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

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