August 23rd at 7:30 pm,

    In October 1950, with the world watching, Canada’s racing sweethearts took aim at the world water speed record.  Having exceeded the record once, the team was intent on shattering the “impossible” 200-mph barrier…

   The Opera House is proud to host the Premiere of Muskoka Film Works’ new film about Harold & Lorna Wilson, the Muskoka team that put Canada on the world racing map.

More details to follow at www.gravenhurstoperahouse.com

Multiple award winner, internationally renowned author and singer-songwriter

How does one describe the creative force driving Dan Hill? Nominated for a Grammy for Best Male Vocal, winner of a Grammy (as co-producer of “Seduces Me” on Celine Dion’s 30 plus million-selling “Falling Into You” album), winner of five Juno Awards and the Harold Moon Award (Canadian Lifetime Songwriting Achievement Award), Dan has recorded and released multiple gold and platinum albums. His classic hits, such as “Sometimes When We Touch” (closing in on 5 million spins in America alone, and covered by hundreds of artists around the world), “Can’t We Try” (#1 Billboard AC Record of the Year), and “Never Thought (That I could Love)”, another #1 AC record, all remain staples of AC radio stations around the world. Dan has also enjoyed consistent success as a ‘behind the scenes’ songwriter, his compositions recorded by so many artists spanning so many musical genres that it’s, well, incredible. Pop singers Celine Dion, Britney Spears, 98 Degrees, The Backstreet Boys, Rod Stewart, Donny Osmond, Jennifer Rush and Michael Bolton, R&B singers Tina Turner, George Benson, andJeffrey Osborne and country singers Tammy Wynette, Sammy Kershaw, Mark Wills, Reba, Alan Jackson, andLorrie Morgan, to name a select few.

Sunday August 12th at 2 pm, All Seats $35

The LARRY MERCEY TRIO was formed in 2004 by respected Canadian Music icon LARRY MERCEY, when his brothers (THE MERCEY BROTHERS) decided to no longer perform.

The reputation of LARRY MERCEY in the Canadian Music Industry, after almost 50 years in the business, is such that a long number of credits are not essential.

Since starting his solo career in early 1990, LARRY has seen a number of successes come his way. He has enjoyed several Top Ten hits from his first solo CD effort, “FULL SPEED AHEAD” (#1 Pick, Album of the Year”, Country Music News), including a couple of number #1’s “SHE FEELS LIKE A NEW MAN TONIGHT” and “YOU’RE STILL IN THESE CRAZY ARMS OF MINE”.

LARRY started his career on the CKNX barn Dance broadcasting from Wingham, Ontario in 1956. He then formed the group “THE MERCEY BROTHERS” who have the honour of being inducted into The Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame. As lead singer in this famed group, LARRY has recorded 17 albums (including a Gold Album) and some 50 singles, most of them reaching the #1 spot on the charts. LARRY has appeared on some of the largest concert stages such as Toronto’s CNE Grandstand, Ontario Place, Big Country Jamboree at Craven Saskatchewan, as well as tours in England, The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Finland, performance on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, and a Regent Cruise in the Caribbean. He was part of the team recognized for their contribution to music by winning seven Juno Awards, numerous Big County Awards, and the prestigious C.F. Martin Guitar Lifetime Achievement Award. The Mercey Brothers also represented Canada on the International Show at the Nashville Fan Fair and at the World’s Fair in Knoxville Tennessee. They also appeared on every major Country T.V. Show in Canada throughout their career.

George Lonsbury and Al Alderson are the musicians Larry selected to continue on a tradition in the Canadian Music business. George is a very talented guitar player who plays with precision and taste, and adds immensely to the sound of the trio. George also sings the low harmony in the group. Al Alderson is the bass player who keeps the group in the groove and provides the feel that makes their music special. Al also sings the high harmony in the group.

The title of the TRIO’S current CD says it all, “IT AIN’T OVER YET”. With the success of the single from this CD, “ON MY FATHER’S SIDE” the LARRY MERCEY TRIO is continuing a music tradition.

They’ll keep you coming back for more!

