Ambitious young classical musicians across Canada dream of being accepted into Canada's National Youth Orchestra, which received a Juno nomination in 2009.
The most talented performers are accepted after rigorous auditions each January.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice Dukas, P.
Sur les rives du Saint-Maurice Hétu, J.
The Waltz Ravel, M.
Petrouchka (1911) Stravinsky, I.

The NYOC goes on a Canadian tour each summer (over 90 musicians) and so a few fortunate audiences get the privilege of hearing, in one concert hall at one time, the
sound of classical music's bright and exciting future. The Port Theatre & Nanaimo Conservatory of Music are proud to help celebrate a milestone year for one of our country's most precious musical assets. This concert program includes blockbuster classics by Strauss and Rimsky-Korsakov plus a new work by Kati Agócs, commissioned by the NYOC.

Sponsored in part by:

Shari Ulrich celebrates the release of her new solo CD "Find Our Way", accompanied by her daughter Julia Graff on violin, piano, guitar, accordion, mandolin, harmonica and vocals. This Inductee into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and Juno Award winning singer and songwriter has been a Canadian icon for over 3 decades. For this special evening she will have The Littlemore Trio opening the show.

The foremost song parodist of the MTV era, "Weird Al" Yankovic carried the torch of musical humor more proudly and more successfully than any performer since Allan Sherman. As an American singer, musician, actor, satirist, parodist, songwriter, accordionist, and television producer, Yankovic is known in particular for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts. The success of the single "Amish Paradise," a takeoff of the Coolio hit "Gangsta's Paradise", catapulted his brand of music to a new level. The follow-up, Running with Scissors, appeared in 1999, with Poodle Hat landing in 2003. Straight Outta Lynwood appeared in 2006 with the single "White & Nerdy," a suburban parody of Chamillionaire's hit "Ridin." In 2009 he released Internet Leaks and The Essential "Weird Al" Yankovic. He has sold more than 12 million albums, recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and has performed more than 1,000 live shows. His works have earned him three Grammy Awards among nine nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States. Audiences of all ages will laugh and sing along when Weird Al brings his weirdness to The Port Theatre.

Ryan Joyce is one of the most highly regarded magical entertainers in Canada today. He presents one of the countries largest and most spectacular grand illusion shows. Hundreds of thousands of astonished spectators travel to packed theatres and auditoriums in over 80 cities nationwide. Ryan is a highly skilled International Award Winning Magician and Showman.

see videos at http://www.ryanjoyce.com/

A full weekend of great Country Artists also includes the Ken McCoy Band, Appaloosa, Billie Jo Bryce, Amber Nicholson, Turnpike Bandits, the Marion Weston Band and more!

Johnny Reid’s 2007 album, Kickin’ Stones, has been kickin’ ass. Certified Platinum in Canada, it has garnered the Scottish Born, Nashville based Canadian singer/songwriter CCMAs for Top-Selling Canadian Recording and Top Male Artist in 2008, as well as a Juno nomination for Country Recording of the Year. Two top ten radio singles - Love Sweet Love, Kickin’ Stones and the runaway hit, Darlin’ sailed to the #1 spot on CMT last year.

Crystal Shawanda was born in Ontario and grew up on a Native American reservation called Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island. She moved to Nashville to concentrate on her music.
She released her U.S. debut on RCA in 2008.

Ridley Bent brings a great level of commitment to his performances "He's not strutting around the stage, he's standing there like Hank Sr., holding his ground." Ridley was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards. In 2008 he received three Canadian Country Music Award nominations, nine British Columbia Country Music Award nominations as well as the Edmonton Folk Festival's Galaxie Rising Star Award.

We are also excited to announce the recent signing of CCMA, BCCMA Female Artist of the year Jessie Farrell to the star studded line-up, making waves with her new hit single " You Make me Feel"

Please note: Johnny Reid & Jessie Farrell to play Friday, August 13 and Crystal Shawanda & Ridley Bent to play Saturday, August 14

Warner Music Canada released the platinum selling The Things We Left Behind, the band's 12th studio recording, on November 10, 2009. "It can't be over-emphasized that Blue Rodeo's latest album, The Things We Left Behind, easily ranks among their best. It's also perhaps the band's most ambitious offering. Keelor and Cuddy push their songwriting in new directions, while never losing sight of what has always made their work great: the chemistry that only occurs when they, and the rest of the band, perform together. It's hard to conceive of where Canadian rock would be without them." -Exclaim!

