A six-time, Gemini-nominated show, “Beyond Survival TV series” takes us round the world to the rare and exotic of  North and South America, Europe, Asia, Malaysia, Eastern Europe, France, Italy, Spain amongst other regions.  

The Survivorman will be showing a variety of beautiful film captured from several secluded places around the world. Accompanying the stunning footage Les Stroud will be performing live
  "epic rock” music with an 8 piece band featuring Brian Potvin of the Northern Pikes. During this multimedia evening Survivorman will be sharing stories about his adventures and interacting with the audience in an intimate Q & A. 

Les Stroud has been a singer songwriter since he was 14. Some of his musical influences are “Classical, Canadianna Roots Rock and Art Rock… Peter Gabriel, U2 and Dave Mathews”. Music has always been a major part in Les’ life; he has even used his harmonica to warn away black bears on expeditions. Even with his harmonica at side Survivorman has met up with countless dangerous animals on his adventures and has been put in several life threatening positions, such as “being chased by a jaguar and a bull moose”! Although animals can be dangerous you can never underestimate the weather. Les Stroud was closest to death in the Kalahari Desert when he suffered from heat stroke.

Growing up, Les Stroud always wanted to be an entertainer. He loved adventures and looked up to “Jacques Cousteau and Tarzan”. That’s what Les Stroud’s Survivorman: Film, Music and Story is really about. This performance combines it all “adventure, entertainment and connecting to nature”.

Don’t miss your chance to ask Survivorman your own questions on Thursday May 17^th at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the Capitol Centre Box office 705-474-4747 or online at www.capitolcentre.org. Tickets are only $35 but if you are a Galaxy Circle member tickets are only $30 and a chance to meet Les. 

As we wind down our 2011-2012 season, it is a time of reflection of past shows as well as a time to look forward to the arrival of a new season with plenty of great offerings. This past season has been filled with highs and lows as patrons made choices as to what shows they would attend. It is a tough time in the industry and arts administrators across Canada are feeling the pinch with declining audiences as people struggle with their own budgets and declining arts dollars. The Capitol Centre recently celebrated its 25^th anniversary and as with any milestone, it’s a time of celebration and fond remembrances. The Capitol Center has ridden this wave of uncertainty before and has always managed to stay afloat on the other side due to the tight budgets and constant monitoring of expenses, the items we have control of. What we don’t control necessarily is revenue as the best laid plans can end up with minimum audiences, as you might have noted with Great Entertainer Sheena Easton. This 80’s Superstar, commanded an audience of less than 400 not only in North Bay but also in Richmond Hill and Brampton’s 750 seats – Rose Theatre. It’s not only a shame for the Artist who at one point was at the top of her game but also for the community as when she comes and goes, we remark, “I should have gone to see her,”  or “where is everybody.” Such is the lament heard throughout the communities where she appeared as we always think there will be another time. Not necessarily true. As an arts organization, we make ongoing adjustments to our programming schedule and must make up any losses through other trimmings including cancellations of performances, of activities or community events.  Our operation is streamlined to the bare bones and we work with the community to ensure we are booking the appropriate acts and those desired and affordable to patrons. As we begin to unfold the new season, keep in mind, that tomorrow is lost and that arts and culture is the creative soul of this community and needs to be nurtured on an ongoing basis. There are so many different ways to enjoy arts and culture in this community whether it be larger shows at the Capitol Centre or smaller theatre groups appearing at various high schools. Ongoing community support is essential to everyone’s existence. The grass is always greener on the other side and we all make side trips to Toronto or even Rama, to see the bigger named artists which we can’t afford to have in our community but when artists of this stature are appearing center stage it is imperative that we invest in those appearances by attending what we can, when we can. The many people who support the shows regularly were thrilled with Sheena and sang along with her many top 40 hits. They wouldn’t have missed the show for the world and we are appreciative of their patronage. I have seen many artists grace other stages in other cities but there’s no greater feeling than the hair on my arm standing on end when an Artist of such stature takes center stage at the Capitol Centre and I gush, from a sense of pride and loyalty. This weekend the Kiwanis Music Festival offers youth competitions in dance over the three-days. Next Wednesday, Sears Drama Festival is in the Capitol Centre for four evenings with show times at 7:00 p.m. each night and next Sunday’s movie is Wanderlust starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd. All this diversity in one place provides an outlet for many forms of creative expression. Arts and Culture go hand in hand with community as a form of identity, creativity and familiarity. Experience the Arts at its best! Enjoy a performance at your Capitol Centre.

Dee Adrian, General Manager, dadrian@capitolcentre.org