provide young audiences a glimpse into the many customs and celebrations enjoyed across the country.
YAMATO:
THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN
Thurs 16 | Jan 12pm
Yamato is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture, Japan.
New North Collective CIRCUMPOLAR SOUNDSCAPE
Thurs 6 | Feb 12pm
The New North Collective’s interpretation of the world is modern, filled with the driving rhythms of a diverse musical and cultural landscape.
STEP AFRIKA!
Tues 25 | Feb 12pm
Step Afrika!’s signature performance shares the step tradition of audience participation and closes with a complex, polyrhythmic percussive symphony that brings audiences to their feet.
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre gratefully acknowledges the following Rotary Clubs of Niagara for their generous support of our Arts Education Programs: Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise, Rotary Club of Fonthill, Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore and the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South.
To book tickets, apply for subsidy, or for more information please contact DIANA MOSER, Programming Associate 905-322-9846 | dmoser@firstontariopac.ca
IMPACT + FILM Wed 20 Feb + Wed 21 May 2025 | 10AM
Join us in The Film House to view a film and engage in post-screening discussions with knowledgeable panelists based on important topics facing our society today.
YES YES YES
Fri 28 Feb | 10am + 12:30pm
Part confession, part documentary, part open conversation, YES YES YES is a theatre show created for young people that explores necessary topes of healthy relationships and consent.
MOMENTUM CHOIR
Mon 3 | March 11am
Born out of musical therapist Mendelt Hoekstra’s desire to enrich the lives of those living with developmental disabilities.
THE ALPHABET OF AWESOME SCIENCE
Wed 19 Mar | 10am + 12:30pm
Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet.
Theater Terra RAPUNZEL THE MUSICAL
Wed 23 | April 12pm
A new family musical Rapunzel, based on the famous European fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.
MIMI O’BONSAWIN
Tues 6 May | 10am (English) + 12:30pm (French)
Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land, all the while yielding to her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots.
IMPACT + PRODUCTION | Thurs 1 May 2025
Join us at the PAC for an in-depth look at technical production in our building.
A FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre co-presentation with Canada’s National Ballet School and Baycrest Health Sciences
Sharing Dance Older Adults
SPRING 2025 CLASSES
Tuesday and Wednesday Sessions!
Every Tuesday from March 18 to April 22
Every Wednesday from March 19 to April 23
Series cost $40+HST
No dance experience required
Sharing Dance Older Adults is an accessible dance program which aims to support overall physical, emotional and social wellbeing through dance engagement as well as build and develop skill and confidence in dance movement for older adults with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities. Maggie Forgeron is the on-site facilitator for Sharing Dance Older Adults. Maggie is a local dance artist and teacher, movement researcher and Expressive Arts Therapist.
Supported by
YOUR NAME LOOKS GOOD
TOP 5
Choir! Choir! Choir!
Performances ever captured
To get you ready for the return of Choir! Choir! Choir! to St. Catharines we have put together a list of what we believe are the top 5 most epic Choir! Choir! Choir! performances:
Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh, dance and SING your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you.
2016
| When Doves CrY
The duo paid tribute to Prince in 2016 by singing alongside 1,999 voices. It took a couple hours to nail all the parts, but when all was said and done this touching tribute filmed and performed in Massey Hall was perfect. Now “you’ve got the butterflies.”
2023 | Tribute to Sinéad
1,000 voices joined up at Toronto’s Opera House to pay tribute to the life and music of Sinéad O’Connor. Forty minutes before the show started, Feist texted the duo to say she was on her way and made this performance extra special.
“Despite the trouble conviction brought into her life, [Sinéad] showed us that we too could fight back against injustice.”
— Choir! Choir! Choir!
2
Un-Silent Night is Choir! Choir! Choir!’s warmest and fuzziest night ever! Imagine yourself surrounded by hundreds of other voices, making your way through an unforgettable mix of holiday classics and seasonal pop gems!
2015 | Everlong
Does a perfect rock hook really need electric guitars? “And I wondered… would I sing along with you?” This Toronto performance celebrated Dave Grohl’s birthday and will give you chills. “Everlong” also proves that you don’t really need electric guitars or drums if you have hundreds of other voices belting out this epic anthem.
2024 | Leonard’s 90th
Live from the Wilbur in Boston, Choir! Choir! Choir! celebrated what would have been Leonard Cohen’s 90th birthday. Perhaps one of the best vocal songs of all time, “Hallelujah” comes in all kinds of versions, but this touching and heart-warming tribute (with two-part harmony) will have you wondering why when you sing “Hallelujah” it doesn’t quite sound like this.
1
22 DEC 3PM + 7PM
2023 | Christmas in Chicago
Holiday songs have always brought uplifting messages of joy and peace and with Un-Silent Night, it’s no different. Recorded live in Chicago’s Thalia Hall, these greatest holiday hits make you yearn to bring carolling back! “White Christmas,” “What A Wonderful World,” and “O Holy Night” are just a few of the festive bangers presented in this joyous montage.
AT THE PAC
December brings the season of joy and a time to celebrate with family and friends. From concerts to markets, the PAC aims to bring people together through music, culture and the shared spirit of the holidays.
A GLOBAL CELEBRATION
Kicking off the month of holiday cheer is Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village with Chris McKhool and Friends on Tuesday 10 December. This event promises to be a festive celebration of holiday songs from around the world, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural mosaic that makes Canada so unique. Engage with the community and embrace the spirit of giving at the Holiday Newcomer Market before the show where you can pick up unique gifts and treasures while supporting new Canadian businesses in Niagara.
