Jim Cuddy, Gino Vanelli, I Mother Earth on PAC lineup
Some of the best artists Canada has to offer will be on stage at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre this year, along with local and international talent.
St. Catharines’ performing arts centre is holding the second of two sold out shows at 7 tonight, after unveiling its 2018-19 Hot Ticket lineup.
The series of 75 shows features former Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy, Holly Cole, Gino Vanelli, I Mother Earth, Finger Eleven, Gowan, Kid Koala and Serena Ryder, to name some of the “great Canadian talent” included in the fourth season.
“We’re super happy to kind of come out of the gate at the beginning of the … with a lot of great Canadian talent,” said PAC programing and marketing director Sara Palmieri.
She said Vanelli — one of the first performers to take the stage this season, performing Sept. 26 — “is a god to some ladies from back in the ’80s.”
“We always have a laugh when we start to watch the ‘Wild Horses’ video, but those songs are still so pop-
ular today and we’re super excited to have him,” she said.
Gord’s Legacy: Walking the Path of Reconciliation will take the stage Oct. 18 — honouring Gord Downie, the Tragically Hip vocalist who died on Oct. 17 a year earlier.
Palmieri said a few favourites from past seasons are returning this year, including Fortunate Ones — the first group that ever performed at the venue.
And, Palmieri said, “Niagara favourite” Danny Michel, who will perform with Begonia, a woman with a “powerhouse of a voice,” also returns.
There will also be focus on local talent during Hear! Here! Niagara Music Series shows.
And it’s not just incredible music.
“We start working on a season about 18 months in advance of announcing it. We’re coming out of our most successful season to date, just in regards to attendance and feedback and quality of programming,” she said.
Through the efforts of PAC staff, she said the Hot Ticket series also includes a “contemporary dance, theatre, music and family entertainment, as well as film and interdisciplinary performances.”
“We go to a lot of shows throughout the year and we research and work with artists and agents and managers to ensure that we choose performances with care,” she said.
PAC members can purchase tickets online as of June 19, and remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Aug. 28.
Palmieri said PAC members and new members can also submit printed order forms for tickets, immediately.
“We’re encouraging them to do that early.”
She said people who submit order forms prior to June 4 will have a chance to win their season’s order.