Over their twenty-five year career, Blue Rodeo has sold over 4 million records, won an unprecedented 5 Juno Awards as Group of the Year, been handed keys to the City of Toronto and been inducted onto Canada's Walk of Fame. But from arenas in big cities to theatres in small towns, there is nothing Blue Rodeo relishes more than playing music for their fans across the country.

It's a big day for someone special. Bunny siblings Max and Ruby have a-million-and-one things to do before the very exciting event; they embark on a musical bus ride to find the greatest present in the world before coming home to undergo an unpredictable make-over just for this happy occasion. When will the guest of honour arrive? Who will it be? Join Max & Ruby as their special guest is revealed at the Bunny Party of the year!

This fast-paced theatrical production will have the whole audience singing and hopping to original tunes alongside our favourite pair of bunny siblings, Max & Ruby!

Max & Ruby originated as an enchanting book series by Rosemary Wells, and has sold over 3 million books worldwide.

www.maxandrubyontour.com

The Vancouver Island Fibre Arts Showcase features a very special evening including:

• - an exhibit of art hand-crafted by local artists
  - a scrumptious buffet meal
  - a fascinating presentation by internationally renowned textile artist, author and speaker Shannon Wardroper
  - an amazing, stylish and unique wearable art fashion show

Fashion Fiesta is part of a 2-day event running September 10th & 11th. For more information on the entire event, check the following website: www.vancouverislandfibrearts.com

Sponsored by the Vancouver Island Fibre Arts Society, a non-profit organization

The VIS is proud to bring The Canadian Tenors
back to Nanaimo as a special event in their season... performing without the orchestra.

www.canadiantenors.com vancouverislandsymphony.com

The aim of the Canadian Naval Centennial is to build and strengthen in Canadians an appreciation for their navy and to promote the role of the navy within the Canadian Forces in a maritime nation like Canada. The theme is to “Bring the Navy to Canadians” and events will be focused to honour the past, to showcase the current navy and to reinforce the requirement for the future navy

The Naden Band is a 35 piece band performing diverse musical styles from classical to jazz, pop and contemporary music. Ken Lavigne, Tenor, and Stephanie Greaves are featured during the performanceswith exciting instrumental and vocal solos.

http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca

Charlie Murphy achieved fame as a recurring performer on the Dave Chappelle Show, particularly in the Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories sketches. In these, Murphy recounts his misadventures as part of his brother Eddie's entourage.
In 2005, Murphy appeared in the film King's Ransom. In the film, Murphy portrayed "Herb",
a gay ex-con who is hired by King to kidnap him in a fake kidnapping. This was Murphy's first major role in a motion picture.
Recently, Murphy provided the voice for Spock on the G4TV's Star Trek 2.0 shorts, and the dog in his younger brother Eddie's 2007 film, Norbit. In March 2009, Murphy began starring in his own sketch comedy series Charlie Murphy's Crash Comedy on Crackle. Currently, Murphy has begun a work to portray the role of Leroy Smith.
A stand-up special, "Charlie Murphy: I Will Not Apologize" premiered on Comedy Central in late February, 2010. Now you can see him LIVE.

The Texas guitar tradition runs deep. A gutsy school of blues playing, marked by thick tones, aggressive attack and tons of technique, all delivered in a flamboyant, swaggering style that is endemic to the Lone Star State. The tradition of the Texas guitar slinger lives on and the one name that ranks at the top of that exclusive list is Johnny Winter, an ambassador for rocking Texas blues and still going strong!

Signing to Columbia records in 1969, Johnny immediately laid out the blueprint for his fresh take on classic blues a prime combination for the legions of fans just discovering the blues via the likes of Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. Constantly shifting between simple country blues to all-out electric slide guitar blues-rock, - Johnny has always been one of the most respected singers and guitar players in rock.