CELTIC STORIES & SONGS
For those who enjoy the warmth of family-centered traditions, A Celtic Family Christmas on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 December will be a heartwarming treat. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, accompanied by their seven children, offer a night filled with traditional Celtic music, fiddling, step-dancing and stories that offer a perfect snapshot of the intimacy and joy that comes from spending the holidays with loved ones. Their family dynamic adds a special charm to the performance, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
AN UN-SILENT NIGHT
One of the most unique events this season is CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!’s Un-Silent Night on Sunday 22 December. Imagine standing in a room filled with hundreds of voices singing holiday classics and pop gems—it’s a shared experience like no other. The power of community singing has an almost magical ability to connect people, and this event is all about bringing together voices, spirits, and hearts to create something truly unforgettable.
THE PEANUTS GANG GOES JAZZ
The holiday magic continues with a musical treat for all ages with Niagara Jazz Festival: Music from a Charlie Brown Christmas on Monday 23 December. This event will transport you into the world of the beloved Peanuts gang, with a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s timeless soundtrack. The soothing jazz tones and familiar melodies are bound to evoke memories of childhood, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that’s perfect for families and jazz lovers alike.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU THIS SEASON
Memorable experiences continue throughout the month with a fast-paced, comedic performance. Canadian actor Charles Ross recreates iconic characters and memorable scenes, entertaining audiences with his unique take on the beloved Star Wars saga with One Man Star Wars Trilogy on Saturday 28 December.
ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY THINGS
Join us on Sunday 29 December for a sing-a-long of the classic film Sound of Music as it plays on the big screen in Partridge Hall. With subtitles for the musical numbers to guide you and an emphasis on audience participation, experience this timeless story as a joyful celebration of music and nostalgia.
NEW YEARS EVE DONE RIGHT
Wrapping up the year, Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy an Italian dinner buffet and cash bar, as Dusk honors Bennett’s timeless songs while showcasing his own unique style and smooth jazz vocals.
Energy in Motion
The Art and Spirit of Yamato: The Drummers of Japan
Downtown St. Catharines will be pulsing with the electrifying sound of drums as YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan make their highly anticipated Niagara debut this January. Hailing from Asuka-mura in the Nara Prefecture, the heart of Japanese culture, YAMATO has been sharing the spirit of traditional Japanese music with audiences worldwide for over three decades. Their vibrant performance is a true feast for the senses and a perfect remedy to the grey days of January.
For the performance, the stage of Partridge Hall will be adorned with a variety of Taiko drums in different sizes, from small handheld instruments to massive drums that tower over the performers. The ninemember ensemble will share a specially crafted presentation, each an exceptional musician devoted to the art of Taiko drumming.
Their physical prowess is equally awe-inspiring, as they pour boundless energy into an explosive performance. The choreography is dynamic, with the drummers dancing and moving fluidly around the stage, and the show introduces other traditional Japanese instruments alongside softer, more introspective musical moments that balance the intensity of the drumming. The sound is naturally powerful—some drums are nearly as tall as the performers and audience participation is also encouraged during this infectious show.
YAMATO’s performance transcends cultural boundaries, speaking to both individuals and the collective audience through the universal language of music. It’s a deeply spiritual show and a wonderful introduction to traditional Japanese culture.
Most YAMATO shows end with a well-deserved standing ovation and multiple curtain calls, a testament to the incredible connection the drummers made with the audience. Join us for this not-to-be-missed event!
YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan
THURS 16 JAN 7:30PM
Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
artist profile
The 9th!
Inspiration Strikes from Beethoven to the Berlin Wall
ProArteDanza
a company celebrated for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance, offers a profoundly moving exploration of human spirit and resilience in The 9th! Co-choreographed by Artistic Director Roberto Campanella and Associate Director Robert Glumbek, the piece takes inspiration from Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, the powerful climax of his 9th Symphony, and the history-altering moment when the Berlin Wall fell.
The 9th! premiered in 2019, marking the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall. The performance is not just a tribute to the music but a deeply personal expression for Campanella and Glumbek. Both originally from Europe, they bring their own histories of displacement and separation into the work— Glumbek, who grew up in Cold War-era Poland, defected to Canada as a young dancer, while Campanella experienced the Wall’s impact during a visit to its memorial in 2011.
Through powerful physicality and emotionally charged movement, The 9th! contemplates the difference between imposed unity—born from political oppression—and natural unity, the harmony that emerges when people are truly free. ProArteDanza’s elite dancers deliver a performance that carries this message with visceral intensity, transforming the stage with dynamic formations, intricate lifts, and evocative storytelling.
Known for their rigorous rehearsal process and bold artistic vision, Campanella and Glumbek have earned widespread acclaim, including a Dora Mavor Moore Award for their 2010 production … in between ... with The 9th!. They continue to affirm ProArteDanza’s reputation as a force in the dance community, a company where profound artistry meets technical excellence.
ProArteDanza - The 9th!
THURS 30 JAN 7:30PM
Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
The Eclectic Charm of Pink Martini
By John Law
30 years later, Pink Martini is still causing a stir. The Portland-based band is celebrating three decades by bringing its blend of Latin, pop and jazz out on the road for an anniversary tour, with a stop in downtown St. Catharines.
