a note from the director

Canada.gov.ca
Wednesday, April 9
7:30 PM - $35

Folks, it's a groundbreaking event. Coming off a SOLD OUT west coast tour, the admin is coming to Truro, Nova Scotia for the very first time. In what many are calling "the show of a lifetime" @canada.gov.ca is proud to be coming to the STUNNING Marigold Theatre on Wednesday, April 9th at 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 7. Come for the Canadian themes, stay for the Truro stories.

Since 2017, John Batt has been the brain behind the popular instagram account @canada.gov.ca, curating wonderfully-woven anecdotes from the more obscure side of Canadian history and culture. He has brought his one-man show to audiences in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Ontario and Quebec. John has been profiled by CTV, The Globe and Mail and CBC even recently as a guest of The Current with Matt Galloway. 

Amongst his 94,000 followers are Canadian heavyweights like Anne Murray and Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor. While born and raised in Fredericton, now living in the Laurentians, he describes his show as a cross between a Ted Talk and having a couple drinks with a friend. It's easier to think about what it's not: it's not a podcast, it's not stand-up comedy: it's @canada.gov.ca LIVE. Expect the unexpected and see what all the fuss is about yourself! See you there :)

BABES, BABES, BABES! Burlesque and Drag Show
Thursday, April 10
7:30 PM - $34
(Not a Marigold-presented show)

4 beautiful Babes tease, titillate and bring you the babe-liest burlesque show around!

This empowering, sexy, and comedic show combines burlesque, drag, pole dancing,  extravagant costumes and, of course, the art of the tease in a raucous naughty show that will leave you wanting more!

In addition to all the sultry teases, the naughty jokes, and the sparkly thongs, the Babes celebrate sexuality, LGBTQ identities, and body confidence with inspiring performances and heartfelt moments.

So grab a ticket, grab a beverage and indulge in this special adults only evening of cabaret entertainment!

The Babes are touring to 20+ cities from Ontario to Newfoundland in 2025.  For full details and more info on the BABES check out www.babesburlesque.com.

Maximum Overdrive at the Legion
Saturday, April 19
8:00 PM - $50

Maximum Overdrive is the East Coast's hottest party band, bringing the energy and excitement of the '80s back to life with a bang. Their high-octane performances have quickly become legendary, keeping the dance floor packed and the crowd electrified all night long. With a killer lineup of seasoned musicians who've rocked stages across Canada and beyond, Maximum Overdrive delivers an unforgettable experience. They cover timeless '80s classics from artists like INXS, Duran Duran, The Pixies, Madonna, Billy Idol, Blondie, Cindi Lauper, and more.

From the first beat to the last encore, their diverse mix of hits will transport you back to the glory days of the '80s. If you're ready to relive the magic, the fashion, and the best tunes of the era, Maximum Overdrive is your ticket to an unforgettable night.

Join the party. Live the '80s. Go to Maximum Overdrive.

Kelly McMichael
Thursday, May 22
7:30 PM - $30

Kelly McMichael is a multi-instrumentalist who can sling a guitar, serenade on piano and program beats in equal measure. Known for her buttery vocals and genre-bending arrangements, Kelly’s blend of retro pop and rock production styles that flirt with psychedelia help provide rich packaging for her ‘instant-classic’ songwriting.

Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, originally from Peterborough, Ontario, McMichael’s early songwriting career was established around 2007 through DIY feminist synth bands Rouge, and later on, Renders. As a side-player, she has toured North America and Europe performing with The Burning Hell, Sarah Harmer and Tim Baker. McMichael turned focus to her solo career as an artist and producer and independently released her breakthrough debut LP Waves in 2021.  The album earned her three Music NL Awards, the ECMA for ‘Best Rock Recording’, and garnered a prestigious spot on the Polaris Prize shortlist.

Kelly’s sophomore album, After The Sting Of It (released September 2024), is a fearless expansion on the classic sound of her debut. Recorded and co-produced with Jake Nicoll, her music sits in the comfort of its core ideas - tear down and rebirth, while being utterly unafraid to try new things, including McMichael doing much of the recording herself. The first single ‘Bomb’ had a hot year of heavy rotation on The Verge and national college and community radio, and it made the CBC Music Top 20, followed by a second single in the Top 20: “Open (Hurts to Have a Heart).   The album continues to simmer nationally with praise from Exclaim! and CBC for its fiery energy and inventive exploration of different sounds and textures. “I write and record in a way that you’re just giving the song what it needs. “Why limit the creativity?”, Kelly says.  “ I don’t want limitations.”

Good Dear Good
Monday, March 3
7:30 PM - $15

A vision of unison and love arrives on stage with intoxicating, searing vocal harmonies and relentlessly catchy pop-rock melodies. Lyrics are delivered with an endearingly infectious positivity on stage, but with deeper reading, a sense of pensive gloom permeates the words. Good Dear Good’s award-winning debut EP “Arrival” echoes bright while you journey to the dark depths of the Atlantic — watching the sun shine a beam straight to the ocean floor. Here you’ll find themes of resilience, perseverance, and love within a broken system.

