Festival Hall Centre for the Arts
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, September 23rd, 2017
It's Variety Show Time Again!
Dai Bassett – your “fun loving” MC
British Elvis tribute artist Paul Anthony
British Invasion ex-Freddie and the Dreamers band member, Simon Clarke
Guest appearances – Michelles School of Dance. British Comedy from the Festival Halls very own Rick Wharton
Saturday, September 30th, 2017
FLEETWOOD MAC AND HEART TRIBUTE IN CONCERT
RUMOURS - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
JUST HEART- The Ultimate Heart Tribute Show
Saturday, November 4th, 2017
Prices include all taxes, Arts development fund and ticketing fees.
Close your eyes and imagine the unique sound of Johnny Cash, as if it were live and for the first time in the early 1960's. Now open your eyes and experience this great singer songwriter recreated on stage in the hit musical tribute,
The Man In Black, A Tribute to Johnny Cash.
The Man In Black Show offers a retro look, sound and feel into the performance of American Icon Johnny Cash. The show delivers the raw prowess that made Johnny Cash a 20th century pop culture figure, while capturing his ability to cross musical genres, age and ethnic barriers to bring a classic sound that is immediately recognized. The show also features hits madefamous with June Carter Cash and goes beyond the look of a younger Cash to feature his music right up to his death in September of 2003.
Widely acclaimed by the general public and critics alike the star of The Man in Black Show, Shawn Barker, is considered as the pre-eminent Johnny Cash tribute artist as well as an accomplished musician and singer songwriter. Having an uncanny resemblance to the younger Cash, his portrayal is stunningly accurate and remarkably authentic.
Shawn Barker Bio
Shawn Barker hails from the St. Louis Missouri area. A former carpenter, Shawn started his musical career as an Elvis Tribute Artist. Although Shawn drew success through his Elvis act, he soon realized that in a market saturated with Elvis acts; he could only go so far.
Auditioning for the part of Elvis in a Hollywood production of "The Million Dollar Quartet"(the famed SUN Records recording artists Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis) the director asked Shawn to also send video of him portraying the other characters in the script. Shawn did and was instantly cast as Johnny Cash. This started a one-year character study of Johnny Cash, his life, music, voice, and stage presence. Shawn ended up turning down the role because of scheduling conflicts.
During this same time while performing in an all Elvis tribute show, Shawn suggested to the producer that he throw a twist into the show and come out as Johnny Cash. The producer immediately recognized Shawn's calling in portraying the Legendary Johnny Cash and cast him in an upcoming all country tribute show.
So impressed by his performance, the producer then created and scripted a show for Shawn called; The Man In Black Show, which is now drawing great success throughout North America, with shows performed and booked into numerous venues.
Shawn's portrayal offers the high energy and classic look of the late Johnny Cash. Although Shawn portrays the younger Johnny Cash, his repertoire covers the late singers entire career including duets Johnny Cash performed with the late June Carter
Saturday, November 11th, 2017
The Montreal band was formed in 1981 by Jean-Marc Pisapia(member of Men Without Hats] The band's first single attracted the attention,Their debut album, The Box, was released in 1984 and produced the hit singles "Must I Always Remember" and "Walk Away". In 1985 The Box released All the Time. That album, which included backing vocals by Sass Jordan and Marie Carmen produced the hit singles "My Dreams of You" and "L'Affaire Dumoutier (Say to Me) The band was nominated for the Juno Award for most promising group. The hits just kept coming Closer Together was the band's most commercially successful album. Featuring the hit singles "Ordinary People", "Closer Together" and "Crying Out Loud for Love". The next record had the massive hit Carry On.
A rare appearance from an amazing Canadian Band.
Thursday, November 30th, 2017
The Ennis Sisters are embarking on their 8th season of celebrating Christmas with their family friendly spectacular Christmas show. In 2017, the Juno award-winning trio brings their highly-acclaimed holiday show to venues from coast to coast with concerts scheduled for Ontario, Alberta,British Columbia and finishing up with shows in their home province of Newfoundland. From their Christmas originals and holiday classics to their well-timed stories and folkloric recitations, this is a family-friendly show you won’t want to miss!
This is a five piece with all three sisters and two very skilled side men who also sing. The show consists of songs from their four Christmas albums plus some
traditional Christmas songs. They include stories of Christmas past and present plus some traditional Irish step dancing. The show contains a great deal of humour. The show is suitable for all ages. They do receive regular radio play for their signature Christmas hit, “ I’ll Be There Christmas Eve”.
From Bassano Arts Council president Linda Andres
The ENNIS SISTERS were absolutely fantastic!! One of the very best concerts we have had in 33 years - and my personal favourite. I was so looking forward to having them in Bassano, and their music was just out-of-this-world fantastic! I was not prepared for the humour - so that was a great surprise. Karen's wit and charm and dry sense of humour is incredible. We laughed so hard all night! All five of the group members were extremely easy to work with, and were all wonderful people.
From Moe McGuinty, Manager Of The Dekker Centre North Battleford:
“It was a full house and half way through the first song, the Ennis Sisters had captured the hearts of everyone in the theatre. The Dekker Centre, North Battleford, SK, has in its first three seasons, presented Grammy winners and Juno winners, members of the Order Of Canada and members of the Grand Old Opry. We have never presented an act that has been more warmly welcomed, enjoyed and appreciated. Word of mouth would have filled the house again the very next night. We can’t believe we have to wait a year.”
