Tag Archives: live music

(Alt)-Escape to another dimension

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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Mimi O’Bonsawin connects music with nature

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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Ring in the holidays with A Very Charlie Brown Concert

A jazz trio, a children’s choir, and the nostalgia of Charlie Brown—this combo delivers holiday cheer   GUELPH, ON December 5, 2024 – Celebrate Christmas with joyful nostalgia—and Charlie Brown! River Run Centre is delighted to bring A Very Charlie Brown Concert back to the Main Stage. The show takes place on Sunday, December 22 with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Part of Miijidaa Music Series, this show is made possible thanks to the generous support of Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, Series Sponsor Miijidaa Café + Bistro, and SOCAN Foundation.   This lively musical performance features a jazz trio led by drummer and percussionist Adam Bowman, with Tyler Wagler on bass and Duncan Wilson on keys. The trio is accompanied by The Kingsbury… Continue reading Ring in the holidays with A Very Charlie Brown Concert

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Spend Christmas with family—The Ennis Family, that Is

The Ennis Sisters captivate audiences with beautiful harmonies and powerful storytelling   GUELPH, ON November 26, 2024 — Join these JUNO and SOCAN Award-winning sisters for a memorable night of folklore, song, and dance. Christmas with The Ennis Sisters takes River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, December 6 at 8 p.m. Presented by Series Sponsors Sleeman Breweries and Spring Mill Distillery and Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, these fabulous women will fill Guelph with warmth, joy, and some Celtic spirit.   Proudly hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, the sisters are Maureen, Karen and Teresa. They use unique Indigenous instruments in their music, incorporating the flute, tin whistle, and bodhrán—a native Celtic drum. The sisters also play more traditional instruments, like guitar and tambourine,… Continue reading Spend Christmas with family—The Ennis Family, that Is

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The Next Generation Leahy Christmas—Song and dance for the whole family

These skilled siblings bring youthful energy and joy through music this holiday season GUELPH, ON November 19, 2024 — The Leahys are back, and they’re not babies anymore! The Next Generation Leahy has played River Run Centre several times before, including in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Since then, they have continued to develop their dynamic live performance and now return show as part of the Showcase Series. They take the Main Stage for The Next Generation Leahy Christmas on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. “The Leahy family are outstanding performers! They put on such a fun, high-energy show and I’m excited to welcome them back. As they grow up and continue honing their craft, their musicianship improves­—and they were incredible five years ago!” laughs… Continue reading The Next Generation Leahy Christmas—Song and dance for the whole family

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Canadian legends take us back to the 80s

Glass Tiger is back to revisit their big hits and deep cuts—and the show is selling out!   GUELPH, ON November 7, 2024 — Get your tickets fast—these tigers know how to sell out a show. Glass Tiger – This Island Earth comes to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, November 29 at 8 p.m. This concert is part of the Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series, which showcases some of Canada’s greatest hitmakers and internationally touring bands. Glass Tiger is one of Canada’s most iconic and enduring bands, still rocking after four decades together. Their 1986 debut album, The Thin Red Line, features two of their biggest singles, “Someday” and the iconic hit “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”, both of which reached Top 10… Continue reading Canadian legends take us back to the 80s

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Husband and wife duo deliver old school charm with a twangy twist

Brooks & Bowskill have the perfect mix of talent and chemistry. GUELPH, ON November 5, 2024 — This genre-blending country folk-rock is a delightful treat and a beautiful reflection of true love! Brooks & Bowskill are a married couple touring for their newest album, Blissful State of Mind. They play River Run Centre’s Studio Theatre on Saturday, November 30 at 8 p.m. This show is part of Borealis Music Series, sponsored by Borealis Grille & Bar, featuring a lineup of indie singers, songwriters, and storytellers in the intimate Studio Theatre. The series is also supported by Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth and in part by Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario. Brooks & Bowskill’s sound is a mix of folk rock and country, original… Continue reading Husband and wife duo deliver old school charm with a twangy twist

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FORZA—A musical force to be reckoned with

Talented trio and special guests offer a night of jazzy-bluesy-funky-rock-fusion jams GUELPH, ON October 22, 2024 – River Run Centre’s 2024/25 LOTS ON Season is thrilled to include FORZA featuring Jason Raso and Special Guests in the Studio Theatre as part of Borealis Music Series. Thank you to Borealis Grille & Bar for supporting this series, which brings a broad mix of indie music to the Studio Theatre. FORZA takes the stage on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 8 p.m. It will surely be an evening to remember—and dance to!— with their signature fusion of classic rock, jazz, blues, and funk. FORZA is led by Jason Raso, a Hartke Canadian Artist Search Winner (2010) and acclaimed master bassist. Since his debut 2001 record, The Bassman… Continue reading FORZA—A musical force to be reckoned with

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The Legendary Downchild Blues Band is back for one last time!

Beloved Canadian icons revisit Guelph on their final tour. GUELPH, ON October 10, 2024 — The boys are back in town—the boys being The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, of course. This time, sadly, will be their last. The Legendary Downchild Blues Band — FAREWELL TOUR with Special Guest Jeff Rogers is coming to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Tuesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. Come celebrate the legendary career of the band that inspired The Blues Brothers. The original blues brothers—Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh and Richard “Hock” Walsh—formed Downchild in Toronto in 1969. Dan Aykroyd credits the band for inspiring The Blues Brothers, the comedic act (band-turned-film) he created with fellow comedy legend, John Belushi. The real Legendary Downchild Blues Band has been playing… Continue reading The Legendary Downchild Blues Band is back for one last time!

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Alan Doyle announces new tour coming to River Run

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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A tale of intrigue for toddlers: The Sword in the Violin Case

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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Canada’s Celtic rock warriors bring electric kitchen party to River Run Centre

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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Big Sugar brings theatrical performance to River Run Centre

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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