May 2012

Brian McKnight - May 11 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM

Brian McKnight grew up in a family where music came naturally. Alongside his immediate family, he was a member of the church choir, where his grandfather was the director. With a gospel upbringing, McKnight explored other genres of music. Still in his early teens, he exercised his writing ambitions by penning instrumentals (soft jazz, easy listening). He formed a band and began performing his originals at local venues. By the age of 18, McKnight had secured a publishing deal.

His calling to the national scene manifested itself when his older brother Claude and the group he was a member of Take 6, signed a recording contract with a major label.After sending out numerous demos to various record companies, McKnight's tape drew the interest of Mercury Records president Ed Eckstine (son of Billy Eckstine). Eckstine was so impressed with McKnight's sound that the young artist was signed to a deal within two weeks. McKnight's first release on Mercury was "The Way Love Goes," peaking at number 11 after 19 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts. His two follow-up singles barely cracked the Billboard R&B Top 60, including "Love Is," a duet with Vanessa Williams featured on Beverly Hills 90210. Ironically, that single peaked at number three on the Billboard pop charts, introducing McKnight to a crossover audience.

In addition to being a singer, McKnight is a songwriter, multi-talented musician, arranger, and producer. The success he has achieved as producer and songwriter on his own projects has facilitated his popularity as a producer and songwriter for other artists. However, the Buffalo native retained the services of hip-hop producer Sean "Puffy" Combs on the release of his 1997 CD Anytime, which features the club-flavored single "You Should Be Mine." A Christmas album, Bethlehem, followed in 1998, and a year later McKnight returned with Back at One. Superhero from 2001 kicked off with the surprisingly rock title track while 2003's U Turn was a fairly straightforward and ballad-filled affair.

A divorce and some time playing guard for the California ABA basketball team the Ontario Warriors kept McKnight out of the musical picture for a couple years before 2005's lush Gemini marked his return. Ten followed in 2006.He currently hosts a radio show, The Brian McKnight Morning Show, in Los Angeles, CA. That show is syndicated to Houston, TX.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $113 per person!

Juice Newton - May 12 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM

Juice Newton, with her string of pop and country hits, her distinctive voice and performance skills, continues to captivate audiences from teens to grandparents, from the city to the country. As one music critic stated, "Newton remains one of the most riveting performers in music, rocking on stage and playing each emotion for what it's worth. And it's worth a lot."

Juice grew up in Virginia Beach, where her Navy upbringing exposed her to a variety of musical influences. She could be found singing in area coffee houses developing her emotional, heartfelt delivery. She went west for college and formed a folk-rock trio in Northern California. The trio developed a large following and became known as Silver Spur Growing in popularity, Silver Spur ventured to Los Angeles, where after constant work in area clubs, they signed to RCA Records, recording 2 acclaimed, but under promoted albums.

That experience led them to Capitol records where Juice finally broke through with such hits as "Angel of the Morning," "Queen of Hearts", and her first country hit, "The Sweetest Thing." Through the mid 80's, she followed these hits with "Break It To Me Gently" , which won her a Grammy, "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me", and "A Little Love". A second signing with RCA produced a string of top 10 country hits such as "You Want To Make You Mine", "Hurt", "Old Flame", "Cheap Love", "Both To Each Other", "Tell Me True", and "What Can I Do With My Heart?".

An accomplished equestrian, Juice competes whenever she can in polo matches, jumping and pleasure riding. Not only does she compete, but she often sings the National Anthem, competes in celebrity polo games, and often is assisting or cheering her husband, Tom Goodspeed, a nationally ranked professional on the polo circuit.

Juice's stage show is energetic, passionate and fun. Juice and her band take the audience on an emotion filled ride from the stirring stillness of "The Sweetest Thing" to the rollicking "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me," with a big dose of other Juice favorites as well as her ever expanding repertoire.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $90 per person!

Survivor - May 25 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM

Survivor was formed in the winter of 1977 by Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik. By the end of 1978, Survivor was signed to a record deal with Scotti Bros. Records. Under patronage of John Kalodner, then head of A&R for Atlantic Records, Survivor went into the studio to cut their first self-titled album.  This record, released in 1980 with the single “Somewhere in America,” did moderately well and started to build a loyal base of fans.   After touring for 8 months, the band went back into the studio. The result of those sessions, ”Premonition”, is considered by many fans to be their favorite Survivor record.  The album was released in 1981 with the singles, “Poor Man’s Son” and “Summer Nights”.  This record improved on the first album’s success, although still not the big breakout the band was looking for – that was to come with the 1982 release of “Eye of The Tiger”.  The title song for this record was expressly written for Rocky III, which brought the band national attention.

