Tickets are now on sale to the general public, for the Key City Theatre's 2013/2014 season, which features a number of high profile entertainers.
Theatre manager Gerard Gibbs says there's something for everyone in the line-up.
"This was my first chance at lining up a season of concerts for the Key City Theatre and there were some really pleasant surprises," said Gibbs, who signed on as manager earlier this year. "We're bringing in a few returning artists, several new to Cranbrook, but with whom I have had the pleasure of working with in the past.
"I'm sure our audience will come away pleased in any case. We span musical genres from singer-songwriters, to classical, jazz crooner, Celtic fiddle, Latin guitar, classical, ballet, young emerging artists to American classic folk."
The season kicks off Friday, Sept. 20, with Toronto crooner Matt Dusk channelling the music of the legendary Chet Baker, the American jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist and vocalist. Dusk describes the music as "the perfect soundtrack for an intimate evening together." Dusk's sixth studio album — "My Funny Valentine: The Chet Baker Songbook" — was just released this year, and will be showcased at his KCT concert.
On October 7, one of Canada’s greatest singer-songwriters will be taking the stage in Cranbrook. Ron Sexsmith by rights should be a household name in this country, considering the number of famous admirers he has, including Elvis Costello, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Steve Earle, and Sheryl Crow, many of whom have covered Sexsmith’s songs. His albums have been released to critical acclaim, and only in recent years has he started to garner the widespread public recognition he deserves.
Opening the show for Sexwmith will be Jenn Grant, who is touring her latest release “The Beautiful Wild.”
Connie Kaldor appears on October 22, a versatile and highly renowned Canadian folk artist. Originally from the prairies, the three-time Juno award winning Kaldor has released 14 albums, and her fan base expands with every show.
On November 3, the Bergmann Piano Duo will dazzle concert-goers with and eclectic, dynamic and energetic program. Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann have been performing as a duo for two decades, playing with orchestras, soloing as a duo, and performing chamber music with other artists. 176 keys on two pianos.
Only days afterwards, on November 6, one of America’s most famous singers rolls into Cranbrook. Judy Collins is known for her eclectic tastes in the material she records, as well as for her activism. She continues to lead a busy touring and performing life.
As we head into 2014, an old friend is returning with his brand of boundary-breaking Latin guitar. Juno-winning Oscar Lopez will be in concert January 25, with his folk and nouveau flamenco guitar stylings that venture fearlessly and powerfully into different genres, like jazz, blues, and even pop.
On February 11, Ballet Jorgen returns to the KCT with Shakespeare’s tale family feud, love and tragedy. Romeo and Juliet is transformed for the ballet, beginning with the smell of a rose, the prick of a thorn, and a journey that in the end is about purity more than darkness.
On April 16, renowned fiddler Ashley MacIsaac makes his first appearance in Cranbrook. MacIsaac is one of the most celebrated Canadian roots musicians of all time, achieving fame and notoriety from an early age. He has achieved international acclaim by adding his modern take on traditional Cape Breton fiddle music, helping bring Celtic music into the modern era with new generations of fans.
The Key City Theatre is also incorporating a “New Artist Showcase” into the season. Set for March 8, the showcase will feature Joshua Hylsop and Steph MacPherson, modern day folk musicians and singers.
For more info go to www.keycitytheatre.com