January 15, 2009

Welcome to the Bragg Creek Performing Arts Newsletter. This edition provides updates on our current concert series and new concerts which we've added.

This Saturday, Bragg Creek Performing Arts and the Bragg Creek Community Association are sponsoring a concert showcasing the talents of local artists. We've tried January concerts but its tough to get an audience in the depths of winter. We thought we'd try something different and invite local artists to perform for their families, friends and neighbours. Most of the artists will perform 1 set. There will be breaks between sets. We're not paying the artists ... you are. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the artists. Come out and support these musicians. All tickets are $15 except children 6 and under who are free.

Artist Lineup 

Sarah Clark

Sarah has been singing and composing her own songs since she was 5 years old. Her angelic voice moves audiences with original songs and lyrics that demonstrate depth far beyond her 14 years.

Sarah's musical style is contemporary/pop with undertones of blues and jazz. Her songs explore the experiences and emotional issues that happen to her or people around her. She has a wide variety of musical interests and enjoys listening to many different artists. She has a very unique style that captivates listeners.

Sarah has performed on our stage opening for Connie Kaldor and as part of the Bragg Creek Festival. She was introduced to Alberta Presenters at Alberta Showcase in October 2008. Sarah's music evolves and matures constantly. She has a number of new songs to 'try out' on our audience before she heads back to the recording studio late this month to create her second CD.

James Slater

James Slater was born in Derbyshire, England but has grown up in Redwood Meadows and Cochrane. He writes his own material but is heavily influenced by singer/songwriters from the 1960/70's era. Among these most talented artists he says that The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan and more recently Ron Sexsmith and Jakob Dylan have had a major bearing on his style. James experiments with his songs, changing the arrangements to suit the phase he is currently going through. With his lyrics he tries to capture events in everyday life and expressing what he sees in a song.

Pat Cardinal and Friends

For over 10 years Pat Cardinal has brought his unique take on classic country songs and original material to audiences large and small. A charismatic performer, Pat grew up a cowboy on the T’suu Tina nation around Bragg Creek. A self described “old style country musician” heavily influenced by the likes of George Jones and Waylon Jennings, Pat intertwines songs of the past with his own material celebrating the life of the Indian cowboy. Pat has played at some of Alberta’s most prominent festivals, country venues and Honky Tonks. As a proud Aboriginal Artist Pat, is constantly working to help define a unique sound and stage presence worthy of those he honours. With his friend and collaborator Tim Mitchell, Pat Cardinal and his friends are always a treat to hear.

There may be some late additions to the concert who will perform a few songs each. The Waltzing Matildas with local luthier Chris Sandvoss, Jamie Newsome and our own sound tech Tim Jeffrey may perform. In addition, Robert McLean may sing a couple of his songs.

The concert is this Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Bragg Creek Centre. The concert starts at 7 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets are $15 for those 7 years and older. Tickets will be available at the door, from the artists, from our ticket lines 403-949-4114 or 403-949-4277, at Bragg Creek Centre or Spirits West or from our web site.

Bottom Line Duo - February 7, 2009
Light Humor with serious music
Our next Spotlight Series Performance will feature Spencer and Traci Hoveskeland performing as Bottom Line Duo with Spencer on Bass and Traci on Cello. The Duo play a great diversity of music, from classical concerti to modern works. There's lots of humor between musical pieces. The Duo provides great music and will keep you entertained. You really need to hear Flight of the Bumblebee on the Cello and Bass!

Tickets are available online at our web site, by phone from 403-949-4114 or 403-949-4277 or in person at Bragg Creek Centre or Spirits West.

Jane Bunnett embracing voices - April 18, 2009
NEW Special Concert Added
Juno winner and Grammy nominee, Jane Bunnett returns to Bragg Creek with a special concert called 'embracing voices' based on her latest CD.

Bragg Creek Performing Arts is pleased to announce that a special concert has been added to our regular concert series this year. Order your tickets early for Jane Bunnett’s exciting new show “ Embracing Voices” to be performed at The Bragg Creek Centre on April 18^th 2009. This features an incredible touring company of 16 artists. Jane explained, "My original plan was to make a simple, live trio recording this time, something improvisational, but the possibility of writing and arranging my own vocal material around the Grupo Vocal Desandann was too compelling”.

Vocal Desandann is an extraordinary Cuban vocal group of Haitian descent. This very unique and world-renowned ensemble is composed mainly of second and third generation Haitians who were born and raised in Cuba, and bring their incredible history and lineage to this project with vocal performances that demand attention!

Jane said “I did a complete turnaround and ended up involving myself in the biggest and most complex project of my career. I'm so glad I persevered. I don't quite know what to make of this music. I've never heard anything like it. But I've never been good at fitting into niches." Embracing Voices is the very first time that all of the tracks on a CD of Jane’s includes the vocal talents from some of the jazz & World scene's best and includes songs in English, Creole and Spanish! www.janebunnett.com. Come to the concert where you will be able to meet with these renowned artists to share your thoughts about this colourful, exciting and memorable event.

Tickets are available online at our web site, by phone from 403-949-4114 or 403-949-4277 or in person at Bragg Creek Centre or Spirits West.

Bragg Creek Festival
Returns May 29, 30 and 31, 2009
We're in the process of planning the second Bragg Creek Festival. Currently we have the Marc Atkinson Trio, Alex*Cuba and Land's End Ensemble booked.

We are looking for volunteers to help with planning and producing the Festival. If you're interested please leave a message on 403-949-4114.

You can find more details on our second Bragg Creek Festival on the Festival web site.

Thank you to our sponsors.

IBM               Bragg Creek Insurance

Thank you to our Media Sponsors