NAOMI BRISTOW

Naomi is twelve years old and hails from a small farm near Beeton, Ontario, Canada. In the past year she has travelled across the countryside performing for thousands while being rewarded with kindness and admiration from folks of every age.
Naomi has had the opportunity to meet the most incredible and remarkable people that have embraced her with love and devotion. She will tell you that the very best part of performing are her adoring fans. Among the many accolades received this past year Naomi cherishes the “Fans Choice Award”  from the Havelock Jamboree, the “Rising Star Award’ from the BC Cowboy Heritage Festival and The Western Music Association “Youth Yodeler of the Year”.

Naomi’s 3rd CD titled “Ridin’ High” has just been awarded “Best Traditional Album of the year in theUnited States. Her recent venture was to travel toNashville to record featuring 2 duets with Grand Ole Opry Star, Jim Ed Brown.

Naomi has performed on Breakfast Television, YTV, A channel and showcased her talents at the famous NashvillePalace.
She has opened for Gene Watson, Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett, The Good Brothers, Larry Mercey and many other established country artists. Naomi CD‘s demonstrate her incredible singing and yodeling talents.

Short Canadian film and feature film – 7pm.  Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door.  Season passes available. Get your tickets at The Gravenhurst Book Store, and Stedmans or at the door.

LABOUR OF LOVE

Sponsored by The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst

The original Stampeders – Rich Dodson, Kim Berly, and Ronnie King – are a continual favorite at fairs, festivals, theatres, casinos and corporate functions. Juno award winners with NINE gold and platinum albums to their credit and TEN (10) Top Ten Hits ( Sweet City Woman, Wild Eyes, Carry Me, Oh My Lady, Minstrel Gypsy, Hit The Road Jack (w/Wolfman Jack), Ramona, Playin’  In The Band, Then Came the White Man, Running Wild…), this classic rock band has been delighting fans with their unique brand of musical entertainment since reuniting in 1992.  Audiences, young and old alike, are drawn into the excitement of the STAMPEDERS music as they perform their hits from the ’70′s. With their inimitable musical style and subtle sense of humor, Rich, Ron and Kim are seasoned entertainers who always leave their audiences standing on their feet cheering for more.

3, 5, or 5 Wishes – Choose 3 shows to attend and receive a 10% discount on your ticket purchase, 4 shows 15%, 5 shows 20% * These prices apply to full price tickets for shows in July and August * prices do not apply to tickets which are already discounted * All show choices must be made at the time of subscription purchase * Subscription choices cannot be altered after the date of sale * No refunds or exchanges * Discounts apply only to show portion of tickets (dinners are not discounted)  Subscriptions must be purchased at the boxoffice. They are not available online.                                                             

Friday August 10th, 8 pm, all seats $35

The Cottage Country Comedy Festival returns to The Gravenhurst Opera House with another hilarious showcase of talent for their Going Overboard Comedy Gala, an evening of uncensored comedy featuring Tyler Morrison (Winner of the 2011 Dark Comedy Festival) and several more critically acclaimed comedians! Warning, contains immature subject matter!

This show contains adult content that may be offensive to some people.

Dinner Theatre:  July 16th – 21st, 24th – 27th (July 16th show only)  $47.50  Show only $25.50 when available.  Rupert and Sarah’s marriage is on the rocks and their friends, Charles and Madge become deeply involved.
Fact or Fiction?   The situation becomes worse with the arrival of Sarah’s father and mother. When the actors allow their personal feelings to get in the way chaos reigns!

Tickets are now on sale for the 3rd annual Star Quest Singer/Songwriter Series at the Gravenhurst Opera House.  Show dates are:  June 16th, June 28th, July 12th, August 1st August 11th and the Finale will be held August 18th (All shows 7:30 pm) in conjunction with the annual Gravenhurst Steamship Festival and Sidewalk Sale.  If you purchase 3,4,5, or 6 Star Quest shows,  you can receive discounts of 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% respectively (a savings of up to $23.75) This special is not available online.  Please inquire at the boxoffice for details.   ”With every new season the calibre of talent takes a leap we could have never anticipated”, says Gravenhurst Opera House Manager Brad Rundle.  There are $5,000 in cash prizes, free recording time, and winners will receive an individual consulting appointment with Internationally renowned booking agent Nick Meinema of  The Agency Group.  Age categories are:  9 – 14, 15 – 25, and 26 and over

This years celebrity judges include:  Much Music VJ and Singer of “Brighter” Jesse Giddings, Canadian Country Stars The Stellas, Marshall Dane, Jason Blaine, VP of The Agency Group Colin Lewis and Nashville based booking agent Nick Meinema of The Agency Group.