At the Keyano Theatre in Fort McMurray, the Ennis Sisters drew a near capacity crowd of 520. Theatre Manager Alan Roberts comments:
“The Ennis Sisters put on a fantastic show! They have a fantastic, welcoming interaction with the audience and presented their show with great story telling,
Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Food donations, free will offering and tickets all available at the door. Supporting the Soup Kitchen!
Tuesday, December 12th, 2017
The only Ottawa-area date!
More info at www.johnmcdermott.com
Saturday, February 10th, 2018
Always entertaining and definitely unique, The Mudmen are a blast of Celtic energy whose members are known to be characters both on and of the stage. First discovered as" The Campbell Brothers" the band signed a deal with EMI records and changed their name to " Mudmen" in 1998. Their music has been featured on Xbox and Playstation games, NBC'S television show " the Black Donnelly's" WWE Wrestling, Don Cherry's 9,19,20,21,24,27 hockey DVD's, the Mackenzie Brothers TWO-FOUR special on CBC, HBO's Shameless, HNIC Coach's Corner ( the Dale Hunter Tribute),6 music videos on Much Music/MTV, and they've reached the top 20 on the edge radio.
In 2008 the Campbell brothers were asked to perform on the new CBC " Hockey Night in Canada" theme song produced by Canadian Icon Bob Rock, where Ron MacLean quoted " Mudmen we Love Em". This lead to many opportunities including a 3 month tour,PBS special/DVD and a performance at the Canadian Country music Awards with johnny Reid.
The Mudmen have appeared twice on Parliament Hill for Canada Day where they performed and shook hands with the Queen televised, performed at the Edmonton Oilers /Calgary Flames home opening ceremonies on CBC, joined Colm Wilkinson ( the Phantom of the Opera) for the Lighting of The CN Tower ceremony and performed at the Edmonton Oilers 84 Stanley Cup re-union with Wayne Gretzky, Sarah McLaughlin, Red Ryder & Full Team Present
With over 2500 shows to date , The Mudmen Robby Campbell,Sandy Campbell,Jeremy Burton,Mike Meacher & Dan Westenenk believe that nice guys can finish first. While enjoying life & what you you do translates to all audiences.
The Mudmen are building a legion of fans from young to old with career highlights such as 12 Canada's walk of Fame Ceremonies, The Toronto Maple Leaf Boston Bruins game at the ACC, Opening performances for ZZ Top, The Guess Who,over 40 cross Canada Tours, festival dates in America & Europe and a performance at TSN'S " For the Love of The Game" Canadian Gold Ring Olympic presentation with Sidney Crosby & Full Mens & Ladies Team Canada members presents.
The Mudmen have 9 studio recordings and will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2018. Prepare for a family friendly evening of Celtic Music & stories when The Mudmen's Old Plaid Shirt Tour rolls into your town
List of Accomplishments: Mudmen / Campbell Brothers
-Signed with EMI Records from 2000-2004
-Reached #19 on the Edge Radio 2001
-6 music video's in medium rotation on Much Music 2000 - 2004
-A song on NBC's "Black Donnelly's" commercials around 2005
-A song in WWE Wrestling for "The Highlanders" around 2007
-Bagpipers on the new "Hockey Night in Canada" theme song in 2008 -2014 - Ron McLean quote "Mudmen we love em"
-The Edmonton Oilers "Home Opener" televised 2009 - CBC interview after
-A three month tour with Johnny Reid, his PBS special and the CCMA's televised with Johnny -2010
-performed on Parliament Hill for Canada Day for the 2nd time and shook hands with The Queen -televised -2010
-opened for George Canyon at the Commonwealth Stadium for all the Gold medals in Men's and Women's hockey at the Olympics almost all members including Sydney Crosby in attendance -2010
- Walk of Fame Ceremonies -closing act once at Roy Thompson Hall with Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Paul Shaffer, the Guess Who, Gordon Lightfoot, William Shatner, Gordie Howe
-performed at the 83/84 Edmonton Oilers Reunion of the first Stanley Cup-televised with the whole team and Wayne Gretzky present
-Tourism Canada throughout Europe
-The Lighting of the CN Tower with Colm Wilkinson (the Phantom of the Opera)-Also did Roy Thompson Hall with Colm
-a Private Party for the Governor General of Canada (Michaelle Jean) as well as the CBC Governor Generals Awards in 1998 with the Rankin's, Bruce Cockburn and Royal Canadian Air Farce
-the McKenzie Brothers 24 Anniversary on CBC
-A song on Playstaion games
-opened for The Guess Who, Nazareth, Finger Eleven, Biff Naked, Econoline Crush, David Usher, etc
- Don Cherry's video's #9,19,20,24 as well as 4 "Rose Cherry" benefit evenings
-Don and Ron mentioned "The Campbells/ Mudmen and played one of our songs during Coaches Corner 2012
-performed on the ET Canada Stage for the 2012/2013 New Years celebration in Niagara Falls
-the Mirvish Production of "Needfire" with Denny Doherty of the Momma's and Poppa's
-4 Grey Cup Parties, 3 Briers, the IIHF World Hockey Championships, the Memorial Cup twice, the Royal Bank Cup, Dauphins Countryfest 3 years in a row, Snow Jams Edge Fest, several Highland Games, etc
-corporate events for Coca Cola 3 times, Walmart 3 times (including flying us to Arkansas to be on a card with Jewel and Brookes and Dunn), about 7 Rona events, M&M Meats, the Weed Man, Sprint, Kodak, American Standard, The Easy Home Show, the Cosa Awards,
