Start the new year immersed in a vibrant tapestry of cultural and musical experiences at artsPlace in Canmore, Canada. From January to February 2025, this vibrant venue hosts an eclectic mix of performances, featuring both international sensations and local talents. Highlights include the Ukrainian Gerdan Theatre, the harmonious Woodshed collaboration, and the JUNO-nominated Land's End Ensemble. Each event offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse musical landscapes, whether through the soulful folk of Madison Violet or the intricate classical compositions of Moulettes. Join us in celebrating creativity and cultural expression in an unforgettable artistic journey.

Celebrating Artistic Diversity: A Showcase of Cultures and Creativity at artsPlace Canmore

artsPlace, nestled in the heart of Canmore, Canada, is set to host a series of captivating events featuring a diverse lineup of artists and performers. From the soulful melodies of Catherine MacLellan to the rhythmic dances of Black Umfolosi, these events celebrate cultural diversity and artistic expression. Whether you are a fan of guitar ballads, indie folk, or imbube music, artsPlace promises a rich tapestry of performances that will ignite your love for the arts.

A Cultural Tapestry at artsPlace: Celebrating Music, Poetry, and Diversity

From heartfelt poetry to captivating musical performances, artsPlace Canmore is set to host a series of events that promise to be a true celebration of artistic talent. Whether you're a fan of traditional Celtic music, the soulful sounds of a clarinet, or the dynamic energy of a funk-rock band, there's something for everyone. Join us as we dive into the details of these upcoming events, spotlighting the artists who are ready to enchant audiences with their unique creative expressions.

artsPlace Canmore: A Celebration of Diverse Musical and Poetic Talent

Step into a melodic journey as artsPlace Canmore hosts a remarkable lineup of events featuring Canada's finest musical talents. From chamber music with the Virginia MacDonald Quartet to the soulful tunes of Ellen Doty, this series promises a captivating experience in the heart of Alberta. Each event offers a unique blend of genres, showcasing the depth and diversity of Canadian music. Whether you're drawn to the fiery Celtic sounds of Còig or the classical brilliance of Roman Rabinovich, there's something for every music enthusiast.

A Month of Melodic Mastery: Celebrating Canada's Diverse Musical Talents

artsPlace Canmore is set to host a series of eclectic and captivating musical events, featuring a lineup that will delight any music enthusiast. From the soulful storytelling of Ellen Doty to the classical prowess of Roman Rabinovich, and the vibrant strings of Under the Rocks, these performances promise to stir the soul and invigorate the senses. As these artists and ensembles take the stage, audiences will embark on a journey of sound that blends tradition with modern artistry, showcasing the remarkable talents that grace the Bow Valley.

A Harmonic Celebration: artsPlace Canmore's Diverse Musical Journey

In the picturesque town of Canmore, artsPlace is setting the stage for a series of vibrant musical events that promise to delight and inspire. From the raw electric blues of Colin Linden to the intricate harmonies of Trio Taleco, the soulful melodies of the Women of the Bow Valley, and the world-renowned artistry of Pierre Bensusan, these events celebrate a rich tapestry of musical genres and outstanding talent. Join us as we explore the stories and sounds behind these captivating performances, each bringing its own unique flavor to the cultural mosaic of Canmore.

A Melodic Journey Through the Heart of Canmore: Celebrating Diverse Musical Talent

This summer, artsPlace Canmore promises a series of unforgettable musical experiences, showcasing a diverse range of artists and genres. From Colin Linden's electric blues to the classical trio performances of Trio Taleco, the female talents of the Bow Valley, and the acoustic virtuosity of Pierre Bensusan, each event offers a unique musical journey. Join us as we explore these captivating performances, steeped in creativity, collaboration, and musical mastery that highlight the rich tapestry of talent and artistry on offer.

Unveiling Musical Mastery: A Journey Through artsPlace's Summer Line-Up

The French-Algerian acoustic guitar virtuoso, has taken his unique sound to all corners of the globe. Voted Best World Music Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine, Pierre is recognized as one of the greatest players of the 21st century

Pierre Bensusan - One Guitar, One Voice - 50th Anniversary

artsPlace Canmore

An intimate evening of music showcasing female talent of the Bow Valley featuring Nurdjana, Ellen Braun, Mari Rosehill, Irene Poole, Julie Chang and many more amazing women. Especially for this event they will be forming new collaborations to showcase their favourite songs from their newly released music.

Women of the Bow Valley

This recital features two trios by composers who greatly admired Brahms: the German romantic composer Carl Reinecke and contemporary composer Eric Ewazen, a professor at the Juilliard School. Also included are works by John Williams, Johannes Brahms, and Maurice Ravel.

Trio Taleco

Linden’s latest solo album, bLOW, the first outside artist on longtime friend Lucinda Williams’ Highway 20 label distributed by Nashville-based Thirty Tigers, is his 14th in 40 years, but first electric blues release. The title song comes from being stuck inside a flimsy motel after a casino gig somewhere in Oklahoma or Texas as a tornado was about to hit, waiting for the walls to cave in, with his wife, the novelist Janice Powers, providing not only the opening verse quoted above, but the gurgling Hammond B3 organ left to him by his former bandmate, the late Richard Bell, played, in her own words, “like a deranged church lady.”

