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Jake Clemons Releases ‘Born Like Me’ Video ft. Allison Russell & Tom Morello, Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts Students

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jake Clemons has released both the single and music video for “Born Like Me,” (featuring Allison Russell and Tom Morello). The video was shot at Jake’s alma mater, The Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) in Norfolk, VA and was directed by GSA alumnus Daniel Russell (Missy Elliot, SZA, Cardi B, Khalid and Jason Derulo/Meghan Trainor). The “Born Like Me” video features Jake’s original song with an additional intro composed by Chace Moss, an outro by Courtney Jay Connor, a performance by 25¢ String Quartet and visual performances by members of the school’s theatre, film, dance visual arts and music departments.

Explains Jake Clemons: “’Born Like Me’ as both a song and a music video is one of my most deep reaching artistic efforts to date. The song was written at a time when the turmoil of the unjust executions of our American brothers and sisters were being captured on camera and highlighted amongst a wide media backdrop. A time when the realities of such painful discrepancies in our justice system were being brought into focus as voices crying for a stronger sense of humanity were ringing in the streets.

The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s last moments among the living drew me in to recount the harshness of their earthly departures. This was happening to the folks ‘born like me.’

I firmly believe that each of us are connected. All of humanity is ultimately made up of one single beautiful family and it requires us to love and protect every part of it to make us whole.”

The video for “Born Like Me” was written by Director Daniel Russel and Producer Matt Friedman and was executive produced by Deborah Thorpe and Michelle Cihak, produced by Lachlan McClellan and Matt Friedman, with Ethan Wen as the director of photography.

Speaking about the video Jake Clemons shares: “While envisioning a vehicle to communicate the sentiment of this song visually, I chose to reach out to my high school alma mater, the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) in Norfolk, VA. I felt strongly about the importance of a powerful youthful representation coupled with a sincere level of artistic excellence to help tell the story and there is no better resource for this than GSA. We teamed up with a fellow alumnus, award winning director Daniel Russell and featured the incredible talents of each artistic department of GSA: Film, Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts and the Music.

I am extremely proud of the profound efforts put forth by these amazing high school students as well as the incredible leadership of the amazing staff. The goal was to connect every viewer to these stories, for them to feel a deeper sense of humanity as a part of a family to fuel a conviction that as they look at their neighbors and broader communities. I wanted for each viewer to feel compelled to declare for themselves that these terrible atrocities are not happening to ‘those people’ but, in order to make the statement true in their own voice, that all of this is happening to those ‘Born Like Me’”.

Jake Clemons’ vast array of musical endeavors over the past decade have made him a globally familiar figure. He has toured the world performing his own music with The Jake Clemons Band and has spent the last 12 years as tenor and baritone sax player with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, also appearing on Springsteen’s album “Letter To You” and the companion Apple TV documentary.

Jake Clemons has recorded and performed with The Killers, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, Tom Morello, Prophets of Rage, Roger Waters, US Girls, Arkells and Grouplove (among others). He can be seen on the Disney/ABC presentation of the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, performing as part of the George Michael induction before playing the U.S. National Anthem in front of 65,000 for the international broadcast of the NHL Stadium Series Live from Met Life Stadium New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers game last February.

His previous releases include the Embracing Light EP, Fear and Love (which reached #25 on the Billboard Americana charts) and his most recent release Eyes on The Horizon, where he once again created a new chapter, this time taking it a step further by adding his voice to those seeking to find clarity in a complicated world and expanding both his musical vision and philosophical perspective. Referring to Eyes on the Horizon, Jake says: “We always have to carry that hope with us, we have to use it to look towards the horizon.”

Ice-T Unveils Unconventional Treasures Like Woken Prisons, GWAR And Anime in ‘Icetv: The Cult S**t’ VH-1 Special From The 2000s

“Icetv: The Cult S**t” is a unique VH-1 special from the 2000s hosted by Ice-T, delving into a fascinating array of niche interests close to his heart. From the outrageous theatricality of GWAR to the gritty allure of the women-in-prison classic “Caged Heat,” Ice-T passionately explores these cultural touchstones with his signature charisma and insight. The special also delves into the notorious anime “Legend of the Overfiend,” known for its boundary-pushing content. Through his engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes, Ice-T invites viewers into a world where unconventional artistry and underground phenomena collide, offering a glimpse into his eclectic tastes and cultural influences.

