Category Archives: River Run Centre

Four comics take to the road and deliver a bucket of laughs to River Run’s Main Stage GUELPH, ON April 3, 2025 – Just For Laughs is delighted to be back on the road with some of the funniest comedians around! The 20th edition of the Just For Laughs Road Show brings four hilarious comics to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, April 25 at 8 p.m. Hosted by JUNO Award nominee Zabrina Douglas, the evening features Orlando Leyba, recently seen on America’s Got Talent, JUNO nominee Hisham Kelati, and Just For Laughs alumna Audrey Stewart. Zabrina Douglas is a nurse, comedian, and mother of five. In 2008, she was nominated for the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award, and she has not slowed down since. Her… Continue reading Just For Laughs Road Show returns for 20th edition!

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Culturally rich circus performance with West African roots   GUELPH, ON March 27, 2025 — Experience immense talent, stunning choreography, costumes, and music in Cirque Kalabanté – Afrique En Cirque. This feast for the eyes and ears takes River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Tuesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. Part of the Wooly Family Series, this show is a delight for all ages, supported by The Wooly Pub and 2024/25 LOTS ON Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth.   The story of Cirque Kalabanté’s origins is as inspiring as the show itself. A pioneer of Guinean circus arts, the founder Yamoussa Bangoura began his artistry in his hometown of Conakry, the capital of Guinea, tumbling from a young age. He went on to perform with renowned… Continue reading From Guinea with love — and acrobatics!

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The Umbilical Brothers offer a unique take on physical comedy GUELPH, ON March 20, 2025 – Prepare for a laugh and a half — this one-of-a-kind duo has created their own category of comedy, with inventive skits that combine mime and vocal sound effects for a style dubbed “microphonic mime.” The creative comic pair brings their newest show, The Distraction, to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Tuesday, April 8 at 8 p.m. The Umbilical Brothers are not actually brothers — Australian buddies Shane Dundas and David Collins met in an acting course while studying at the University of Western Sydney. Also affectionately known as “the Umbies,” the two have been performing together since the 90s and have become well known and loved around the… Continue reading Impressively original, hilariously ridiculous

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Husband-and-wife duo offer Indigenous culture and history with heartfelt lyrics and harmonies GUELPH, ON March 13, 2025 — This will be a touching evening of musical storytelling by The North Sound, a partnership between lead singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Forrest Eaglespeaker, and vocalist and composer Nevada Eaglespeaker. Both gracious and graceful, they play River Run Centre’s Studio Theatre on Thursday, April 3 at 8 p.m. With roots in Treaty 7 Territory, this couple’s songs are a declaration of joy, a hallmark of yearning, and a tender tale of honesty. They sing about family and connection, love and sacrifice, and recovery and addiction. Their stories might be heavy and raw, but they also call for sing-along — a delicate balance that touches the heart and soul.… Continue reading The North Sound tells important stories through song

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South African male choral group offers beautiful acapella harmonies full of history     GUELPH, ON March 11, 2025 – Five-time Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo know how to command an audience with their delicate, soulful songs that tell stories of the past and present. The group will grace River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Sunday, March 30 at 7 p.m.     Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been around since 1960, warming souls around the globe including Nelson Mandela’s, who designated the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world.” Representing the Zulu people, Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings their cultural heritage to the masses through traditional isicathamiya and mbube styles of music.     These talented vocalists share a message of peace, love, and… Continue reading Soothing musical storytelling captures the ears, eyes, and hearts

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Ammoye offers her smooth voice, uplifting stage presence, and inspirational lyrics GUELPH, ON March 6, 2025 — Seven-time JUNO nominee Ammoye offers a fresh take on reggae music, while keeping it familiar and honouring her heritage. Music fans and critics have called her the “next big thing” in Canadian reggae. Experience this feel-good-for-your-soul concert in River Run’s intimate Studio Theatre on Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. Ammoye grew up listening to reggae in Clarendon, Jamaica, before moving to Toronto as a teenager, and she has been making waves on the Canadian music scene ever since. She has earned seven JUNO nominations for Reggae Recording of the Year and has won several respected awards, including the Rideau Award at Mundial Montreal in 2022. The multidimensional… Continue reading Multidimensional reggae queen radiates love