Sponsors include:  The Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, The National Bank of Canada, Cogeco, Metroland North Media and FM 105.5 Muskoka’s Lite Favourites

Contestants Please Click Here for Rules and Regulations.

The Jeffersons

Double Bill – Victoria Banks & The Jeffersons (Featuring Lisa Brokop)

The Jeffersons

Like many of music’s most beloved duos and Hollywood’s favorite couples, when Lisa Brokop and Paul Jefferson first arrived in Music City neither could have ever envisioned that they would soon join their musical gifts in a duo called The Jeffersons, and join their lives as a gorgeous married couple and the new parents of a little angel called Ivy.

“We couldn’t be any less alike,” Lisa sings in “Almost Like We Meant To,” one of the dozen radio-friendly songs on the duo’s powerhouse debut album, The Jeffersons, Vol. 1.

“I was never a fan of duos before,” Paul says in a phone conversation from their Nashville home.

Music and radio fans both in the States and Canada are thrilled that Brokop and Jefferson shed their early reluctance, and have formed one of Music Row’s most exciting and creative new acts.

Brokop hails from the Vancouver suburb of Surrey, on Canada’s spectacular Pacific Coast. Carrying on the proud Canadian country singing and songwriting tradition of pioneers like Hank Snow and Anne Murray, little Lisa knew early on what she wanted to be.

“All I wanted to do from the time I was 7 or 8 years old was go to Nashville and be a country singing star,” she says.
Her combination of tremendous talent, movie-star looks, and natural audience rapport enabled Lisa to beat the million-to-one odds. By 1995 she was on Garth Brooks’s label, Capitol Nashville, working singles such as “Give Me A Ring Sometime” and “Take That” to country radio, and releasing an aptly named Capitol album called Every Little Girl’s Dream.

“When I think back on that now, it was kind of a blur,” Lisa says. “It was very exciting, but I was also so young and so easily influenced by people around me.”
She even appeared in a music-themed movie, Harmony Cats, where her co-stars included Hoyt Axton, the beloved country songwriter of hits including Three Dog Night’s “Joy To The World.”

Changes at Capitol eventually led Lisa to move to Columbia Nashville and then Curb Nashville. It was tough to weather all of those business storms, but through it all one vital factor remained comfortingly constant.

“Fortunately, I’ve been able to stay here in Nashville and go back to Canada and tour,” she says. “It’s allowed me to pay the bills and have a wonderful fan base.”

Lisa has always been an industry favorite in the Great White North as well. One year she won Canadian Country Music Association Awards both as Independent Female Artist of the Year, and for recording and co-writing the Independent Song of the Year, “Something Undeniable.”

Something else undeniable was that Paul Jefferson was making his own Nashville and country radio news at about the same time as his future wife. Maybe it was fate: Both had singles at radio in the spring of 1996, and Lisa’s was called “Before He Kissed Me.”

Long before that, Jefferson grew up as the son of a guitar teacher outside of San Francisco. Young Paul grew up playing and singing, and once a friend played Paul a Willie Nelson album, he was hooked.

“I was speechless, I’d never heard anything like it,” he says. “In high school I was kind of into country music and nobody else was, so I was actually kind of cool.”
The fact that Jefferson had matinee-idol looks helped as well, as did something else he played with consummate skill – tennis.

He was offered several tennis scholarships and accepted one from the nearby University of California at Berkeley. Playing in the same fiercely competitive conference that produced John McEnroe in tennis, Aaron Rodgers in football, and Tiger Woods in golf, Jefferson went undefeated his sophomore year.

