Looking for something entertaining in Ottawa for the fall? Shenkman Arts Centre has a variety of exciting shows, from Canadian musicians to Pitch Perfect sing-along to magic.
1. Sophie Lukacs — Canadian, award-winning musician
Thursday, September 17
Hailing from Montreal by way of Budapest, Sophie Lukacs is a kora player, singer, and composer whose sound bridges Mandingue tradition, Hungarian Folk and contemporary songwriting. Trained on the violin from childhood, a chance trip to Burkina Faso lead to discovering the kora – a 21-stringed harp-lute from the Mandingue empire – and spent seven years in Mali studying with kora legend Toumani Diabaté, becoming fluent in Bambara along the way. Did we mention that she is the winner of the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award for Global Roots Album of the Year?
2. She Carries the Song Featuring Lacey Hill, Celeigh Carinal and Mimi O’Bonsawin — Indigenous voices
Wednesday, October 14
An intimate and powerful evening of music, story, and spirit from three celebrated Indigenous voices. Celeigh Cardinal (Cree), Mimi O’Bonsawin (Abenaki), and Lacey Hill (Oneida/Mohawk) — come together in this intimate and moving performance that weaves voice, story, and song into a shared circle of strength. Rooted in their distinct Nations and musical styles, these artists carry the songs of their ancestors, their homelands, and their own lived experience as women, culture bearers, and changemakers.
3. Sing Pitch Perfect with Deke Sharin and Splüsh — Aca-mazing!
Sunday, October 18
Fans of the movie Pitch Perfect will love this chance to sing a cappella with the master himself, Deke Sharon. With Deke’s expert guidance, audiences will be crushing it with fellow Pitch Perfect fans, entirely a cappella, singing the hit song from the movie, “Since U Been Gone.” Sheet music will be provided for every audience member to join in! You will also be treated to behind-the-scenes stories from the movie- making process. This show is for all ages and singing levels.
4. Chris Funk: Redefining Wonder – Feel the magic
Thursday, October 22
A magic show with live music, presenting a violin concerto, and a guitar loop recorded live on stage. This show is in a league of its own. The live-feed camera and interactive video brings the audience up on stage and into the action delivering a show that everyone will love! Chris has made dozens of television appearances on shows like NBC’s America’s Got Talent, The CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and SyFy’s Wizard Wars.
5. Louise Pitre – Canada’s Broadway star
Tuesday, October 27
This is your chance to see Canada’s first lady of musical theatre and Tony Award nominee, Louise Pitre.
In addition to headlining in Toronto, Broadway and US touring company casts of Mamma Mia!, Louise is known for her signature performances as Fantine in Les Misérables (Toronto, Montreal and Paris), the title character in Edith Piaf, Mama Rose in Gypsy (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Gary Griffin director) and Joanne in Company, again with director Gary Griffin. She also earned raves for leading roles in Annie Get Your Gun, Song & Dance, Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris, The World Goes ‘Round, Blood Brothers, Tartuffe, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?, The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, Applause, The Toxic Avenger, A Year With Frog and Toad; and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
Tickets can be purchased at shenkmanarts.ca or by calling 613-580-2700.
contributed post by Sarah Hoy
