VIDEOS: Strathcona Performing Arts Centre holds first show

Mike Plume will go down as the first artist to perform in the brand new Strathcona Performing Arts Centre.

The celebrated Bonnyville artist returned to town to be part of history, as the long awaited opening of the new theatre in Bonnyville transpired on Friday night.

“The fact I get to be the first guy to jump out of the plane, I’m thrilled beyond belief,” Plume told Lakeland Connect during rehearsal on that Friday night. 

In front of a packed house, music lovers took in the sights of the $5.5 million theatre, which has been a labour of love for the Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts to make happen.

Bellamy himself described the past three years as an “emotional journey.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever attempted to do something to this scope in my life. It changed me irreparably in a good way. I was a different person when we started. It’s been an incredible journey,” he told Lakeland Connect. 

While the theatre is built, the funding is still ongoing to get everything paid for.

A massive CFEP grant, combined with the Town’s loan, gets them closer to the financial finish line, but they are continuing to seek sponsorship opportunities.

That also includes sponsoring a seat in an individual’s name or a business.

Memories

Plume’s return marks a special milestone for the performer. Forty years ago in December, he sang for the first time on stage at BCHS.

It brought back a flood of memories of those early days.

“I really developed my confidence at the Lyle Vic [Lyle Victor Albert Centre]. Hopefully, that’s on full display tonight,” said Plume.

That’s what the Bonnyville Strathcona theatre is meant to foster and develop. While booking acts that are world-class and renowned, they are also focused on budding performers that just need a place to start.

That’s where Lakeland Live, in particular, comes into play.

Having its first show this upcoming Saturday, it’s an opportunity for performers to sign up online and get on stage in front of their community.

“We are committed to building the next generation of great artists. We’ve had Brett Kissel, Mike Plume, George Canyon, myself, all these amazing folks that have come out of this area. It’s time for the next generation,” said Bellamy. 

“It gives them a chance to perform on a world-class stage. We’ve had Bonnyville Live, the Bonnyville Grand Ole Opry, Homemade Jam…now it’s all combined into one thing: Lakeland Live.” 

Upcoming shows

A series of upcoming shows are already booked for the next few months at the theatre.

After Lakeland Live this weekend, including:

• Kryla Ukrainian Dancers Spring Concert – April 26
• Grand Opening – April 30
• CFCW’s Heartstrings & Honkytonks with Michelle Wright, Dan Davidson, Nice Horse, Clayton Bellamy with special guests Callee-Rae and Hayzley Rivard – May 3
• The Legend of George Jones ft Duane Steele – May 24

As well, the Golf & Gala event will continue Labour Day weekend, with more announcements to come.