“Then I cut my finger off with a table saw,” Jefferson recalls, and even though the digit was surgically repaired his tennis game was never quite the same.

This self-described “Renaissance Man” graduated Cal with a degree in bio-engineering and earned a commercial pilot’s license, but Paul’s love and passion for music became the focus in his life, particularly after he portrayed Hank Williams Sr. in a much-lauded Bay Area production of Lonesome Highway.

“I spent hours listening to Hank’s voice,” Paul said.

That inspiration naturally led him to Music Row, where like Lisa, it wasn’t long before he snagged a record deal. Jefferson was one of the first artists signed by Almo Sounds, the Nashville arm of the legendary Los Angeles label A&M. The “A” in A&M was Herb Alpert.

One day Jefferson got a thrilling phone call. It was Alpert. “Paul, I just wanted to tell you how much I loved your album,” Herb said. A delighted Jefferson told Alpert how much of a musical hero Herb had always been for him, and that Paul’s first instrument as a kid had been the trumpet.

“Check Please” was Jefferson’s first radio hit for Almo, followed by other strong singles such as “Fear Of A Broken Heart.” He also was one of the Row’s hottest tunesmiths, co-writing the No. 1 Aaron Tippin smash, “That’s As Close As I’ll Get To Loving You.”

Fast-forward to a Starbucks near Music Row a few years ago, where a friend of Lisa’s suggested she meet Paul.

“It was a setup,” Lisa says, smiling. “My best friend’s husband was gonna play guitar in Paul’s new trio Hilljack, and she told me, `you gotta meet this guy.’ ”

They spoke on the telephone, and Brokop noticed something.

“I really liked the sound of Paul’s speaking voice,” she said.

They met and began writing. “A few hundred coffees later,” in their words, the couple got married.

“It was never really implied or talked about that we would play together,” Paul says. “Eventually, Lisa needed someone to play guitar with her on some shows in Canada. One night, we sang John Scott Sherrill’s `A Frozen Sea’ together, and the audience went on their feet.”

Lisa says: “We were actually trying not to do it, but the duo act sort of found us in a way. I had always been afraid of combining relationships and business, but for us now it seems like it was a no-brainer. I would hate to think what it would be like if we had to tour separately again.”

Instead, what they have is The Jeffersons, one complete album of a dozen songs and a delightful EP of Christmas standards, and a growing number of fans plus bookings and house concerts, the new venue of shows in private homes for singers and songwriters. “They are great, and most of them have gone smoother and better than I ever dreamed they would,” Paul says. “The whole phenomenon is quite amazing.”

So are the Jeffersons, as one of their youngest fans can attest.

“Ivy has a little radio, and whenever she hears our album on it she says, `That’s Mommy and Daddy!’ ” Lisa says. “And when she sees a magazine with our picture on the cover, she says, `That’s Mommy and Daddy!’ ”

Well, get used to it, little Ivy. A whole lot of people all over the United States and Canada will soon be getting to hear and know the music and magic of your Mommy and Daddy.

- 30 -

by Phil Sweetland, NY Times – Music & Radio Contributor

Victoria Banks, The Jeffersons - Double Bill

 An acoustic evening of great songs and stories from two of Nashville’s top songwriters and artists.

 VICTORIA BANKS was named the Canadian Country Music Association’s (CCMA) 2010 Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, and her debut recordWHEN YOU CAN FLY made her the most nominated female of 2009.  She has shared the stage on tours with Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Alabama, Johnny Reid and Lonestar.  She has been labeled “one of the best songwriters in the business” by Nashville’s Music Row Magazine, penning Sara Evans’ ASCAP and SOCAN-award winning “Saints & Angels,” Jessica Simpson’s Billboard record-breaking country debut “Come On Over,” Johnny Reid’s CCMA Single of the Year “Dance With Me,” One More Girl’s breakout hit “When It Ain’t Raining,” Doc Walker’s smash “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” and many more.  Her sophomore EMI/On Ramp CD NEVER BE THE SAME garnered her a 2011 Female Artist of the Year nomination, and is in stores across Canada now.