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Mudmen are set to bring the house down, yet again GUELPH, ON February 27, 2025 — Canada’s favourite Celtic rockers return to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m. With over 3,000 shows to date, these guys know how to put on a good show and have a blast while doing it. Sponsored by Series Sponsors Sleeman Breweries and Spring Mill Distillery, this concert is part of the Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series, which features exciting Canadian and international music icons. A couple of years ago, the band celebrated their 25th anniversary. And what a fun musical career they have had. Mudmen’s music has been featured on Xbox and PlayStation games, NBC’s The Black Donnellys, WWE Wrestling, Don Cherry’s Rock’ em… Continue reading Hey! Bring on the bagpipes and kilts for a night of Electric Celtic rock

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Guelph symphony presents African folk tale through music and interactivity for toddlers GUELPH, ON February 25, 2025 — The final installment of Park Eatery Kinderconcerts, The Spider and the Magic Drum, tells the story of a mischievous spider named Anansi who finds a magical drum in the West African forest. This interactive music series is specifically designed for children five years and younger — and enjoyed by parents, too! This show takes place in River Run Centre’s Studio Theatre on Saturday, March 22 at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., with each performance running 30 minutes. Supported by Series Sponsor Park Eatery and Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, these wonderful shows expose young children to the symphony in a way that is accessible and captivating.… Continue reading Final Kinderconcert of the season

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The first ever, live musical Fraggle Rock show is coming to Guelph  GUELPH, ON February 20, 2025 – Jim Henson’s musical, fun-loving Fraggles are dancing their cares away across North America and coming to River Run Centre’s Main Stage. Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live is the first ever live show based on The Jim Henson Company’s beloved franchise. This show is presented as part of The Wooly Family Series — sure to delight Fraggle fans of all ages — on Saturday, March 14 at 4 p.m. Join Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley, and Boober Fraggle as they discover the legend of the Celebration Stone, an ancient Fraggle treasure. It has the power to bring everyone together for the greatest party, but it… Continue reading Dance your cares away with Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live

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Holiday hours for City of Guelph facilities and programs. Continue reading Holiday hours for City of Guelph facilities and services

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This gaggle of award-winning gals make for one hilarious “Girls Nite Out” GUELPH, ON February 6, 2025 — The girls are back! Four of Canada’s funniest femmes are returning to River Run Centre’s Main Stage as part of GuelphToday Comedy Series on Saturday, February 22 at 8 p.m. Girls Nite Out is the comedy collective of Elvira Kurt, Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, and Karen Parker. These gals deliver a skillful combination of clever standup and improv for a belly-laugh-out-loud show. Thanks to 2024/25 Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth and Series Sponsor GuelphToday.com for supporting this show— because everyone could use more laughter in life! Girls Nite Out is in its 17th year, and this year boasts highly accomplished and comically revered comediennes. Elvira Kurt is a… Continue reading All female, all funny — Girls Nite Out serves up side-splitting laughs

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Break-in River Run’s dance floor at Flamingos’ Vinyl Release Party GUELPH, ON January 30, 2025 — Guelph’s best-dressed cover band plays what people want to hear —the best hits from across the decades. A Flamingos’ show is always a party and this show — celebrating great hits not by the band and new music from them — is going to be a dance party. Break-in River Run’s dance floor at this spectacularly swinging soiree on Friday, February 21 at 8 p.m. From jukebox oldies and 70s disco, through pop and rock of the 80s and 90s, to early 2000s R&B, Flamingos expertly hit every beloved note of popular hits and Top 40 sensations. Well-known for playing the best hits of the decades, this Flamingos show… Continue reading Birds of a feather – dance together!

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JUNO-winning Finger Eleven is back after a seven-year (plus) hiatus GUELPH, ON January 28, 2025 — After their 2015 album Five Crooked Lines, Finger Eleven took a well-deserved and much needed break from recording music to focus on their personal lives. Now, they are back with new music full of more passion and pride than ever. Catch them on River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Thursday, February 20 at 8 p.m. as they show off music from their new album alongside all their biggest hits. The band’s roots go back to the early 90s, under a different name. In 1995, they released their debut album, Letters from Chutney, as the Rainbow Butt Monkeys. They changed their name to Finger Eleven after that album, although in… Continue reading Out of the woodwork with brand new album

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Experience this remarkable, polyrhythmic, percussive dance show GUELPH, ON January 23, 2025 – Prepare to be immersed in a sea of music, dance, and culture. Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority and first professional Company dedicated to the art and tradition of stepping. Their mesmerizing, internationally renowned production hits River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Wednesday, February 19 at 8 p.m. Part of Movement — The Dance Series, this production is supported by 2024/25 LOTS ON Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth and the Government of Canada. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. A Step Afrika! performance… Continue reading Step into the world of Step Afrika!

