Culture, imagination and education will be showcased during The Banff Centre’s fall season.
Dance, science, music and comedy are just some of the offerings planned for the upcoming months, including presentations that will only be offered by The Banff Centre.
“The first thing to say is we like to think of all our presentations as one,” said Casey Prescott, associate director for the Banff Centre. “One of our goals is to offer as much diversity as we can with our lineups.”
On Saturday, Sept. 21. Serena Ryder will bring Adam Cohen to her rescheduled performance, taking place at Cascade Gardens as Performance in the Park.
A Legendary Leaders Event will bring together Christopher Plummer, Shakespeare and orchestral music. This will be a unique concert featuring the Bard’s immortal words recited by Christopher Plummer, along with the accompaniment of a chamber orchestra, Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eric Harvie Theatre. “It will include excerpts from Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, and is a very personal show; it should be a hot ticket since it will probably never take place here again,” Prescott said. “It’s a personal labour of love that will offer moments in Shakespeare’s plays that mean so much to him.”
A return of The Real Time Series will take place, featuring films from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The first Monday in October, November and December will involve showing a full feature length movie, along with one or two short films.
Starting in mid-October, Friday nights will have a different faculty member performing in Rolston Recital Hall into the middle of December. Celebrated pianist Anton Querti will perform Nov. 22.
The Leading Ideas Speaker Sessions will kick off with author Tompson Highway. Internationally renowned writers Witi Ihimaera (The Whale Rider) and Highway (The Rez Sisters) will share the stage together for an evening of unforgettable stories, tales and laughter.
The Banff International Research Station will have a presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 18, to discuss the science behind Harry Potter’s cloak.
In November, B.I.R.S will host a presentation entitled: Predicting the Next Disaster. “This will be a great opportunity to come and listen to the B.I.R.S scientists,” Prescott said. “A lot of people don’t realize we have a research centre located here, and it’s a chance to be in the same room with them and have a public forum.”
Prescott added the presentations will be an example of The Banff Centre being able to showcase its richness as the intersection of art and science.
Banff will see the return of Word Fest, Oct. 18-20. The event will coincide with happenings in Calgary, with author Joseph Boyden present to discuss his latest work.
The return of the Mountain Book and Film Festival will take place Oct. 26 to Nov. 2.
Canadian comedy will be represented by Prairie funny man Brent Butt of Corner Gas fame on Oct. 16. “He’ll delight fans of Corner Gas along with Canadians of all comedy,” Prescott said. “Comedian Chris Gibb will perform his show (Nov. 20) Like Father Like Son for all the fathers out there. I saw the show at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and it was hilarious,” Prescott said.
A special dance presentation will have Sam Praeaya Dance Creations presenting Taj. A Southeast Asian dance performance taking place Saturday, Nov. 9.
The Alberta Ballet Company will perform Fumbling Towards Ecstasy on Saturday, Nov. 23. The program is choreographed and features the music of Sarah McLachlan.
“We’re very fortunate to host Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,” Prescott said. “This is an exclusive engagement, and this will be the only place you can see it.”
“Lovers of Sarah McLachlan and lovers of dance will truly appreciate it, and it’s an event not to be missed.”
The Banff Centre Club Series highlights include Elliot Brood performing Monday, Sept. 24.
Canadian-born jazz singer, songwriter and piano performer Laila Biali is set to take the stage Monday, Oct. 7.
Ron Sexsmith will bring along opening act Jen Grant on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Nov. 1-2, will have late-night performances by Hawksley Workman, with shows beginning at 11:30 p.m.
Mathew Good will perform at the Eric Harvey Theatre Monday, Nov. 18.
Will Stroet and the Backyard Band will offer a matinee show Saturday, Oct. 5.
A Christmas edition of The Vinyl Cafe will bring Stuart Mclean along with the band The Good Lovelies on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7 will also involve a matinee performance by Fred Penner, with a family Christmas chorus.
MOTUS O Dance Company of Toronto will perform A Christmas Carol, Friday evening, Dec. 6, with a matinee performance scheduled for Dec. 8.