 “Eye of The Tiger” spent seven weeks at the #1 spot on the U.S. charts.  The song won a Grammy, an Oscar nomination and was voted ‘Best New Song” by the Peoples Choice Awards.  Immediately following the record, the band toured extensively.

1983 found Survivor back in the studio at work on “Caught in the Game” which received critical acclaim and AOR airplay.   It was after this that Dave Bickler, vocalist since 1978, decided to leave the band and was replaced by Jimi Jamison in 1984.   Survivor’s next album, “Vital Signs” was released and achieved multi-platinum status with a string of hit singles that kept Survivor on the charts for over 40 weeks in 1984 and ’85.   It was their established AOR airplay and Billboard Top 20 hits; “ I Can’t Hold Back”, “High on You” and “The Search is Over” which reached #2 on the hot 100, that kept Survivor at the top of the record and concert business.   While the band continued to tour worldwide, they managed to take time out to record “Burning Heart”, the title track for Rocky IV.  The song went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, propelling the sound track album to multi-platinum status.

It was 1987 before Survivor had time to stop and make another record.  “When Seconds Count” that contained yet another top ten single, “Is This Love”, which stayed in the top 10 for several weeks.   In 1988 Survivor released their seventh album, “Too Hot To Sleep”.  Although not the huge commercial success of some of their other efforts, it is still considered by many critics and fans alike to be one of Survivor’s best.

Shortly after this release, the group decided to pursue various solo projects. Frankie continued in the studio writing and recording with many different artists, most recently with Eddie Money for his 1999 release, “Ready Eddie”, in which Frankie produced as well as wrote and performed. Jimi, while touring and recording with his own band, was tapped to sing the theme song “I’m Always Here” for the hit TV show “Baywatch”.

In November 2011, Jimi Jamison rejoined Survivor, after leaving the band in 2006 to focus on his solo career.    Survivor – Jimi Jamison (vocals), Frankie Sullivan (guitar), Marc Droubay (drums), Billy Ozzello (bass) and Walter Tolentino (keyboards/guitar) – are looking forward to this new chapter in their career.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $99 per person!

June 2012

Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle - June 9 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM

Actor, producer and frontman of Newfoundland’s Great Big Sea, Alan Doyle, will perform in support of his upcoming debut solo album Boy On Bridge, due out May 15 (Universal Music Canada), at Casino Nova Scotia's Schooner Room in Halifax on Saturday, June 9.  Special guest is Dustin Bentall.

Boy On Bridge was recorded in studios around the world and includes collaborations with Canadian stars like Colin James, Hawksley Workman, Jim Cuddy and Gordie Sampson. Nashville pros Troy Verges and Kelly Archer also made contributions, along with friends from the movie and TV worlds, Russell Crowe and Mike Post.

Both a labour of love and an artistic statement, Boy On Bridge, could be seen as a departure for the multitalented Doyle but it’s also a continuation of his own musical traditions.   While the album branches around the globe, Doyle’s roots remain firmly in their soil.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $94 per person!

King of Pop: The Michael Jackson Experience - June 22 & 23 - The Schooner Showroom

"King Of Pop: The Michael Jackson Experience" is a live in concert tribute to the World's Greatest pop recording artist of all time. Join Bishop Soul as he performs some of Michaels's greatest hits including Billie Jean, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Bad, Black and White and many more.

Be prepared to see a live performance  by one of the world’s best Michael Jackson tribute artists. This amazing show features Bishop's stunning vocals (no lip-synching), incredible dance moves, breathtaking looks  and replica costumes along with his powerhouse band "Prime Time".

Currently performing shows across Canada to screaming audiences, "King Of Pop: The Michael Jackson Experience" is a fast paced, high energy, live in concert production  which will pull you off your seats and have you dancing in the aisles.  You don't want to miss this act's visit to Casino Nova Scotia for a two-night engagement on June 22 (8:00 pm) and June 23 (1:00 pm)

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for these performances start at only $90 per person!

July 2012

Cheap Trick - July 12 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM (Standing Room Only)

Cheap Trick may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the 70s they’ve been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and the late 80s lighter-waving favorite, “The Flame,” Cheap Trick are a musical institution. With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards, the band was honored in October 2007 by the Chicago Chapter of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) for their contributions to the music industry.  Their most current release, The Latest, (released on CD, vinyl and 8-track) has garnered glowing reviews worldwide and continues Cheap Trick’s reign as power-pop progenitors as they celebrate their 35th anniversary together.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $122 per person!

