Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts invites audiences to join them as Canadian treasures take centre stage this fall and winter at the TD Jazz Series and Voices of Freedom Concert.
Taking place at St. Catharines’ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the five forthcoming events kick off Oct. 16 with Juno-winning singer-songwriter Laila Biali and her trio performing selections from her latest release Out of Dust. From there, award winners Sultans of String will headline the Voices of Freedom Concert, an annual event dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and histories through the arts.
“We’re excited to bring Sultans of String and their unique brand of musical synergy and collaboration that speaks to the challenges facing the world’s displaced peoples,” artistic director Christine Mori shares. This concert is a double CD release of the group’s recent albums Refuge and Sanctuary.
Continuing the festivities throughout November, the Juno-winning Robi Botos Trio are set to take the stage with guest vocalist Joanna Majoko. Delighting audiences in December with two festive holiday concerts will be guitarist Pavlo and one of Canada’s most treasured singer-songwriters: Juno-winning Molly Johnson, celebrating the release of her album This Holiday Season.
Tickets are $50, plus taxes and fees, and are limited due to venue capacity under strict health and safety precautions. Exclusive $25 student/youth pricing is available with valid identification, and exciting flex packs are also on offer to save up to 25% by attending more than one show.
Founded by artistic director Christine Mori and executive director Alexis Spieldenner, Bravo Niagara! is in its seventh year celebrating the beauty and cultural heritage of the Niagara Region with Canadian musical excellence, social activism, education, and a passionate love for the arts. Mori trained at Juilliard before spending 30 years as pianist with the Florida Orchestra, while Spieldenner is a fellow of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management and a recipient of the Lincoln M. Alexander Award for her dedicated leadership in eliminaing racial discrimination and promoting positive social change.
For more information, visit the festival’s website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Full Schedule:
Oct. 16 | Laila Biali Trio
Nov. 13 | Voices of Freedom Concert: Sultans Of String
Nov. 19 | Robi Botos Trio w/ Joanna Majoko
Dec. 16 | Pavlo: Home For The Holidays
Dec. 20 | Molly Johnson: This Holiday Season
