Latest news with #JannArden
Hamilton Spectator
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton unveils diverse and inclusive 2025–26 season
The FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton has announced a dynamic 2025–26 season, featuring a mix of celebrated Canadian musicians, thought-provoking speakers, high-energy performances and free community programming aimed at making the arts more accessible than ever. From iconic performers like Jann Arden and the James Barker Band to unique cultural voices such as Twin Flames and the Men of the Deeps, the new season reflects Milton's growing diversity and commitment to inclusive, community-based programming. 'Each season's programming is shaped by a range of factors, including a focus on Canadian talent, community demographics, audience feedback, past ticket trends and current interests,' said Tammy Townsend, Manager of Cultural Services for the Town of Milton. 'Our goal is to offer something for everyone in Milton.' Subscribers also gain access to early announcements, special offers and exclusive contests. Among the season's highlights is a free community performance by Twin Flames, the award-winning husband-and-wife duo known for blending folk, rock and Indigenous music with storytelling and humour. Scheduled to coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, the show is part of the Centre's ArtSparks program—an initiative launched to give all children in Milton an opportunity to attend a performance. 'In 2021, Milton Town Council endorsed its first Culture Plan, which includes five strategic Avenues of Action,' said Townsend. 'Avenue 3 focuses on supporting Indigenous cultural resurgence, and this performance by Twin Flames aligns with that commitment.' An evening show was also added to the daytime school-focused performance to ensure broader community access across all age groups—regardless of financial circumstances. 'By offering free programming, we're removing barriers and opening the door to more people,' said Townsend. 'It's about equity, connection, and making the arts part of everyday life.' The FirstOntario Arts Centre continues to grow as a cultural anchor for the community, with programming that spans multiple genres and disciplines. Over the years, community engagement has evolved through efforts like ArtSparks and by welcoming diverse acts that reflect Milton's changing demographics. 'Since launching ArtSparks, we've expanded access to the arts for more children and families in Milton,' Townsend said. 'Recent performances like Bollywood dance and Cirque Kalabanté brought vibrant, global storytelling to our stage.' This season, audiences can expect major names in Canadian music, including country chart-toppers the James Barker Band and Dallas Smith, as well as Canada's Celtic rock legends the Mudmen, celebrating 25 years and more than 3,000 live shows. The Centre will also host the Men of the Deeps, a choir made up of working and retired coal miners from Cape Breton whose performances have captivated audiences with tradition-rich harmonies and stories. In April 2026, Just for Laughs returns to Milton, adding a comedic note to the season. Beyond entertainment, the 2025–26 lineup features events that explore deeper themes. A notable inclusion is What You Won't Do for Love, an intimate theatrical experience with environmentalists David Suzuki and Tara Cullis. The event will spotlight their lifelong partnership and how love can be a force for environmental change. 'The arts play a vital role in our community—strengthening the economy, fostering inclusion, and enhancing overall well-being and quality of life,' said Townsend. 'Programs like this reflect how the arts can both entertain and educate.' Jann Arden, a Canadian music icon with 19 Top Ten singles and a Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction to her name, will return to the Centre with a holiday concert featuring selections from her 2015 album A Jann Arden Christmas. As Milton continues to grow rapidly, so does the demand for inclusive and engaging cultural programming. The FirstOntario Arts Centre has responded by doubling down on its mission to ensure the arts are a part of everyday community life. 'Fresh off the success of our 2024–25 season, we're back with a brand-new, all-Canadian lineup,' said Steve Palmer, Director of Recreation and Culture at the Town of Milton. 'We invite you to gather and be inspired through captivating performances that speak to the heart of what it means to come together as a community.' Townsend said the Centre remains committed to that vision through continued investment in free and low-cost programs, cross-cultural storytelling and artist diversity. 'There's something powerful about seeing your own story—or a story new to you—on stage,' she said. 'It creates empathy, excitement, and a sense of belonging.' To view the full lineup and learn more, visit the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton website or follow the Centre on Facebook and Instagram. Residents can also sign up for the Encore newsletter to stay informed about upcoming shows, contests and community opportunities. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
CBC says new show 'The Assembly' platforms neurodivergent voices like never before
Among new additions to CBC's 2025-26 lineup is 'The Assembly,' a fall reality show where stars including Jann Arden and Howie Mandel field questions from people on the autism spectrum. CBC execs Barbara Williams and Sally Catto say the show platforms neurodivergent voices in an unprecedented way for the broadcaster. (Jun 4, 2025)
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
YouTube star Julie Nolke brings one-woman live sketch comedy show to Hollywood Theatre