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Charming show for all ages offers a poetic, entertaining story with a bicycle at its centre GUELPH, ON January 14, 2025 — This amusing one-man show tells a touching story full of rich imagery without using any words. Life-Cycle playfully combines acrobatics, illusion, mime, and music. Presented as part of River Run Centre’s Wooly Family Series, Life-Cycle can be enjoyed by all ages, although it is designed for those over 6 years old. River Run welcomes this production to the Main Stage on Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. Supported by Series Sponsor The Wooly Pub and 24/25 Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, this show is cheerfully larger-than-life, incorporating a variety of art forms that appeal to a broad audience. Delightfully different, innovative, and inspirational, Life-Cycle… Continue reading Life is like riding a bicycle…

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The story of The Dragon’s Gate engages children and inspires adults   GUELPH, ON January 9, 2025 — Park Eatery Kinderconcerts is an interactive music series curated to expose children five years and younger to the magic of music and instruments. The Dragon’s Gate is the second show in this series, with 30-minute performances taking place Saturday, February 1 at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. in River Run Centre’s Studio Theatre.   Performed by musicians from Guelph Symphony Orchestra (GSO), Kinderconcerts introduce young minds to music, bringing the symphony to life through an exciting and enriching hands-on experience. These shows are engaging and interactive, with audience participation highly encouraged. Children can sit close to the musicians to immerse themselves in the sounds, storytelling,… Continue reading A Kinderconcert to delight toddlers and parents

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Ultra creative duo Video Phase offers an alternate reality with their multisensory show, Alt-Escape.  GUELPH, ON January 8, 2025 – This award-winning, innovative digital performance deserves its own category — it combines music, video, and technology into a new, hybrid art form that exhilarates the senses. Video Phase – Alt-Escape is the brainchild of artists Julien-Robert and Julien Compagne. Presented as part of The Wooly Family Series, this production takes River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. With its multidisciplinary nature, Alt-Escape appeals to a wide range of audiences. From mesmerizing music to electric bright lights, Alt-Escape offers something for everyone. This show inventively blends various art forms, using digital technologies to integrate live music with video projection, creating a… Continue reading (Alt)-Escape to another dimension

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54•40 deliver decades of west-coast inspired rock and energetic performances GUELPH, ON January 7, 2025 — Nine-time JUNO Award-nominated rock band 54•40 have been at it for over 40 years, and there is no stopping them. Known for their electric concerts, they are bringing their legendary reputation to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 7 p.m. Part of Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series, presenting some of the best Canadian and international band, this show is supported by Sleeman Breweries, Spring Mill Distillery, and LOTS ON Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth. 54•40 is made up of founding members Neil Osborne (vocals, guitar, chief songwriter) and Brad Merritt (bass), completing the lineup with Matt Johnson (drums), Dave Genn (guitar/backing vocals), and David “Oz” Osborne… Continue reading Party like It’s 1990 with the band that never stops rocking

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Indigenous Music Award winner combines sounds of the forest with acoustic instruments and delicate harmonies GUELPH, ON January 2, 2025 — Mimi O’Bonsawin delivers a hybrid of natural sounds and pop music in River Run Centre’s Studio Theatre on Thursday, January 23 at 8 p.m. The show is supported by Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth and Miijidaa Café + Bistro as part of Miijidaa Music Series, which features a broad range of Canada’s rich cultural landscape. Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario and is mixed French Canadian and Wabanaki (Abénaki), a member of Odanak First-Nation. She embraces her ancestral connection to the land, using her music to share stories of nature, healing, and growth. With a creative approach, Mimi incorporates sounds… Continue reading Mimi O’Bonsawin connects music with nature

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Based in Japan, this group uses drums of their homeland to spread joy around the world   GUELPH, ON December 19, 2024 — YAMATO Drummers deliver a powerful production of “physical music” — something beyond what is often captured by the word “performance.” Their versatile drumming styles coupled with unique movements, a stunning set, costumes, and incredible lighting create a truly captivating experience. This show is part of River Run Centre’s Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series and takes the Main Stage on Sunday, January 19 at 7 p.m.   YAMATO Drummers are well-known internationally, travelling the world to bring their spectacle to everyone. Their motto reflects their desire to connect people through the power of percussion: “We go everywhere when somebody needs YAMATO!” Their 2025-26 world… Continue reading The boom of YAMATO Drummers — A feast for the senses