Pavement’s “Summer Babe” Unearthed Video from 1992

“The story line for the video is the same as Grease’s but without a happy ending. Two people from different backgrounds — an indie rocker and a club kid — separately waxing nostalgic about their time together. Back then, it was unlikely a club kid would be caught dead with an indie rocker.

It was filmed on 16mm and Super 8 film and edited on video. I was a teenager when I made this — into Stan Brakhage and Beatles films. It took less than 2 hours to film. All the footage was lost except for a VHS tape with this edit with its enduring timecode. The version of Summer Babe was from an unmastered cassette. The club kid outift was borrowed from Love Saves the Day.

It was filmed on a pier in Greenpoint and in Central Park.

Spiral and Gary were in Stockton which is why it was put on the shelf until now.” – Director, Tanya Small

Elvis Presley’s “In The Ghetto” Gets Remixed By Matt Ross-Spang Without Overdubs For ‘MEMPHIS’ Set

Earlier this month, RCA Records and Legacy Recordings announced a new 111-track Elvis Presley set titled ‘MEMPHIS’ – marking the first fully-comprehensive collection of his hometown recordings; available August 9 on 5CD, 2LP and digital configurations. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Elvis’ first Sun Studio releases from the summer of 1954, the collection spans 22 years of music made in his eternal home – at legendary studios like American Sound and Stax, as well as from the stage of his ’74 arena tour and in the Jungle Room at Graceland.

Much of the music has been remixed by four-time GRAMMY winner and Memphis native Matt Ross-Spang (John Prine, Al Green, Margo Price, Jason Isbell) including removing overdubs from each of the 60s/70s studio recordings – leaving the listener with only what Elvis heard live in the room at the time…as if they were standing next to him. Today, we’re sharing Ross-Spang’s new mix of “In The Ghetto,” the chart-topping single that helped spearhead Elvis’ comeback on 1969’s From Elvis In Memphis.

From Elvis In Memphis marked Elvis’ return to his hometown after nearly 15 years, teaming up with legendary producer Chips Moman at American Sound Studio. Far from the glitz of Hollywood or the gloss of Nashville, Elvis sought out songs that reflected a more gimlet-eyed worldview, and put down some of the greatest performances of his career.

“I was especially excited and nervous to work on the famed Elvis ‘American Sessions.’ The producer of these sessions, Chips Moman, was a definite hero of mine. He pulled something out of Elvis that few others have. I felt like Indiana Jones holding the holy grail! We removed all the overdubbed instruments on the sessions. For example on ‘In the Ghetto,’ we removed the strings, orchestral brass and backing vocals. This new mix would be the closest to being a fly on the wall in the studio and hearing the recording as it was recorded live. Chips knew what he wanted out of each instrument and Elvis, and he committed all those decisions to tape. Chips did the hard work already, I just needed to put on the white gloves and not screw it up!” – Matt Ross-Spang

Smithsonian Folkways Celebrates Ella Jenkins’ Centennial This Year With Reissue Campaign

Ella Jenkins was born on August 6th, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri, and will have her 100th birthday later this year. To honor her centennial, Smithsonian Folkways is planning reissues, tributes, and archival releases to celebrate her legacy as the “First lady of children’s music.” One of the most iconic folk musicians of the 20th century, in general, Ella pioneered the call-and-response, “first me and now you” style of singing that’s become a staple of children’s music and early childhood education overall. Across her 39-album discography (spanning 1957 to 2017), which included works of African-American heritage songs, Jewish songs, and union songs for children, she also devoted herself to championing multiculturalism and fostering a spirit of understanding and inclusivity through song. She earned a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, and through her music and appearances on programs such as Sesame Street, Barney and Friendsand Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, has taught, inspired, and touched generations.

The two reissues chosen by Folkways – You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song, first released in 1966, and A Long Time to Freedom, first released in 1969 – together represent the diversity of Ella’s engagement with communities of all types and ages through music. In addition, her entire in-print discography is now available for the first time on Smithsonian Folkways’ Bandcamp page.

