A Scottish-born carpenter turned songwriter, a theatre festival, a jazz "treasure" and "wordless" whimsy.
These are some of the shows that were recently unveiled for the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts' line-up to officially kick off its 2024 season.
The Burnaby facility is hosting 14 different shows for its upcoming winter/spring window.
And, according to a news release, it's set to feature several "world-renowned" Canadian talent.
This includes David Francey, a three-time JUNO Award-winning artist that specializes in "authentic" folk poetry, singing and songwriting.
In fact, his work started after moving to Canada from Scotland at age 12.
According to his bio, Francey worked on rail yards and construction sites across the country for decades - all while writing poetry and setting them to "melodied in his head and singing it to himself as he worked."
In 1999, he released his first album, Torn Screen Door, and become an instant hit in Canada, and has since compiled 11 albums.
Francey is set to headline the Shadbolt Centre's early 2024 slate with a lone show on Jan. 26.
Then, from Feb. 5 to 9, Burnaby will be treated to the Advance Theatre Festival by the Vancouver-based Ruby Slippers Theatre.
The four-day event will showcase new works by artists that identify as female, non-binary or of the BIPOC community (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour). The festival's goal is to advance the "radically inclusive stage."
Later that month, Shadbolt will host a weekend of world-class jazz performers such as vocalist Vanisha Gould, tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens, and pianist and trumpeter Brad Turner.
"Jazz at the 'Bolt" takes place over the B.C. Family Day long weekend - Feb. 17 and 18.
On St. Patrick's Day 2024, "Pixar meets Miyazaki meets Henson" in what is described as a "wordless" award-winning adventure show.
"The Wilds" by WONDERHEADS is a charming and profoundly touching production, featuring signature masks, whimsical puppetry and enchanting music.
The March 17 alternative show is set to engage the audience with laughter and tears, Shadbolt said in its release.
As well, "Made in Italy," a coming-of-age musical about 1970s Alberta, is scheduled for April 2 and will celebrate music, food and family.
Finally, JUNO-winning songstress Emile-Claire Barlow will round out Shadbolt's spring season with a night of classic jazz and modern pop on May 3.
Barlow, a Toronto resident, released her début album in 1998 and has since collected two JUNOs for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year.
For more information, including tickets, you can visit the Shadbolt Centre's website or call 604-205-3000.