Always difficult to peg, the eclectic group has been influenced by everyone from Cole Porter to Tito Puente to … Pee Wee Herman? That’s right, according to founder and pianist Thomas Lauderdale.
In 1994, he was campaigning against attempts to amend the Oregon Constitution to make homosexuality illegal. Looking to put on a public concert to raise awareness, he had just seen Pee Wee Herman’s Christmas special on TV – a wacky variety show filled with diverse guest stars. Lauderdale wanted that same vibe for the stage – an ‘anything goes’ attitude towards traditional music – so he hired one of the acts he saw on that special, the Del Rubio Triplets.
To fill the opening act slot for his public concert, he slipped into a cocktail dress to front his own band. Pink Martini was off and running. While politics is still foremost on Lauderdale’s mind, he prefers to keep Pink Martini a judgment-free party on stage.
“Our performances attract a wonderfully diverse crowd,” he told website BiffBamPop! earlier this year. “We don’t swear on stage, the energy is fun and we don’t hit anyone over the head with political preaching. Everyone can come, relax and have a good time. That openness allows people from all walks of life to enjoy the music together.”
To finesse the group’s unique sound, Lauderdale handed vocals over to one of his Harvard University friends, China Forbes. The multilingual singer fronts a band with an awesome repertoire of styles, picking up the vibe and sound from virtually every corner of the globe.
The group’s first major single, “Sympathique” in 1997, has sold a million copies worldwide and was nominated as Song of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique Awards in France.
Since then, the band has enjoyed several triumphs, appearing on all the major late night talk shows, while also enduring tragedy (percussionist Derek Rieth died of suicide in 2014). In an interview with Riveting Riffs in 2012, Forbes described her songwriting process with Lauderdale as a “gruelling process” which somehow creates magic.
“Thomas isn’t really a songwriter,” she said. “He can write songs, but he doesn’t think of himself as a songwriter, and I am a reluctant sometimes songwriter. It is hard to collaborate and we get very little done, whenever we get together, but somehow we have written a lot of songs over the years with blood, sweat and tears.”
Among the band’s many collaborations, the latest is classic Pink Martini: 93-year-old ‘50s sex symbol Mamie Van Doren lent her vocals to the band’s new single “I Told Ya I Love Ya, Now Get Out!”
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes
THURS 20 MAR 7:30PM
Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
Plan to spend your Family Day with us to make memories that will last a lifetime!
FamilY DaY! AT THE PAC
We are proud to be a home away from home for our Niagara community to make lasting memories through the arts. We know that families come in all sorts of beautiful shapes and sizes and we celebrate our diverse community on FAMILY DAY with a full day of free and ticketed programs for all to enjoy.
There will be many free activities throughout the building, including crafts, art stations, storytelling nooks, and more!
No tickets are required for a number of our Family Day activities, so come on down to the PAC for some fun!
Family Day
MON 17 FEB
We are pleased to welcome the debut of SAMAJAM: You Are the Show to downtown St. Catharines! This is a fully participatory, fun and highly engaging musical experience where the audience actively performs 90% of the show. AND everyone receives a musical bag with three percussion instruments to play at key moments, to maximize the progression of the musical experience and the collective rhythmic creations. And EVERYONE can participate, regardless of their age, musical experience or skill level.
MON 17 FEB
We are also proud to share two ticketed arts experiences as a part of our Family Day. First, our friends from Welland-based circus company Femmes du Feu Creations will return this year with Tweet Tweet! This delightful show is designed for the very young (ages 0 - 5) and tells the story of 2 birds who’ve just hatched and start to discover the outside world. This magical journey takes place in a tree with 2 nests and 2 wood swings that hang from the branches. The birds explore moving from the nests, up into the aerial tree canopy, through the rope tree trunk, and finally onto the floor. The wonder is captured by the audience sitting on a large forest floor carpet, and soon everyone is involved in the adventure! This ticketed experience only takes place three times during the day so be sure to book in advance as seating is limited for the littles and their caregivers.
And down at The Film House, we’ll be setting up some of your favourite sugary morning cereals in concessions to accompany all the best classic cartoons from back-in-the-day. The afternoon will feature our Family Day tradition, an interactive film screening of a fun flick complete with games and call-outs.
Voices of Freedom
Commemorating Black History and Culture
February marks Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate and honour the rich cultural heritage, achievements and contributions of Black/ Afro Caribbean communities. The PAC is proud to partner with many of our vital community organizations to bring a number of accessible programs that foster deeper education, inspire dialogue and remind us of the transformative power of the arts.
We Were Here:
The untold history of Black Africa in Renaissance Europe
TUES 4 FEB @ 7PM | The Film House Pay-What-You-Can, including Free
Includes post-screening discussion with Fred Kudjo Kuwornu, the acclaimed director of We Were Here and an expert in diversity representation and media.
“
When discussing Black people in the 15th and 16th centuries, the focus is often solely on their condition as enslaved individuals, overlooking the remarkable figures who lived in Europe during that period, which many associate exclusively with a white experience. However, Black individuals were also present, and this is why I felt compelled to make this film—to empower the Black diaspora community that they were there too.” — Fred Kudjo Kuwornu, Director
Presented in partnership with Brock University Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and the Marilyn I Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’ Walker Cultural Leaders Series.
Black History Month LEARN MORE
Onstage: A Black History Month Variety Show
SAT 8 FEB @ 4PM | PWYC
A talent show that brings the community together to celebrate the talents of Niagara’s Black and Afro Caribbean communities, plus a vendor market by BlackOwned905.