Both have been remastered from the original tapes and will be on vinyl for the first time in decades (35 years and 55 years, respectively) this July 26th. Created especially for young listeners, You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Songis as much a classic of American folk music as it is a foundational record for those making music for young people. It introduces children to the basic musical building blocks and, through its participatory framework, encourages listeners to follow their imaginations and pursue their individual creativities. The title track was added to the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in 2007. A Long Time to Freedom is an album made for all ages but geared toward adult listeners, and reflects Ella’s active role in the ongoing struggle for Black liberation in mid-century America through its focus on Black music traditions and songs from Ella’s youth.

After Ella was born in 1924, she was raised in the South Side of Chicago after her parents moved to the city during the Great Migration of the early 1900s. From the 1920s on into the 1940s, her Chicago neighborhood was rich with live music—singing games, rhymes and rhythms, blues, blues-flavored folk songs, and the spirituals and gospel music of the local churches. Ella was surrounded with song from her earliest years, and she grew up under the influence of her “Uncle Flood,” who played blues harmonica and introduced her to the music of T-Bone Walker, Memphis Slim, and Big Bill Broonzy. She also heard live the music of Cab Calloway and Count Basie, who played at The Regal Theater, an important music venue in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

Through her youth and beyond, Ella was always singing. She studied sociology, child psychology, and recreation as a student at San Francisco State University, and was drawn to the music of her own and other cultures. As a program director for teens at the YMCA in the early 1950s, she learned songs from Spanish-speaking friends, and came across music in Hebrew, Arabic and French, as well as songs from India and the African continent. She wrote her own songs, too, and played harmonic, guitar, and ukulele. For her musical talents, she was soon invited to host the Chicago public television show for children called “This is Rhythm.”

After she got the TV gig and gained a local following, she began her touring career by performing for school assemblies across the nation. She loved the children and had the magic touch for inspiring their engagement in song and rhythm. Soon, word spread about her straightforward directions for participatory musical experiences – her call-and-response style.

Before she ever met Folkways founder Moses Asch, she developed her children’s musical repertoire and skill at the same time as she expanded her cultural horizons when it came to music of other communities and groups. Together, Ella and Asch released her first album in 1957: Call-and-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing—a collection of eight chants created by Jenkins and inspired by West African traditions featuring conga drums, wood blocks, and other instruments typical of school classrooms. She would go on to record 40 albums for Folkways and then Smithsonian Folkways, ranging from albums of nursery rhymes, bilingual songs, and African American folk songs, to nine recordings that pay tribute to “rhythm”—non-pitched rhythmic chants, rhythmic movement, and the rhythm instruments of classroom use. She even collaborated with some of Folkways’ other major artists, including Pete Seeger.

Many of her songs seeped into standard school songbooks, and thus public consciousness, like “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song” and “Did You Feed My Cow?” Ella also popularized African American heritage songs like “I’m On My Way to Canaan Land,” “Hambone,” “This Train,” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

Her commitment to working with and inspiring children has stayed steadfast through her many-decades career and life. Ella’s legacy is her music – besides her GRAMMY and TV appearances, her recordings have received numerous awards from the likes of Parents’ Choice and ASCAP, and fans have included her fellow Chicagoan Michelle Obama. In recent years, a new childrens’ book series called Ella Jenkins Meets has told the stories of Ella traveling to DC to meet the likes of Michelle, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris, attend Black Lives Matter rallies, and more.

Through the rest of 2024, Smithsonian Folkways will continue to honor Ella’s life and career with musical tributes, the release of archival footage and photos, and more.

Country Breakout Austin Williams Announces First-Ever Headline Tour

One of country music’s hottest newcomers Austin Williams, who has earned more than 87 million streams to-date, announces his headlining ‘Broken Things Break Things Tour,’ kicking off on September 5th in Peoria, IL.

Williams has been touring relentlessly this year, performing shows with Tyler Hubbard, Warren Zeiders, Larry Fleet and more in the past few months. He also performed to a packed crowd at CMA Fest earlier this month.

The ‘Broken Things Break Things Tour’ includes stops in Minneapolis, Omaha, and Nashville, as well as co-headlining slots with Hayden Coffman in Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas and more, before wrapping in Decatur, GA on Oct. 18th. Tickets go on-sale this Friday (6.28) at 10 AM local time, here: austinwilliamsmusic.com/pages/shows

Fans can expect a high-octane show filled with powerful vocals, an electric stage presence and searing country-rock sonics. He’ll perform songs from his forthcoming EP ‘Broken Things Break Things’ (out 7.26) among other highlights including his songs “Wanna Be Saved” and “90s Rap Mashup,” both of which debuted in the top 10 on the iTunes Country Charts upon release.

