CentreStage - Spring 2023

FOR THE LOVE OF THE ARTS

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre 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.

We also acknowledge Indigenous, Black, other Racialized Communities and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People who have been marginalized for centuries and more — and our collective responsibility to take action for a better world free from oppression, discrimination and racism.

Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines

The FirstOntario Performing Arts

Centre commissioned local artist Jon Shaw to create the painting featured on this issue’s cover.

See more of Jon’s work at jonshawpaintings.com

2022 IN ACTION

ARTIST PROFILE KID KOALA

A look back on programming & event highlights at the PAC in 2022.

CALENDAR-AT-A-GLANCE

Discover 40+ music, theatre, comedy, dance, circus, family performances and special events!

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Everything you need to know about ordering tickets and visiting the PAC.

OUR BFF AND NEIGHBOUR

A state-of-the-art campus, facility and partnership.

ARTIST PROFILE

THE IRISH ROVERS

Irish music with variations in tempo keeping audiences engaged worldwide.

ARTIST PROFILE

THE UGLY DUCKLING

A classic tale brought to life in a blaze of colour and light.

FOR THE LOVE OF FILM

Enjoy world-class cinema at The Film House.

ARTIST PROFILE BACHMAN & BACHMAN

A collaboration between father and son and their passion for music.

26 28 32 34 36 38 42

5 6 10 30 12 16 18 20 24

Cue audience for the Satellite Turntable Orchestra.

CELEBRATION OF NATIONS

An annual gathering of indigenous arts, culture and tradition.

ARTIST PROFILE THE CIRCLE

Indigenous Songwriters In The Round Featuring Twin Flames, Nicole Joy-Fraser and Tonemah.

ARTIST PROFILE JESSE COOK

A unique brand of rhythm and rhumba comes to Partridge Hall.

ARTIST PROFILE RED BARAAT

SPRING 2023 ISSUE on the cover

Get out of your seats with a global dance party throw down.

ARTIST PROFILE ANDY SHAUF

A simply brilliant songwriter capturing the moments most people miss.

GROWING THE ARTS TOGETHER

Meet our 23 partner organizations.

DISCOVER WHAT’S INSIDE

A look at the five unique venues that make up the PAC.

250 St. Paul Steet St. Catharines ON Canada L2R 3M2

firstontariopac.ca Box Office 905-688-0722

CentreStage is a semi-annual 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.

©FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 2023.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

There is a communal feeling of optimism that is palpable this time of year. It is a time of new beginnings, a change in the season. Neighbours who have been cozied away over the winter begin emerging from their homes, greeting one another in their communities and coming together to share time and experiences.

This is a wonderful time to join us at the PAC. There is a vibrancy that can only be experienced through live arts and culture, and we want to share that awakening with you.

We hope to see you, your families and your neighbours soon!

Spring is in the air, and there is no where I would rather be than in our beautiful home of Niagara. Sometimes all it takes to truly appreciate your own space is to travel to somewhere else for a while. Mid-winter I had the privilege of spending a week in New York City, and while I was there I visited numerous performance spaces. New York City is a special place with incredible history, arts and culture, yet during my time there I continued to reflect on the gem we have right here. I am so honoured to call the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre home. There is magic in every corner of our building. From the light-filled Algoma Lobby to the great potential of the Robertson Theatre, to the incredible acoustics of Partridge Hall and the cozy vibe in The Film House.  It is true what they say: ‘there is no place like home’.

“Our home is your home.” We look forward to you joining us at the PAC!

Mario De Divitiis Chair, Board of Directors FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

BOARD MEMBERS

Mario De Divitiis, Chair

Peter Partridge, Vice Chair

Christina Atkinson, Chair Human Resources Committee

Shelley Chemnitz, Chair Governance & Nominations Committee

Mary Jane Johnson, Chair Fund Development Committee

Mark Steinman, Chair Finance & Audit Committee

Ken Chan

Kristine Douglas

Colleen A. Smith Chief Executive Officer FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

Carlos Garcia

Robin McPherson

Carol U. Merriam

David Oakes

Lloyd Smith

From a return to live audiences to free summer programming and Celebration of Nations, to a kick off our first full season since the pandemic, 2022 was a triumphant comeback year for the arts and the PAC.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!

We wouldn’t be where we are without our volunteers. They play a critical role in our PAC family as ambassadors and friends, and we simply couldn’t do what we do without each and every one of them.

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

We are looking to expand the volunteer team – ushers, greeters, ticket takers and more! Become part of a team that cares deeply about providing exceptional arts and audience experiences.

Volunteering is fun! It’s your chance to have new experiences in the arts, meet new people, share your unique skills and talents, and so much more!

To learn more about volunteering visit firstonatariopac.ca or scan the QR code below.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY; DAN BROWN, JEFF HARDY, LAUREN GARBUTT, JORDY YACK, JOEL NAPHIN, JON LEPP.

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre presents an annual season of curated live arts and film programs, and is home to many local arts organizations and rental events. Browse our calendar-at-a-glance to find upcoming music, theatre, comedy, dance, circus, family performances and special events.

MARCH

Scan the QR code below or visit firstontariopac.ca to discover our full calendar of events and to order tickets online!

FirstOntario PAC presents DAKHABRAKHA

Wed 1 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Gallery Players of Niagara presents in partnership with FirstOntario PAC SILENT FILM + MUSIC NIGHT THE SCAR OF SHAME

(FRANK PERUGINI, 1929)

Sat 4 Mar 2023 | 6:45pm

The Film House

Chorus Niagara presents BEETHOVEN’S MISSA SOLEMNIS

Sat 4 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents GIRLS NITE OUT COMEDY TROUPE

Tues 7 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

KID KOALA’S SATELLITE TURNTABLE ORCHESTRA

GIRLS NITE OUT COMEDY TROUPE JESSE COOK

FirstOntario PAC presents NO WOMAN’S LAND

BY JABERI DANCE THEATRE

Fri 10 Mar 2023 | 7pm

Sat 11 Mar 2023 | 7pm

Robertson Theatre

Brock University Department of Music presents BROCK UNIVERSITY STUDENT SOLO RECITALS

Sat 11 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Fri 17 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Sat 18 Mar 2023 | 2:30pm + 4:30pm + 7:30pm

Recital Hall

Niagara Symphony Orchestra presents MASTERWORKS 5

INVISIBLE CITIES

Sun 12 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

pg16

FirstOntario PAC presents THE IRISH ROVERS SOLD OUT

Mon 13 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

pg18

FirstOntario PAC presents LIGHTWIRE THEATER

THE UGLY DUCKLING

Sun 19 Mar 2023 | 2:30pm

Partridge Hall

imPACt Education Series

pg18

LIGHTWIRE THEATER

THE UGLY DUCKLING

Mon 20 Mar 2023 | 10am

Partridge Hall

Sound the Alarm presents MUSIC OF THE NIGHT

THE CONCERT TOUR

Wed 22 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

APRIL

THE UGLY DUCKLING

Niagara Symphony Orchestra presents POPS! 4 + ROCK 2

THE MUSIC OF PHIL COLLINS & GENESIS

Sat 25 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Sun 26 Mar 2023 | 2:30pm

Partridge Hall

Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts presents ALEX CUBA

Sat 25 Mar 2023 | 7pm

Robertson Theatre

pg 24

FirstOntario PAC presents BACHMAN & BACHMAN

Wed 29 Mar 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Brock University Department of Music presents BROCK UNIVERSITY CHOIR + SORA SINGERS

Sat 1 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Recital Hall

Find the full calendar of upcoming events online at firstontariopac.ca

LIGHTWIRE THEATRE

NO WOMAN’S LAND BY JABERI DANCE THEATRE BACHMAN & BACHMAN

THE IRISH ROVERS DAKHABRAKHA

FirstOntario PAC presents HEAR! HERE!

