It’s only been a couple of months since the most recent Stars for Saskatchewan concert series came to an end, but the Estevan Arts Council (EAC) has already started to promote the 2017-18 Stars season.
Wilma Mantei, who is the president for the EAC, said they will have seven concerts in 2017-18, starting with Dreams, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, on Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS).
Mantei noted it will be the third straight year the Stars season has opened with a tribute act.
“Tribute acts seem to go over quite well, because we get a pretty good attendance with them,” said Mantei.
The show offers a seven-piece salute to the famed band, and they perform in full costumes.
Up next will be Oh Canada, We Sing for Thee, created by Leisa Way, on Oct. 1 at ECS. Mantei said they wanted to have a tribute to Canada in honour of the country’s 150th birthday.
It features hits by famed Canadian musicians.
“Lisa brings a variety of musicians, and they do a lot of performing for the different Canadian music artists,” said Mantei.
Laila Biali, a Juno-nominated jazz musician, will be the final concert in 2017 on Oct. 26 at ECS. Biali, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist, has performed with Grammy-winning artists and has headlined festivals around the world.
The first concert in 2018 will be a performance by the Proteus Sax Quartet on Feb. 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church. The group was formed in 2011 while studying in France, and upon their return to Canada, they now come together to perform music of different styles.
Ballet Jorgen will be at ECS on March 20 to perform Anastasia, which is the tale of the Russian Grand Duchess. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the story. The ballet explores emotions, aspirations and affections of Anastasia.
The Derina Harvey Band will be the final regular performance on April 17 at ECS. The band is an Edmonton-based Celtic rock group whose mission is to entertain with a show that is engaging, energetic and fun. The transplanted Atlantic Canadians deliver an entertaining performance with humour and storytelling through song.
A special performance will happen on Feb. 7 at ECS with Bob Cates’ Comedy in Motion show. Mantei noted it will be held in conjunction with the Koncerts for Kids series, thanks to Cates’ juggling abilities and clean comedy.
He is also one of the few North American performers capable of an authentic plate spinning, which is his signature manoeuvre.
Cates has headlined cruise ships special events, and youth conventions.
Mantei said she has seen Biali, Harvey and Gates, and they were all very good.
“Every October they do what they call a showcase, and people go and perform, hoping that the Arts Councils of Saskatchewan will choose them for their concert series,” said Mantei.
Tickets are now on sale for the series. A season pass for adults, which includes the six regular concerts, costs $110 until June 30, and $125 starting on July 1. People who purchase the season pass receive a ticket for the Cates concert as well.
An advance single adult ticket is $25, while a ticket at the door is $30.