Since releasing his debut EP last year, Williams has landed on Billboard’s Emerging Artists list, was featured on GRAMMY.com’s TikTok’s Musical Class of 2023 list, and has earned more than 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

In addition to his headline dates, Williams will perform at festivals this summer including Milwaukee’s Summerfest and Michigan’s Faster Horses Festival, and he’ll also head out with Chase Matthew as support for Matthew’s Fall 2024 Tour in November.

‘Broken Things Break Things Tour’ Dates:
Thurs., Sept. 5 | Crusens | Peoria, IL
Fri., Sept. 6 | 7th Street Entry | Minneapolis, MN
Sat., Sept. 7 | Barnato | Omaha, NE
Thurs., Sept. 19 | Joe’s On Weed Street | Chicago, IL*
Fri., Sept. 20 | Hi-Fi Indy | Indianapolis, IN*
Sat., Sept. 21 | Old Rock House | St. Louis, MO*
Thurs., Oct. 3 | Paper Tiger | San Antonio, TX*
Fri., Oct. 4 | House Of Blues Dallas Cambridge Room | Dallas, TX*
Sat., Oct. 5 | House of Blues Bronze Peacock | Houston, TX*
Fri., Oct. 11 | Exit/In | Nashville, TN
Fri., Oct. 18 | Eddie’s Attic | Decatur, GA
*co-headlining with Hayden Coffman

Austin Williams Tour Dates:
Sat., Jun. 22 | Old Town Music Festival | Murrieta, CA
Sat., Jun. 29 | Summerfest | Milwaukee, WI
Fri., Jul. 19 | Faster Horses Festival | Brooklyn, MI
Fri., Aug. 2 – Sun., Aug. 4 | The Gorge Amphitheatre | George, WA
Thurs., Sept. 5 | Crusens | Peoria, IL
Fri., Sept. 6 | 7th Street Entry | Minneapolis, MN
Sat., Sept. 7 | Barnato | Omaha, NE
Thurs., Sept. 19 | Joe’s On Weed Street | Chicago, IL*
Fri., Sept. 20 | Hi-Fi Indy | Indianapolis, IN*
Sat., Sept. 21 | Old Rock House | St. Louis, MO*
Thurs., Oct. 3 | Paper Tiger | San Antonio, TX*
Fri., Oct. 4 | House Of Blues Dallas Cambridge Room | Dallas, TX*
Sat., Oct. 5 | House of Blues Bronze Peacock | Houston, TX*
Fri., Oct. 11 | Exit/In | Nashville, TN
Fri., Oct. 18 | Eddie’s Attic | Decatur, GA
Wed., Nov. 6 | Sanctuary Events Center | Fargo, ND^
Thurs., Nov. 7 | The Pub Station | Billings, MT^
Fri., Nov. 8 | The Gaslight Social | Casper, WY^
Tues., Nov. 12 | Commodore Ballroom | Vancouver, BC^
Thurs., Nov. 14 | Knitting Factory | Spokane, WA^
Fri., Nov. 15 | The Palace Theatre | Calgary, AB^
Sat., Nov. 16 | Midway Music Hall | Edmonton, AB^
Mon., Nov. 18 | The Park Theatre | Winnipeg, MB^
Thurs., Nov. 21 | The Opera House | Toronto, ON^
Fri., Nov. 22 | London Music Hall | London, ON^
Sat., Nov. 23 | Le Studio TD | Montreal, QC^
*co-headlining with Hayden Coffman
^supporting Chase Matthew

Haliey Welch – Who Has Reached Viral Fame As The Hawk Tuah Girl – Signs With The Penthouse For Exclusive Worldwide Management

Haliey Welch – the 21-year-old who has recently catapulted to viral fame as the Hawk Tuah Girl – has signed with The PENTHOUSE for worldwide exclusive management.

The PENTHOUSE’s Founder Jonnie Forster says, “the world’s gone crazy for Haliey!  I’m glad our team can help guide this rocketship. All the podcasters are right, spend five minutes with her and you’ll see why she is America’s Sweetheart.”

“Please don’t wake me. Two weeks ago it was just my Granny and me in itty bitty Belfast, Tennessee. Then, I say something silly, and now my life has changed. Isn’t God great?! Can’t wait for what’s ahead,” adds Welch.