WITH THE MARK LALAMA TRIO FEATURING SARAH SLEAN AND SLEEPY JEAN

Sun 2 Apr 2023 | 4pm

Robertson Theatre

Mansfield Entertainment Canada presents ‘TIL I HEAR YOU SING! THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Sun 2 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Brock University Department of Music presents HUGH AND MARIE LOGAN JAZZ SERIES THE BROCK BIG BAND CONCERT

Mon 3 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Recital Hall

Brock University Department of Music presents WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT

Tue 4 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Brock University Department of Music presents STRING ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Wed 5 Apr | 7:30pm

Recital Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents BIG WRECK

Wed 5 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE THE BEATLES – LET IT BE

Thurs Apr 6 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

pg 26

FirstOntario PAC presents KID KOALA’S SATELLITE TURNTABLE ORCHESTRA

Thurs 6 Apr 2023 | 6pm + 8:30pm

Fri 7 Apr 2023 | 2pm + 6pm

Sat 8 Apr 2023 | 1pm + 5pm + 8pm

Robertson Theatre

Find the full calendar of upcoming events online at firstontariopac.ca

Gallery Players presents TAFELMUSIK: LA STRAVAGANTE!

Sun 16 Apr 2023 | 3pm

Recital Hall

impact Education Series TWIN FLAMES

Wed 19 Apr 2023 | 10am

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents THE CIRCLE: INDIGENOUS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND, FEATURING TWIN FLAMES + TONEMAH + NICOLE JOY-FRASER

Wed Apr 19 2023 | 7pm

Recital Hall

Paquette Productions presents MOTOWN SOUL

Thurs 20 Apr 2023 | 7pm

Partridge Hall

HEAR! HERE! WITH THE MARK LALAMA TRIO, FEATURING SARAH SLEAN + SLEEPY JEAN

BIG WRECK

TWIN FLAMES

pg 30

WWRL Productions presents WE WALK THE LINE A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH

Fri 21 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Avanti Chamber Singers presents ORDINARY BOY

Sat 22 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Sun 23 Apr 2023 | 3pm

Recital Hall

Niagara Symphony Orchestra presents MASTERWORKS 6 THE RITE OF SPRING

Sun 23 Apr 2023 | 2:30pm

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents JUST FOR LAUGHS ROAD SHOW

Tues 25 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents JESSE COOK

Thurs 27 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents RED BARAAT

Fri 28 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts presents YELLOWJACKETS

Sat 29 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Shantero Productions presents DEREK EDWARDS IN PRAISE OF THE OSTRICH

Sun 30 Apr 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!

Mon 1 May 2023 | 7pm

Partridge Hall

FirstOntario PAC presents ANDY SHAUF

Wed 3 May 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Chorus Niagara presents SOUND MIND

Sat 6 May 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Forrest Jones Entertainment presents MAGIC MEN AUSTRALIA

Mon 8 May 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Johnny Showtime Ltd. presents QUEEN – IT’S A KINDA MAGIC

Tue 16 May 2023 | 7:30pm

Partridge Hall

Niagara Ballet School presents CINDERELLA

Thur 18 May 2023 | 7pm

Recital Hall

Garden City Comedy Festival presents 5TH ANNUAL GALA NIGHT

Sat 27 May 2023 | 8pm

Recital Hall

Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts presents VALÉRIE MILOT & STÉPHANE TÉTREAULT

Fri 9 June 2023 | 7:30pm

Recital Hall

JUST FOR LAUGHS ROAD SHOW RED BARAAT

ANDY SHAUF CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!

4 EASY WAYS TO GET TICKETS!

ONLINE at firstontariopac.ca

BY PHONE at 905-688-0722

BY EMAIL at boxoffice@firstontariopac.ca

IN PERSON at 250 St. Paul Street, downtown St. Catharines

BOX OFFICE HOURS

IN-PERSON BOX OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday to Friday 10am–6pm

Saturday 2pm–7:30pm

Sunday and Monday during events only

*2 hours before an event or performance

*1 hour prior to a film screening

PHONE LINES ARE OPEN

Tuesday to Friday 11am–5:30pm

STUDENT TICKETS

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre supports eyeGO to the Arts, an innovative programme where high school students can experience the arts at a price they can afford.

HIGH SCHOOL $5 COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY $25

Valid student ID required. Valid student ID required. Will call and pickup only. Will call and pickup only. Some restrictions apply. Some restrictions apply.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible seating and assistive hearing devices are available upon request.

Accessible drop off is available in front of the Box Office Entrance on St. Paul St. as well as along Carlisle St. We are also conveniently located kitty-corner from the St. Catharines main bus terminal making us very accessible via public transit.

TICKET PURCHASING

DETAILS

Tickets are non-refundable and subject to HST. Each ticket price includes a $3 Capital Improvement Fee. PAC Members can exchange shows or seats for FREE. A $5 fee applies for non-members. A ticket is required for every person, regardless of age.

BE GREEN

Visit firstontariopac.ca to order your tickets online. We encourage you to send your tickets to your mobile device.

Great news! There are more than 1,000 spots in nearby downtown parking garages, surface lots and on city streets within a five-minute walk to the PAC.

We recommend the multi-level covered garage on Garden Park (note that the address is 71 Carlisle St. but the entrance is off of Garden Park) with 595 spaces and 26 accessible spaces.

Parking is generally free after 6pm. Special Event parking fees are in effect when events are happening. Payment is by cash only and is paid on entrance.

Government Funders

about our bff and neighbour

Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

The building of the FirstOntario PAC and Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts demonstrates a unique collaboration between the City of St. Catharines, Brock University and the Niagara community that brought a shared vision for the arts in Niagara to fruition. Indeed, this (true) story demonstrates how a community’s passion, when matched by philanthropic stewardship, can turn a collective aspiration into a state-ofthe-art campus, facility and partnership.

Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

In November 2008, a $15-million gift from Marilyn I. Walker, local textile artist and philanthropist, provided a significant catalyst for both Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts and St. Catharines to realize a long-held dream of creating a purpose-built home for arts and engaged learning in downtown St. Catharines.

Marilyn I. Walker’s transformational gift made the visionary concept of a fully realized arts learning facility possible. Her gift - civic mindedness at its best - enabled the school to strengthen partnerships between the university, the city, the downtown community and the Niagara region to create a vibrant hub of cultural excellence. It was also a deeply felt personal investment in the quality of life for all citizens of St. Catharines, new and old, and a significant expression of community philanthropy for whom Janet and Peter Partridge, Joe and Anita Robertson, David S. Howes and others matched by their generosity.

Transformational support was key to securing the historic Canada Hair Cloth Building in downtown St. Catharines to

be transformed into a state-of-the-art learning facility, adjacent to the future location of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

Originally built in 1884 by James A. McSloy, the Canada Hair Cloth Building was redesigned by world-renowned Diamond Schmitt Architects (who also designed the FirstOntario PAC). They seamlessly combined the beautifully renovated 19th century industrial building into a striking, contemporary venue of study, research and cultural expression.

Since its opening in 2015 the ‘Marilyn’, alongside the neighbouring FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, has played a key role in helping to rejuvenate the urban core of Niagara region’s largest municipality.

Brock’s purpose-built facility houses full-time faculty members, part-time instructors and staff who work towards accommodating nearly 500 students in a school designed specifically with their needs in mind.

Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts  (MIWSFPA) was first formed in 2002 as an interdisciplinary centre for creative and scholarly activities.

The Study Commons

in Arts and Culture , with an aim to enrich the lives of those pursuing careers as artists, theatre directors, production assistants, actors, musicians, cultural theorists, curators, arts and culture managers, skilled technicians and skilled teachers.  The original structure of the historic building was retained as much as possible, while adding all the modern features conducive to professional study. Highlights include:

• soundproof music practice rooms

• foundation, drawing and painting studios

• lecture and seminar rooms

• digital labs, a gallery, learning and computer commons

• four rehearsal/teaching/research studios

• a versatile, stand-alone 242-seat theatre

• scenography design studio, scene and costume shops

The MIWSFPA campus offers a unique student-centered experience in the Departments of Dramatic Arts, Music, and Visual Arts, and the Centre for Studies

Scene Shop, Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

The MIWSFPA has a long-time partnership and programmatic relationship with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in connecting the Niagara community, faculty and students. Brock students and faculty consider the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre an extension of the Marilyn, relying on the 304-seat Recital Hall for performance teaching and public recitals, and the 199-seat Film House, which serves as an additional lecture hall. Synergies are actively explored between the two facilities. Students enjoy master classes, workshops and field trips to performances of the PAC’s program of eclectic national and international touring artists as part of their learning curriculum and joint programming. Initiatives occur like the Spirit of Mali exhibition in February 2023, a partnership with Brock, the FirstOntario PAC and SOFIFRAN, a non-profit community organization created in 2007 by French-speaking immigrant women.

The Faculty of Humanities welcomed Linda Carreiro to the new position of Associate Dean of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in November of 2021. She joined Brock from the Ontario College of Art and Design University, where she was the Associate Dean in the Faculty of Art.

“With the MIWSFPA situated downtown, it’s an integral part of the community and a vibrant part of the arts community,” she says. “People are really eager to support creativity and the arts because they know the significance of it to culture and society.”

MIWSFPA Community Connections & Opportunities

• DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC presents the RBC Foundation Music@Noon free concert series in The Recital Hall at the FirstOntario PAC nearly every Tuesday, running from September to early April, as well as capstone concerts by the Wind Ensemble, the String Orchestra, and the Choral groups (also including community artists).

• DEPARTMENT OF DRAMATIC ARTS produces four major public productions every year in their campus theatre at the MIWSFA, including two Main Stages directed and designed by professionals and faculty and featuring student performances and crew.

• DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS exhibits students, faculty and guest artists (on going) in the Visual Arts Gallery and Student Exhibition Space

• WALKER CULTURAL LEADER SERIES: The academic programs of the Marilyn I. Walker School have celebrated the legacy of Marilyn, her gift and her vision by programming the Walker Cultural Leaders (WCL) Series. The ongoing development and refinement of the WCL program facilitates invitations to recognized cultural leaders, top researchers, visiting artists, scholars, professionals, theatre companies, producing and presenting organizations, associations, and others to contribute to the intellectual and creative life of the School and the Niagara region. All WCL Series presentations are free and the public are invited to attend.

THE IRISH ROVERS NO END IN SIGHT TOUR MON 13 MAR 2023

Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722.

Scan the QR code below for more information.

The Irish Rovers

WRITTEN BY RICHARD HUTTON | NIAGARA THIS WEEK

Since forming in Toronto in 1963, the group has released 47 albums, including greatest hits packages and live albums, hosted four separate television series and numerous TV specials. “We’re all feeling good, we all have our health,” Millar says. “There’s no reason to stop. If we did, we’d all drive our wives and girlfriends mad.”

The group, which has seen numerous lineup changes over the years, is currently on what is billed as their farewell tour that began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic back in 2018 and has already taken in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Millar, however, won’t commit to this really being the end of the road. “Cher is on her fifth farewell tour,” Millar says with a chuckle. “And I think Elton John is on his third.”

The Rovers’ extensive catalogue includes hits like “The Unicorn” and “Wasn’t That a Party,” along with traditional songs like “Drunken Sailor” and the “Black Velvet Band” (the B-side of “The Unicorn” single). And with all those albums, including 2022’s No End in Sight, there’s a wealth of material to be drawn upon.

“There’s certain songs that you can’t drop,” Millar says. “’The Unicorn’ sold five million copies. ‘Black Velvet Band’ was the B-side so it sold five million copies, too. Songs like ‘Whiskey on a Sunday’. People applaud when they hear it.”

Other material is rotated in and out of the setlist and that is a key ingredient to keeping the band engaged on stage. “You have to keep things fresh,” Millar says. “If you’re up there and not involved, people will see that. You might get away with it once, but people will know.”

Millar keeps himself engaged but constantly writing new music. On most days he can be found in his music room with his

guitar, writing new songs. “I really like to start a new song from scratch. Just my guitar vocals and some bass. Two or three of the boys live in Ireland and I’ll send it to them by Dropbox. They’ll put on some accordion. It’s not ideal way of doing it. It’s not like sitting in the studio, making eye contact.”

Quite often, Irish music will involve slight variations in tempo that can only be appreciated when the musicians are performing together. “Irish music is not meant to be played to a metronome,” Millar says.