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Beautiful music, outstanding choreography, a breathtaking production GUELPH, ON December 17, 2024 — With timeless music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and fresh choreography by Bengt Jörgen, Ballet Jörgen – Sleeping Beauty is a modern version of the classic production. Part of Movement – The Dance Series, this show is generously supported by Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth and the Department of Canadian Heritage. This beautiful ballet will grace River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Sunday, January 12 at 2 p.m. River Run is thrilled to present a Ballet Jörgen production each year, including the Local Participant Program, which gives young dancers the opportunity to perform with a professional dance company. The production’s supporting cast features 12-15 dance students and two theatre students, based on recommendations from… Continue reading Ballet Jörgen reimagines a classic: Sleeping Beauty

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Canada’s favourite folk rocker brings new music and East Coast feel GUELPH, ON September 24, 2024 – One of Canada’s finest folk-rock frontmen brings exciting new music to Guelph’s River Run Centre this spring. On Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 8 p.m., Alan Doyle takes the Main Stage for an incredible night of beloved hits and new music. Most well-known as frontman and one of the founders of the chart-topping, award-winning band Great Big Sea, Alan Doyle is also an actor, producer, and best-selling author. With five solo albums under his belt—including the JUNO-nominated Back to the Harbour (2021)—he has been touring internationally for the last decade. A Newfoundlander born and raised in Petty Harbour, his warm energy is infectious and his performances quickly have… Continue reading Alan Doyle announces new tour coming to River Run

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2024-25 lineup features dance, comedy, music, magic, and more Continue reading River Run Centre kicks off LOTS ON Season – something for everyone

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City of Guelph is Festival Hub, including pay-what-you-can performance at River Run Centre     GUELPH, ON September 5, 2024 – The upcoming Culture Days Festival is an annual, cross-Canada celebration of free arts and cultural events. Guelph, long heralded as a supportive arts community, has for generations attracted artists of all mediums to work and create here. The city is also proudly home to several renowned festivals featuring outstanding talent in music, dance, theatre, and more. Now, with Culture Days on the horizon, Guelph proudly boasts its title as one of the Festival Hubs, with several free, public events for all ages to enjoy.     As one of Guelph’s pivotal arts institutions, River Run Centre is pleased to host a culturally and historically… Continue reading Culture Days festival sweeps across the country – touching down in Royal City

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BMX, basketball, breakdancing, and more come to River Run Centre’s Main Stage   GUELPH, ON April 18, 2024 – Experience adrenalin pumping thrills with the supercharged urban circus 360 ALLSTARS, coming to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. The show is part of River Run Centre’s 2023/24 RESOUNDING Season, sponsored by Richardson Wealth. Offering entertainment to delight grandkids and thrill grandparents alike, it offers the perfect cap to an exciting season, which offers something for everyone.   360 ALLSTARS features world record-holding athletes in a spectacular fusion of artistry and street culture. The show features jaw-dropping skills in BMX trick-riding, acrobatics, and basketball-handling wizardry set to an energetic soundtrack of beatbox, breakdance, and drumming. This tour celebrates the show’s 10th anniversary which… Continue reading 360 ALLSTARS deliver theatre for thrill-seekers

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The 19th annual touring production comes to River Run Centre as part of comedy series GUELPH, ON April 4, 2024 – Get ready for an award-winning night of standup when the annual Just For Laughs Road Show returns to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, April 26 at 8 p.m. The 19th edition is presented as part of the GuelphToday.com Comedy Series and this year, the show boasts an impressive lineup for its special Canadian edition. Mike Rita, The Second City’s Cream of Comedy winner, hosts the event. Funny, smart, and relatable, Rita has garnered an impressive fan following. He was runner-up for NOW Magazine’s Best Male Stand-Up in 2014 and 2015, has appeared at Just For Laughs Festival, starred alongside Russell Peters on Roast Battle… Continue reading Just For Laughs Road Show returns to Main Stage with Canadian comics

