Capitol Centre launches new season
The Capitol Centre has launched its upcoming season with performances and exhibits to suit all tastes.
Hundreds filed into the theatre on the evening of May 27 to see what was on offer for the 2025 – 2026 season. Katina Connolly, the Capitol Centre's Executive Director, along with Dan Misturada, Director of Programming and Events, presented the upcoming shows at the Betty Speers Theatre, and Jennifer Allison, Gallery Director and Curator, detailed the art exhibits on deck at the WKP Kennedy Gallery.
There are some big names on the performance roster, including Howie Mandel, Jann Arden, the Sam Roberts Band, and Tom Morello, perhaps best known as being a founding member of Rage Against the Machine.
Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, the Grand Shanghai Circus, and Broadway star Jeremy Jordan round out the Hot Ticket Series.
Misturada told BayToday, 'We were looking for a balanced season that has something for everyone, and we really tried to focus on Canadian content. We felt that this year more than ever, we really wanted to support local Canadian artists to make sure they had platforms because we know how difficult it is for them to travel back and forth between the States and here.'
'That was a really big focus for us.'
There is much Canadian talent on tap, aptly named the Oh Canada! Series. Bedouin Soundclash, Tenille Townes, and Maple Blues Revue will all take the stage. Northern Strum, Pretty Archie, and Crown Lands are also set to perform.
At the WKP Kennedy Gallery, Allison has put together a variety of exhibitions throughout the season. Currently on display to launch the season, is Pattern / Perspective: A Survey of Work by Lizz Aston. Also on exhibit is 100 Years, 100 Perspectives, a show designed to honour North Bay's 100 anniversary.
'This is an exciting exhibition line-up,' Allison said of the new season. 'We have a lot of community focused shows, in line with the Centennial anniversary. We also have a lot of group exhibitions where the community can take part.'
Misturada acknowledged the Capitol Centre holds a special place in the community's heart, and within the hearts of many musicians and artists who have graced the stage. 'We seem to have really held a place in their hearts. When they come here, they know that they can count on the North Bay hospitality, they're treated well here by staff and the community, so they really want to come back.'
For the full lineup and more information, visit the Capitol Centre's website. Tickets are on sale now for Capitol Centre members, and sales open to all on June 10.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
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