The Huntsville Festival of the Arts delights audiences with a vibrant mix of shows every summer. But the fun doesn’t stop when the snow starts falling.
In fact, the HFA is a thriving year-round festival, bringing some of the biggest names in performing arts, and an exciting mix of lesser-known performers, to Huntsville in every season.
Stars appearing in the winter-spring season include Jann Arden, (Dec. 13), country star Dallas Smith (Dec. 6), Blue Rodeo (Jan. 30 and 31), and a recently announced solo show by Jeff Martin of The Tea Party (Dec. 15). Hometown hero and international recording star Hawksley Workman will be giving two intimate shows at Huntsville United Church on Dec. 5 and 6.
“Hawksley grew up singing in the choir in that church, so these are really going to be special,” says Dan Watson, executive director of the HFA.
Many of these shows were close to selling out by the end of October, so interested buyers should move quickly.
To secure future tickets, buying a festival membership is the way to go. “Members of the Festival get advance access to tickets, as well as reduced pricing. These big-name shows can sell out quickly, even in the winter,” says Dan.
As in summer, though, the HFA excels at attracting a diverse and fascinating range of talented performers. The Red Hot Chili Pipers, a Scottish rock-and-bagpipes band, will be bringing a high energy – and high volume – show to the Algonquin Theatre on Feb. 21.
The Maple Blues Revue features an array of Canada’s top blues musicians on Feb. 22, with guest vocalists Jay Douglas, Suzie Vinik, and Samantha Martin.
There’s also plenty of theatre on offer this winter, including a unique play called What You Won’t Do For Love (March 5), starring 90-year-old David Suzuki and his life partner Tara Cullis. “It’s a fascinating piece that asks, ‘what if we cared for the environment the way we care for the people we love?’” Dan says.
On March 14, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre presents The Sound of Music, and in April some of Muskoka’s finest musical talents present The Sponge Bob Musical. Theatre season begins in December, the festival presents a Christmas pantomime version of The Grinch.
“People sometimes think of Muskoka as being quiet in the winter,” says Dan. “We like to keep things bustling!”
TEXT A. WAGNER-CHAZALON