Colin Linden

Calgary’s Amy Nelson is a conduit of voices from the past, reverentially channeling the sounds of depression-era blues and Appalachian mountain music through the raw reality of an Albertan feminist. Haunting and honest, gritty and passionate, Amy finger-picks her way through guitar and banjo tunes that bind together wit, beauty and truth.

Amy Nelson

Concert pianist Roman Rabinovich, violinist Alexi Kenney, and cellist Jonathan Swensen bring their virtuosic flair to delight audiences with a new composition by Roman and consummate interpretations of Poulenc’s Cello Sonata and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A Minor.

ChamberFest West: Shoulder Season Showcase

Featuring acoustic guitar (Jordan Klassen), fiddle (Chloe Davidson), banjo and mandolin (Chris Baxter), and upright bass (Nils Loewen) the band makes a big sound that tips its cap to tradition while incorporating singer-songwriter music intentionally put together with clever, inventive song arrangements, emotive instrumental breaks and powerful vocal harmony. Their shows commonly feature dancing, laughter, joyful hoots and hollers and serene moments accompanied by tears and tranquil sighs of release or appreciation. They are a heartfelt, talented string quartet that blends uplifting energy with a reflective reverence for the difficulties of reality that marries joy and sorrow and declares “YES”.

Under the Rocks

Praised by The New York Times for his ‘uncommon sensitivity and feeling’, the eloquent pianist Roman Rabinovich was the winner of the 12th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in 2008. His subsequent career has led him to perform throughout Europe and the USA in venues as Leipzig’s Gewandhaus, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory, Cité de la Musique in Paris and Washington DC’s Kennedy Center.

Roman Rabinovich plays The Goldberg Variations

Ellen Doty is a soulful singer-songwriter with a world-class voice. Her background in traditional jazz continues to influence her work, drawing from a number of genres while staying true to herself. A born storyteller, Ellen’s intimate and personal lyrics shine through her stunning vocals. Born and raised in southern Alberta, she currently lives in Edmonton and represents Canada on the world stage, from performing at Tokyo Jazz Festival to opening for Grammy award winning artists Gregory Porter and Lisa Fischer.

Ellen Doty

Love, loss, and navigating safety are peppered through Ellen Braun’s upcoming album, The Doldrums. Written over years of global and personal insecurity and uncertainty, these new tunes were written as Ellen navigated the struggles and gifts of single-parenting, the intention to live a peaceful life, and the importance of surrounding herself with a loving community.

Ellen Braun

Zebra is a funk-rock band from Canmore. The band uses a smooth dose of tenor saxophone bouncing from funky rhythms to improvised grooves and good ol’ rock n’ soul.

Zebra

Calgary vocalist Aimee-Jo Benoit has established herself as a sought after vocalist in the jazz community. In June 2020, Benoit released BORJONER, a collection of arrangements of all Canadian folk, pop and rock with Trio Velocity. This past March 29, she released her sophomore effort, Horns of Hope on Chronograph Records. The album’s 8 tracks are all Canadian, featuring compositions by Sarah Harmer, Joni Mitchell, Daniel Lanois, Leonard Cohen, Kathleen Edwards and K.D Lang, with arrangements by Calgary’s Carsten Rubeling. This is not an unusual course for the bandleaders, Benoit and Rubeling, whose previous Canadian explorations together in the Both Sides Now Ensemble is what sparked this new collaborative project.

Aimee-Jo Benoit and The New Assembly: Horns of Hope

Each season, Calgary Opera provides up to eight young singers with the opportunity to study and perform under a professional staff of teachers and performers. The program serves as a bridge between academic programs and the professional world of opera, offering the experience and practical skills necessary to succeed as a self-employed artist in a highly competitive international environment.

Calgary Opera

Còig is one of Atlantic Canada’s most exciting Celtic traditional groups. With a fiery Celtic style as their musical core, Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen, accompanied by Zakk Cormier, offer a fresh and exhilarating mix of traditional tunes, lively instrumentals and contemporary songs performed on over a dozen instruments (vocals, fiddles, guitar, banjo, mandolin, viola, bouzouki, whistles, and more)-in a lot of non-traditional ways! Shifting between century-old tunes of past generations to original and upbeat compositions with infectious energy, Còig is an unparalleled music force.

Còig

The beloved Rising Stars concert is back for another year! Join us for an inspiring evening featuring the next generation of Canada’s truly outstanding young classical musicians – in collaboration with internationally acclaimed pianist and Canmore resident Susanne Ruberg-Gordon. You will be wowed, moved and blown away!

Canada's Rising Stars

Juno Award-winning clarinetist Virginia MacDonald has established herself as a rising star of her generation. Known for her lyrical and soulful clarinet playing, Virginia has been described as a “powerful new voice in the Canadian scene” by Juno Award-winning bassist Mike Downes.