A decade ago, Julie Nolke started doing YouTube videos as a way to promote herself as an actor. The initial hope was that the platform would be a live-action portfolio of sorts that could help Nolke land some acting gigs. But, as it turns out, the videos, which she made with her director husband Sam Larson, blossomed into a full-fledged YouTube channel career that today boasts well over a million subscribers. Her online work has earned her three Webby Awards and an Excellence in Writing Award at Toronto's Buffer Festival, an international digital video fest. 'Originally, it was just to practise and keep our skills sharp, so that when the right job came around, we were ready,' said Nolke, who lives in Toronto. 'But before we knew it, the whole model changed. And it became its own career, which has been really, really cool.' While YouTube content creator is a prominent title for Nolke, her acting career is still in play. Just recently, she was nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards, for Best Supporting Performer, Comedy, and Best Ensemble Performance, Comedy, for her work as Sam on the CBC series Run the Burbs. Acting for TV/film and content creating aside, Nolke is also busy focusing on her one-woman show, Dying on the Outside, which makes a stop at Vancouver's Hollywood Theatre on May 8 for two shows. 'Dying on the Outside is a one-woman sketch comedy show that takes inspiration from what I do on YouTube and brings it to live theatre,' said Nolke. Nolke's YouTube success, she says, started gradually and was 'a bit of a frog-and-boiling water' situation. 'It started out with let's just practise. We have all this creative pent-up energy,' said Nolke. 'Let's just make stuff without the intention of ever being famous on YouTube, which I'm an avid believer that you should never try to be famous on YouTube. That's not the purpose of that platform.' Things began to 'click' and, in 2016, the couple were able to quit their day jobs to focus on the Nolkes' YouTube channel. They were also busy creating YouTube content for others. The videos are hilarious. A recent one, titled Every Canadian Right Now, nails our current and collective freakout brought on by Trump's 51st state pronouncements and the continuing tariff madness. 'This is a Jann Arden household now. Who am I kidding? This has always been a Jann Arden household,' says a frantic Nolke as she culls her record collection of anything not — Dolly Parton aside, because, well Dolly Parton — Canadian. Nolke said a big bonus on the YouTube creation front is the immediacy of the platform. You make it, you put it out there, and people respond. 'I think people love it. I think that there's something beautiful about being in comedy on YouTube, because you can get direct feedback from your audience as to what they want. And you can turn around and create something the following week,' said Nolke, who also has half-a-million followers on TikTok and another 200,00 on Instagram. 'Unlike traditional broadcast and television, which takes months' worth of production, I can see what my audience is into, how they're feeling, what they're yearning for, and I can create that content with a very, very quick turnaround … It allows you to be very topical.' That instant feedback acts as inspiration for Nolke. A great example of that being her eight-part Explaining the Pandemic to My Past Self series, which has pulled in close to 50 million views. 'I was seeing in the comments that it seemed like a no-brainer to make the second, then the third, and then it kind of just became this series that people wanted,' said Nolke about the series that was produced in 2020-22. Whether she is talking about quitting drinking and having to 'raw-dog social interactions' or explaining that her toddler is 'unhinged,' Nolke's videos are timely, funny and completely relatable. 'When it comes to the content of my videos and what I'm going to make something on, it's usually my daily lived experience,' said Nolke, who is the mother of a two-year-old son. 'The hope is that if I keep it as authentic as possible, then other people will relate to it.' When Nolke and her husband began their online journey 10 years ago, they found themselves having to explain to people what it is they did. There were always plenty of questions. 'I think most people understand what that is now. It was, 'I'm a YouTube creator,' and they'd go, 'Wait, what is that? How do you make money? What is that like?,' ' said Nolke. 'Whereas now, it's so much more in the zeitgeist.' In those early days, the YouTuber creators were often thought of people who were unable to make it in the traditional entertainment business. Nolke happily reports that view is very outdated. 'Now, I think people are understanding. 'Oh, the people who turn to YouTube are the ones that had the get-up-and-go drive. They had that innovation. They were creative, and they just wanted to make stuff well.' And you also bring an audience with you,' said Nolke. 'They didn't want us before, and now they do. The last word is always good.' After a decade of creating content, Nolke encourages actors to embrace the platform as well as other social-media sources. 'I would say, if anybody is trying to get into the acting industry, you should be making stuff for online platforms,' said Nolke. 'You should be making TikToks and Instagrams or YouTubes. The barrier for entry is so low, and it's just such good practice for your craft.' While the comments sections on her videos are alive with feedback and questions, Nolke noticed she began to see followers as numbers and realized she still very much needed live artistic interaction in her life. That's what prompted her to write her comedy show. 'There's still a disconnect between you and the (online) audience,' said Nolke. 'I had a bit of reality check with myself and realized I've clearly had some disconnect. So, I thought I'd love to go back to my roots, go back to theatre, actually meet the real people who are behind these numbers. And that's what kind of prompted the writing of the live show … It's so fulfilling.' Dgee@ Vancouver comedy club popping up in the Fraser Valley Trailer Park Boys join John Mulaney, Bert Kreischer on The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival lineup WTF podcaster Marc Maron surprises Vancouver crowd with pop-up comedy show B.C. budget increases tax credits for Canadian television and film productions Surrey front-and-centre in new cop drama Allegiance starring Supinder Wraich How a commercial with Steve Nash helped launch this B.C. actor's career: 'Stars were aligned'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jann Arden planned to make a 1970s-flavoured covers album; her label had other ideas