Presented in partnership with Future Black Female, BlackOwned905 & The St. Catharines Downtown Association.
SOFIFRAN
Eternal Africa: Past, Present and Future
Feb 8 - 14
Robertson Theatre | FREE
The exhibition will feature scenes from African life, highlighted through a varied selection of artworks and everyday objects to highlight past, present and future perspectives. The past will illuminate the ancient civilizations, cultural traditions and historical narratives that have shaped the African continent. Artefacts of the present day will then reflect the challenges and successes of modern African societies. The future will showcase contemporary artists who incorporate Afrofuturist themes, imagining new and innovative realities while addressing current socio-economic challenges.
Presented in partnership with SOFIFRAN.
FirstOntario PAC presents Jully Black
WED 12 FEB @ 7:30PM
Jully Black is a true Canadian Icon. Named as one of ‘The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever’, (CBC Music) she has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’ by fans and industry leaders alike.
FirstOntario PAC presents Step Afrika!
TUES 25 FEB @ 7:30PM
Step Afrika! introduces audiences to stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens.
+ A Film Series highlighting Black stories will be featured at The Film House throughout the month of February!
artist profile
Pauly Shore
Brings Autobiographical Comedy Show to Niagara
by John Law
Before he was an MTV VJ, before he was ‘The Weez,’ before he was a ‘90s movie star, Pauly Shore was just a kid hanging out with his mom at work. Alas, his mom was Mitzi Shore, owner of L.A.’s legendary club The Comedy Store. During the ‘70s and ‘80s, a young Pauly buddied up with some of the greatest comedians ever: Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, George Carlin and hundreds more.
He was literally raised on comedy. Which means he has plenty to spill when he comes to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in March for his autobiographical one-man show ‘Stick with the Dancing: Funny Stories from My Childhood.’ The show goes back to Shore’s impressionable days growing up in one of the country’s most important clubs, where future household names got their start. Between his podcasts and stand-up shows, Shore – who now owns the club – has spent plenty of time lately revisiting his youth. For others, it was work – for him, it was family.
“To me, it’s my mom,” he told People Magazine in 2020. “It’s not The Comedy Store – it’s my mom. I go there and just see reminders of her everywhere.”
Mitzi Shore, who died in 2018, was given operation of the club in 1973 as part of a divorce settlement with husband Sammy Shore. She bought the building outright in 1976 and expanded the showroom from 99 to 450 seats, opening the floor nightly to some of comedy’s hottest rising stars.
Mitzi also owned a house a few doors down from the club which she allowed
comedians to sleep in. It became a notorious party pad in the ‘80s, eventually forcing her to kick everyone out and turn it into a recovery house. A young Pauly moved in just before his movie career took off in the early ‘90s.
With his slacker slang and goofy persona, Shore parlayed his fame as a VJ into a supporting role in the 1992 comedy Encino Man. Though ripped by critics, it turned a decent profit – a trend Shore would get used to in the next few years. Movies like Jury Duty, Son in Law, In the Army Now and Bio-Dome were all offbeat hits during the ‘dumb comedy’ era headlined by Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey.
Film critic Roger Ebert was not a fan: “Shore bypasses all categories to achieve a kind of transcendent fingernails-on-the-blackboard effect.” Critical acclaim eventually found Shore years later for his selfdeprecating comedy Pauly Shore is Dead, a mockumentary about his fictional attempt to fake his own death to create renewed interest in his films. Shore continues to lend his voice to animated films and pop up in comedies like 2020’s ‘Guest House.’ It’s a 35-year career of extreme highs and lows which his mom made possible.
“My mom’s story is very fascinating to a lot of people,” Shore told the TigerBelly podcast in 2020. “She was a lady who was at the right place at the right time, for the right era and the comics came out.”
PAULY SHORE
STICK WITH THE DANCING: FUNNY STORIES FROM MY CHILDHOOD
MON 31 MAR 7:30PM
Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
HYPROV: Improv under Hypnosis
STARRING COLIN MOCHRIE & ASAD MECCI
TUES 28 JAN 7:30PM
In HYPROV, your evening begins with World Renowned Hypnotist Asad Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin Mochrie (“Whose Line is it, Anyway?”) to improvise the rest of the show, while hypnotized.
GIRLS NITE OUT
COMEDY TROUPE
THURS 6 MAR 7:30PM
The Girls are back in town to give us a joyous, celebratory evening of gut-busting standup and sketch comedy by an award-winning ensemble of performers including awardwinning comic Elvira Kurt.
JUST FOR LAUGHS ROAD SHOW
MON 28 APR 7:30PM
Each spring, JFL assembles some of the funniest comedians around to deliver a night of side-splitting comedy in downtown St. Catharines.
Songs of Hope
The Enduring Impact of
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the world-renowned South African male choral group that has captivated global audiences with their unique blend of traditional Zulu music and modern harmony. Founded in the 1960s by Joseph Shabalala, the group became a symbol of South African musical heritage and a beacon of unity during the years of apartheid. Their name, “Ladysmith,” comes from Shabalala’s hometown, while “Black” refers to oxen, considered the strongest animals on the farm, and “Mambazo,” meaning “axe” in Zulu, symbolises their vocal strength in “chopping down” the competition.
The group gained international fame when they collaborated with Paul Simon on his groundbreaking 1986 album Graceland, which brought African music to the forefront of global consciousness.