The Christmas Eve snowstorm in Buffalo and south Niagara caught Millar’s attention. It took him back to the late 1960s, early in the band’s career when a storm forced them to cancel a show in Buffalo.

Some of the band went to the hotel bar where they ran into members from The Doors, who were also in town for a show, and wound-up singing songs with keyboard player Ray Manzarek. Accordionist Wilcil McDowell, meanwhile, chose to remain in his room and pledged to meet the rest of the band later. Hours passed and McDowell was a no show. It turned out there was a good reason.

“Wilcil said he had been playing when a man with long, dark hair poked his head in the door and asked if he could come in and listen.” The accordionist was all too happy to oblige and in turn, the man showed McDowell some poetry he had been writing. “It turns out that man was Jim Morrison,” Millar said.

The Irish Rovers brings their No End In Sight tour to Partridge Hall in downtown St. Catharines as part of the FirstOntario PAC’s 22/23 season on Monday 13 March 2023.

“Even after 60 years, 47 albums and countless TV appearances, The Irish Rovers still have a passion for the music,” FOUNDER GEORGE MILLAR

THE UGLY DUCKLING

SUN 19 MARCH 2023

Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code below for more information.

We all know The Ugly Duckling as the classic tale of belonging by Hans Christian Andersen, but we’ve never seen it quite like this. Using cutting edge lighting technology, New Orleans-based Lightwire Theater brings the beloved story to life in a blaze of colour. The result is an unforgettable experience blending electroluminescent wire with mesmerizing puppetry, innovative technology and beautiful dance.

Lightwire Theater were semi-finalists on NBC’s  America’s Got Talent  and the winner of Tru TV’s  Fake Off . The group creates and delivers innovative theatrical experiences to audiences worldwide by combining theater and technology to bring stories to life in complete darkness, and are internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry.

Lightwire co-creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp met in New York City while dancing in Twyla Tharp’s  Movin’ Out  on Broadway. An immediate connection was made between the kindred spirits as they discovered their mutual love of art, theater and technology. After coming across a product called “el wire,” the lights turned on and the possibilities seemed endless. Together, with their wives Eleanor and Whitney, they began to experiment with shapes and designs to develop puppetry-based neon creatures that quickly came to life.

The process of building Lightwire Theater’s electroluminescent characters starts with the creators and the cast. They build everything from the ground up, utilizing recyclable materials including aluminum rods, election signs, skateboard wheels, dryer ducting, plumbing supplies, PVC pipes, fishing poles, duct tape, zip ties and back packs

to help define peaks and angles.These common household items help create durable and pliable sculptures that can withstand the movement of the dancers for multiple performances. Black fabric is added to the sculpture for dimension and then lined with electroluminescent wire known as “el wire”.

Unlike black lights, “el wire” can be powered by batteries, requires no theatrical lighting and gives a 360-degree of glowing light. The result? Anything your inner-child can dream of, including 16-foot tall birds, dinosaurs, ducks, soldiers, swords and more.

With characters lit by electroluminescent wire, the beloved story of The Ugly Duckling plays out on stage through a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance.  With dazzling visuals, poignant choreography and the creative use of music ranging from classical to pop, this production brings this story into a new and brilliant light.

Young readers will be in awe at how The Ugly Duckling (and friends) spring to life on the stage. Audiences will enjoy this electrifying live version of a classic story in Partridge Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 19 March 2023 at 2:30pm.

filmFOR THE LOVE OF

Enjoy world-class cinema in downtown St. Catharines

The Film House (TFH) offers unique films in a modern, cinematic environment with licensed concessions. We screen the latest documentaries, new features and classic films weekly, year round.

join a community OF FILM LOVERS

Get Tickets

$9.50 General Admission

$7.50 Film House Members

$35 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

valid for one year from date of purchase

Love Film?

Become a TFH Member!

No ticket fees and no service charges! Tickets and memberships are subject to HST.

• Save $2 off entry to all films (2 tickets limit per screening).

• Receive 15% discount off. concessions (excluding alcohol)

• Complimentary ticket exchange.

MONTHLY FILM SCHEDULE

Scan the QR code to visitour website and download this month’s TFH calendar of screenings.

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...andelsewhat we do!

Watch your favourite film with a host who will walk you through a “game guide.” Shout your heart out at prompts, share the excitement of your favourite scenes and create memorable moments with friends and family.

WE COLLABORATE

interactive screenings essentialcinema

The Brock University Communication, Popular Culture, and Film Student Society (CPCFSS) and The Film House created Essential Cinema to bring student led programming to Niagara. Students compile their list of must see movies and each month one film from the list is shown at The Film House followed by a short presentation by the student programmers.

paneldiscussions bufs

Join us for a post-film discussion with special guests. Hot names, trending topics and insightful documentaries spark interesting conversations. This is your opportunity to educate, learn and be inspired through film.

“A nice venue for watching acclaimed films. Prices are reasonable for tickets and snacks. This was my first time here and won’t be the last.” – Chuck

The Brock University Film Society (BUFS) has been bringing the best in international, independent and Canadian cinema to St. Catharines for more that 40 years. The series is supported by Brock’s Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film. BUFS screenings include hosted screenings and discussions.

Fluri

“It is everything you want in a film house. Great movie selection. Awesome beer from Oast. The actual cinema is gorgeous with good seats. Can’t wait to see more films here.” – Dave Poirier

bachman and

Canadian rock legend Randy Bachman has had many different collaborators over the course of his nearly 60-year career as a solo artist and founding member of both The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive. For his upcoming tour, however, he’s working alongside someone with whom he’s shared a lifelong connection – his son Tal Bachman.

BACHMAN AND BACHMAN

WED 29 MAR 2023

Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code below for more information.

and bachman

FATHER AND SON TEAM UP FOR AN EVENING OF ROCK HITS AND STORIES

WRITTEN BY DAVID DEROCCO | GOBEWEEKLY.COM

Emerging from their COVID-19 cohabitation with a full-length album of new songs co-written and recorded last June in Washington, the father/son combo of Bachman and Bachman arrives at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in March with a show that’s as much about the stories behind the songs as it is the songs themselves. Featuring Randy, creator of some of the biggest pop music hits of the last 50 years, and Tal, a talented singer-songwriter best known for this 1999 charttopping hit, “She’s So High.” Bachman and Bachman will be performing songs while sharing the often humorous anecdotes behind a variety of hits, including Guess Who classics like “No Sugar Tonight,” “Undun,” “American Woman,” and “Laughing” and BTO rockers like “Hey You,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” and “Takin’ Care of Business.” It’s an intimate, informative, and fully entertaining concert experience that requires a special kind of audience according to the elder Bachman.

