With the freezing cold weather and the holiday season just kicking into high gear, it may seem difficult to start thinking about spring.
With the freezing cold weather and the holiday season just kicking into high gear, it may seem difficult to start thinking about spring.
But if you want to get a jump on some great musical performances coming up from the Bragg Creek Performing Arts' (BCPA) 2015 spring season, the time is now.
Ticket packages are on sale now for all four concerts at a discounted price when purchased as a package.
Brenda Bone is the president and artistic director of BCPA and, after having the experience of planning several seasons, she said variety is key.
“We found that is more of our niche, ” said Bone. “People are more interested. If we put on the same type of show every time I don't think we would get people back again year after year after year. ”
The last season just wrapped up and featured performances from internationally acclaimed artists, including Oscar Lopez, The Bergmann Duo and Elizabeth Shepherd.
The BCPA will be entering its 35th year after this season and has become known for its professional shows and excellent sound, something artists have taken notice of.
“Best sound of the tour so far. Great hospitality and a pro operation, ” said Shepherd via Twitter after her Nov. 22 concert.
“It is kind of amazing and gratifying for all of us, ” said Bone of the great feedback from artists. “We put quite a bit of effort in to make sure they are presented professionally. ”
The first artist performing in the spring season is the Denis Chang Gypsy Jazz Quartet from Montreal Feb. 7.
Bone said that Chang learned to play gypsy jazz with the Manouche Gypsies in France, where gypsy jazz is said to have originated.
“He is really good, like seriously good, ” said Bone. “He is thought to be one of the best gypsy jazz guitarists in the world. ”
Next will be the Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3) March 7, also from Montreal.
Bone described them as mixing a variety of sounds, including Cuban, Nordic, Brazilian and progressive rock, and said they've started doing covers of George Harrison and The Beatles.
“Amazing sounds, ” said Bone. “When you listen to the music, it is cohesive, it doesn't sound like a jumble or mish mash. ”
The third act will be Charlie A'Court April 11 from Nova Scotia. Bone said he sings roots, soul and blues music.
“Fabulous performer on stage and really reaches out and brings the audience in, ” she added.
And last, but certainly not least, will be LeE HARVeY OsMOND May 9, the project of Canadian folk artist Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and Junkhouse.
LeE HARVeY OsMOND's first album, A Quiet Evil, was a long-list nominee for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize and the last album, Folk Sinner, was nominated Roots and Traditional Album of the Year at the 2014 Juno Awards.
Bone said that Wilson should have at least two musicians appearing with him at the show, but there could possibly be more.
The spring season ticket packages went on sale Nov. 22 and will be available until the end of the first show Feb. 7. If purchasing tickets to all four shows, there will be 15 per cent in savings, with adult seasons tickets totaling $107.95 and senior seasons tickets $101.15.
For more information visit braggcreekperformingarts.com.