Their harmonious blend of isicathamiya—a traditional Zulu form of a cappella music characterized by smooth, rhythmic, and tightly synchronized harmonies—won the hearts of audiences worldwide. This collaboration earned them their first Grammy Award, and they have since won multiple Grammys, becoming one of the most decorated groups in the genre.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music is not only remarkable for its technical precision but also for its spiritual depth and cultural resonance. Their songs often speak of hope, unity, love, and the struggles of the South African people. During the dark days of apartheid, their music served as a peaceful protest and a call for reconciliation. Today, their performances continue to inspire and uplift, promoting messages of peace and social justice.
What makes Ladysmith Black Mambazo so special is their ability to connect with diverse audiences while staying rooted in their cultural traditions. Whether performing in their native Zulu or in English, their music transcends language and borders, embodying the universal power of harmony. They have played on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, and their legacy as ambassadors of South African culture remains undiminished, carrying forward the sound of unity, hope, and resilience for future generations.
“It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” — Paul Simon
LADYSMITH
BLACK MAMBAZO
TUES 25 MAR 7:30PM Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
Spring Newcomers Market
TUES 25 MAR 4PM-7PM | FREE
The Spring Newcomers Market will feature many of Niagara’s special Canadian Newcomer and Immigrant businesses
Presented in partnership with the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, this is an excellent opportunity to pick up a few treasures while getting to know and supporting new community members and their small businesses before the Ladysmith Black Mambazo concert.
By David DeRocco
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Take Bagpipes To A New Level
You might get fooled by the name, but there’s no fooling with the sound of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, especially in comparison to their rock counterparts in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. No, this band of award-winning Scottish pipers have carved out their own unique space in the pantheon of popular music by creating a genre all their own. They call it bag rock.
“It’s because we play bagpipe music and rock anthems,” said piper Willie Armstrong, who along with Kevin MacDonald and Malcolm McEwan are responsible for the preeminent pipes at the core of the band’s sound. “We didn’t know when we named the band that we’d wind up playing some of the same venues. But you have to think it’s not the Chilli Peppers playing a club in Michigan for $35. Besides, It’s a wee bit late to change the name now.”
Members of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers were all playing in traditional Scottish pipe units when they first came together as a band in 2002. At the time their gigs consisted of providing mostly background music at weddings and funerals, but they quickly saw the potential opportunity in forming a Celtic rock band. Blending pipes and traditional marching snares often backed by drums, guitars and keyboards, the Chili Pipers in concert produce a highenergy fusion of traditional pipe tunes and contemporary pieces from bands as diverse as AC/DC and Queen to Coldplay and Journey.
The band released their self-titled debut album in 2005, but it wasn’t until they won the BBC talent show “When Will I Be Famous” in 2007 that the Pipers got a taste of international success. Their fourth album, Music for the Kilted Generation, was their most successful international record to date, reaching Number 2 on the US Amazon Chart behind only Adele’s record breaking album, 21
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
WED 2 APR 7:30PM
Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
When it comes to touring, the band has performed on stages in India, Japan, Kuala Lumpur, and large festivals including a recent gig at Scotland’s famous Glastonbury Festival. While Armstrong says a lot of fans appreciate the traditional Scottish uniforms and dancers they feature on stage, he believes it’s the versatility of the bagpipes as an instrument that brings in the crowds.
“They are a very emotive instrument,” said Williams. “You can play them slow and have people crying and getting emotional with a song like “Amazing Grace.” On the other hand, you can play a traditional jig to get people dancing and clapping. It’s that juxtaposition that’s behind the success of the Pipers. We make the set ebb and flow for the first 45 minutes. Then we leave all the super bangers as any band would until the end so the crowd walks out loving the experience.”
Even with their bag rock sound inspiring new appreciation for the bagpipes around the world, there are some people out there yet to be converted into fans of the instrument and the sound it makes in skilled hands. Those people, Armstrong says, need to accept his invitation to come see the Red Hot Chilli Pipers concert at the PAC.
“The big sale for the Chilli Pipers is, don’t think you’re alone. There are quite a few people who don’t like the bagpipers. But it’s not just bagpipes. It’s a show, it’s a concert, it’s a full lighting rig. It’s not just bagpipers on stage, it’s topnotch Scottish musicians. One of the pipers is a world champion. The guitarists are all top-notch. You’ll never be shortchanged at a Red Hot Chilli Pipers show. Most people who come see us live come back again and again. Our audience is our number one priority.”
The Side You’ve Never Seen Of
BRETT KISSEL
By David DeRocco
What do you do as an artist when you’re not sure whether to release a western-inspired album, an acoustic album, a live album, or a new album of original material? If you’re Canadian country singer Brett Kissel, you write, record and release all four!
The Compass Project is technically the 10th album from this award-winning Alberta born Canadian country music fan favourite. In truth, it’s an ambitious four-part box set of albums all released from January to December in 2023. Individually titled North, South, East and West, the project earned Kissel the 2024 JUNO award for Alternative Country Album of the Year.
“I am incredibly proud of this project because it is so diverse,” said Kissel, whose four number-one hits on the Canadian country chart include “Airwaves,” “Drink About Me,” “A Few Good Stories,” and “Make a Life, Not a Living.” “I was able to give life to a lot of songs that I’ve written that on a ‘normal’ album would have never found a home. I mean, where else could I have a song about the card game of crib, mixed with some campfire acoustic vibes, mixed with some Nashville-style hits, mixed with live versions of some of my biggest hits?“
While The Compass Project steered Kissel in a variety of directions creatively, Kissel is happy to see the entire genre of country music evolving in multiple ways musically. Country music may be anchored in tradition, but Kissel believes there’s room for experimentation.
