The Basement Theatre in Portage la Prairie has launched a new concert series in partnership with the music organization, Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous tour circuit, and our local Whoop and Hollar Folk Festival, which supports emerging and established musicians. The series features local and Manitoba-based artists and offers them a professional stage experience with full sound and lighting.
Executive Director of Prairie Drama Academy Chris Kitchen outlines what's happening.
“We’re really feeling the change in attitudes now. It’s almost like we can officially say COVID is done,” says Kitchen. “People are getting out again, and we’re seeing our numbers back to pre-COVID levels. It’s great to see families and kids back enjoying performances.”
The series, which started in October, will continue with three additional shows planned for February, March, and April, intentionally avoiding the busy holiday season. The theatre has already hosted successful performances from bands such as Busted and Hutlet 2.0, though those were standalone events. This new series marks their first step toward a more regular program.
Home Routes concerts typically take place in intimate home settings, so the Basement Theatre adapted its setup to offer a similar feel. “We set up the stage like a living room, with the audience surrounding the artist. Any last-minute ticket buyers sit at tables on the floor, making it feel cozy yet lively.”
The upcoming shows include a Valentine’s performance from the bluegrass-folk duo Veranda, the European folk group Gangspil in March, and a final show in April with Canadian artist Olivia Barrett.
Kitchen notes the feedback from the artists was wonderful, noting that they normally travel across Canada and perform in a house.
"Somebody will open up their living room and invite 20-30 people over and you know, they'll put on a a concert within the confines of that living room. Well, we're just saying our living room is just a little bigger. We've got a few more lights. We've got sound equipment to use, but the stage is set up like we set up the stage like a living room. We'll have people on the stage that they will surround the artist and then anybody buying last-minute tickets will be able to enjoy the shows. They'll just be at table on the floor."
The Basement Theatre invites residents to enjoy the series as they continue building a vibrant local arts community.
"We're really thankful that we could be a part of Home Routes which is the organization that works very hard to bring these artists to Manitoba. And, of course, we believe in community connection. Working with Whoop and Hollar is a natural fit. We have the place, they have the. They have the expertise and experience in working with folk artists like this and so we saw it as the natural way to connect together."