“It’s a totally different kind of show, a totally different feeling when you’re telling stories,” said Randy, whose transition into musical storyteller began with the 2002 release of his live semi-unplugged album Every Song Tells A Story. “It can’t be more than 800 or 900 people or it doesn’t work. It’s like doing stand-up comedy at a pop festival. You lose them. With this show I get to reconnect with the audience. They have to sit down because the length of some of the stories are long. We get to sit down and tell stories as opposed to standing up for a rock show. We’re lucky we can just bounce back and forth. It makes for a fun show.”

Like a 45-year-old Gordie Howe getting to play professionally alongside his sons Mark and Marty, the 79-year-old Bachman

gets the rare opportunity to share the marquee with a son who has the same passion for performing live. It’s a fact not lost on either Bachman.

“We’re like a two-headed monster–we have an instinct between us,” said Randy. “The Howes had that too. You grow up playing hockey with your dad or playing music with your dad, you develop an instinct. You can take the lead, you can join together in harmony, or step back and let the other person shine. We just have such a good rapport of what each is doing or what we can do. For me it’s kind of amazing. When it works it’s really fantastic.”

Tal is equally stoked about the upcoming Bachman and Bachman tour, although putting the show together from such a vast catalogue of songs is going to be a challenge.

“This tour is going to be our first headlining, doing what is supposed to be a new show,” said Tal. “At the moment we don’t really have one planned so we’re not sure what we’re going to do out there. That’s kind of exciting!”

While the Bachmans will be joined on stage by a drummer and bass player, it’s their guitars and their back-and-forth banter that will be the primary focus of the evening.

“We do a mixture of my hits, of Tal’s songs,” said Randy. “We might play them in a different style, or maybe just the two of us playing acoustically. We did a Bachman and Bachman album that might be out by then, so we’ll do a couple of songs from it. It’s just kind of an evening where we’ll be telling stories in an intimate setting. It’s not a big stand-up concert, blow your face off sort of thing. It’s more reminiscing about the music that we’ve done in the past.”

Kid Koala’s Satellite Turntable Orchestra

by DJ Marinko

The first time I saw Eric San aka DJ Kid Koala perform, he was a late addition to the bill opening up for Björk. I was completely blown away by Kid Koala’s skills behind the turntables and appreciated the narrative that tied together his performance. For his final song, he performed a rendition of “Moon River,” scratched and cut for his Mom, a gesture that shows how much family means to San. Since then, I continue to be inspired by the work of this multi-dimensional Canadian turntablist, musician and artist.

Kid Koala’s career started the way it does for many DJ’s, playing parties, clubs and shows: rocking records to make people move. Since then, he has released many albums, scored the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, created a pop-up arcade called Floor Kids, released comic books, written and starred in a theatrical production as well as developing this really amazing live and interactive show,

Satellite Turntable Orchestra. These are just some of the projects that he has been involved in, yet two things remain consistent in Kid Koala’s work: there is a tangible authenticity to his art and there is something in his performances that genuinely transcends and transfixes.

One of Eric San’s most recent projects, The Storyville Mosquito , is an ambitious show incorporating miniature sets, puppetry, cinematography, and live music. A young mosquito that leaves home to fulfill the dream of playing in one of the greatest bands of all time. An equally unique production, Satellite Turntable Orchestra is a direct collaboration with the crowd. Audience members are seated at turntables which include a set of specially created harmonic vinyl records and an Earthquaker Devices effects pedal. With no prior turntable experience necessary, Kid Koala cues the audience to play along, creating dynamics and completing

Photo Credit: Christopher Edmonstone

harmonies at key moments in the songs. The immersive lighting and projections complete the experience. I asked Eric about how Satellite Turntable Orchestra came to be and he described the evolution from a one-off event for Toronto’s Illuminato Festival. Eric had two goals for the show, “...give people the experience of manipulating vinyl, scratching records like a DJ does and contributing to an ensemble, playing music together. With any productions I’m involved in,” Eric continued, “I’m trying to share my favorite things with people. The idea of giving people the opportunity to try scratching, trying something new. I remember the first time I tried scratching, I put a record on my sister’s hifi and tried to make the sounds that I heard the hip hop DJ’s making and this was a paradigm shifting moment for me. I totally saw infinity in that sound and the possibilities of the music.”

artist profile

KID KOALA’S SATELLITE TURNTABLE ORCHESTRA

6-8 APR 2023

Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code below for more information.

Part of what makes Kid Koala an amazing performer is that he thinks like an artist, not just a “DJ”. Eric San is part of the vanguard that shows that DJ culture is so much more than just party music. Satellite Turntable Orchestra is an incredible show that gives the audience an opportunity to immerse itself into the sounds, imagery and a genuine musical journey. In Kid Koala’s own words, “Everyone is contributing a tiny portion of the sound to this show, and for many it is their first time scratching a record, but because of all of those contributions and even the small imperfections, together the whole room comes alive.”

DJ Marinko is the resident DJ at Stratus Vineyards and Bar Bea in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Marinko’s “Toronto Sakura” mix was released by Komapkt Records of Cologne, Germany and he is a member of the Niagara Artists Centre.

OF NATIONS celebration

Annual gathering of Indigenous arts, culture and tradition

A sacred fire burns behind the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre from dawn of the opening Friday until dusk on Sunday to mark the Celebration of Nations 3-day fall gathering. Celebrating 7 years in 2023, this weekend has become a beloved tradition for Niagara and a place where multiple generations and cultural backgrounds share in the gifts of traditional Indigenous culture and teachings. Young Indigenous girls who stood at their mother’s feet for drumming circles are now - 7 years later - proudly leading circles of their own. It’s heartening to see how community continues to strengthen and grow.

2022 highlights

• Immersive exhibit honouring the stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People

• Over 4,000 attendees to our 2022 Celebration of Nations fall gathering

2022 was our celebrated return to in-person events, a few highlights include:

“The PAC is proud to be the home for this annual gathering with our local and visiting Indigenous communities,” says Colleen A. Smith, CEO of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. “Celebrations of Nations was born out of a response to Canada’s 150th anniversary and has become an opportunity for Niagara residents and visitors to support meaningful reconciliation and foster a great sense of belonging.”

FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre would like to thank our founding Friends of Celebration of Nations: Crawford Smith & Swallow Chartered Professional Accountants LLP, KPMG LLP, Mario and Rachel De Divitiis, Mary Momot

Randy Momot CPA, Grant Thornton, Morison Insurance.

• Drums Across Canada: drums circles from 8 performing arts venues paired with Indigenous drumming groups across the country

CPA

save THE DATE

- YEAR 7 HERE WE COME!

Join us 8 - 10 September 2023 for Niagara’s annual Indigenous arts gathering that celebrates creativity, diversity and resilience.