“I have a real strong opinion on this one, and even though many people think it’s best to pick a lane and never stray – I feel it’s vital to experiment. And to be honest, I’ve done it all my life and all my career. I never want to be just ONE thing or be perceived in just one way. I want to showcase that I can diversify and experiment within the genre. Luckily, country music allows us all to cast a wide net. You can have rock-country, popcountry, bluegrass-country, EDM-country, trad-country, and to be honest, I want to venture into every subgenre!”
Regardless of the genre of country music on which he’s focused, Kissel said his strength is not so much in his songwriting skills but more in his ability to tell a story through his music and lyrics.
“I have never really fancied myself much of a songwriter, let alone a good one. I just love telling stories. And if I can do this through music – then great! Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, they’re all great storytellers. And I just want to tell the best story I can in three minutes. Over time, I know I’ve gotten more comfortable in my ability as a writer and being able to articulate a strong message. But yeah, the real songwriters are way better than me. I am still learning!”
Although Kissel may be rather humble in assessing his skills as a songwriter, there’s no questioning where his passions are when it comes to spending a couple hours songwriting, recording or performing.
“Give me two hours on stage, and it’s not even close. Sure, I enjoy studio time, and I enjoy writing. But the stage is my happy place. So, I’ll take 200 hours on stage, thank you!”
So what can fans expect from Kissel when he brings his The Side You’ve Never Seen Tour to Partridge Hall.
“This show is going to be unique. I have no idea yet what songs I’m going to sing, or how the flow will go, but that’s the beauty of The Side You’ve Never Seen Tour. I can do whatever I want and I can play whatever the audience wants me to play. It’s freedom. And I can’t wait to share.”
Brett Kissel
MON 17 MAR 7:30PM
Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
artist profile
artist profile
Bollywood W ithout Borders
By Bageshree Vaze
Global Bollywood is the brainchild of Bageshree Vaze, choreographer, composer, vocalist and performer. The show is a representation and celebration of Canada’s multicultural history and the intrinsic diversity of South Asian dance and music.
“I grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland listening to Indian film music alongside my classical dance training,” shares Vaze. “My mother had a similar experience growing up in Kampala, Uganda and performing to popular film songs such as ‘Radha na bole’ from the movie Azaad.
Vaze reflects on the golden era of Hindi films from the 1940s to 1980s. “This era spawned genius music composers such as Shankar Jaikishan, RD Burman and Bappi Lahiri who melded Indian classical and folk music as well as jazz, American rock and disco, creating iconic songs,” shares Vaze. “Indian films featured playback singers trained in classical music such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mohammed Rafi, and actresses trained in classical dance such as Vyjayantimala. I envisioned a project to celebrate this timeless artistry and how it has influenced me in Canada, celebrating the intersections of musical influences and their global reach.”
Global Bollywood is a love letter to the rich history of popular South Asian music and its manifestation in the diaspora, and how global music shaped its sounds. The show begins with the song ‘Ina Mina Dika’ from the 1957 movie Asha, celebrating the influence of jazz. The show features a diversity of music and dance artists from Toronto: Sundar Viswanathan (Saxophone, flute, vocals), Vineet Vyas (Tabla), Derek Gray (Drums), Dwit Hathi (Guitar), Adam Martino, Daniel Gomez, Indiana Mehta, Airi Okamoto, Raghav Monga (Dancers) to name a few. The show also features some of Bageshree Vaze’s original songs that combine different influences.
*A note on the term ‘Bollywood’: the word was coined because the Hindi film industry is located in what was known by the British as Bombay (its Indian name is Mumbai)Bollywood was therefore a take on Bombay and Hollywood.
Bageshree Vaze’s Global Bollywood
THURS 24 APR 7:30PM
Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for details.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s performance, events, education and outreach programs are generously supported by our many patrons. We are grateful to the following members that help us to provide inspirational experiences to an ever-expanding group of audiences, including youth, community groups, newcomers to Canada, and seniors. Enriching the lives of the Niagara Community through the arts is our shared aspiration.
DONORS
$500 - $1999
Lorne & Barbara Bjorgman
The Chemnitz Family Foundation
$125 - $499
Tony & Rebecca Alfieri
Carlos Alvarez
Bonnie Kinal
Peggy Lampard
Dennis & Bernadette
The PAC is grateful for the legacy gift of Nancy Court and the support of our 2024 Season.
