Events
These three jazz-steeped musicians have led three very different musical lives. Now they’re seeing what happens when their disparate experiences and distinct personalities are brought together in the traditional piano trio setting to explore the boundaries of their native tongue.
Nick Halley (James Taylor, Oscar Castro-Neves, Dinuk Wijeratne)
Glenn Patscha (Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder, Brian Blade)
Patrick Reid (Christine and Ingrid Jensen, Ben Monder, Chet Doxas
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Old Man Luedecke has been delighting audiences around the world for two decades, picking up JUNOs, East Cost Music Awards, and numerous other accolades along the way. Now he is returning to The Astor, just down the road from his home in Chester, to tell us stories, play songs from his many albums, and maybe treat us to some new ones undoubtedly inspired by his time in lockdown.
Join us on September 16th for an unforgettable evening with this extraordinary musician. As the Vancouver Folk Festival says, “He is a musical singularity to be savoured and shared.” They are not wrong!
Take a theatrical journey to the shores of Sable Island through the eyes of Marcia Pierce Harding’s novel, Secrets of Sable Island. You will travel to the author’s magical world through theatrical performances woven together through narration, dance, lighting and music. Directed and performed by Dalhousie Student Ashley-Rose Goodwin and her specially selected cast, you will find yourself amongst breathtaking visuals of wild horses, where secrets are held tightly to the heart, journeys abound, and dreams come true.
Two beloved and distinct styles of musical expression. Country music with its story telling and hook-laden melodies; and Blues, with all its emotional intensity and unmistakable rhythms. When Country Gets The Blues celebrates the legends of these genres and blurs the lines between country and blues.
When Country Gets The Blues is the brand new performance concept designed by country-rock ensemble Witchitaw, and blues recording artist Charlie A’Court. Often stylistically compared to Otis Redding and Eric Clapton, A’Court is largely recognized as the proverbial force to be reckoned with. Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, his mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting place A’Court firmly on the world stage. His album, Come On Over, won the 2015 Blues Recording of The Year at both the East Coast Music Awards and Nova Scotia Music Awards.
Witchitaw is a full flavoured, four-piece southern country rock band from the heart of Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Their latest album, “The Ride” garnered a 2018 Country Recording of the Year nomination from Music Nova Scotia for their original writing. Singles, “Posse” and “When Opportunity Knocks” are receiving praise from Sirius XM Canada and Canadian country music radio with more than 30 country stations adding Witchitaw to heavy rotation.
The ComedyFest has been bringing laughter to the stages of Halifax for over 25 years, and now they’re bringing some of Canada’s best comedic talent to your hometown.
With performances from award-winning comedians Pete Zedlacher, Leonard Chan, and Travis Lindsay this show will provide much-needed laughter … and you might even pee your pants a little…
Laughter makes for a perfect night out. Come and enjoy the best comedy has to offer.
RESCHEDULED October 26, 2021
Lunch at Allen’s is Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas. As individuals, they have written for or sung on over 25,000,000 cd’s, penning hits for Chicago, Josh Groban, Bonnie Raitt, America, Santana, Cher, and Rod Stewart, as well as Murray’s “Farmers Song”, Marc’s “Marina Del Rey” and Ian’s “Painted Ladies” just to name a few. These artist have come together adding the incredible voice of Cindy Church (Quartette, Great Western Orchestra ) to form Lunch At Allen’s. They are Canadian song writing royalty who will take you on a journey with humour and stories playing their familiar hits and new songs as well to create an evening of music for the heart and music for your soul.
Atlantic String Machine is a dynamic ensemble of string players who perform as many styles of music as they can fit into their portfolios. Based on Prince Edward Island, they have established themselves at the forefront of new and exciting arts groups throughout the region. Their unique approach comes from a desire to keep live music relevant, transformative, and above all entertaining. In their efforts to keep themselves and their audiences engaged, they seek out interesting collaborations with other artists, unexpected venues for concerts, and write their own arrangements and compositions, keeping their repertoire fresh and alive.
The group has received multiple awards from Music PEI (Achievement in Classical Music – 2016, 2017, 2019 & 2020) and nominations from the East Coast Music Awards. Their debut album, Lost Time, received two ECMA nominations (Classical Recording of the Year and Classical Composition of the Year – 2017), and their second album, The Bayfield Sessions, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2020 ECMAs. The band has also been featured at festivals across the country, including the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, the Vancouver Island Music Festival, Summerfolk, and the PEI Festival of Small Halls.