His recent Grammy nominated "I'm A Bluesman" disc Virgin/EMI, has only added to his Texas-sized reputation.

www.johnnywinter.net & www.myspace.com/johnnywinterguitarist

Fundraising concert for the BC Region of the Nature
Conservancy of Canada (NCC) to help protect British Columbia's most ecologically significant natural habitats. Award-winning Pacific Coast performers will showcase music that honours the land and history- Two time Juno Award recipient, Valdy, Tiller's Folly - a memorable blend of storytelling and potent Celtic influence and Hank Cramer - one of the best-loved folksingers in the American West.

There will also be a live auction of eco-travel and nature tourism packages at intermission.

*The NCC is a national non-profit conservation organization.

You may have grown Accustomed to her Face after seeing the delightful Katy Bowen-Roberts as Anna in UBetcha! Promotions last production, "The King and I".
Now here is your chance to say You Did It, you saw her again as Elisa Doolittle in My Fair Lady coming to the Port Theatre this September. Andy Cleminson, from North Vancouver, recreates An Ordinary Man, Henry Higgins who frustrated, asks himself: Why Can't the English Learn to Speak. This 1956 musical, winner of 11 Tony awards, 5 Olivier Awards, and at least 14 other awards was a smash hit when it opened and set what was then the record for the longest run of any major musical theatre production in history. With a Little Bit of Luck, you can get all your friends On the Street Where you Live to go, thereby buying tickets at reduced prices! Wouldn't it be Loverly?
This very talented cast of 24 under the direction of Arlene Blundell can't do Without You!
Music will be provided by Sharon Wishart and Rie Okamura on two grand pianos on stage with Michael Wright on percussion.

My Fair Lady is proudly sponsored by Tom Lee Music, Crow and Gate Pub, and Nanaimo News Bulletin. Just You Wait! Tickets will sell quickly, so get yours early!

Starting with the debut single release of "Country Club" in 1989, Travis Tritt has charted more than thirty singles on the U.S. Billboard charts, including five Number Ones. His albums-1989's "Country Club" and "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" -both went platinum, while his albums- "It's All About to Change" (1991) and "Greatest Hits: From the Beginning" (1995) have each achieved gold status. His most recent album, The Storm, was released in 2007.

He has also received two Grammy Awards in his musical career, both awards for Best Country Vocal Collaboration: in 1992 for "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'", a duet with Marty Stuart, and again in 1998 for "Same Old Train", a collaboration of more than ten country music artists. In addition, he has received three awards from the Country Music Association, and is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Tritt was also honored with his inclusion in one of the "show bands", the "Louisiana Gator Boys", appearing in the movie Blues Brothers 2000.

The concert will include a line-up of other great artists such a Chad Brownlee, (ex- Canuck), Emily Adams, Whiskey Jane, The Steel Toe Boots, Roger Schmidt and more!

Azzkikr Custom Bikes will host a "Show & Shine" between noon and 2pm.

Listen to Travis at - http://www.travistritt.com/

Washington Post: "A spot on portrayal of The Rolling Stones"

Satisfaction is the international touring tribute show dedicated to the "World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band". This glamourous show has been touring since 2001 with over 1500 performance dates to its credit. It is the only full time touring show of it's kind in the world. This highly acclaimed production showcases the most authentic cast and costuming audiences have ever witnessed. The likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and supporting cast bring a colorful performance to over 45 years of classic hits.
In 2008 they were honored to be contacted by Paramount Pictures and the IMAX Corporation to assist in promotion of the new Martin Scorsese produced documentary film "Shine a Light".

http://www.rollingstoneshow.com

Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 40 years. At 13, Judy Collins made her public debut performing Mozart's "Concerto for Two Pianos" but it was the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival, that sparked Judy Collins' love of lyrics. She soon moved away from the classical piano and began her lifelong love with the guitar.

In 1961, Judy Collins released her first album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow, at the age of 22 and began a thirty-five year association with Jac Holzman and Elektra Records. Judy Collins is also noted for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her classic 1967 album, Wildflowers. "Both Sides Now" has since been entered into the Grammy's Hall of Fame. Winning "Song of the Year" at the 1975 Grammy's Awards show was Judy's version of "Send in the Clowns," a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical "A Little Night Music."

