River Run announces 2018-19 Season

May 23, 2018

Guelph, ON May 23, 2018 – River Run Centre launched its 2018-19 Season of professional entertainment today at a public announcement and celebration. This season has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada and their Season Sponsor The Co-operators.

“Today we are thrilled to share with you not only what stars we have aligned in our coming season, but also to share our thanks towards our very generous partners for their dedication to River Run and our community,” announced Theatre Manager Bill Nuhn. Hot off the heels of their 20th Anniversary Season and happy to share what is coming to the stage, staff, volunteers and community partners all joined in the festivities this afternoon. The launch showcased VIP experiences on a number of shows, perks for In the Spotlight subscribers and the savings and benefits for those who PACK-IT-UP and purchase tickets to four or more shows. “We are very excited to present such talented artists from across Canada and abroad. This season will have something for everyone & SO much more”, says Nuhn.

In an intimate acoustic performance Serena Ryder, sponsored by Syngenta and Magic 106.1, will open the season on October 13, 2018 as part of the Richardson GMP Music Series. The Richardson GMP Music Series offers a wide variety of seven musical acts along with a mystery performance to be announced later this year. Straight from Ireland Celtic folk band Lúnasa will dazzle audiences with their inventive arrangements and bass-driven grooves on October 18. Bringing the heart, warmth and spirit of the holiday world-renowned singer Heather Rankin will share seasonal favorites in Picture Perfect Christmas on December 15. Rockin’ into 2019 I Mother Earth and Finger Eleven unite January 11 for a powerful double-bill 90s CanCon fans everywhere won’t want to miss. On February 23 Canadian songstress Holly Cole, sponsored by SV Law, will bring her jazz/pop, sophistication and wit to River Run followed by award-winning guitarist Jesse Cook on March 23. Lisa Brokop brings country classics to life in Legendary Ladies of Country featuring powerhouse guests Patricia Conroy and Amanda Wilkinson April 4.

The Wooly Pub Family Series will bring to life music, magic and a little wild-west acrobatics. Rustle up some fun October 14 as Cirque Éloize: Saloon will amaze audiences with a musical acrobatic adventure worthy of the greatest Westerns. Sharon & Bram will have the whole family singing-along on October 21 to such children favorites as “One Elephant”, “Tingalayo” and of course, “Skinnamarink”. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s The Rainbow Fish will mesmerize youngsters with their black-light puppetry November 14. On February 2 Mike D’Urzo and Ray Chance square off in a magic show designed to challenge each other and mystify you in Dueling Magicians.

The Borealis Music Series opens on October 26 with one of Guelph’s master musicians in The Jason Raso Funktet. This series, sponsored by SOCAN Foundation and Ontario Arts Council will feature talented Canadian singer-songwriters in the intimate Co-operators Hall. A Night with Carl Dixon will showcase just how Dixon’s taken his experience touring with legendary rock bands The Guess Who and April Wine and established his prolific solo acoustic career on November 23. Returning this season for two performances, Guelph songstresses Jude Vadala, Katherine Wheatley and Tannis Slimmon welcome winter in Boreal’s Songs for a Snowy Season November 30 and December 1. With an eclectic mix of chamber folk music through the ethereal voice of a young Winnipeg woman, audiences will feel the strength of our great prairies and all things otherworldly in Raine Hamilton String Trio February 6. Toronto singer-songwriter and two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee Megan Bonnell will close the Borealis Music Series on March 22.

GuelphToday.com Comedy Series showcases stand-up comedy favourites. Spend an evening learning just how misery makes funny with the always entertaining Jeremy Hotz October 28. Then on January 24 find out what happens when two CBC Radio personalities are let loose on main stage. You will soon discover hosts Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring don’t just report on issues that matter to Canadians, they fabricate them to hilarious effect in This Is That LIVE! Now in its 16th year touring Ontario, The Just for Laughs Road Show offers the perfect way to sample some of the festival’s funniest stand-up acts on April 11. One of the world’s most recognized comics from Saturday Night Live, Weeds and Happy Gilmore, Kevin Nealon, will set himself apart through his unique sense of humour and dry wit April 25 closing the comedy series and the season.

The Showcase Series will feature a wide range of entertainment, from Broadway reviews, to ballet and hip-hop biographies. Discover the man behind the world’s most iconic modern musical theatre productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Evita during an evening of story and song celebrating the life and music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Any Dream Will Do on December 1. In one of the world’s oldest surviving ballets, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen performs a comedy of love, Coppélia, on stage January 20 in a captivating tale of a lonely and disillusioned toy maker who wishes he could bring his toys to life. Shaun Boothe: The Unauthorized Biography Series will be held on February 7 as River Run will pay tribute to Black History Month in a dynamic hip-hop presentation recounting the lives of influential figures such as Bob Marley, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Your favorite Wooly Kinderconcerts introduce pre-school children aged five and under to the rich variety of instruments and sounds of the symphony with members of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. This coming season the orchestra will perform three new arrangements based on the fairy tales Sleeping Beauty on November 24, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice on February 2 and Mozart’s Magic Flute March 30.

The biggest announcement of the afternoon came as Nuhn revealed that River Run will present not only a world class line-up of musical legends, but also two new series punctuating this season’s so much more. Miijidaa Life Stories and Magic 106.1 Music Now Series reach beyond the classical, country and even music in some cases. The first, Miijidaa Life Stories, is a unique set of conversations with influential members of our global artistic community, hosted by Cameron Smillie. For the premiere of this series Smillie will interview Toronto-based Artistic Director and Founder of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre Santee Smith November 7, Grammy and Juno Award winning singer-songwriter Dan Hill January 23 and world famous musician and author Ian Thomas March 20. Each evening will be like a perfectly mixed cocktail. Two parts conversation, one part live music (or video clips in the case of Santee Smith) followed by a VIP post-show meet and greet. These dynamic conversations will allow you a glimpse into the story behind the stars.

Magic 106.1 Music Now Series will rock your socks off! Tailored to today’s generation of indie music, trending apps and what’s sick, this series will headline three Canadian indie rock/alternative bands as they perform throughout Southern Ontario. To capture the most up-and-coming stars this series will be announced during the season so be sure to stay connected to River Run through their In The Spotlight E-news to hear it first or listen to Magic 106.1 and CFRU 93.3FM for all the exciting details.

With a star-studded season announced PACK-IT-UP tickets are now on sale with single tickets on sale May 30 at 11 am. PACK-IT-UP and save 20% by creating your own package of four or more shows. Visit riverrun.ca/pack-it-up and discover the benefits. As part of the uGO program, tickets for university and college students are $20 each and through the eyeGO program, high school students may attend for just $5 each on River Run Presents performances. Tickets may be purchased online at riverrun.ca, by phone at 519-763-3000 or in person at the Box Office from 11 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Media Contact:

Angela McEwen
Marketing and Development Coordinator
River Run Centre
519-837-5662 extension 2493
[email protected]

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