Physically distant but socially together, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre continues to strive to find ways to bring our community together through the arts. Since mid-April, our #NiagaraPerforms online event and concert series has been connecting local artists and audiences and has attracted more than 20,000! livestream patrons to date.
“It’s been great to see people tuning in from across our community and the country to celebrate Niagara’s rich pool of artists,” says Annie Wilson, Programming Supervisor.
“This week was supposed to be our 2020/21 HOT TICKET Season Launch events. Though we cannot come together in person we can still gather together online to engage and share artistic experiences together. Even without a spectacular venue, the arts still live here!” says Michael Chess, Marketing Supervisor.
As a cultural hub for Niagara, the FirstOntario PAC has been showcasing our beloved local musicians, artists and arts organizations. The next group of artists includes:
Sunday 31 May, 4pm – Ariana Gillis is an acclaimed singer-songwriter who will bring her soulful talent and outrageously original, melodic and passionate songs to #NiagaraPerforms.
Thursday 4 June, 7pm – John Sherwood is Niagara’s jazz piano luminary who is recognized by his audiences, critics, and peers as one of the top jazz pianists in Canada today.
Sunday 7 June, 4pm – Whitney Pea’s sound is playful and original with lyrics that often illustrate the connection between the human heart and nature. She is loved for her soothing voice and genuine approach to songwriting.
Thursday 11 June, 7pm – There is no short of creativity coming from our friends at the Shaw Festival. Join Artistic Director Tim Carroll and members of The Shaw community for this special edition of #NiagaraPerforms.
Sunday 14 June, 4pm – Great Lakes Swimmers’ Tony Dekker is a beloved indie folk act in Canada and beyond originally hailing from Wainfleet Ontario. CBC has called Great Lake Swimmers “a national treasure” with a sound that is at once familiar and distinct, using the tools of folk music as the starting point to delve deeper.
Thursday 18 June, 7pm – Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts presents highlights from its 2019/20 season with a special guest appearance by Measha Brueggergosman, the internationally celebrated and award-winning Canadian soprano.
Sunday 21 June, 4pm – Celebration of Nations Artistic Director Michele Elise Burnett and Artistic Producer Tim Johnson join us for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Learn more about the upcoming Celebration of Nations 2020 edition and enjoy musical performances by special guest artists.
Thursday 25 June, 7pm – Yellow Door Theatre’s Artistic Director Andorlie Hillstrom shares the artistic work that her dynamic group of young student artists have been creating.
Sunday 28 June, 4pm – Kurt Swinghammer and Lori Cullen bring their musical talents together in this very special performance from their home. Cullen is a celebrated pop/folk/jazz singer-songwriter and Swinghammer is St. Catharines homegrown acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist and visual artist.
The FirstOntario PAC’s #NiagaraPerforms online series features live concerts from Niagara musicians every Sunday at 4pm and content from community partners every Thursday at 7pm. Live and interactive performances will be available for viewing through the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The performances will also be rebroadcasted on YourTV Niagara on Cogeco every Monday and Friday at 8pm.
#NiagaraPerforms provides a platform and artist fees for local artists to share performances with online audiences as a local take on the National Arts Centre’s #CanadaPerforms series. #NiagaraPerforms alumni include Mark Lalama, Gordon Cleland, Laurel & Hulley, Suitcase in Point, Suzie Vinnick, TD Niagara Jazz Festival, Vox Violins, Garden City Comedy Festival and Joe Lapinski. Previous perfomances can be viewed online here.
Similarly in The Film House AT HOME is providing virtual cinematic experiences for you to enjoy from your home, with simple screening options, every Wednesday. Enjoy recommended films plus gain access to stream choice new titles that we would have screened in The Film House under normal circumstances. Partial proceeds from your rental will continue to support your local art house cinema!