Telling stories is what Robert Munsch does - and loves - best. From the first time he stood in front of a group of children as a student teacher at a nursery school in 1972, his animated presentation grabbed hold of the imaginations of his listeners and he's been telling stories ever since.
In a review of Munsch's most recent book, Down the Drain!, Quill & Quire dubbed him "Canada's King of Kidlit."
All of his characters are believably energetic, stubborn and endearing children, while his story lines tend to challenge conventions and stereotypes. Munsch likes to use children he meets on his storytelling adventures in his books. Ribbon Rescue was inspired by Jillian, a Mohawk girl from the Kahnawake reserve outside of Montreal, who went to hear a storytelling wearing a traditional ribbon dress. Lighthouse was inspired by a picture given to him by a little girl in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Just One Goal! came to him when he was staying with a hockey-loving girl and her family in the Northwest Territories. His three children have also appeared in various stories.

Selected books by Robert Munsch: Andrew's Loose Tooth, Down the Drain!, Get Out of Bed!, I'm So Embarrassed!, Look at Me!, MMM, Cookies, Munsch More!, Put Me In a Book, Ribbon Rescue, Smelly Socks, We Share Everything!, Zoom!

James Mark—Weit ist der Weg zurück (The Long Road Back)
Mozart—Piano Concerto no. 21 in C major, KV 467
Tchaikovsky—Symphony no. 4, op. 36, F minor

This evening of great classical masterpieces opens with the World Premiere performance of the haunting The Long Road Back by James Mark, Nanaimo composer and violinist with the VI Symphony, created in memory of his grandfather. Angela Cheng, an absolute star in the piano world, returns to Nanaimo with her brilliant talent to perform the immensely popular “Elvira Madigan” piano concerto by Mozart. And, while Tchaikovsky’s powerful Fourth Symphony begins on a sombre note of fate, it is filled with sweet remembrances from the composer’s past: youthful images, street songs and a festive, joyous finale.

Enhance your evening with the
pre-show chat at 6:30pm

vancouverislandsymphony.com

The Vinyl Cafe Fall Tour 2010 will feature two brand new stories about Dave and his family as well as music by The Vinyl Cafe Orchestra and Matt Andersen.

STUART McLEAN is one of Canada's most beloved storytellers and a best-selling author. His hit CBC radio show "THE VINYL CAFE" premiered in 1994, and each week over 1 million listeners tune in to hear stories about Dave, owner of the second hand record store. The stories also feature Dave's wife, Morley, their two children, Sam and Stephanie, and assorted friends and neighbours.

The show also features live and recorded music by both up-and-coming and established Canadian musicians. Increasingly, it is becoming a place where Canadians go to find new, undiscovered talent.

The Vinyl Cafe Fall Tour 2010 will feature music by Matt Andersen: winner of 2009 International Blues Challenge and multiple East Coast Music Award winner.

This autumn Stuart will be releasing a brand new Vinyl Cafe CD AND a new book: Vinyl Cafe Notebook: a collection of essays from The Vinyl Cafe. Stuart has sold over 1 million books in Canada.

http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/home.php

Come and hear The Tidesmen, Nanaimo’s outstanding 40-man close harmony ensemble, singing a wide range of songs, old and new, in their distinctively entertaining a capella style. As well as The Tidesmen and several of their well-established quartets, you will hear our special guest artists, The City of Gardens, Sweet Adelines Chorus from Victoria. They have recently returned from Llangolen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, where they competed in the Choir of the World Competition! As an added bonus, The City of Gardens and The Tidesmen will join together for a hundred-voice chorus with a fabulous presentation of eight parts for mixed chorus!

Join the Nanaimo Concert Band for their Annual Fall Concert. This national award winning band performs a wide ranging musical repertoire including classical, big band, marches show tune and more!

If you have not yet attended a Nanaimo Concert Band Concert, come and find out why it always sells out! Treat yourself and a friend to a Sunday matinee, appealing to all ages.

Sue Foley is considered to be one of the finest blues/roots artists working today. Born to a working class family Sue spent her early childhood moving from Canadian town to town with her mother. At 16 she embarked on her professional career. By 21 she was living in Austin TX and recording for legendary blues label Antone's Records. Throughout the 90's she took to the road, sharing the stage with such artists as BB King, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams and Tom Petty. After moving back to Canada Sue won the prestigious Juno award for her critically acclaimed CD "Love Coming Down."

