Randy Bachman, Jim Cuddy among acts coming to Prince Albert in coming weeks
The E.A. Rawlinson’s winter and spring line-up has been announced, and it features some big names sprinkled in with local talent.
The season starts off with young country talents Brett Kissel and Dan Davidson on Jan. 27, and concludes with a Simon and Garfunkel Tribute on April 29.
In the middle, the performing arts centre will feature the sounds of an Elton John Tribute from local musician Mike Langlois, concerts from Mickey Gilley and Granger Smith, and shows by three massive names in Canadian entertainment: Reveen on March 3, the Jim Cuddy Band on March 5 and rock and roll legend Randy Bachman on March 26.
“It’s going to be exciting,” said Jody Boulet, the interim general manager of the centre.
“It’s a good mixture of professional artists, tribute band opportunities and local talent.”
The Mike Langlois concert will be the local pianist’s third performance at the Rawlinson Centre. Last year he presented a show filled with Billy Joel’s greatest hits.
Reveen is the son of the original Reveen, who entertains with hypnotism, high-speed memory demonstrations and showmanship. He’ll be bringing fascination and humour to Prince Albert in early March.
Fans of honky-tonk and country love songs will appreciate the talents of Mickey Gilley, a classic country artist who found massive success in the 1970s and80s, complete with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and runs in las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City.
Country fans will also be well-served by the sounds of Granger Smith, a Texan country music singer-songwriter who was nominated for a 2017 iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Country Artist.
Fans of Canadian country will welcome the Jim Cuddy band, bringing the 15-time Juno-winning artist and former Blue Rodeo member to the Rawlinson Centre Stage.
Cuddy has a star on the Walk of Fame, is a member of the Order of Canada and has a spot in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The Prince Albert stop is part of Cuddy’s 33-city tour in support of his latest album, Constellation, due out on Jan. 26.
Then there’s Randy Bachman.
Former member of The Guess Who with their mega hits including American Woman, and leader of Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) with songs such as ‘You Ain’t Seen nothing Yet,” Bachman boasts 120 platinum, gold and silver awards and sales of over 40 million. One of the best-known rockers in Canadian music history, Bachman and his band will be performing hits from The Guess Who and BTO, as well as songs by one of his inspirations – Beatles guitarist George Harrison.
“(Randy Bachman and Jim Cuddy) are a nice follow-up to Burton Cummings, who was here in the fall and had a show that was very well supported by the local community and the surrounding area,” Boulet said.
“I think those two opportunities will fit right in with that similar mix.”
Boulet said a key in putting together a series of shows is ensuring good variety for the community.
“Variety in the entertainment industry is certainly an important factor to consider,” he said.
“It keeps people interested and keeps our season ticket package something that continues to be attractive for the local and surrounding area. It also opens up funding opportunities or the centre. There are various factors to look into when you’re building the series.”
One of those factors is including those big-ticket events, such as Randy Bachman, to draw crowds to the community.
“We feel people are looking for that type of entertainment. In other situations where, Saskatoon for example, brings in a larger name, people are making that commitment and actually driving to Saskatoon,” Boulet said.
“We have a fantastic local performing arts centre. Bringing those larger acts keeps people in Prince Albert, and bring s in people from the region.”
The ability to attract larger acts speaks to the reputation the Rawlinson Centre has earned.
“We have promoters contacting us for these opportunities because the last time they brought artists through they had a positive experience Our hospitality factor was excellent,” Boulet said.
“The quality of the sound and the venue is something they love and want to return to, and continue bring in business. It’s important to have that high-profile mix in the series.
Going forward, the Rawlinson Centre might explore moving away from two series during the year and introducing one longer season running from the fall straight through to the spring, Boulet said.
For tickets to any of the upcoming shows, visit the Rawlinson Centre box office, call 306-765-1270 or go online to www.earawlinsoncentre.ca.