Come join us in Muskoka for our seventh Doors Open weekend! Muskoka’s communities and waterways invite you to explore our boating heritage, museums, cultural centres and more. Hosted by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Muskoka Branch and the Muskoka Heritage Foundation in partnership with the Town of Gravenhurst and Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Come and see the Opera House like you have never seen it before.  Join us for a backstage tour, stand at center stage and imagine a full house applauding you, you may even see our resident ghost.

“Without risk there’s no reward,” says Dean Brody. “It’s important to be fearless. You need to be persistent. You can’t give up.”

Brody would know. If there’s one thing the Jaffray, BC born singer/songwriter has proven in his career, it’s that he’s not afraid to pull up stakes and risk everything to chase down his dreams. Fair to say that ethic is a good part of the inspiration behind the title to his new record, Trail In Life, the follow up to his 2009 self-titled debut, and first on Open Road Recordings.

“My life’s been kind of a trail – it hasn’t been one spot for thirty years – it’s been a bunch of different places, different memories and different friends. It’s about time passing and reminiscing,” Brody says of the album. “Songs about driving, good old times, good old days and growing up.”

AWARD WINNING COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST, CHAD BROWNLEE

This past year has been a whirlwind for country music singer/songwriter Chad Brownlee (MDM Recordings Inc.), the recent honoree of the 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) Rising Star! His place on the country music scene is on the rise, with a new project set to hit the racks. Brownlee will release the title track from his upcoming new album Love Me or Leave Me to Canadian radio on Monday September 19, 2011. The album was released on February 14, 2012, arguably an appropriate date for this artist who has been stealing the hearts of fans across the nation with his incredible performances and rugged good looks. Fans can look forward to tour dates and a full festival schedule throughout Canada in support of the album, to be announced in the coming months.

Of course The Stellas can duet! The married couple has been together for 16 years, playing in bands and writing country-pop that highlights their strong lead vocals and complimentary harmonies. On their self-titled album for EMI Music, Marylynne and Brad Stella serve up personality-driven songs that range from the sprightly pop single, “Perfect,” to gun-toting attitude of “The Game,” oh-so-low “Woe Is Me” and true childhood tale “Life of Riley.”

The pair, whose 2009 audition for Country Music Television’s Can You Duet?, prompted judge Naomi Judd to yell “Shows over! Give them the contract now!” performed weekly for millions of American viewers and earned fourth place as well as a reputation as ‘the ones to watch’.

Just 4 Kicks Showcase

Celebration of Dance 2012.  June 7, 8, 9.  Tickets will go on sale Monday May 7th.  Remember to bring you ticket stub from the Showcase.   Present it at the box office when you purchase your tickets and receive a discount on your purchase.  Evening shows are at 6:30pm, Matinee at 12:30pm.

Dinner Theatre at The Opera House

A Dinner Theatre production presented by Dragonfly Theatre.

This is Noel Coward at his inimitable best, “gay, debonair and infinitely sophisticated.”   the story is a champagne cocktail of wit and charm that provides a continuously amusing two hours , highlighted by recurring moments of insane hilarity!

Julia and Jane, best friends, now happily married to others, both once counted the dashing Maurice as their lover.  Guess who’s back in town and requesting the pleasure of the ladies company?

May 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th and   **July 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th   (**July 3rd will be show only)

Doors:  5:30 pm     Dinner 6:00 pm      Showtime:  7:30 pm

Dinner choices will be Beef, Salmon or Vegetarian.   Dinner by David Friesen of Riverwalk Restaurant

Win Free Tickets !

When you complete our 6 question survey about shows and events at the Gravenhurst Opera House, you will automatically be entered to win 2 free tickets to an upcoming show.  A draw will be held at the beginning of each month.  The survey is simple and can easily be completed in five minutes or less.  The information gathered will help us determine what you would like to see at the Gravenhurst Opera House.  Thank you for your help and good luck in the draw!

Colourfull Swans by Lillian

Thanks to a talented group of Gravenhurst Public School Students in grade 5 and 6, our  spectacular display of artwork in the south stairwell at the Opera House will continue on throughout 2012.

Please do not hesitate to drop in anytime during regular business hours to view the display, or enjoy it while your here at a show!