STAR STAFF – It’s been two long years since Shenkman Arts Centre Presents last unveiled a full program. The 2019/2020 season was cut short in mid-March 2020 by the COVID pandemic.

Over a year and a half later, the theatre is finally able to welcome back both entertainers – and more importantly – an audience, albeit with a capacity limit in place, at least for the first show on the calender.

Ottawa’s own Kellylee Evans will grace the Harold Shenkman Hall stage on Sunday, Dec. 18 where she will present a mix of holiday classics and original songs with an R&B and Latin jazz feel to them.

With six albums to her name, including her tribute to the legendary Nina Simone which won her a JUNO Award, and her latest “Come On” which combines a Motown feel with traces of psychedelia, Evans’ music only gets better when it’s experienced live and in person.

The room is limited to 50 per cent capacity, so it’s wise to purchase your tickets early so as not to miss out on the performance.

Strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed for each performance. Audience members must had received at least two doses of the COVID vaccine and they must wear a face mask at all times, even when seated during the performance. This is especially important during the other shows on the calendar when seating capacity will be increased to the full 500 seat maximum.

The Shenkman Arts Centre Presents’ annual New Year’s Eve comedy gala makes a return to the venue this year after a one year absence. The hilarious lineup includes the up-and-coming Jackie Pirico, whose oddball material and disarming style has been highlighted on numerous Just For Laughs tapings; Chris Locke who has appeared at the Just For Laughs festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the JFL42 festival in Toronto; and headliner Andrew Chapman whose album “Oh Yeah, This” won a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Comedy Album.

On Thursday Jan. 27, Canadian country artists The Washboard Union will make an appearance at the Shenkman Arts Centre. This award-winning band has been certified gold twice in Canada, has had seven Top 10 hits and numerous top 20 hits, and was the first country band to win the JUNO Award in the multi-genre category of Breakthrough Group of the Year.

Two days later, Québec dancer Bouge de là will perform “Through My Eyes” which takes the audience on a journey as viewed through a child’s eyes by combining dance with an constantly shifting stage production.

On Feb. 9, former Bob Marley lead guitarist Al Anderson will turn the Harold Shenkman Hall stage into a reggae celebration with a performance that will include such classics as “Baby Don’t Worry” and “No Woman, No Cry”.

The Fête Frissons winter celebration will return to the Shenkman Arts Centre on
Saturday, Feb. 12 with activities and live entertainment for the whole family.

On Friday Feb. 25, the Shenkman Arts Centre will host A Musical Evening with Sarah Slean and Hawksley Workman.

This is the first time the two Canadian singers will appear on the same stage together. The pair will perform songs from their respective musical repertoires, accompanying each other and singing as a duo.

CBC’s “Laugh Out Loud” comedy show will appear live on stage at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Thursday March 3, featuring Ali Hassan and friends.

The 2021-2022 season will be rounded out by the Celtic Tenors on March 18 and the Canadian Jazz All-Stars featuring Robi Botos, Guido Basso, Heather Bambrick, Mike Murley, Dave Youngi and Davide DiRenzo on April 5.

You can find more information about the shows at shenkmanarts.ca where you can also purchase your tickets..