Over the past few years, String Machine has performed with a long list of exceptional artists, including Sarah Slean, Duane Andrews, Paper Lions, The Once, James Keelaghan, Meghan Blanchard, Rachel Beck, and Adrienne Gallant. They have also appeared on recordings by Lennie Gallant, Irish Mythen, and Dave Gunning. Their newest album, The Bayfield Sessions, builds on that spirit of collaboration by featuring guest performances of original songs by Ian Sherwood, Catherine MacLellan, Nathan Wiley, Matthew Byrne, and Alicia Toner.
Atlantic String Machine is:
Sean Kemp (violin)
Karen Graves (violin)
Jeffrey Bazett-Jones (viola)
Natalie Williams Calhoun (cello)
Adam Hill (bass)
Liverpool’s favourite, Thane Dunn is returning to The Astor stage with his Cadillac Kings and the Rhinestone Cowgirl, Melly Dunn! This time with his show Elvis Greatest Hits.
There’s one man who can transport you back in time to when Elvis Presley was the undisputed King of Rock and Roll and to re-live the magic of a live Elvis concert before your very eyes.
Two Time World Champion Thane Dunn and his Cadillac Kings will be performing all your Presley favourites from Blue Suede Shoes, Burning Love, Suspicious Minds, How Great Thou Art, and many more hits from the ’50s, ’60s and 70’s that you know and love.
You’ll laugh, cry and cheer in amazement and have an Elvis experience you’ll never forget.
TOM, DICK AND HARRY
by Ray Cooney and Michael Cooney
The Astor Theatre Society is excited to be producing the farce, “Tom, Dick and Harry”, by Ray and Michael Cooney.
In this hilarious story of three brothers, Tom and his wife are about to adopt a baby. His brothers are anxious to help make a good impression on the woman from the agency who has arrived to check on the home and lifestyle of the prospective parents. Unfortunately Dick, who has stashed boxes of smuggled brandy and cigarettes in the house, and Harry, who is in possession of a cadaver he is planning to sell illegally to a medical school, fail miserably. The adoption agency representative is aghast – and the illegal Kosovan aliens who do not speak English are no help at all!
“Tom, Dick and Harry” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com
TOM, DICK AND HARRY
by Ray Cooney and Michael Cooney
The Astor Theatre Society is excited to be producing the farce, “Tom, Dick and Harry”, by Ray and Michael Cooney.
In this hilarious story of three brothers, Tom and his wife are about to adopt a baby. His brothers are anxious to help make a good impression on the woman from the agency who has arrived to check on the home and lifestyle of the prospective parents. Unfortunately Dick, who has stashed boxes of smuggled brandy and cigarettes in the house, and Harry, who is in possession of a cadaver he is planning to sell illegally to a medical school, fail miserably. The adoption agency representative is aghast – and the illegal Kosovan aliens who do not speak English are no help at all!
“Tom, Dick and Harry” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com
TOM, DICK AND HARRY
by Ray Cooney and Michael Cooney
The Astor Theatre Society is excited to be producing the farce, “Tom, Dick and Harry”, by Ray and Michael Cooney.
In this hilarious story of three brothers, Tom and his wife are about to adopt a baby. His brothers are anxious to help make a good impression on the woman from the agency who has arrived to check on the home and lifestyle of the prospective parents. Unfortunately Dick, who has stashed boxes of smuggled brandy and cigarettes in the house, and Harry, who is in possession of a cadaver he is planning to sell illegally to a medical school, fail miserably. The adoption agency representative is aghast – and the illegal Kosovan aliens who do not speak English are no help at all!
“Tom, Dick and Harry” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com
TOM, DICK AND HARRY
by Ray Cooney and Michael Cooney
The Astor Theatre Society is excited to be producing the farce, “Tom, Dick and Harry”, by Ray and Michael Cooney.
In this hilarious story of three brothers, Tom and his wife are about to adopt a baby. His brothers are anxious to help make a good impression on the woman from the agency who has arrived to check on the home and lifestyle of the prospective parents. Unfortunately Dick, who has stashed boxes of smuggled brandy and cigarettes in the house, and Harry, who is in possession of a cadaver he is planning to sell illegally to a medical school, fail miserably. The adoption agency representative is aghast – and the illegal Kosovan aliens who do not speak English are no help at all!
“Tom, Dick and Harry” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com
Join LITF for a reading of this classic story. Presented by local readers, the story is interspersed with traditional carols, sung by local musicians. The reading is followed by a reception of sweet treats and cider.
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Matt Andersen is taking the holiday party on the road! Performing holiday favourites with his small band, the show will feature special guests Fortunate Ones and Reeny Smith. The Snowman’s Ball is becoming a can’t-miss tradition, so gather friends and family to celebrate the season with Matt. It’s never too early to get in the spirit!
