Tag Archives: Live Performance

A Kinderconcert to delight toddlers and parents

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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(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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Party like It’s 1990 with the band that never stops rocking

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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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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The boom of YAMATO Drummers — A feast for the senses

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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Ballet Jörgen reimagines a classic: Sleeping Beauty

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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Part time believers, full time legends

Two-time JUNO winners The Strumbellas return to the stage GUELPH, ON December 3, 2024 – Canadian rockers return to Guelph for a soulful, dance-in-your-seat show as part of Magic Music Now. Catch The Strumbellas performing a selection of past favourites and new hits on Sunday, December 15 at 7 p.m. on River Run Centre’s Main Stage. Presented by Series and Media Sponsor Magic 106.1 and Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, this show is sure to be a fun time. The Strumbellas are known and respected for their folky, alternative, country-rock sound with deeply profound lyrics. The Strumbellas released Part Time Believer earlier this year. It was their first album with new frontman Jimmy Chauveau, who replaced their original lead singer, Simon Ward. The rest of the… Continue reading Part time believers, full time legends

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A River Run Tradition: Boreal is back!

Boreal’s Songs for a Snowy Season returns to welcome winter with healing harmonies and heartfelt storytelling GUELPH, ON November 28, 2024 — River Run Centre is delighted to have Boreal as a seasonal staple, returning this winter for an evening of beautiful (and fun) music. The three women tour as a trio twice a year—one of those tours being Boreal’s Songs for a Snowy Season—part of the Showcase Series on Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. What a perfect way to spend your wintry Saturday night! Boreal is the awesome collaboration between three award-winning musicians, each with their own colourful career. Tannis Slimmon, Katherine Wheatley, and Angie Nussey have independently made significant marks on the Canadian folk music scene for decades. “Not sure there’s another… Continue reading A River Run Tradition: Boreal is back!

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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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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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Tchaikovsky for toddlers—This season’s first Kinderconcert is family favourite, The Nutcracker

Classical music designed for teeny toddlers, and their parents too   GUELPH, ON October 24, 2024 — Music is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, and it starts at a young age at Park Eatery Kinderconcerts at River Run Centre. This wonderful series is curated to expose children five years and younger to the magic of music and instruments. The Nutcracker is the first of three Kinderconcerts in River Run’s Studio Theatre, with 30-minute performances taking place Saturday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. Kinderconcerts are performed by talented members of Guelph Symphony Orchestra (GSO). These highly accomplished musicians delight in storytelling and introducing young minds to music. They bring the symphony to life through interactive performances, with audience participation highly… Continue reading Tchaikovsky for toddlers—This season’s first Kinderconcert is family favourite, The Nutcracker

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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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A magical mix of history, storytelling, and grand illusion

Outerbridge Magic – Mysteries of the Keyhole House brings charming magic show to Guelph for audiences of all ages GUELPH, ON October 17, 2024 – It is not always easy to find fun for the whole family—which is exactly what this show offers. Outerbridge Magic – Mysteries of the Keyhole House is truly a show to be enjoyed by everyone. Part of River Run’s Showcase Series in the LOTS ON Season sponsored by Richardson Wealth and the Department of Canadian Heritage, this spooky, spoofy show is intriguing, impressive, and entertaining for all. Ted and Marion Outerbridge are a married duo with a treasure trove of spellbinding stories. Having purchased a heritage home in Smiths Falls, Ontario, they began restoring the home and documenting their mysterious… Continue reading A magical mix of history, storytelling, and grand illusion

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Maria Bamford shows there’s lightness to be found in life’s dark corners

Hilariously self-deprecating comedian takes Guelph—this one’s selling fast! GUELPH, ON October 15, 2024 – Treat yourself to a unique comedy experience when Maria Bamford takes the Main Stage at River Run Centre on Sunday, November 3 at 7 p.m. This show is the first of four in the GuelphToday Comedy Series, which brings outstanding international comedy to the stage.   Maria Bamford is a one-of-a-kind comedian, actress, voiceover artist, and writer, known for her varied work in shows including Arrested Development, Big Mouth, Lady Dynamite, and many, many more. Her kooky brand of comedy is laugh-out-loud funny, deeply personal, and playfully thought-provoking.   In 2023, Maria Bamford released her book Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult, aptly subtitled: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest… Continue reading Maria Bamford shows there’s lightness to be found in life’s dark corners

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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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World After Dark: A unique dance performance on the Main Stage

An electric, enigmatic, epic experience in the form of a dance show.   GUELPH, ON September 26, 2024 – River Run Centre is excited to present World After Dark in its 2024/25 LOTS ON Season lineup. The show takes River Run’s Main Stage on Friday, October 18 at 8 p.m.   This exciting performance is a co-presentation with Guelph Dance and is part of Movement: The Dance Series, River Run’s first official dance series.   World After Dark explores what happens when nightfall comes and the world transforms into something very different than by day. It explores the idea of night in both a literal and metaphorical sense—it answers the question: what does night feel like?   Show creator Shannon Litzenberger has imagined a world… Continue reading World After Dark: A unique dance performance on the Main Stage

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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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360 ALLSTARS deliver theatre for thrill-seekers

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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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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