After a whirlwind media storm, which included headlines from Rolling Stone, The Cut, New York Post and more, Welch joined Barstool’s Plan Bri Podcast for her first official interview, dispelling the internet narratives around her viral video (watch here).

There’s confusion about who Welch is online, but this week, Welch, who has not had her own social media accounts for six months, launched her official channels recapping her appearance at Zach Bryan’s Nissan Stadium Show (June 29).  Today (July 2), she shared collaboration posts with Brianna LaPaglia (aka Brianna Chickenfry).

Additionally, Welch has retained Nashville entertainment attorney Christian Barker of Christian Barker & Co. for representation.  Barker added: “Haliey has risen to fame with her cheeky humor–known to her friends as the female Theo Vonn, but after getting to know her on a greater level, I think her small-town, grassroots story and how a chance encounter on Broadway took her on this unexpected path to stardom will resonate with millions.  We are proud to represent her on this journey.”

Welch is represented by The Penthouse, Christian Barker & Co., and Shore Fire Media. Stay tuned for more from Welch in the coming weeks.

 

Eminem Teams Up With Babytron And Big Sean For “Tobey”

Only a month after setting the world on fire with “Houdini,” the first single off his new album “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” Eminem is back with the follow up. “Tobey.”

Featuring fellow Michigan hip-hop stalwarts BabyTron and Big Sean, “Tobey” showcases a different, yet equally familiar, side to Eminem than fans heard upon the release of “Houdini.” Layered over a sparse beat courtesy of producers Daniyel, Cole Bennett, John Nocito, Car!ton, and Marvy Ayy, the song features dizzying lyrical output by all three artists, showcasing their collective power and the potent musical landscape of Detroit area rap.

“Tobey” was first announced by Eminem via a short teaser video on his socials June 29 that showcases the return of the hockey-masked iteration of the Slim Shady persona…a snippet of the Cole Bennett-directed video for the song which is planned for release this Friday, July 5. The new track is the second single from Eminem’s highly anticipated 12th album. “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” was announced in late April, with the official release date of July 12 confirmed in a new teaser video released yesterday, July 1.

The album’s first single, “Houdini,” was released on May 31. An instantaneous global smash, the song entered the Billboard Global 200 and Streaming Songs charts at #1, and debuted at #2 on the Hot 100. The song currently sits in the top 20 of the Spotify Global and US charts, the Apple Music Global chart, and the Top 40 and Rhythmic radio charts. “Houdini” is Eminem’s highest charting single since 2013’s “The Monster” and also becomes his first charting single at the Rock radio format.

Runes For One More: Zep Revival Act MR. JIMMY Summons The Spirit Of ’73 In Toronto For 3 August Nights

Sometimes the song really does remain the same—all the way down to the last wildly bent guitar note and subtle rustle of a satin jacket against a 1959 Les Paul. It’s something Toronto audiences are about to find out, as Led Zeppelin revivalists Mr. Jimmy take over Kobayashi Hall for an absolutely uncanny trip back to the days when giants truly walked the Earth (and the rest of us got happily Trampled Underfoot).

Presented by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the concerts will lavishly recreate the mighty Zep’s historic 1973 three-night stand at New York’s Madison Square Garden—the same shows captured for posterity in the immortal concert film The Song Remains the Same and on its classic soundtrack album. On Aug. 8, 9 and 10 of this year, at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Sakura Way (formerly Garamond Court), Toronto, ON, Mr. Jimmy band members Akio “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai (lead guitar), August Young (vocals), Alexis Angel (bass guitar) and George Fludas (drums) will stun the Toronto crowd with a performance extravaganza that replicates every nuance of those classic shows, from the peerless musicianship to the vintage equipment, wardrobe, lighting and staging. Tickets available here. It’s a pitch-perfect spectacle of sight and sound that’s going to leave fans of the prototypical arena band plenty dazed all right, but less confused than simply awestruck.

Nothing less should be expected of Sakurai, a former kimono maker (and the offspring of same) who has spent three decades mimicking the music and mannerisms of Zeppelin guitar god Jimmy Page to a T. Having fallen under the spell of the human riff machine at age 17, Sakurai has not only played and replayed Page’s parts until physical graffiti became muscle memory, but learned to move and even look like the iconic axeman to the point where the devil himself would do a double take.

