The Spotlight Series is The Port Theatre Society’s nationally acclaimed presentation series that includes some of the most exciting touring artists available, every one of them showcasing artistic excellence and innovation. At the heart of the Spotlight Series is a passion to create access to diverse and authentic experiences for our audiences. Choose from a variety of unique, bold, exciting events. There’s truly something for everyone!
Member ON-SALE — Wednesday, July 19, 2023 @ 11am
Public ON-SALE — Wednesday, August 2, 2023 @ 11am
As a member of The Port Theatre Society, you enjoy discounts on ALL Spotlight shows! Save $5 on every Adult Ticket you purchase. Plus, buy 2 weeks before everyone else! That means, you’ll get your favourite seats. Regular membership is only $30 a year.
Show starts at 7:30pm
Oktopus is a major presence on the Canadian world music scene, with over 250 performances to its credit at home and abroad. The group is primarily devoted to klezmer—the musical heritage of Eastern European Jews—distinguished by a novel approach that incorporates various components of classical, Quebecois, and jazz repertoires.
Show starts at 7:30pm
MIDDLE RAGED is a hilarious stage show starring Geri Hall and Gary Pearson, that explores the time of life when you’re running out of time! Geri spent five seasons starring as a roving reporter and anchor on CBC’s iconic Canadian satire, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, where her hilarious character, Single Female Voter
, made national headlines during the 2008 federal election. Gary Pearson has written for such shows as MadTV, 22 Minutes, Corner Gas and the Ron James Show. He created and produced That’s So Weird for YTV and with Dan Redican, co-created, Sunnyside for CityTV. He has won the Canadian Screen Award, Canadian Comedy Award and the WGC Award.
Show starts at 7:30pm
with special guest Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design
Post-show chat in the theatre
sGaanaGwa is a compelling collaboration exploring the Haida Worldview of a Supernatural landscape through traditional Haida music interwoven with influences from jazz, blues, folk and rock. sGaanaGwa is a Haida culture and language project of award-winning singer Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, legendary musicians Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence of the acclaimed rock band Chilliwack. They are supported by Western Canadian Music Awards 2019 Jazz Artist of the Year bassist Jodi Proznick and renowned vocalists Saffron Henderson and Camille Henderson.
Show starts at 10:30am
Intimate lobby concert with coffee & treats
For those longing to travel abroad while avoiding the hassles of airline travel, pianist Sarah Hagen is delighted to return to The Port Theatre with “A European Vacation” through music.
Show starts at 3:30pm
Pre-show chat in the theatre
A heartwarming family tradition in Nanaimo! Classical and Celtic harps combine with flutes, violin/fiddle, rare medieval instruments, percussion, poetry, and song to wrap you snugly in the silken cloak of Christmas.
Show starts at 7:30pm
Andrew Allen, with two Top 10 Christmas songs, brings his festive and charismatic live performance to the stage to evoke all the holiday feelings.
Show starts at 7:30pm
Pre-show chat in the Harmac Room
International Guitar Night is the world’s premiere touring guitar festival, each show bringing together the most interesting and innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting.
Show starts at 7:30pm
A jaw-dropping, gravity-defying dance work that blends contemporary and urban dance with martial arts!
“When the French choreographer Koubi learned, at twenty-five, that his family had Algerian roots, he went back to the country of his forefathers and created this piece, in collaboration with a group of nonprofessional dancers, all men. Most were street dancers, adept at martial arts and hip-hop. The result is an exploration of masculinity and male beauty, meditative and at times tender, containing moments of striking virtuosity.” — The New Yorker
Show starts at 10:30am
Intimate lobby concert with coffee & treats
Featuring our Discovery Alumni Artist — Buwa! Drawing influences from the late Whitney Houston, as well as Jill Scott, India Arie, Billy Porter, and Brenda Fassie — Buwa is an exciting contemporary soul artist. Recognized for his infectious melodies, his versatile voice and captivating song writing, Buwa has released two EPs: Olu [2019] and Road Signs [2016], along with handful of captivating singles. He uses his music and talents to change the way the world sees Africa!
Show starts at 7:30pm
Platinum sponsor: RLR Lawyers
FLIP Fabrique is a circus company based in Québec, Canada. Born out of the dreams and the friendship of circus performers in 2011, this troupe is renowned around the world for its beloved production and astonishing feats. With performers at the peak of their art and outstanding visual poetry, Blizzard promises to blow away everything in its path.
Show starts at 7:30pm
Diyet & The Love Soldiers is alternative country, folk, roots and traditional with catchy melodies and stories deeply rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous world view and northern life.
Show starts at 7:30pm
Platinum sponsor: Helijet
Made in Italy is a celebration of music, food, and family that’s so delightful you won’t soon fuhgeddaboudit.
Show starts at 10:30am
Intimate lobby concert with coffee & treats
The Bergmann Piano Duo’s dynamic and energetic performances of uniquely eclectic programmes have inspired audiences internationally.
Show starts at 7:30pm
Pre-show chat in the Harmac Room
This landmark anniversary program pays homage to the company’s roots but also serves as a springboard for a new artistic vision. Featuring choreographers: Ausia Jones, Crystal Pite, and Aszure Barton.
Show starts at 7:30pm
In 2013, a group of jazz players and Korean traditional musicians started to play jam sessions based on traditional Korean folk melodies and shamanistic rhythms, eventually forming SE:UM.
Show starts at 7:30pm
Pre-show chat in the Harmac Room
Ballet Kelowna’s Vancouver Island debut! The taqəš, Bolero, and MAMBO program features a stunning line-up of signature works from Ballet Kelowna’s contemporary ballet repertoire. Choreographers: Cameron Fraser-Monroe, Guillaume Côté, and Alysa Pires.
Show starts at 2pm (limited seating on stage with performers)
The award-winning actor and a creator of Mom’s the Word, Deborah Williams is bringing the hit storytelling event, The Flame, to the Port Theatre. The Flame is a storytelling series that features real people sharing their personal true stories in front of a live audience.
Deborah Williams, award-winning actor, one of the creators of Mom’s the Word, and co-founder of The Flame in Vancouver and Victoria and beyond, is hosting an exciting storytelling workshop at the Port Theatre. In this 2 day intensive, Deb will share her decades of storytelling experience, giving you tools to create and share compelling stories. This inclusive and supportive workshop is focused on learning and growth.
Event starts at 7:30pm
The Port Theatre opened its doors in 1998 and we’re celebrating 25 years! Mark your calendars and get ready to party on the waterfront. Everyone is invited! Tickets on sale now!
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