April brings variety

The Brian Barlow Big Band swings onto the Regent stage on April 12, the culmination of the TD Rising Stars Jazz program.

Regent features a diverse array of live entertainment this spring

The Regent Theatre in Picton was built for variety. Designed from its Edwardian-inspired architecture to present the world of entertainment, culture and performances to this provincial town. It was a bold experiment in concept and scale; the Regent stage, for example, is as big as the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. Constructed between the great wars, the Picton theatre was designed for acts as diverse as music, comedy, magic and dramatic performances.

Chris Loane is looking to bring back the original spirit of variety to the Regent Theatre. In recent months, he has been tasked with bringing live acts to the theatre.

“This place was built as a vaudeville theatre,” said Loane. “I really want to bring that element of variety and unpredictability to the theatre. We are going to increase the frequency and diversity of the acts you are going to see on this stage.”

So far, the lineup has included Next Generation Leahy—a traditional folk music group of mostly child musicians who performed on the Regent stage in February. The Trews—a rock band from Nova Scotia—gave a dialled-back acoustic performance in mid-March.

In April, Loane is swinging big, presenting a wide variety of acts on the Regent stage.

Legendary rockers Lowest of the Low are in Picton on April 7. For more than a decade, the Lowest of the Low have been the kings of Queen Street in Toronto.

“When I was booking shows in Toronto, they were on fire,” said Loane. “They didn’t play a lot of shows—so when they did, it was pretty special.”

They continue to perform sparingly—only a handful of dates comprise the band’s current tour—including Picto

“I feel incredibly lucky to have them perform here,” said Loane. “Before Picton, they are playing two soldout shows at Lee’s Palace on Bloor Street.”

Then for something completely different, Vegas’ Joe Passion brings his Jerry Lee Lewis tribute, Great Balls of Fire, to the Regent for one night only on April 8.

“It is an incredible and fun show, recreating the sound and wild stage antics that made Jerry Lee Lewis such an incredible rock-and-roll icon,” said Loane.

On April 10, the Regent hosts the Song For Syria fundraiser featuring the captivating documentary Queens of Syria along with the rousing choral music of Shout Sister! with Georgette Fry.

A week later, Brian Barlow returns with his big band to Picton. Always an energetic and breathtaking experience, the Swing into Spring concert is timed with the TD Jazz Rising Stars education program offered in the County. Dozens of up and coming young jazz musicians and bands from across the province apply to participate in the program. It has grown in stature from a standing start a few years ago, becoming one of the most prestigious opportunities for aspiring young jazz performers.

On Sunday, April 17, Barlow will assemble his big band on the Regent stage—with select performances the from Rising Stars program.

“Brian [Barlow] loves that show—because it is about the kids,” says Loane. “It’s exciting, bold and extravagant but also emotional and inspiring. Especially the idea of putting this fresh young talent amidst such amazing musicians. It’s incredible music making.”

Then on Saturday, April 23, blues legend Jack De Keyzer comes to Picton. For three decades, De Keyzer has been one of Canada’s hardest working musicians focused in Toronto but playing across the country.

“If you have never seen him live, this is a great opportunity to experience one of the best live performances,” said Loane. “We have a strong blues audience here in the County. I expect this to be a great show.”

On Friday, April 29, Scott Thompson, from the Kids in the Hall, brings his stand-up comic performance to the Regent. At times irreverent and provocative, Thompson is always funny and timely.

“I am looking for a good cross-section of family events, rock events and comedy,” said Loane. “This is what the Regent was built to do—to provide entertaining experiences to the diverse community that is Prince Edward County.”

In May, the live action continues with the County Theatre Group’s staging of The Rocky Horror Picture Show followed by Big Sugar—an equal parts blues, reggae and straight-up rock band.

Loane is excited, too, for the lineup he is putting together for the July long weekend—when Royal Wood and the Cowboy Junkies have been booked to perform at the Regent Theatre.

“We got some amazing things in the works,” said Loane.