IN 2023, CELEBRATION OF NATIONS WILL TURN 7 YEARS OLD:

• And has featured over 500 Indigenous Artists + Knowledge Keepers sharing music, dance, film and traditional arts with Niagara local and visiting communities

• Shared 50 workshops rooted in traditional teachings

• Honoured 32 Celebration of Nations Indigenous Excellence Awards Recipients

• Engaged more than 75 partners from our local community and each corner of the globe

Celebration of Nations is the vision of Artistic Director Michele-Elise Burnett (Métis) and has been curated and juried by Burnett with Artistic Producer Tim Johnson (Mohawk) and an Indigenous Advisory Council, as well as with support of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre team.

Part of the FirstOntario Performing Arts year-round programming, Celebration of Nations reaches a crescendo on the weekend after Labour Day annually with a three-day gathering that showcases a wide variety of Indigenous arts and artists, ranging from traditional and contemporary music and dance, visual arts to film screenings, creative workshops, eyeopening teachings and hands-on activities for both children and adults.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Marquee concerts and robust film series

• Hands-on workshops and panel discussions

• Sacred Fire, Teachings and sunrise ceremonies

• Drumming, dancing and music

• Indigenous Discovery Zone activities

• Food and vendors

• And more!

Celebration of Nations was created as part of a long-term vision of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Kakekalanicks, and the City of St. Catharines to build on the Two Row Wampum philosophy that promotes all Nations walking together, in parallel, with respect, compassion, and understanding to cultivate an inclusive community for our shared future.

Photo Credit: Mark Zelinski

THE circle:

INDIGENOUS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND

Featuring Twin Flames, Nicole Joy-Fraser and Tonemah

Wed 19 APR 2023 | 7pm

The Recital Hall

Join award-winning musicians Twin Flames, Nicole JoyFraser and Tonemah as they share stunning creativity and expression through music. This intimate event features songs and the stories behind them ranging from poignant and sad to humorous and uplifting. This style of “raw as originally written” unplugged concert always creates a unique sense of community sharing and healing which leaves the audience uplifted and amazed by the magic of the lyrics and storytelling. Curated by Celebration of Nations Artistic Director, Michele-Elise Burnett.

“An uplifting evening filled with story and song and a great way to discover new artists!”

– PAC Patron Of The Circle, October 2022

Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code for more information.

TWIN FLAMES

Husband and wife duo Chelsey June and Jaaji have nearly 30 music awards and nominations including recently being awarded Vocal Group of the Year and Indigenous Songwriters of the Year at the 2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Their songs amaze and inspire with powerful musicality and storytelling. Ranging from Indie rock to folk-pop, Twin Flames’ sounds include Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums and western instruments to offer a unique show allowing audiences to feel a truly human connection.

This will be their second PAC appearance, having been a crowd favourite at the 2018 Gord’s Legacy Concert on Partridge Hall stage where they shared a rousing version of The Hip’s “Grace Too,” in support of the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund.

“Twin Flames have a great ability to wrap Indigenous stories into traditional styles, often incorporating both Western and Indigenous instruments in their songs.”

- exclaim magazine

Photo Credit: Sean Sisk Photography

NICOLE JOY-FRASER

Nicole found her love for choral music as a teenager singing second alto in the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, touring Italy, recording John Rutter’s The Magic of Christmas album for CBC and becoming a featured concert soloist in Broadway Spectacular at Roy Thompson Hall. Being an adoptee and 60s scoop witness (raised by a non-Indigenous family), Nicole yearned to connect to Indigenous storytelling and is grateful to the Toronto Urban Indigenous Community, Native Earth Performing Arts, Red Sky Performance and Unsettled Scores for helping her reclaim her identity through world premieres, workshops and roles in both Native Theatre and Opera.

Nicole was awarded the 2020 Celebration of Nations Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts and as a proud Bear Clan member and helper, she looks forward to promoting and sharing Indigenous ways of knowing in her home base of Niagara.

artist profile

TONEMAH

Award-winning artist Tonemah is Kiowa, Comanche and Tuscarora. His songs are filled with thought provoking metaphors and are sharp with emotion and humour that makes his music easy to relate to. Through experiences and relationships growing up on and off reservations his organic storytelling has become his trademark. Not only an established musician, Tonemah has also appeared in theatre, written books, produced a tour and established the National Native American Christmas Benefit Concert Series which gathers toys for homeless and indigent Native Children.

Of his concerts Tonemah says “It’s an opportunity to create a community for brief period of time, to create a shared experience through story and song, no two are the same.”

COOKJESSE

As a multi-Platinum/Gold award-winning and internationally acclaimed virtuoso guitarist, producer, composer, and filmmaker, Toronto’s Jesse Cook had grown accustomed to travelling to exotic and far-flung places to find creative inspiration to inject into his wholly unique hybrid of Flamenco fusion music. However, thanks to the pandemic lockdown, the JUNO Awardwinning artist found inspiration for his latest album a little closer to home – sharing long summer day drives with his 14-year-old.

“My daughter entertained me with her favourite playlists, much of which were trap and 808-inspired,” said Cook, winner of three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, a JUNO, a Gemini, and an Acoustic Guitar Magazine Player’s Choice Silver Award. “I love them too, and a question was planted in my mind: ‘what would my music sound like mixed with those sounds?’”

Cook discovered the answer to that question with the release of his 11th studio album, Libre. Recorded during the pandemic and released in December 2021, the album features 10 tracks that combine Cook’s iconic Spanish guitar flair with Algerian multi-instrumentalist Fethi Nadjem, modern trap rhythms, 808 beats, and an underlying theme of the joys of physical and emotional liberation.

“Libre reflects a particular time. We were all coming out of COVID. There’s a lot of music that feels like it’s just kind of soaring, like I’m trying to fly away. That’s why I called it Libre I felt like everyone was trying to break free from their own homes. I don’t know if I’m yet at the place where I can give any kind of evaluation of where the record stands. It was a lot of work. For me it probably helped me maintain my sanity during all that time at home.”

While Cook was scheduled to bring his Tempest II tour to St. Catharines prior to the lockdown, it’s The Libre Tour that

WRITTEN BY DAVID DEROCCO GOBEWEEKLY.COM

fans will be enjoying when Jesse and his extraordinary band bring their unique brand of rhythm and rhumba to Partridge Hall in April of 2023. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of his earlier work or someone recently introduced to his music through the release of Libre, Cook says the tour will span his entire catalogue so there’s something for everyone.

“St. Catharines missed The Tempest Tour, which was going to be a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of Tempest, my first CD. The set list for this tour is going to be a mix of old songs and new songs. There is definitely going to be some new songs from Libre, but I also realize people will want to hear some of their older favourites.”

For Cook, the real joy of being back on tour is simply being able to perform his music accompanied by his fellow musicians. However, he’s also happy to be engaging with fans in a live setting, and he’s looking forward to taking audiences on a musical journey.

