Gibson Centre to host World Class Blues Series

April 21, 2022 · 0 Comments

By Wendy Gabrek

The Gibson Centre for Arts & Culture in Alliston is set to host its World Class Blues Series from May 20–22.

The three-day event, produced by Erin McCallum, features three Canadian acts – Erin McCallum & Teddy Leonard, Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley and David Vest – over one unforgettable weekend, and organizers say there is no better way to experience the Blues than with live performances that reignite the soul.

“Executive Director for the Gibson Centre, Jennifer Fortin, and I were talking about the possibilities of bringing some wonderful live entertainment to the community, and we dreamed big – a three day series is a great way to present truly World Class music in a way that is accessible to people’s schedules,” Erin McCallum, Blues Series Producer told The Citizen. “We also knew that it would take more than one show to bring a true representation of some of the best Blues in Canada for people to enjoy on a local level.”

Teddy Leonard, Series Music Director, said the acts selected are personal favourites of his, who have been performing at the highest level anywhere.

“Canada has so many wonderful artists – it’s hard to pick just a few – and what we have here is a great representation of how vast the artistic pool is,” said Leonard.

“Teddy has done a wonderful job as Music Director, selecting the artists for the World Class Blues Series,” said McCallum. “The commonality in these featured performers is that they are all award winning and truly notable artists in Canadian Blues music. Every single artist has been recognized nationally, and beyond, for being masters of their art.”

McCallum told The Citizen that each show will be stadium concert length, with an intermission, and will be a couple of hours long.

As for who may enjoy these shows, McCallum says, “The great thing about the World Class Blues Series is that it appeals to both steadfast Blues fans, and people who enjoy all forms of live music. The Gibson Centre is a venue that is inclusive and accessible to all people in the community who want to enjoy some live entertainment, and the music being offered in this series is just as inclusive as the venue. Blues fans, music fans, people who enjoy the arts and people who want to get out and enjoy a night of entertainment, will all feel welcomed to this experience.”

Tickets for each show are $45 – with some $100 weekend passes – and available through the Gibson Box Office or online at gibsoncentre.ca

Also upcoming at The Gibson:

Ballroom Dancing Lessons: Lean to dance at The Gibson Centre every Wednesday evening with professional ballroom dancer, Valerie Matuszczak. Each session will begin with a ballroom lesson, covering styles like the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Rumba and Merengue, followed by half an hour of social dancing. All levels of experience are welcome. Wednesday Evenings 7– 8:15 p.m., April 27– June 1, 2022. $250/couple, $175/single. Visit, gibsonschoolofthearts.com/programs/adult-classes/adult-ballroom-dancing to register.