For the first 20 years, Sakurai was content to ply his purist’s trade in tiny Tokyo clubs —until one fateful night when Page himself showed up to watch, listen and ultimately give his enthusiastic blessing. The experience spurred Sakurai to relocate to Los Angeles and turn his six-string idolatry into a full-time career.

What happened next is chronicled in the movie Mr. Jimmy, an eight-years-in-the-making documentary that recently played the Toronto Japanese Film Festival. With a fly-on-the-wall immediacy that’s been praised by Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter, the film shows how Sakurai’s American stint with the L.A. outfit Led Zepagain was only a stepping stone on the way to founding Mr. Jimmy, a passion project that’s brought his ongoing obsession to full flower, and with the most meticulous detail. As the Toronto audience is about to discover, the Mr. Jimmy experience isn’t merely a live re-creation of album tracks every FM listener knows by heart, but a reverent summoning of the particular power of Zep in concert, as orchestrated by a disciple who’s studied live bootlegs and other artifacts of the era with the devout diligence of a seminarian.

“To play this music in a lackluster way would be inexcusable,” Sakurai says. “I just want to express the magic of Jimmy Page.”

Proceeds from the shows will go to supporting the not-for-profit Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.  Tickets for the Kobayashi Hall shows range from $125 to $500, with VIP and meet-and-greet packages offering perks like exclusive rehearsal access, a photo session with the band shot by Rush cover photographer Yosh Inouye, and keepsake commemorative merch.

In the meantime, Mr. Jimmy the movie will be screened June 28 at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and on Sept. 19 at The Whale Theatre in Greystones, Ireland. And Sakurai has shows booked for fall with another band he now happens to play for: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening. Yes, all those years of study have earned him the endorsement of more than one member of the family. As Robert Plant himself might say, that’s the way.

The Front Row VIP tickets include:

  • Front row ticket
  • Exclusive afternoon rehearsal access
  • Archival quality studio portrait with you and Jimmy by iconic Rush photographer Yosh Inouye
  • Mr. Jimmy Live at Kobayashi Hall T-shirt, poster and program
  • Post-show reception with band and special guests, including hosted bar
  • One-year JCCC membership for member discounts and the inside track on upcoming JCCC events and performances (registration via jccc@jccc.on.ca with proof of purchase).

Add-on for all ticket levels – Meet and Greet Package ($100+HST – purchase available at venue) includes:

  • Mr. Jimmy Live at Kobayashi Hall T-shirt
  • Photo on your camera with Jimmy and the band
  • Autographed show poster
  • Exclusive vintage-style show program

Kitchener’s Centre in the Square Introduces 2024/25 Lineup: Mariza, Gipsy Kings, Russell Howard, Colin Mochrie, Pauly Shore + More!

Centre in the Square is elated to announce a transformative lineup of new programs and community engagement initiatives, set to enrich the local arts scene and provide diverse entertainment experiences for all. These initiatives include the launch of a spectacular international series lineup, a dynamic comedy series, and the reopening of the Studio Theatre as an accessible rehearsal and performance space.

Established in 1981, The Centre In The Square Inc. (CITS) is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to managing Kitchener’s premier performing arts theatre. With over 140 annual events, CITS showcases top local, national, and international talent, enriching the cultural landscape with concerts, plays, lectures, and more. Located in Downtown Kitchener, the theatre is a cultural hub that also houses the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery and partners with local groups like the Grand Philharmonic Choir. Emphasizing on multidisciplinary programming and accessibility, CITS offers diverse artistic experiences for all ages, supporting artists and major national and international touring productions with state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise.

International Series: Our international series features a rich tapestry of global talent, including:

  • Mariza – October 22, 2024 * Portugal
    The queen of Fado music, Mariza, will mesmerize audiences with her soulful voice and captivating performances.
  • Gipsy Kings Ft. Nicolas Reyes – November 4, 2024 * France
    Experience the vibrant rhythms and passionate melodies of the Gipsy Kings, led by the legendary Nicolas Reyes.
  • Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo – November 18, 2024* Monaco
    This all-male ballet troupe will deliver a humorous and technically masterful performance.
  • Canadian Brass – November 21, 2024 * Canada
    The world’s most famous brass ensemble will showcase their virtuosic talent and engaging repertoire.
  • Swan Lake – P. Tchaikovsky The State Ballet of Ukraine – December 7, 2024
    This timeless ballet will enchant audiences with its exquisite choreography and beautiful music.
  • Forever Tango – February 8, 2025 * Argentina
    Experience the passion and drama of tango with this acclaimed dance performance.
  • Jesse Cook Live In Concert – March 1, 2025 | Presented by Attila Glatz Concert Productions * Canada   The guitar virtuoso will take audiences on a musical journey with his captivating fusion of world music.
  • Zakir Hussain – April 4, 2025 *India
    The legendary tabla maestro will enthrall with his extraordinary skill and improvisational brilliance.