Peter Karp is a gifted American troubadour, a master songsmith with an art for spinning true-to-life emotions, humor, and candor. He established himself on the national scene as a critically acclaimed songwriter, an accomplished guitarist and pianist with the release of his Blind Pig release entitled "Shadows and Cracks." Critics compare his songwriting to John Hiatt and John Prine with impressive guitar and slide licks infused by his love of Freddie King and Elmore James.

“He Said, She Said” is an inspired collaboration of original songs by Sue Foley and Peter Karp. Whether they're performing as an acoustic duo or with their electric band the music encompasses elements of folk, jazz, flamenco, and blues resulting in a show that is moving, literate, romantic, rocking and exciting.

Suppé—Light Cavalry Overture
A Leroy Anderson Portrait
Elgar—Pomp and Circumstance
Dances by Brahms, Dvorak, Khachaturian
SYMPHONY IDOL 2010 Audience Pick: Dvorak—Symphony no. 9 in E minor op. 95

And the SYMPHONY IDOL 2010 winner is Dvorak’s New World Symphony! The audience has chosen! And back by popular demand —welcome to a performance filled with popular favourites, made famous by the Boston Pops Orchestra! Hold onto your seats as the VI Symphony performs tasty, harmonious light classics that will have you riding high in a cavalry, sitting low in a typing pool at the office, marching with great pomp and circumstance, and dancing up a storm, with or without a sabre.

Pierre Simard- Artistic Director

vancouverislandsymphony.com

Let your soul be touched by rousing festive music
performed by your very own orchestra. It is
Christmas, it is community and it is tradition
—featuring the VI Symphony, community
groups and soloists. Add traditional
readings and a heart-lifting audience
sing-along to the glorious seasonal
melodies and you have —
Eternal Joy!

vancouverislandsymphony.com

GUEST CONDUCTOR: Ivars Taurins

A musical and visual tour of the Baroque era, including:
J.S. Bach — Partita no. 3 and Orchestral Suite no. 4
Pachelbel — Canon and Gigue
Haendel — The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

Ivars Taurins, conductor with Tafelmusik Chamber Choir and an esteemed Baroque music scholar, shares his insight while conducting the VI Symphony in an intriguing and compelling tour of German, Italian and French gems from the 16th and 17th centuries. Words and projected images complement each other; this concert likens to opening a very old bottle of wine, letting it breathe and release its mystery…
Old Wine in New Bottles

Enhance your evening with the
pre-show chat at 6:30pm

vancouverislandsymphony.com

Conductor Pierre Simard takes from the past and makes it new and exciting; from Respighi’s sweet harmonies, based upon Botticelli’s three paintings of Spring, Birth of Venus and the Adoration of the Magi, to the very familiar Danny Boy and Greensleeves, followed by songs about morality, love spring and drinking taken from the codex written by monks of Benediktebeuern and known today as Carmina Burana. Saving the best wine until last, the festival closes with the awe inspiring, image-filled Pulcinella Suite by Stravinsky.

Enhance your evening with the
pre-show chat at 6:30pm

vancouverislandsymphony.com

Seduction, charm, wit, humour and love dominate this original Valentine’s Day Concert created for and premiered here with the VI Symphony. An additional, intriguing, surprising twist is the pairing up of husband and wife as a team; conductor/artistic director Pierre Simard and former Cirque du Soleil artist, soprano Nadya Blanchette — femme fatale, ingénue and Carmen all rolled into one. French love songs and arias are on the menu for this attractive, emotional, romantic evening of great music for voice and orchestra.

vancouverislandsymphony.com

José Evangelista—Airs d’Espagne
Rodrigo—Fantasia para un Gentilhombre
Schchedrin / Bizet—Carmen-Suite

Experience the passions of the Spanish guitar: the matinee idol good looks paired with consummate artistry of guitarist Daniel Bolshoy, brilliant and ingenious folk melodies penned by Canadian José Evangelista, and the ironies and humour of Schchedrin’s take on Bizet’s Carmen-Suite, derived from the most famous of all operas. This concert features intimacy and power, familiar grounds and surprises, with a special emphasis on the VIS Strings and Percussion sections.

Enhance your evening with the
pre-show chat at 6:30pm

vancouverislandsymphony.com