Summer concert series kicks off 20th season

NEWS RELEASE

OLD TOWN HALL CONCERTS

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HILTON BEACH -- An exciting line-up of performers is ready to hit the stage as part of the Old Town Hall Concert Series, on August 5, 12 and 19 on beautiful St. Joseph Island, Ontario.

The Series, celebrating its 20th year, is held every August at the Hilton Beach Community Centre on St. Joseph Island.  

Some of Canada's finest musical talent has graced the stage and many have made repeat visits.  

The venue is small and intimate with a capacity of just 250, guaranteeing the audience an up close and extraordinary evening with the performers, often with a meet-and-greet afterward.

You are in for a groovy trip down memory lane at the first concert August 5 with Jim Witter, as he brings to life the music of Simon and Garfunkel.

This remarkable and immersive show is truly a trip back to the 60's and will appeal to anyone with a love of nostalgia, and an appreciation for timeless songs like "The Sound of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", and "Bridge over Troubled Water".

Jim Witter is a versatile and accomplished singer and songwriter who found success recording country and inspirational records beginning in the 90's.

Jim has had several top 10 radio hits and music videos, earning him multiple awards and nominations from the Canadian Country Music Association, the Juno Awards, and the Dove Awards.

Jim last visited the Series in 2012 with his other show, The Piano Men, which sold out and was a stand-out hit with the audience.

The second concert of the season takes place on August 12 and features one of the most promising up-and-coming jazz and blues vocalists in the country, Sophia Perlman. 

She has already made a name for herself impressing audiences with her musical maturity and her impressive ability as an improviser.

Her powerful old-soul voice has made her the featured singer with the top ensembles and musicians in Canada.

Sophia sang on Brandi Disterheft's album Debut and Adrean Farrugia's album Ricochet, which were Juno-winning and Juno-nominated, respectively.

Sophia also delights in sharing music with children, having spent several years with the Canadian Children's Opera Company where she helped nearly 2000 elementary aged students create music.

The WholeNote Magazine wrote of Sophia: "Perlman's approach is all at once soulful, gut-wrenching, funky and provocative."

The final concert of the season, taking place on August 19, is a three-peat performer at the Series.  

Michael Kaeshammer's career and reputation have grown substantially since he first visited our Series in 2004, and especially since his second visit in 2010.

He is now on the cusp of a breakthrough into a major career.

Perhaps it's already happening, however; he's gone from playing coffee shops and small jazz festivals to performing in major metropolitan performance halls in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

The fact that he's coming back to this Series for its 20th anniversary is astounding, and we couldn't be more thrilled.

Kaeshammer is, of course, one of Canada's finest jazz/blues pianists, and also a phenomenal singer and songwriter, with the charisma to make his performance a true spectacle.

His lightning-fast skills on a piano and his ability to improvise and flawlessly blend jazz, soul, pop and blues influences have been known to put his audiences into a state of awe.

A Calgary blogger wrote of Kaeshammer's show: "Technically brilliant and a spectacle. Like taking a Ferarri for a drive through winding mountain highways and then going for a gourmet meal. It excites all of your senses."

Season Tickets, which include all three performances, are available for just $90 while tickets for individual concerts are $37.50 each.  

Tickets are available by calling 705-246-0055 or by purchasing online at oldtownhall.ca.  

Tickets will be mailed or held at the door for you.

The concerts are held on three consecutive Wednesday evenings, beginning at 8 p.m.  Refreshments are available.  

St. Joseph Island is approximately 35 minutes east of Sault Ste. Marie, accessible by a toll-free bridge.

Tickets are available online at oldtownhall.ca or by calling 705-246-0055.

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(PHOTO: Jazz and blues vocalist Sophia Perlman)

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