Comedy Series: The comedy series promises to bring laughter and joy with a stellar lineup of performers. Highlights include:

  • Russell Howard Live – September 26, 2024 | Presented by Live Nation
    Renowned for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Russell Howard will kick off the series with his inimitable humor.
  • Whose Live Anyway? – October 7, 2024
    This live version of the popular TV show promises spontaneous hilarity and audience participation.
  • The Debaters Live On Tour Holiday Special – December 12, 2024
    This holiday special will bring festive cheer with witty debates and comedic performances.
  • HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis Starring Colin Mochrie & Asad Mecci – February 15, 2025
    Combining hypnosis and improvisation, this unique show promises an unforgettable night of comedy.
  • Pauly Shore Stick With The Dancing: Funny Stories From My Childhood –
    March 28, 2025
    Pauly Shore brings his personal stories and comedic flair to the stage in this entertaining show.

Studio Theatre Re-opening This Summer with Kitchener Creates Initiative!

Centre in the Square is thrilled to announce the reopening of the Studio Theatre this summer, reaffirming our commitment to fostering creativity and supporting local artists. This revitalized space will be available for rentals at the incredibly affordable rehearsal rate of $80/day – July 8 to September 20. After September 20th, our community rates transition to a still-affordable level, ensuring this space remains accessible for performances and diverse programming throughout the year.

“Centre in the Square’s initiatives are a shining example of our city’s dedication to nurturing a vibrant arts community,” says Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “These innovative programs and accessible spaces will not only empower our local artists but also enhance the cultural fabric of our entire community. I am thrilled to witness the positive impact these efforts will have on enriching the lives of our residents.”

Empowering Local Talent: Our goal with this initiative is to empower local artists by giving them the tools and spaces they need to create and showcase their work. The Studio Theatre, with its state-of-the-art facilities, will be a hub for artistic expression and innovation. Lisa O’Connell, Artistic Director of Pat the Dog Theatre Creation, shares her excitement about this initiative: “This is a game changer. Opening up the Studio Theatre for local artists’ use at an accessible price point is what our performing arts community needs. This will ensure that we can create professional, high-quality work from the outset – in a space honouring the artists’ impulse. We’re excited!”

Investing in Our Creative Future: Eric Lariviere, Executive Director, emphasizes the broader impact: “Centre in the Square is dedicated to supporting and enriching the local arts community. By creating the ‘Kitchener Creates’ initiative, we are making our Studio Theatre more accessible. We are investing in the future of our artists and the vibrant cultural landscape of our city. We believe that by providing an accessible, inclusive, and diverse cultural space, we can nurture the talent and creativity that make our community unique and vibrant.”

“This bold new chapter for Centre in the Square reflects our dedication to building a resilient and inclusive arts sector. By offering diverse programming and accessible spaces, we are ensuring that the arts remain a vital and vibrant part of our community,” says Dan Carli, Chair, Centre in the Square Board of Directors.

For full details about the Kitchener Creates Initiative or to book the Studio Theatre, please contact Rachelle Garcia, Manager of Community Engagement and Rental Coordinator, at rgarcia@centreinthesquare.com.

Centre in the Square invites everyone to join us in celebrating these new initiatives and to experience the diverse array of performances scheduled for the upcoming season. From comedy to international music and dance, our new lineup promises something for everyone.

From now until July 31, 2024 at 10 PM, buy two (2) or more tickets to three (3) or more events in our International Series lineup and get a FREE pair of tickets to “Our Planet Live – A Netflix Original Documentary” with Keith Scholey!

All the new shows being announced on Monday, June 24 at 10 AM will go on sale to the public Thursday, June 27 at 10 AM.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Centre in the Square’s website.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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