MARKHAM – September 20, 2016 – Flato Markham Theatre’s sensational new entertainment season begins onSeptember 24 with a heartfelt concert from treasured Canadian a cappella group The Nylons, who will perform their final show in Markham as part of their Farewell Tour. Next up is the rising queen of country, singer/songwriter Kira Isabella, performing a string of her chart-topping hits on September 30. Classic Albums Live make their annual stop with Prince’s iconic Purple Rain on October 12; and on October 13 we pay homage to The Eagles with Hotel California’s Original Eagles Tribute. The last of the opening performances will be the electrifying and modern/classical string ensembleCollectif9 with their Volksmobiles Tour on October 14.
After more than 35 years circling the globe, the curtain is coming down on the touring chapter of The Nylons’ illustrious and legendary career. The iconic Canadian a cappella legends have embarked on a series of farewell shows to say goodbye to the dedicated fans who have supported and embraced them over the years. Known for their vibrant live shows, dazzling harmonies, smooth arrangements, and fabulous showmanship, the group claims seven gold and platinum recordings and over three million albums sold. This four- member vocal group is one of Canada’s top international success stories, and have become a global institution in the world of vocal music. They’ve performed over 1,000 concerts across dozens of countries worldwide including Japan, Korea, China, Australia, Europe, Brazil, the US, and Canada. An a cappella group founded in 1978 in Toronto, The Nylons are best known for their covers of The Turtles’ “Happy Together”, Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”, and The Tokens’ version of the traditional “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.
The Nylons Farewell Tour – Saturday, September 24 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: Prime: $69; Regular: $54; Students: $15
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Canadian country singer, Kira Isabella, is one to watch. After receiving the “Rising Star” award from the Canadian Country Music Association at 18 years old, she’s since been nominated for a JUNO Award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, and took home the CCMA Award for ‘Female Artist of the Year’ in 2013. With the release of her first single, the title track of her debut album Love Me Like That, Isabella found herself with a crossover hit, earning her a 2012 Canadian Radio Music Award. Her success with follow up singles, “A Real Good Radio” and “A Little More Work”, opened up more doors, among them the chance to perform at high profile shows such as the Boots and Hearts Festival, and the Big Valley Jamboree.
Her sophomore album, Caffeine & Big Dreams, rendered the blazing country rocker and edgy party track, “Shake It If Ya Got It”, and the heart-wrenching ballad “Quarterback”, which was named the #1 Country Song of 2014 by Spin Magazine. A star in the making, she has shared the stage with Country music icons such as Keith Urban, Gord Bamford, Aaron Pritchett, Carrie Underwood, and more.
Kira Isabella – Friday, September 30 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: Prime: $54; Regular: $49; Students: $15
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Note for note, cut for cut, Classic Albums Live recreates music history’s most iconic records. With their show Purple Rain, they honour one of music’s greatest legacies – Prince. On Purple Rain, arguably his most significant album, Prince fuses his funk and R&B roots with pop and rock. Featuring classic songs like When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy, and the title track, Purple Rain, this concert will have you dancing in your seats to the timeless and ingenious music of Prince.
Purple Rain – Wednesday, October 12 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: Prime: $64; Regular: $59; Students: $15
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For almost three decades now, Hotel California has been recreating the legendary sound of The Eagles. Thrilling audiences all over the world with stunningly similar lead vocals, slick musical precision and rich harmonies, Hotel California has evolved into a masterful celebration of The Eagles’ music. Watch one of the most game-changing song catalogs in the history of rock n’ roll, performed to perfection before your eyes and ears with Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute.
Hotel California: The Official Eagles Tribute – Thursday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: Prime: $64; Regular: $59
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A nine-piece string ensemble, collectif9 presents classical music with rock-style charisma. Bringing classical music to pop culture audiences in diverse spaces, the group encourages interaction and open dialogue with their listeners. In their Volksmobiles Tour, collectif9 delivers an uncompromising selection of short pieces, often folk-inspired – from Gagnon to Golijov, Brahms to Schnittke, the repertoire of the group is integral to its identity.
The mission of collectif9 is to present classical works and ideas to a pop culture audience, particularly by demonstrating the connection a listener immersed in the pop world can feel with contemporary classical music. Playing short excerpts of works arranged for the group, collectif9 pays close attention to the energy, flow, and variety of each show as a whole, highlighting the use of familiar dance rhythms, developing transitions between pieces, talking to the audience, and using lighting effects to emphasize the character of each piece. With these techniques, collectif9 already counts its supporters as classical music lovers, punk rockers, and heavy metal bands.
Collectif9 Volksmobiles Tour – Friday, October 14 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: Prime: $59; Regular: $54; Students: $15
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The 16♦17 Diamond Season will be the second year the Theatre recognizes the performers and community members who have helped build its reputation with the Markham Performing Arts Awards. Community members Ross Sutherland andTony Murphy will be awarded the Community Artist Award, and the recipient of the Performing Artist Award will be The Nylons. Mr. Sutherland is a founding member of the local vocal groups Men of Harmony and the Suburbanaires, and volunteered as the Theatre’s archivist for many years. Mr. Murphy is the organizer and founder of the Seniors’ Extravaganza, an energetic show presented at the Theatre every year for the senior members of the community.
To purchase tickets please visit www.markhamtheatre.ca, or call our box office at 905-305-7469 (SHOW).