$5000 - $9,999
Virginia Atkin & Keith Ambachtsheer
Partridge Gilliam Family Fund through the Niagara Community Foundation
Wendy Wing
$2000 - $4999
Ken Crossman
Eileen Martin & Hugh Gayler
Brian McMullan
Janet Partridge
Mike Sullivan – LandPro Solutions
Rotary Club Niagara Falls
Rotary Club Niagara Falls Sunrise
Rotary Club of Fonthill
Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore
Rotary Club of St. Catharines South
Melissa Ciarlo
Gary & Cathy Comerford
Robert & Megan Cooper
Mario & Rachel De Divitiis
In Memory of Wanda Derda
Wendy Dueck
Janet Fraser
Judith & Hugh Fraser
Kevin & Brenda Goodwin
Shelley Griffin
Janice & Phil Hutton
John Kinney
Tom Irvine
Jovie Joki & Jeremy Buckland
Ian & Edith Macmillan
Bill Morrison
Simon & Mireille Mortimer
Niagara College
Niagara Parks
Adrian Palmieri
Robert & Margaret Reid
Lesley Rigg
Wilma Scott & Stuart Ellis
Dimple Sharma
Colleen A. Smith
Lloyd Smith
Wade & Jenn Stayzer
Mark Steinman
Ruth Todd
Annette Urlocker
CAPITAL DONORS
current as of OCTOBER 2024 current as of OCTOBER 2024
FirstOntario Credit Union
Peter and Janet Partridge
Joe and Anita Robertson
Algoma Central Corporation
Cogeco
John and June Mann
Christina Atkinson
John & Bonnie Bakowski
Len Beauparlant
Scott Brady
Ineke Brinkman
Liana Caracci & Roger Segalin
John & Anne Carruthers
Bryan Chew
Shelley Chemnitz
Lesley Choules & Dan Hickey
Keith Craig
Kristine Douglas
Jayne & Rick Evans
Laurie Griffin and Theresa Ursacki
Robert & Josephine Henderson
Rachel Rensink Hoff
Laura Hopkins
Pamela Cline & Martin Howley
Rosemary Jellinck & John Nazar
Elaine & Rick Jenkins
Martin
Jim McArthur
Joan Misner
Melissa & Todd Motton
Christine Nolan
Dave Oakes
Wendy Phelps
Nicholas Pollice
Maureen Redman
Carlos Robayo
Del Rollo
Patricia Rooney
Kathleen Ross
Eva Salter
Gary Sawatsky
Julia Sebastian
Mary Lynn Somogyi
Brian Sthilaire
Aurora Tancock
Mary Lou Urquhart
Despite the staff’s extensive efforts to avoid errors and omissions, mistakes can occur. If your name was omitted, listed incorrectly or misspelled, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We would appreciate being notified of any errors at 905-933-4184.
John and Harriet Lehnen
Joy Williams
RBC Foundation
Marian Gordon-Kendall
The John Muratori Family
Ineke Brinkman
Art and Val Fleming
Virginia Atkin and Keith Ambachtsheer
Wynne Nicholson
Christopher J. Slater (in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Slater)
COMMUNITY DONORS
current as of OCTOBER 2024
Norris and Marilyn Walker
Frank Goldspink
Francis and Eva Goldspink
Louise and Felix Szala
Nitsopoulos Families
Robert and Margaret Reid
Rotary Club of St. Catharines
Durward Jones Barkwell and Company LLP
May Paterson
Grant Thornton LLP
Virginia and Tim Rigby
Susan Armbrust and John Suk
Thomas Whitelaw
160 St. Paul Street Investments Inc.
Esther and Albert Adelstein
Bill and Denise Burke
Brinkman Travel
David Bergen and Deborah Kehler
Jim Bradley
Nancy and Edward Berkhout
Cooper Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities
Frank and Dina Caplan
In memory of M. Patricia Crawford
John A. and Norma B. Christie
John and Anne Carruthers
Alex and Kara Digenis
Daniel and Partners LLP
Drs. Ian and Diana Ellingham
Stuart Ellis and Wilma Scott
The Gatti Family
Glenridge Pharmacy “Awadalla”
Hugh Gayler and Eileen Martin
Matt Greenway and Elaine O’Reilly
Barbara Harris
Josephine and Robert Henderson
InFlight Corporation
Jubilee Fellowship Christian Reformed Church
Elaine and Rick Jenkins
Bruce Krushelnicki and Anne Kubu
Dr. Joseph and Yvette Kushner
Nancy Fung and Michael Kopp
Natalie and Liam Kopp
S. John Kees
Barbara Legg
Vicki and Patrick Little
The McMullan Family
Fraser and Karen MacKay
In memory of Edelbert (Bert) Mathies
McCaughey Consumer Products Management Inc.
Mary and Randy Momot
Ted Mouradian
NaturoMedic.com, Dr. Michael A Prytula, ND
Niagara Conservatory of Music St. Catharines
Niagara Falls Dermatology and Skin Care Centre Ltd.
Ms. Elinor O’Neill
Chan W. Park
THANK YOU PAC VOLUNTEERS
current as of OCTOBER 2024
Rick Agnew
Edith Bacon
Jenn Bandi
John Bordowitz
Gale Briggs
Victor Brodeur
Dan Brown
Frances Bunting
Kristine Casement
Cheryl Caverly
Bill Chapman
Monique Charebois
Dennis Cheredar
Laurie Cheredar
Patt Chivers
Theresa Chubak
Gary Clement
Carol Clifford
Maureen Cripps
Anita Curran
Margaret Davison
Bonnie Dearborn
Marc Delledonne
Wanda DiMarco
Joy DiSimoni
Jane Donegan
Sue Dryczewycz
Rita Eastman
Alec Edmonstone
Marino Favretto
Kevin Ferguson
Jeff Friesen
Lyn Fox
Lauren Garbutt
Karla Gilmore
Lynda Greer
Jane Hanna
Rosalyn Hatch
The Aileen and Edgar Peer Family
Graham and Edie Pett
In memory of Nancy and Nicholas Perenack and Arturo and Mina Piccolo
Peter and Linda Pringle
Peter W. Partridge and Poppy Gilliam
Victoria and Elizabeth Passero
Mark and Wendy Rittenhouse
Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre, Brokerage
Mayor Walter Sendzik’s Charitable Golf Tournament
Drs. Rathnakar and Geeta Shetty
Edward and Evelyn Silver
Gunter R. Siegert and Irene J. Siegert
Sally McGarr Realty Corp., Brokerage
Sheenan and Rosie Ltd.