Aysanabee with opener Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers
Tuesday, March 4
7:30 PM - $40

Aysanabee is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer songwriter currently based in Toronto. He is Oji-Cree, Sucker Clan of the Sandy Lake First Nation a remote fly-in community in the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario.

Solemn and soaring, backed by a swirling blend of indie, soul and electronic soundscapes, mournful saxophone and pulse-quickening finger-picking, Aysanabee’s striking sound is equal parts hypnotic and melodic which has been compared to Bon Iver, Matt Corby, Don Ross, Kim Churchill, Kings of Leon and Sam Smith.

His debut album, Watin (Nov. 2022) named after his grandfather, includes 10 tracks and nine interludes featuring the voice of his grandfather and is both part music and journalism, artistry and expression.   The album is being released through Ishkōdé Records, founded by Amanda Rheaume and Shoshona Kish, one of the first Indigenous and women-owned labels in Canada.

“Watin actually started out as a series of conversations between myself and my grandfather,” says Aysanabee. “We spent the first year of the pandemic talking about things we’ve never spoke about, his life on the trapline on Sandy Lake First Nation, falling in love, his life in residential school and then leaving everything behind..we never spoke of it until now. Even though we were over 1,000 kilometres apart, it was probably the closest we’ve ever been.”

In a short amount of time, three singles were released including “Ego Death” (Oct 2022), “Nomads” (Aug 2022) which charted on Billboard Canada and became #1 on CBC Music and went #1 on Alternative Radio, making Aysanabee the first Indigenous artist to reach #1 on any Mediabase chart. Finally, “We Were Here” (July 2022), which charted on the Indigenous Music Countdown and featured in an episode of Station 19.  Watin was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize in 2023.

With Here and Now, the artist’s latest EP, Aysanabee moves in a new direction, towards his own experiences of love’s end and his process of unflinching self-examination. With high voltage production, Aysanabee shifts Watin’s finger-picked acoustic foundation into soundscape waves that carry his voice forward. The album features six new songs including the hit single, “Somebody Else” (June 2023) which reached #3 on the MediaBase Alternative Chart and delves into the theme of memory –a significant motif in his songwriting. “Here and Now”, the title track off the album, is a coulda woulda shoulda song. “There are a million ways and a million different outcomes to any situation but things unfold the way they unfold,” says Aysanabee, “and sometimes you just need to appreciate the moments, the memories, the people who have come into your life for a time to share their gifts with you and vice versa.

On Mar 23, 2024, Aysanabee made history as the first ever Indigenous Artist to win the JUNO Awards for Alternative Album of the Year and the coveted Songwriter of the year, for Here and Now.  He followed up the wins with a memorable performance on the awards broadcast with a tribute to Robbie Robertson and Gordon Lightfoot alongside Allison Russell, William Prince, Julian Taylor, Shawnee Kish, Logan Staats, and the Rainbow Coalition.

Aysanabee has performed more than 200 shows on major stages and festivals and venues across Canada and globally including Ottawa Bluesfest, Osheaga, Montreal Jazzfest, Tönder Music Festival, AmericanaFest UK, Wake the Giant and many more.  The Here And Now EP tour included cross Canada tours with Dan Mangan and Allison Russell.

The artist has shared the stage with such notable acts including The National, Digging Roots, Amanda Rheaume, Sam Roberts Band, Our Lady Peace, DJ Shub, Julian Taylor, Jeremy Dutcher, Dan Mangan, Mavis Staples, July Talk, Half Moon Run, Tokyo Police Club,  Aqua, and more. 

Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers will open Aysanbee’s show.

Raine Hamilton
Thursday, March 6
7:30 PM - $40

Raine is part prairie songstress, part storyweaver; Each song has a story, delivered between songs with humour and grace. Raine invites deep love of the violin into the singer-songwriter genre, writing for violin and voice, as well as for guitar and voice. Joined by cello and upright bass, expect string arrangements that push and pull, that move as they console.

A classical violinist and musicologist by training, Raine and their string trio offer string-quartet-like arrangements of Raine’s original songs. They call this chamber-folk, a hybrid of the classical tradition of string quartet chamber music, with the singer songwriter folk that comes so organically to Raine.

Raine’s latest work, the full-length album Brave Land (2021-22), is a concept album about mountains, and the courage, wisdom, and otherworldly connection they represent. Here, as in Raine’s 2018 album Night Sky, the songs are set to intricate and seasoned arrangements for guitar, violin, cello, and double bass. Once again Raine has worked with string trio collaborators Quintin Bart on double bass, Natanielle Felicitas on cello, and Lloyd Peterson as producer/engineer.