“I really missed performing. Just even playing with other musicians rather than playing in front of an audience. I remember the first few times we got back together as a band to rehearse I was almost crying. Just to play something and have them react to it, and then you react back. It was like a conversation. When you’re by yourself it’s not much of a conversation. It’s a monologue. I’m happy to get back on the road and have the audience become part of that conversation. For me I always hope the audience at the end of the night winds up on their feet dancing and giving themselves over to the music. When they’re sitting, they’re still in that polite place. They’re still feeling bound by social constraints. The more we can break free from that and kind of celebrate music and life, that’s when the concert becomes magic.”

THUR

artist profile

RED BARAAT

FRI 28 APR 2023

Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722. Scan the QR code below for more information.

red baraat GLOBAL DANCE

PARTY BAND

BY BRILEE SEARS | NIAGARA THIS WEEK

When concertgoers stop in to see Red Baraat perform, they’re in for a performance unlike anything else. “It’s a combination of jazz, hip hop, Indian marching band tradition. It’s like a global dance party band,” said Sunny Jain, who plays the dhol, a double headed drum, in Red Baraat.

The group from Brooklyn, New York will be performing in several spots across Ontario in late April, including a stop in St. Catharines at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

Normally, the group performs in festivals, but has changed their pace for this Canadian tour, taking advantage of the many indoor spaces available in the area. “This is going to be special because we haven’t played the performing arts theatres in Canada much,” said Jain. “Mostly we’ve been doing festivals in Canada, so we’re excited to play the theatre space over there.”

Throughout their performances, members of Red Baraat want to create a “dance party throw down” atmosphere, getting people up out of their seats and interacting with the music in a new way.

“I’d like to really just have that energy kind of going back and forth between the audience and the band,” Jain said.

Performing in a theatre space offers a unique challenge to engaging people, since most of the audience will be seated unlike at the outdoor festivals Red Baraat has played in Canada in the past. However, Jain feels like the group can still work with the audience to create an exciting and fun atmosphere for everyone.

“Obviously there’s a limit to what you can do with the seated theatres,” he noted. “But I’d like to just eradicate that line between the band and the audience so everyone is fully engaged, so that the moment is shared together. It’s not just one way communication.”

While the group performs the audience will also get to experience the talents of the seven musicians on a wide variety of instruments, some common and some more unusual. “We’ve got a sousaphone and we’ve got some horns. We have trumpet, trombone, soprano saxophone, we have a drum set player, a proper kit player, and a guitarist,” explained Jain.

Red Baraat has toured across the world including Europe, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates in the past 13 years, but say they’re excited to return to Canada and perform in St. Catharines. “I’m just looking forward to getting up (to Canada) and playing, and meeting some new folks,” added Jain.

Don’t miss Red Baraat when they perform at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on 28 April, 2023.

simply put, andy shauf

is a brilliant songwriter.

WRITTEN BY JORDY YACK

His vivid details capture the moments most people miss, allowing us to get just a glimpse for a tiny bit longer.

Following the footsteps of other exceptional songwriters like Neil Young, Paul Simon, Elliot Smith and Harry Nillson, Shauf’s stripped back arrangements allow his songs to breathe, exist, observe and permeate.

WED 3 MAY 2023

7:30 PM

This concert is presented in partnership with The Warehouse. Get tickets online at firstontariopac.ca or call the box office at 905-688-0722.

Scan the QR code below for more information.

ANDY SHAUF

Photo Credit: Angela Lewis

“you’re out wasting”

FROM THE BEARER OF BAD NEWS (2015)

Tell the early morning that I am on my way

Send to him my greetings for happy holidays

Spend my open eyes on the things I left behind My sturdy feet and my hopeful life

“You’re Out Wasting” is the hauntingly optimistic opening track (on side two if you listen on vinyl) of Shauf’s debut album. Simple instrumentation features acoustic guitars, muted drums and sparse bits of clarinet allow the paradoxical lyrics to shine through.

“early to the party”

FROM THE PARTY (2016)

Early to the party, you’re the first one there

Overdressed and underprepared Standing in the kitchen, stressing out the host Pulling teeth ‘til anyone arrives

“Early to the Party” sets up Shauf’s concept album The Party which consists of small detailed vignettes that take place during one night at, you guessed it, a party. The characters seem oddly familiar, but as the party goes late into the early morning, you realise you’ve never been to a party quite like this.

“try again”

FROM THE NEON SKYLINE (2020)

I hold the door open and let her pass through She says, “Thanks” to me in a British accent And I try to answer her in the same voice

She laughs at me, says, “What was that supposed to be?”

I say, “I’m sorry, I’m from a different part of the country”

artist profile

Easily one of Shauf’s most upbeat songs and a companion piece to “The Moon,” “Try Again” is equal parts charming and heartbreaking. The narrator clumsily attempts to get back together with Judy and fails, hopelessly. The song ends with him watching her interact with someone else from across the room. Another impactful concept album, The Neon Skyline observes conversations and characters at an iconic bar during one fateful night.

“jaywalker”

FROM WILDS (2021)

Woke up confused in a hospital gown

With your arm in a sling and nobody around Dreamed about Judy, she was driving a car

You were crossing the street, didn’t get very far

Andy’s foray into focussed songwriting continues on Wilds. This collection of songs feature more stripped back arrangements and let the character study on Judy continue. This time, the songs are allowed to wander a bit while still sticking to what Pitchfork calls the “Andy Shauf Extended Universe.” The characters that show up at The Neon Skyline are connected to Wilds, but are also fighting with some universally understood hardships and truths.

On his latest album Norm (2023), Shauf has upended his songwriting methods, creating a deeply haunting and unpredictable universe. When it came time to begin the album creation process, Shauf really wanted to steer clear of a concept album, instead aiming to make a “normal record.” Freestanding songs he’d written for the original idea were altered until they had all been reengineered to belong in Norm’s universe.

Let these four songs from his previous albums sink in and you’ll be hooked on Andy Shauf in no time.

GROWING THE ARTS

TOGETHER

The PAC works collaboratively with a diverse collection of local arts organizations to enhance Niagara’s arts and culture scene. In this issue, we’re shining the spotlight on three arts organizations.

Find

101 Deweguns

Indigenous artist-run collective making 101 hand drums in recognition of the intergenerational residential school impact to help inspire others along their healing journey. 101deweguns.com

Black Owned 905 A movement designed to support and uplift black owned businesses in Niagara and surrounding areas. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Bravo Niagara! Extraordinary Concert Experiences. bravoniagara.org

Carousel Players Theatre for Young Audiences. carouselplayers.com

Chorus Niagara Niagara's premier auditioned 100-voice mixed choir. chorusniagara.org

Photo Credit: Dan Brown

GALLERY PLAYERS OF NIAGARA

Niagara’s most prominent presenters of classical chamber music.

TAFELMUSICK BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

The “stravagante” (extravagant) style was all the rage in the seventeenth century: performers were urged to embrace an unbridled style of playing in music ranging from the pensive to the humorous, the refined to the audacious.

