June is a month packed with great shows from locals and visitors alike at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.
Shows range from big names like Jann Arden, Shaun Majumder and 54•40 to dance shows by Celtic Rhythm Dancers, Carlson’s, Adagé and LT Dance Studio.
There’s even some theatre from Queen Margaret’s School, who kick off June with their production of The Lion King Jr. on June 3.
The show is a stage adaptation of the 1994 Disney film, and will run for two shows, the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18.50 for adults and $13.50 for students. If you are interested in the matinee, you should get your tickets soon as there are only certain rows available, as it is primarily for a student audience.
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Next up come a slew of dance shows from the Cowichan Valley’s many talented dance studios.
Up first is A Hint of Scottish Tradition dance showcase from Celtic Rhythms on Sunday, June 5 at 1 p.m.
It is the school’s first show back since the onset of COVID-19 and they are looking forward to hitting the big stage to celebrate “our Celtic roots and traditions through music, dance and Scottish poetry. Come and feel the energy of Scottish and Highland dance — some with a very modern twist!”
Tickets to the show are $20.
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Next up is Carlson’s Dance with Together Again on June 10 at 6:30 p.m. and June 11 at 2 p.m.
The shows are two year-end recitals.
“We are thrilled to be back on stage and share with you our passion and love for dance!” says a press release for the show.
Tickets are $28 for adults and $15 for children.
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Then Adagé Studio takes the stage on June 16 and 18 for their show, This is Us. The June 16 show is at 6:30 p.m. and the June 18 show is at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $32.50 for adults and $19.50 for children 12 and under.
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On Sunday, June 19 the first of the big names hits the stage, as Shaun Majumder brings The Love Tour to CPAC.
For those who know him from This Hour Has 22 Minutes, he warns in a press release for the show “This is not the CBC,” describing his act as a “unique brand of adult comedy.”
Majumder has starred in numerous television shows and films both in Canada and the United States and is a Gemini award winner.
Opening for him will be Peter Hudson, described as a “mainstay of the Vancouver Island comedy scene”, who “taps into daily life to bring you hilarious takes on work, family and his own quirks and misadventures.”
Tickets for the show, which starts at 7:30 p.m., are $49.50.
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On Monday, June 20, it’s superstar Jann Arden who takes the stage.
Arden is a multi-platinum award winning songwriter, actor and author with 15 albums and 19 top 10 singles spanning a 30-year career.
“Whether she is captivating audiences with her heartfelt music, entertaining them with her quick wit sharing her written word in a boldly honest voice — Arden is a Canadian original — a brilliant multi-dimensional talent,” says a press release for her show.
She is touring with her latest album, Descendant, which is a 15-song collection released in January.
Tickets for the show, which starts at 7:30 p.m. are $70 for rows J-P and $85 for rows A-I.
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CPAC hosts An Evening with 54•40 on June 22.
Starting at 7:30 p.m. enjoy Neil Osborne on vocals and guitar, Brad Merritt on bass, Matt Johnson on drums, Dave Genn on guitars, keyboard and backing vocals and David “Oz” Osborne on organ and backing vocals.
“54•40 have certainly left their mark on the Canadian cultural landscape,” says a press release for the show. “As of 2021 the band enters their 40th year of performing and recording.
“The band has an unbelievable catalogue of hit songs. Led by chief songwriter Neil Osborne, 54•40 have carved out a legacy of gold and platinum albums and an outstanding reputation for their live performances that carries through to this day. Forty years, thousands of performances.”
The band is preparing for their 2022 release of a new album Embassy Supreme, recorded remotely during the COVID pandemic.
Tickets are $47.50.
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On June 24 the The Stampeders head to Cowichan, Celebrating 50 Years.
Known as the predominant Canadian rock band of the 1970s, the group will perform all their classic hits: ‘Wild Eyes’, ‘Carry Me’, ‘Oh My Lady’, ‘Devil You’, ‘Monday Morning Choo Choo’, ‘Minstrel Gypsy’, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ and ‘Sweet City Woman’, promises a press release for the show.
So if this was your jam, here’s you chance to catch Rich Dodson (lead guitar), Kim Berly (drums) and Ronnie King (bass) live and in person.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $66.50.
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Rounding out June is another dance show, this time from LT Dance Studio.
Fruition - A Celebration of Youth Dance Arts, takes the stage on Sunday, June 26, at 2 p.m. Tickets are 423 for adults and $15 for children.
“Over the past two years, LT Dance Studio students and faculty have been dreaming of performing for a live-audience once again,” says a press release for the show. “Join us in witnessing, and celebrating, this fantastic showcase of youth dance arts!”