Raine believes that music is for everyone, and that we all have something to share. An experienced educator, Raine offers workshops in songwriting and fiddle tune writing (EN/FR). Raine also offers concerts with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, to help make live music and the community that comes with it more accessible to the Deaf community. 

Raine is the recipient of the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award for Emerging Artist of the Year! Raine has toured Canada extensively, driving, flying, and floating coast to coast. Highlights include: Performing songs with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (5 times!), performing with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, playing a show in a cave (10 stories below the earth!), playing festivals across Canada (Vancouver Folk Festival, Vancouver Island Music Fest, Atlin Festival, Home County, Filberg Fest, Lilac Fest, Harvest Moon, Trout Forest), playing for passage on Via Rail, and meeting so many amazing humans along the way.

SUBVert presents Scott Nicks with opener Verry Gerry
Saturday, March 8
8:00 PM - $10 Door Cover

Drawing from many different musical influences, Scott Nicks is a “melody-first” singer-songwriter. Originally from Truro, NS, Scott has released three full-length records and multiple EPs since 2006. His music has gone through many permutations, from quietly introspective folk, to heavily distorted indie rock dripping with sludge, to bright piano pop epics lush with symphonic instrumentation. Scott Nicks is backed by seasoned musicians in drummer Jordan Murphy (Walrus), bassist Andrew Mawko (Verry Gerry) and guitarist Justin McGrath (Shadow Folk). Having a significant amount of unreleased music and taken a nearly decade-long hiatus from playing his own music, Scott and his band are back to play a mix of older songs and newer unreleased material that will leave you wanting more.

"Scott Nicks, if he wanted to, probably could have categorized his latest album—almost five years since his last—as dream pop. If he decided to go in that direction, he would be one of the few artists on the planet whose music actually fits that description." - Michael Thomas, Gray Owl Point, on Scott Nicks’ 2015 release, “String of Dreams”.

Love Guns: The Ultimate KISS Tribute Band
Sunday, March 16
7:30 PM - $50
(This is not a Marigold-presented show)

Get ready to rock and roll all night with Love Guns, the KISS tribute band that's a true 'shot'; of adrenaline for fans of the legendary rockers! Comprising four talented musicians from Eastern Canada – Mike Bourgeois, Danny Bourgeois, Danny Roy, and Stephen LeBlanc – Love Guns have been on a mission to capture the essence of KISS since childhood.

This powerhouse band delivers an electrifying performance that pays the perfect homage to the iconic group that 'pulled the trigger' on their passion for music. With high-energy shows and an authentic KISS experience, Love Guns is sure to leave audiences shouting for an encore. Don't miss out on the chance to witness a 'bullet of excitement' and nostalgia at their next show!

Prepare for a night of unforgettable rock and roll with Love Guns – it's an experience you won't want to miss!

Duane Andrews & the Hot Club of Conception Bay 
Thursday, March 20
7:30 PM - $38

Duane Andrews casts a wide net in the musical ocean. Uniting what would seem to be impossible – traditional Newfoundland music with the swing jazz of the legendary two fingered guitarist Django Reinhardt, Andrews makes it not just work – he makes it soar. The Juno award winning composer, arranger, producer, conductor and globetrotting performer’s latest album is the best evidence yet of his inimitable musical vision and is the sound of him, literally, bringing it all back home. He’ll be joined by the hottest swing band in the bay The Hot Club of Conception Bay featuring Erin Power with her magical mandolin and vibrant vocals and Donald MacLennan with his fiddle of fire!

Therrien-Go Duo at St. Andrew's United Church
Saturday, March 22
7:00 PM - $35

Created by cellist Daniel Hamin Go and pianist Jean-Luc Therrien, the Therrien-Go Duo’s fortuitous encounter occurred in the illustrious setting of the Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Residency Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Their convergence forged a dynamic partnership that has since captivated audiences across Canada. With an innate connection that electrifies the stage, their music is a mesmerizing fusion of thought-provoking interpretation, innovative collaboration, and a sincere dedication to community engagement, both near and far.

Daniel and Jean-Luc believe in the power of music and its ability to evoke truth; their artistic mission lies in preserving the legacy of great music from the past, reimagining its utilization in present times, and inspiring the future generation of artists and audiences.

Daniel Hamin Go

Described as “authoritative, poised, and dripping with élan” (Jonathan Freeman-Atwood), 27 year-old Korean cellist Daniel Hamin Go is recognised as a special emerging talent.