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Park Eatery Kinderconcerts use storytelling to expose toddlers to classical music GUELPH, ON February 29, 2024 – This season’s final iteration of Park Eatery Kinderconcerts tells the exciting tale of a quest for stardom in The Sword in the Violin Case on Saturday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Park Eatery Kinderconcerts are an enriching, hands-on experience designed by the Guelph Symphony Orchestra (GSO) to expose children five years and younger to the magic of music and instruments. Set to the music of Saint-Georges de Chevalier, The Sword in the Violin Case tells the story of Saint Georges, a champion sword fighter, and his quest for stardom. Members of the GSO bring the symphony to life through an engaging and interactive… Continue reading A tale of intrigue for toddlers: The Sword in the Violin Case

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The Mudmen return for an exciting, energetic performance GUELPH, ON February 28, 2024 – A blast of Celtic energy is set to hit River Run Centre when the Mudmen take Main Stage on Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. This tour celebrates the band’s 25th anniversary, and the band known for energetic live concerts does not plan to hold back. This show is part of the Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series, which features exciting Canadian and international music icons. Established in 1998, the Mudmen have earned their reputation as Canada’s Celtic rock warriors. Blending bagpipes, drums, and a raucous spirit, their music is energizing and has become part of the Canadian soundtrack at various sporting events. In 2008, the Mudmen recorded the theme song for Hockey Night in… Continue reading Canada’s Celtic rock warriors bring electric kitchen party to River Run Centre

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Power trio makes Guelph stop to celebrate iconic album GUELPH, ON February 27, 2024 – The legendary Big Sugar is set to rock River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, March 22 at 8 p.m. The Guelph stop is part of a cross-Canada tour celebrating the deluxe vinyl release of their groundbreaking album, Five Hundred Pounds. The show is part of the Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series, which features a lineup of Canadian icons and international heavy-hitters. First released in 1993, Five Hundred Pounds stands as a defining masterpiece in Big Sugar’s discography. The album marks the pivotal moment that Gordie Johnson defined his own genre with the perfect blend of blues, rock, and reggae. Driven by Johnson’s masterful guitar and accompanied by his soulful blues falsetto, the album… Continue reading Big Sugar brings theatrical performance to River Run Centre

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Tickets going fast for Guelph stop of cross-country anniversary tour GUELPH, ON January 18, 2024 – One of Canada’s favourite rock bands returns to Guelph when The Trews take the Main Stage at River Run Centre on Saturday, February 10 at 8 p.m. The Trews – House of Ill Fame 20th Anniversary Tour celebrates the band’s iconic, platinum-selling debut record. The show is part of the Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series, which features a lineup of Canadian icons and international heavy-hitters. Released in 2003, House of Ill Fame is the first full-length album of The Trews. Last year, the record was certified Platinum in Canada, reaching over 100,000 copies sold. With a 12-song track list written primarily by the four members of the band at that time – Colin… Continue reading The Trews perform iconic album House of Ill Fame start to finish

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Rising R&B star set to blow the roof off the Studio Theatre on February 9 GUELPH, ON January 17, 2024 – Multi-talented singer, songwriter, and one of Guelph’s most exciting performers returns to River Run Centre when D’eve Archer plays the Studio Theatre on Friday, February 9 at 8 p.m. This show is presented as part of the Miijidaa Music Series, which features a broad range of Canadian artists. Knar Jewellery supports this performance as the exclusive Show Sponsor. D’eve Archer is making waves with her powerful voice, honest lyrics, and dynamic presence. Classically trained, she was drawn to the rhythmic sounds of jazz and soul at a young age. This combination of strong, classical training and smooth, funky rhythms combine expertly in her music to deliver a… Continue reading D’eve Archer returns to Guelph with performance at River Run Centre

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Park Eatery Kinderconcerts are designed to expose toddlers to music GUELPH, ON January 10, 2024 – This iteration of Park Eatery Kinderconcerts takes young ones to the African Sergenti in the traditional tale of The Lion and the Mouse, presented at River Run Centre on Saturday, February 3 at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Park Eatery Kinderconcerts are designed to expose children five years and younger to the magic of music and instruments. The Lion and the Mouse is an African folklore which tells the story of Enyi, a timid mouse, who accidentally disturbs Aza, the lion. In an act of kindness, the lion allows the mouse to escape, only to have it later save his life in return. The simple story teaches… Continue reading African folklore through symphony: The Lion and the Mouse

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