TORONTO — Jann Arden's nostalgia trip faced a major detour partway through making "Mixtape," her new album of 1990s pop covers. When the Calgary-based singer-songwriter first set out to record a throwback project with producing partner Russell Bloom, the two imagined her taking on classic songs from further back in the zeitgeist than three decades ago. They saw it as a 1970s rock-inspired affair featuring her spins on Blondie's 'Call Me,' Cat Stevens' 'Moonshadow' and Blue Öyster Cult's '(Don't Fear) the Reaper.' All those songs were recorded, but none appear on the final project. Instead, Arden's 16th studio album looks quite different than her original idea. It mainly features '90s tracks that were climbing the global music charts at the same time that Arden's breakout singles "Insensitive" and "Good Mother" were all over the radio. Staying open to creative compromise has served the oft-self-deprecating, eight-time Juno winner well over the years as she's expanded her brand outside of music. Her career has spanned work as a TV personality, novelist, podcast host, and the star of her own CTV sitcom. "I'm not Margaret Atwood, and I'm not Maria Callas,' she said pointing to the acclaimed Canadian novelist and the legendary soprano who was recently portrayed in a biopic by Angelina Jolie. "I'm just this artist that floats in the atmosphere.' That perspective might help explain why Arden was willing to reshape "Mixtape" partway through its creation. 'We were well on our way to making this nutty, I don't know what it was, more '70s and '80s album,' Arden explained in a call from her home. 'And when I got it to the label, they liked where I was going.' Except Arden says the leaders at Universal Music Canada were stuck on how to market a throwback of half-century-old songs in a contemporary landscape. 'How do we sell this? And what is it?' she remembers them asking her. They suggested Arden wade into the '90s, a fruitful period for pop music that would be catnip to Arden's fans. After giving it some thought, she saw their point. 'From a marketing point of view, it really did make sense,' she said. And so she began working on the revised album, which is arguably an even nuttier execution than her initial concept. It draws on songs that wouldn't instantly bring to mind Arden's syllabically pronounced singing style, and which carry a certain cool factor the singer never really courted herself. However, Arden said she felt a connection to many of the songs before she recorded them. She remembers some of the hits existing in her orbit around the time her 1994 album "Living Under June" found its audience, and confesses she sometimes wondered if her own music compared. "There was a lot of envy on my part," she said. "And I remember having impostor syndrome a little bit. Like, what am I doing here? And do I belong with all these people?" Arden doesn't seem to carry the same anxieties she did back then. She's figured out her place in the Canadian entertainment industry — she doesn't consider herself a celebrity and humbly remarks she's "not really relevant" in the grander scheme of things. "I mean these things earnestly," she said. "I know what my place is in the world because I live it every day — and it's making stuff. I just like to make stuff." "Mixtape" is an assemblage of that perspective; a collection of random '90s moments with a light Arden touch. Her version of Seal's "Crazy" sees Arden trade his smooth funkiness for a more haunting tone that begins when her voice emerges from a fog of swirling guitars. Her take on Des'ree's 'You Gotta Be' strips out the English singer's soulful purr for Arden's more instructive delivery. A swing at TLC's "Waterfalls" goes heavy on a psychedelic synth vibe in a way that sounds closest to Arden's original vision for the album. She also slips in a few tracks recorded before the concept changed, such as Don Henley's 1984 hit 'Boys of Summer' and Simon and Garfunkel's late '60s classic "The Boxer." A cover of Sia's 2004 single "Breathe Me" helps earn the album's slipshod title. "There's a sense of comfort that I hope people derive from it," she said. "It's very nostalgic." Absent are any renditions of songs originally performed by Canadians, which Arden says wasn't intentional. She said she briefly considered tackling Sarah McLachlan's 'Building a Mystery' before concluding that she would've been out of her mind to mount such an ambitious effort. Natalie Imbruglia's 'Torn" was also on the table at one point and she flirted with bringing a female perspective to Tom Petty's 1994 hit 'You Don't Know How It Feels.' While none of those were committed to tape, Arden wonders if there's still a life for the handful that were. "I don't know what I'm going to do with the stuff we recorded, but it's all so cool," she said. "You'll never hear a more wacky version of '(Don't Fear) the Reaper.'" This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2025. David Friend, The Canadian Press
CBC
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
The '90s are back on Jann Arden's new album Mixtape
On Jann Arden's 16th studio album, Mixtape , the Canadian singer-songwriter covers some of her favourite '90s pop songs from the likes of Seal, TLC, Robyn, Chris Isaak and more. She sits down with Q 's Tom Power to talk about the album, the time she was called a one-hit wonder, and why she thinks the '90s are making a resurgence in 2025. The full interview with Jann Arden is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power . Listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts. Interview with Jann Arden produced by Vanessa Nigro.