As a passionate recitalist and chamber musician, Daniel has performed throughout North America and Europe collaborating with renowned musicians including Jonathan Biss, Miriam Fried, Ida Kavafian, Daniel Philips, Rachel Podger, Wolfgang Redik, and Fazil Say; appearing in concert halls such as Berliner Philharmonie, Cadogan, Carnegie, Flagey Studios, and Konzerthaus Berlin. Daniel finds inspiration in working with artists as Steven Isserlis, Ferenc Rados, and Rita Wagner, with invitations to festivals such as Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival, IMS Prussia Cove, Krzyzowa Music, Mendelssohn on Mull, Music Academy of the West, Ravinia’s Steans Institute of Music, Tsinandali Festival, and Yellow Barn.

Season highlights include an Ontario-wide tour with Fall for Dance North, being named Artist-in-Residence at Symphony in the Barn, recording at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio, and a concerto performance with the Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra in Ottawa.

Daniel pursued his Bachelor of Music at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Julia Lichten and David Geber, Master of Music at the Hochschule für Musik ‘Hanns Eisler’ Berlin in the class of Nicolas Altstaedt, and as a recipient of the prestigious Bicentenary Award and the Drake Calleja Trust Award, Daniel completed an Advanced Diploma at the Royal Academy of Music. During the 2021-22 season, Daniel was an artist-in-residence at the coveted Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel working closely with Gary Hoffman. During the 2022-23 season, Daniel holds a fellowship position at the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Residency Program.

Daniel plays on a Cremonese cello made in 1690 by Francesco Rugeri, generously on loan from a private collection. Jean-Luc Therrien

Jean-Luc Therrien

Finalist and prizewinner of several competitions including the Concours Prix d’Europe and the Sendai International Piano Competition in Japan, Canadian pianist Jean-Luc Therrien believes his job as a musician is to cross barriers – of language, of culture, of time. He was named one of Canada’s 30 hot classical musicians under 30 for 2020 by CBC Music. And his first solo album Piano Preludes, just released on the Label Orpheus Classical in 2021, was chosen as one of the best releases of 2021 by CBC Music.

Recently, he was part of The Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Performance Residency Program at The Glenn Gould School in Toronto. He also made his national radio debut on CBC Music with the broadcast of a virtual recital recorded in Toronto in the summer of 2021. In February 2022, he performed with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra before going on tour across 7 European countries with French violinist Jean-Samuel Bez to launch their first album. And then, it was back to Canada for 16 solo performances in the Maritimes with Debut Atlantic.

After graduating from the Conservatoire de Musique de Trois-Rivières in the studio of Denise Trudel, Jean-Luc headed for Austria and the University Mozarteum in Salzburg to complete a Master of Arts Degree in Piano Performance. Then, he remained in Europe to pursue further musical projects, thanks to a major grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. Later, he returned to Canada and entered The Ihnatowycz Piano Program at The Glenn Gould School in Toronto where he worked with another important musical mentor – Marietta Orlov.

Over the years, the recognition has poured in: among other awards, he’s won several prizes in competitions such as the Mauro Paolo Monopoli Prize Competition in Italy, the CMC Stepping Stone and, with violinist Jean-Samuel Bez, the Chamber Music Grand Prize at the Luigi Zanuccoli International Competition in Italy.

Hubtown Theatre presents Four Old Broads
March 26-29
7:30 PM each night with a Saturday matinee at 2 PM
$24
(This is not a Marigold-presented show)

Meet four ladies of a certain age, Beatrice, a retired “burlesque dancer”, Eaddy, from the Bible belt, Imogene, the new girl and Maude who is obsessed with soap operas.  They want a break from their usual activities at Magnolia Place Assisted Living. They are planning a sassy seniors’ Caribbean cruise.  However, they have to contend with the new nurse who wants to interfere with their plans.  A mystery unfolds with laughter as the gals try to outsmart her.

Throw in a senior citizen beauty pageant, an old Elvis Impersonator and a trashy makeover and you have a laugh a minute evening of theater fun.  Come see Hubtown Theatre’s farce; Four Old Broads at the Marigold Centre on March 26 to 29.

"First Light"

This is the first solo show for Alicia Simms Breland. 

When it came to choosing a subject matter for this show, my first thought was to paint sunrises because they’re one of my favourite things, and I have so much reference material to utilize. The significance of the name is also reflected in the fact that this is my first show. The first time painting for myself. The first time I have tried using some mediums and materials for the work. It’s a dawning of a new era in my own artistic career. It’s a lot of firsts so ‘First Light’ seemed to be a fitting name and genre. 

Artist Bio:

Alicia Simms Breland is an entrepreneur, tattooer, YouTuber, and full-time Airstream adventurer. Hailing from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Alicia now calls Nova Scotia home where she founded the award-winning businesses, Rolling Sea Tattooery in 2014 and Truro Buzz in 2017.

She’s always been artistic, and after high school, attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Here she earned a Bachelor of Design with a Major in Graphic Design. After graduation, she went on to work in art glass before beginning her tattoo apprenticeship in 2006. Alicia has been creating works of art in skin for over 17 years now. She has worked internationally and has won awards for her work.