Sidney J. Segalowitz and Jane Dywan Segalowitz
The Rev. Cynthia R. and Ross StrettonIn memory of Bob and Ruth Stretton
Sullivan Mahoney LLP
Tom and Annette Urolocker Family
Carl and Rachel Vaughn
David J. Vivian
Interkom- Martin van Zon and Family
Ed and Barb Werner
Ian and Margaret Waddell
The Wilks Family
Despite the staff’s extensive efforts to avoid errors and omissions, mistakes can occur. If your name was omitted, listed incorrectly or misspelled, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We would appreciate being notified of any errors at 905-933-4184.
At the heart of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre lies a vibrant community of dedicated volunteers, whose passion and commitment enrich every patron’s visit. From warmly welcoming guests as greeters to guiding patrons as ushers, to taking beautiful pictures of artists and community events, our volunteers play pivotal roles in creating unforgettable experiences. They embody our values as ambassadors, ensuring each interaction is marked by warmth and hospitality.
Stuart Hendrie
Marni Hogg
Ginette Hunter
Kent Richard
Coby Koene
Zandy Kusyj
Jacelyn Laing
Alan Lau
Trish Loat
Rob Loiselle
Kathy Lyon
Cynthia Martin
John Meguerian
Sharon Meguerian
Joel Naphin
Chereen Osborne
Terry Parker
Vartkes Peltekoglu
Pearl Peritalo
Sharon Ridings
Melodie Robinson-Timlock
Beverly Russell
Helen Self
Jack Sheehan
Teresa Slobodian
Joanne Spence
Wendy Szymski
Robert Trask
Tess Trojan
Diane Turner
Mark Turner
Annette Urlocker
Carol Valente
Cathy Van Oosten
Koby Vanyo
Colleen Vrhovsek
Pattie Webb
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
as of October 2024 | *Non-Voting Member
De Divitiis BOARD CHAIR
Gary Comerford CITIZEN MEMBER
Councillor Robin McPherson
Dr. Carol U. Merriam BROCK UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVE
Lloyd Smith BOARD VICE CHAIR
Eileen Martin CITIZEN MEMBER
Meaghan Rusnell BROCK UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVE
Christina Atkinson HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE CHAIR
Kristine Douglas* DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND CITY TREASURERCITY OF ST. CATHARINES
David Oakes* CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER - CITY OF ST. CATHARINES
Wendy Dueck FUND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR
Steinman FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIR
Tom Irvine* FIRSTONTARIO CREDIT UNION REPRESENTATIVE
THANK YOU TO OUR PUBLIC FUNDERS AND PARTNERS
We would like to acknowledge the City of St. Catharines Mayor, City Council and staff and Brock University’s President, faculty and staff.
Colleen A. Smith* CEO, FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Mark
Mario
Peter Partridge CITIZEN MEMBER
Dr. Dimple Sharma CITIZEN MEMBER
Christopher Yendt CITIZEN MEMBER Councillor Carlos Garcia
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre proudly works with IATSE Local 461.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
Be part of the community that supports bringing exceptional live performances and films to Niagara and receive exclusive discounts and perks as a thank you.
PAC PRESENTS 24/25 SEASON WINTER/SPRING MEMBERSHIP*
PLUS ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO THE FILM HOUSE**
one membership per household
PAC PRESENTS BENEFITS
• Purchase up to 6 discounted tickets per show
• Priority booking for added PAC PRESENTS events throughout the season
• Bring your friends to selected events FOR FREE!
• Exclusive invite to our 10th Anniversary Members’ Night
• Local discounts at participating business across Niagara
FILM HOUSE BENEFITS
• Save $2 off entry to all films (2 tickets limit per screening)
• Receive 15% discount off concessions (excl. alcohol)
• Local discounts at participating business across Niagara $65
PAC PRESENTS 24/25 SEASON
WINTER/SPRING MEMBERSHIP* one membership per household
FILM HOUSE MEMBERSHIP one membership per household
GET YOUR MEMBERSHIPS TODAY
*WINTER/SPRING PAC Presents Membership valid 1 DEC 2024 through 31 MAY 2025. Some restrictions may apply.**The Film House Membership valid one year from date of purchase.
FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
We are located on the corner of St. Paul Street and Carlisle Street in the heart of downtown St. Catharines. There are over 1,000 parking spots within a five-minute walk to the PAC. Event parking is $5 (cash only) and is managed by the City of St. Catharines.
Accessible drop off is available in front of the Box Office entrance on Street Paul St along Carlisle Street. We are also conveniently located kitty-corner from the St. Catharines main bus terminal making us very accessible via public transit. Accessible seating and assistive hearing devices are available on request. One complimentary ticket is available for support people of Access2 cardholders with permanent disabilites. Please contact the Box Office for assistance.
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Best Performance
Choose FirstOntario Credit Union and discover the power of a communitydriven financial institution that puts you first. From flexible chequing and savings accounts to tailored loans and mortgages, we've got you covered Plus, benefit from highly qualified investment advice to help you achieve your financial goals.
