Chan Centre emphasizes joy
Event focuses on international artists in a time of global tension
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of B.C. has announced its 2018-19 Chan Centre Presents concert series. A total of eight concerts will showcase artists from all over the world, displaying their crafts in one of the most acoustically pristine venues in North America.
Also announced is the 2018-19 Beyond Words series, which focuses on the importance of storytelling and has featured such acclaimed artists as Polaris Prize-winning experimental throat singer Tanya Tagaq.
“As the Chan Centre enters its third decade, it is undeniable that there is a certain level of divisiveness on the global scale,” says Joyce Hinton, co-managing director and curator of the Chan Centre Presents series. “At a time when the news is filled with international tension, it felt appropriate to place a particular emphasis on some of the most joyous music being created on the world stage.”
Subscription packages went on sale April 24. Single tickets go on sale June 12 at noon. They’ll be available online at chancentre.com; by phone 604-822-2697, Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; or in person at the Chan Centre ticket office, 6265 Crescent Rd., UBC (Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.)
We think these five shows tare must-see events at the Chan Centre Presents and Beyond Words series:
1. Aida Cuevas: Totalmente Juan Gabriel | Sept. 22, 8 p.m.
She is a national treasure in her Mexican homeland where they call her the Queen of Mariachi. Immaculately outfitted and backed by the crazy-tight Mariachi Juvenil Tecatitán, Cuevas performs a show honouring the superstar Juan Gabriel. The late singer-songwriter was her mentor and is an absolute legend.
2. Goran Bregovic and His Wedding and Funeral Band | Oct. 21, 7 p.m.
Known as Brega throughout the former Yugoslavia, Sarajevo-born Bregovic is probably the most famous Balkan composer and musician. From his soundtracks for the movies of director Emir Kusturica to his own work, his spirited and complex songs are exceedingly potent.
3. Bobby McFerrin: Circlesongs
| Feb. 17, 2019, 7 p.m.
There was a lot of worry when McFerrin cancelled his last tour. Fortunately, this wonderful, spiritually uplifting vocalist is apparently back in action and scheduled. There are few artists on the planet with the ability to generate as much pure joy in a room as this man can. Circlesongs is a project around choral pieces with McFerrin joined by the 12 exceptional singers of his group, Voicestra.
4. Cristina Pato Quartet | April 11, 2019, 8 p.m.
A master of the gaita, the unique bagpipes of the Spanish region of Galicia, Cristina Pato has taken her instrument far outside of its folk roots. She has appeared in cellist Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, performed with symphonies and drops lightning fast, near-Charlie-Parker-esque solos with her fluid quartet of accordion, bass and drums.
5. Kealoha | Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. Spoken word and slam poetry from Hawaii’s first official poet laureate. After graduating in nuclear engineering at MIT, Steven Kealohapau’ole Hong-Ming Wong decided to shift gears and found HawaiiSlam, surf and pursue a career in spoken word.
The rest of the series is listed below:
Joshua Redman: Still Dreaming | Nov. 13, 8 p.m.
No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks | Feb. 24, 2019, 7 p.m.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo with Habib Koité and Bassekou Kouyate | March 2, 2019, 8 p.m.
Anoushka Shankar | April 28, 2019, 8 p.m.