The lineup is set, the performers booked and Quesnel Live Arts is ready for another stellar entertainment season.
QLA begins their selection process in April when they attend Pacific Contact in the Lower Mainland.
PC showcases about 50 Canadian and International artists who vie for the opportunity to be considered by the B.C. Touring Council for performances around the province.
Several northern communities combine their selection process under the Northern Presenters and work through block booking which is good for both artists and presenters of live arts.
“In order of priority and availability, about 10 acts make the final list,” QLA president Colleen Brines said.
“We’re looking for variety and quality entertainment.”
She added they also consider artists from previous years that may not have been available but still remain on the preferred list.
In making their selection, Northern Presenters look for not only talent but also great stage presence and ability to interact with the audience.
Brines went on to say live arts performances benefit the whole community.
“Live arts brings all ages and interests in the community together and exposes the community to diverse musical genres,” she said.
“Jazz, classical, roots as well as highlighting Canadian performers bring an assortment of truly entertaining shows to Quesnel.
“We fulfill a specific role in the community. The public now looks to QLA for consistently high quality live performances that are so much more energizing and satisfying than pre-recorded presentations.”
Brines said it just takes one evening of live entertainment to appreciate how wonderful it is.
“For many, live arts and all that it offers isn’t well-known and we’d like to change that.”
This season, QLA begins with the Montreal Guitar Trio, Oct. 2. Drawing from the four corners of the musical world, this group delivers loads of infectious good humour and solid ensemble playing.
On Oct. 23, don’t miss the Woody Holler orchestra, folk/jazz musicians creating western swing style described as jazz from the saddle.
A very special performance by Ken Lavigne, Nov.23 brings a truly indescribable voice which is characterized as soothing and exciting at the same time to the stage.
After the new year, plan to attend Fung-Chiu Duo, Jan. 21, a piano duo which combines two solo pianists who challenge the traditional boundaries of four-hands piano-playing.
Winsome, wicked and witty, Chic Gamine, March 3, embodies the 60s girl-group vibe with a soulful sound dispatched by four women in a modern, new century genre.
The final performance, April 22 is a dynamic family band called Everything Fitz. A high-energy fiddling and percussive step dancing group of some of Canada’s finest young musicians.
Brines is excited about this season’s lineup but she was also pleased with QLA’s terrific sponsors who assist in the presentation of these six shows.
Generous grants from B.C. Arts Council and Quesnel and District Community Arts Council also enable Quesnel Live Arts to
keep prices very reasonable, she said.
Ticket prices are $25 per show, $125 for all six shows (adults) and $20 per show, $100 for all six shows (seniors and youth). All performances are in Chuck Mobley Theatre at Correlieu senior secondary school with reserved seating available for season ticket holders. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at Quesnel Music, Save-on Foods, KMAX, at the door or in advance by calling 250-747-2207.
Anyone wishing to sponsor one or more of the performances call Brenda Paulson, 250-992-2005 or Colleen Brines, 250-747-2207.