SUN 16 APRIL 2023

Learn more at galleryplayers.ca

The Gallery Players of Niagara began presenting concerts in 1994 and has since become one of Niagara’s most prominent presenters of classical chamber music. Each season they present a vast array of chamber music, from Vivaldi to Brahms, to folk-inspired music, to improvised music for silent movies. They commission and perform new Canadian works, present baroque repertoire on period instruments, and cover all the standard chamber music repertoire in between! The Gallery Players of Niagara presents concerts in many of Niagara’s churches and cultural facilities including the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

Communication, Popular Culture and Film at Brock University

Preparing students to understand the impact of communication, media and culture on society. brocku.ca/socialsciences/cpcf

Essential Collective Theatre

Producing Niagara and Canadian playwrights. ectheatre.ca

Garden City Comedy Festival

A celebration of all things funny in Niagara – ‘It’s Bloomin’ Funny!’ gardencitycomedy festival.com

Brock University’s arts campus. brocku.ca/miwsfpa

The Foster Festival Celebrating the work of playwright Norm Foster. fosterfestival.com

Gallery Players of Niagara Intimate Chamber Music. galleryplayers.ca

Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

Photo of Eybler 1 Quartet by Sian Richards Photography

GARDEN CITY COMEDY FESTIVAL

A celebration of all things funny in Niagara!

The Garden City Comedy Festival is a celebration of all things funny in Niagara!

Founded by David Green, an award-winning comedian and television host, the Garden Citya Comedy Festival brings some of Canada’s top comedians to Niagara each spring for their annual 4-day festival across multiple venues in downtown St. Catharines. Presented by Ravenshead Homes, the Garden City Comedy Festival is proud to be celebrating its 5th annual fest with another all-star lineup of talent.

IT’S BLOOMIN’ FUNNY

Don’t miss the Garden City Comedy Festival’s Gala Night in The Recital Hall at the FirstOntario PAC.

SAT 27 MAY 2023

Learn more at gardencitycomedyfestival.com

Matter of Black

Uplifting black voices and businesses in Niagara. facebook.com/ matterofblack

Niagara Folk Arts

Multicultural Centre

Promoting the cultural, social, and economic inclusion and well-being of all immigrants and newcomers. folk-arts.ca

Niagara Artists Centre

A member-driven collective formed by and dedicated to the working artists and community of Niagara. nac.org

Niagara Symphony Orchestra

Niagara’s classical and contemporary orchestra of over 50 professional musicians. niagarasymphony.com

Pride Niagara

Provides social activities and information for the LGBTQ+ Niagara region. prideniagara.com

SOFIFRAN

Supporting the Francophone immigrant community in Niagara. sofifran.org

Silver Spire United Church

A progressive church located in Downtown St. Catharines that presents a variety of arts, culture and social justice programs. silverspire.ca

Photo Credit: Joel

Van

Vliet of Unpretentious

Photo

SUITCASE IN POINT

Creating meaningful connections between emerging and established artists from across Canada

Suitcase in Point is a courageous ensemble of artists and producers who engage and excite the Niagara community with original multi-arts performances and events, including In the Soil Arts Festival and Suitcase in Point’s comedy cabarets. Through original work and collaborative community projects, the company provides audiences with unique perspectives on contemporary life and culture. Their approach and work aims to challenge perspectives and encourage change, tolerance, and self-awareness with an aim to promote a healthier, more connected community. Suitcase in Point nurtures new generation artists through mentorship and residency programs, provides studio space for development and rehearsal, and creates meaningful connections between emerging and established artists from across Canada.

Stolen Theatre Collective

Creating and producing contemporary original theatre.

stolentheatrecollective.ca

Suitcase in Point Multi-Arts Company

A multi-talented, multi-disciplinary arts organization based in downtown St. Catharines. Producers of the In the Soil Arts Festival. suitcaseinpoint.com

TD Niagara Jazz Festival

Presenting the finest Canadian and internationallyacclaimed jazz musicians. niagarajazzfestival.com

15th

ANNUAL IN THE SOIL ARTS FESTIVAL

A one-week celebration of multiarts creativity that will transform downtown St. Catharines (and special regional destinations), with bombastic  location-inspired performances and happenings.

9-17 JUNE 2023

Learn more at suitcaseinpoint.com

Willow Arts Community

An arts and peer organization that celebrates the therapeutic value of artistic creation and expression, peer support, social inclusion. thewillowcommunity.com

Yellow Door Theatre Projects

Musical theatre skill training and performance opportunities for Niagara’s youth. yellowdoortheatre.com

discover What’s Inside!

From large concerts to intimate community gatherings, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre hosts international, national and local artists alongside community organizations, festivals, competitions, recitals and corporate events in our four state-of-the-art performance venues (Partridge Hall, Robertson Theatre, The Recital Hall and The Film House) and one outdoor space (Mann Raceway Plaza – our backyard).

Photo Credit: Dan Brown

Partridge Hall

The crown jewel of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, this beautiful multi-purpose concert hall can accommodate the requirements of most theatrical and musical performances, as well as large community and corporate events.

With 770 fixed seats, Partridge Hall adds an instant wow factor to large scale community gatherings, concerts and artistic presentations, graduations, annual general meetings and product launches.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Excellent sightlines and proximity to stage

• Rotating acoustical walls ideal for both acoustic and amplified performances

• Professional grade sound, lighting and video installations

• State of the art systems and equipment

Robertson Theatre

A flexible “black box” space with 2,600 square feet of floor space to accommodate performances, exhibits, recitals, cabarets, workshops, team building events, small receptions, sit-down dinners, product launches and seminars.

This multi-purpose and intimate space is fully equipped and can be set with a 105 retractable theatre seating, tables, chairs, stools or nothing at all.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Adaptable for total theatrical black out

• Floor to ceiling natural light window wall

• Spectacular views

Photo Credit: Bob Magee

The Recital Hall

Undulating acoustical panels, fixed soft seats and a large stage in an intimate space create the perfect hidden gem at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

With 304 fixed seats The Recital Hall is the perfect setting to experience musical ensembles, recitals, singersongwriters, spoken word and lecture events.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Adaptable acoustics

• State-of-the-art sound

• Excellent sightlines and seating plan

The Film House

Niagara’s Film House offers our community a real choice from the multiplex experience — to see the very best of what’s new in cinema from around the world along with the classic, the cult and the documentary films that we love.

A small stage in front of the screen also allows for seminars, speaker series, stand-up comedy and post-screening Q&As and discussions.

To top it off, The Film House offers great concessions — think fresh popcorn — plus local wine and craft beers!

Mann Raceway Plaza

In addition to our beautiful performance venues, we also have additional unique spaces that were designed to also host performances and a wide variety of events. From full gala sit-down dinner receptions in the Algoma Central Lobby to outdoor concerts and food truck festivals in the Mann Raceway Plaza, if you can dream it, we can help make it a reality.

$150