Cyndi Lauper - July 27 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM (Standing Room Only)

Cyndi Lauper burst onto the world stage as the quintessential girl who wants to have fun. After more than 25 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 30 million, she has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move.

The beauty of Cyndi Lauper is that she has evolved into a richly multi-faceted renaissance woman who strikes a resonant chord with each project. With her first album “She’s So Unusual”, Cyndi won a Grammy award for Best New Artist and became the first female artist in history to have five top-10 singles from a debut album. Along the way, she has continually won accolades as a singer, musician, actress, and writer. She has been nominated for 14 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 7 American Video Awards and 18 MTV awards.

An unwavering advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality since the start of her career, Cyndi founded the True Colors Fund in 2008. The non-profit seeks to inspire and engage everyone, particularly the straight community, to become involved in the advancement of LGBT equality and to raise awareness of and bring an end to LGBT youth who are experiencing homelessness.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $149 per person!

August 2012

Hanson - August 23 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM

Native sons of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hanson has been making music together for nearly two decades.

Thirteen years ago, their out-of-the-blue, soul-inspired brand of American pop-rock‘n’roll was introduced to the world. Unaffected by charts or fads, they’ve spent more than a decade building a community of fans connected to one another and fueled by the energy and craftsmanship of three brothers and their music.

They deliver a powerful group of soulful, melodic tunes that will leave you with a contagious sense of optimism for the future and welcomed reminiscence for American rock ‘n’ roll.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $95 per person!

November 2012

Vicki Lawrence & Mama: Two-Woman Show - November 18 - The Schooner Showroom - 8:00 PM

Emmy Award- winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence is one of the most beloved television personalities of her generation. Plucked out of total obscurity as a high school senior, Vicki went on to become part of the now-legendary cast of the "Carol Burnett Show." "I went to the Harvard School of Comedy in front of America," says Ms. Lawrence of her Burnett Show training.

In the seventh season, and hundreds of hilarious sketches later, at the ripe, old age of 24, Vicki created her most endearing character to date, Thelma Harper, or "Mama" as she is better known to her fans. After the Burnett Show, Vicki went on to star in "Mama's Family," which consistently topped the ratings for its entire six-year run of original shows. "Mama" has attained almost a cult status among her legions of loyal television viewers, who still enjoy her in reruns twice daily throughout most of the country.

Ms. Lawrence will take the stage first. "My new show will not be a retrospective," she explains. "We are designing a show that is a mixture of stand-up comedy, music and my observations about real life." The multi-talented entertainer is mostly known for her acting and comedic talents, but she also earned a gold record for the 1973 hit, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."

"I think people will get a kick out of the things Mama has an opinion about. We're creating new material with a more modern and cutting edge. Where Mama is concerned, expect the unexpected. There's really nothing she can't do," she says. "I hope people will be pleasantly surprised by a side of Vicki they may never have seen…I know they will be looking forward to Mama, and for her part, that crazy old gal will be up to the challenge."

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $94 per person!

December 2012

Colin James - December 31 - The Schooner Showroom

From the prairies of Saskatchewan to sharing the stage with arguably the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time, Colin James still remembers those words of advice given to him by the late, great, Stevie Ray Vaughan.

For every young guitar player growing up in a small town, Colin James’ story is their story – one of drive, passion, ambition and a strong sense that their destiny lay beyond the safe confines of home.

Looking back on a career that now spans two decades, Colin has walked through more than just a few doors to reach the level of success that he enjoys today. He continues to record the music that he loves (having just released his 12th CD, “Rooftops and Satellites”) has sold multi-platinum many times over, and his concert tours continue to sell out coast to coast.

Over the years he was worked with a who’s who in the music scene– Bonnie Raitt, Albert Collins, Pops Staples, Robert Cray, Luther Allison, Albert King, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, Mavis Staples, Roomful Of Blues, Bobby King and Terry Evans, John Hammond Jr., The Chieftains, Carlos Santana, Little Feat, Johnny Hallyday, and Buddy Guy. In addition to writing his own material, his music has been recorded by the likes of Maria Muldaur, Johnny Halliday and Lucinda Williams.

A consummate professional and a superb guitarist, Colin is a musician’s, musician. The confidence that comes with maturity can be heard in his voice and seen in his electrifying stage performance. He does what comes naturally – he always has – he knows no other way and no other life.

Stay, Play & See A Show packages for this performance start at only $138 per person!