Virginia MacDonald Quartet

As the Prairie Sons, cellist David Liam Roberts and pianist Godwin Friesen embody the expansive, nuanced perspective of their home landscape in their concert program. The two award-winning musicians met at the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School of Music and recognized a kindred spirit in each other. Both hail from the Prairies, began performing alongside other members of their families, and have been named to CBC’s list of Hot 30 Classical Musicians Under 30.

Prairie Sons

Coming from a long tradition of Cape Breton music and dance, Lucy has been performing with the Barra MacNeils for 37 years, touring alongside her brothers across Canada, the US, Europe and the UK. The only girl in a family of five boys, she is at the heart of The Barra MacNeils. Her crystalline vocals are immediately identifiable with the group’s quintessential sound.

Lucy MacNeil

Music’s an almost alchemical force to Canadian Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney. From the first time he really heard music, sitting on the floor of his great-uncle’s house transfixed by a DVD of Phil Collins, to 2022 where he’s one of the most in-demand young fiddlers and singers in Atlantic Canada, was nominated for three East Coast Canadian Music Awards, and his debut album, First Flight, is being reissued by Indigenous record label Ishkode Records.

Morgan Toney

Poetry, stories, songs or however you like to put words together, all are welcome at these community Poetry Nights.

artsPlace Poetry Night

Specializing in imbube music, gumboot dance and Zulu dance, Black Umfolosi has toured extensively nationally and internationally – Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Asia. They have represented Zimbabwe at international events such as Expo 1992 in Seville, Spain and the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada.

Black Umfolosi

England’s MOULETTES have been favorites of European critics and audiences for quite some time. For Indie, Folk and Classical lovers alike, their music is a delicious interplay of dramatic orchestration, string baths & kaleidoscopic lushness. Stretching the boundaries of expectation as they move between Cellos, classical & steel string Guitars, Viola, Piano, Violin, Harp, Percussion & harmony vocals, be prepared to question all you think you know about the traditional chamber ensemble. Through this daring ensemble, Moulettes explore the resonant beauty of these acoustic instruments with ambition, ingenuity and poise.

Moulettes

Returning to artsPlace, Old Man Luedecke is the recording and performing name of two-time JUNO award winning songwriter Chris Luedecke. Known for his high energy banjo driven stompers, touching guitar ballads and dry humorous stories, Luedecke has been successfully exporting his brand of high and lowbrow roots for fifteen years.

Old Man Luedeke

The group had a promising start in Beirut, appearing at venues including the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra and the French Embassy before civil war intruded. Thanks to the Artist Protection Fund (APF) which helps musicians in areas of conflict, the group has found refuge in Canada. Now, Gaby Al Botros, Mohammed Mir Mahmoud, and Orwa Al Sharaa are taking a musical message of peace and hope to communities across their new home of Canada.

Orontes Guitarists

Catherine MacLellan has been captivating audiences around the world with her music for over two decades. Born and raised in the idyllic province of Prince Edward Island, Catherine's songs reflect her deep connection to the land and the people that call it home. Her passion for songwriting runs in the family; her father, Gene MacLellan, wrote beloved hits like "Snowbird" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand."

Catherine MacLellan

The pair, who both have roots in rural Cape Breton, came together musically in the late 1990s, over many evenings in Brenley’s grandmother’s kitchen, which was always bursting with food, family, friends, and instruments.

Madison Violet ~ Folk & Roots

Hailed by The Whole Note as "highly enjoyable and immensely satisfying“, JUNO-nominated Land’s End Ensemble (Maria van der Sloot, violin; Beth Root Sandvoss, cello; Susanne Ruberg-Gordon, piano; Vincent Ho, Artistic Director) is one of Canada’s foremost contemporary ensembles, inviting curious audiences to reimagine the possibilities of the classical piano trio. Dedicated to presenting innovative compositions, the Ensemble has been praised by critics for their exceptional artistry.

Land's End Ensemble

After a captivating performance at the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Buckley and Hannam finally decided to ratify their collaboration and bring the woodshed to life. Together they bring a beautiful vocal blend of brotherly harmonies combined with gutsy and sophisticated songwriting alongside intricate guitar playing.

The Woodshed

Play your original tunes or fav cover songs and take your turn at the mic. Bring your own instruments but be welcome to play the beautiful artsPlace grand piano! Enjoy the artsPlace cabaret set-up and sit with your friends in a cozy cafe-style seating to appreciate the music.

artsPlace Open Mic Nights

The Ukrainian singing sensation, Gerdan Theatre, celebrated for blending traditional Ukrainian folk music with contemporary flare, comes to Canmore as part of an extensive cross-Canada tour showcasing the authentic music of their homeland. In addition to preserving and celebrating Ukrainian heritage, the tour stands in solidarity with Ukrainian families impacted by the ongoing conflict.

Gerdan Theatre

The “Acoustic Guitarist of the Year” and celebrated singer/songwriter Christie Lenee is more than a musician – she’s an experience. Symphonic compositions flow from her fingertips effortlessly, with sound ranging from transcendental folk-pop to virtuosic instrumentals.

artsPlace

Jul 17, 2025

Pierre Bensusan - One Guitar, One Voice - 50th Anniversary

Jun 14, 2025

Women of the Bow Valley

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