A powerhouse performer with a giant, soul-filled voice and commanding stage presence, Matt Andersen has built a formidable following the old-fashioned way: touring worldwide and letting his stunned audiences and new devotees spread the good word of his righteous tunes all over. He’s headlined gigs throughout North America, Europe and Australia, shared stages with Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, and Tedeschi Trucks, to name a few, amassed over 18 million YouTube views, and been honoured with multiple awards, including six Maple Blues Awards.
Celebrate the Season
The Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy is on the road again for its annual holiday concert tour, performing a diversified program that celebrates festive traditions including Kwanza, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and of course Christmas.
With an east coast flair the concert features the vocal stylings of CTV Atlantic’s Liz Rigney and Petty Officer 2nd Class Brad Davidge along with the Stadacona Band’s new celtic ensemble. The price of the concert is FREE, but for COVID-19 contact tracing we ask that you reserve tickets online. More information can be found on the band’s Facebook page @StadaconaBand
Four of Canada’s hottest comedians will heat things up during the HubCap Comedy Festival’s February tour, There’s No Business Like Snow Business! Many television, radio and festival appearances have made Ali Hassan, Candy Palmater, Tim Nutt and Abdul Butt popular entertainers with huge followings. After the past two years, every Maritimer needs a good laugh. Don’t get left out in the cold! Get your act (and your bubbles) together and come out to melt away the winter blues. Join Candy, Ali, Abdul and Tim as they live their dream of touring Atlantic Canada in February.
Alan Syliboy is an established Mi’kmaq artist, writer and musician. He was born in Truro and lives at Millbrook First Nation. His band, The Thundermakers, includes Evan Syliboy on lead guitar, Lukas Pearce, bassist and sound designer and video mapping projectionist, Joanne Hatfield on vocals, guitar, flute, piano and percussion and Aaron Prosper on vocals and percussion, as well as group leader, percussionist and storyteller Alan Syliboy. The Thundermakers often invite special guest musicians and dancers to enhance their live performances, and we are very happy that acclaimed fiddler Morgan Toney from Wagmatcook First Nation will be joining them in Liverpool.
This spellbinding show, on the Astor stage for the first time, will feature songs and spoken word pieces, all accompanied by a multimedia art film. Check out these links for a taste of what you will experience on March 5th.
We are thrilled that Alan has also agreed to have an exhibition of his stunning artwork, which will be on display and for sale in our galleries for the month of March.
Her uncle sang of a treasure hidden deep in the Oak Island ground.
With the help of a friend who shares wisdom, this treasure could surely be found.
Another voice whispers softly to her spirit as she points to the wind. Her fortune, read by the witch Dianna, foretold treasure and an unknown friend.
The treasure they seek will allude them like the wind that pushes their sails.
They’re helped by the Mik’maq Boy, Ulgimmo, and a friendly humpback whale.
So come sailing with Molly and Pixie and be charmed as this tale is told. For a treasure awaits all who join us to watch Molly’s adventure unfold.
Molly, and her fairy friend, set out on her boat for a marvelous adventure in search of buried treasure. They gain the wisdom of a newfound Mik’maq friend along the way.
Exquisitely handcrafted wooden marionettes come to life in the hands of Heather and Darryll Taylor, enchanting children and parents alike. A treasure hunt for self-discovery, Molly and the Oak Island Treasure will touch your heart and awaken the child in us all.
Molly and the Oak Island Treasure features nine marionettes and an array of shadow puppets for the ethereal ocean scenes. An original 46 minute production suitable for all ages, the show has a rich Maritime theme and embraces a positive self-esteem message for young people. Molly and the Oak Island Treasure premiered in 1994 and has since toured Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Quebec, Hawaii, Bermuda and France.
“Marvelously produced…amazingly life-like marionettes and a delightful story.” –Bancroft Times
“Amazing show… not often we are able to find something that engages grades P-6 alike.:)” – Adrienne Blumenthal, – Porter’s Lake Elementary School
Script: Darryll and Heather Taylor
Marionettes: Bruce Wood, Heather Taylor
Voices: Deborah Allen, Jamie Bradley, Kelti MacMillan, Elizabeth Murphy, Darryll Taylor
Costumes: Robert Doyle
Original Music: Quita Gray
Instrumentation: Quita Gray,
the Barra MacNeils
Humpback Whale Sounds: Dr. Roger Payne & NYZS/the Wildlife Conservation Society
Project assisted by: the Canada/Nova Scotia Cooperation Agreement on Cultural Development, Cultural Affairs Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Education.
