The Joshua Bates Centre is a performing arts centre located in Athens, Ontario, that features music, theatre, and comedy. This small town venue has played host to some of today’s stars before they were stars including Brett Kissel, Gord Bamford, Johnny Reid and many many more. This afternoon they unveiled a powerhouse lineup for the 2018-19 season!
Abby Stewart
Abby Stewart performs at CFB Kingston photo Sean Sisk
The four show season kicks off on November 17, 2018 with Kingston’s teen country sensation, Abby Stewart. Abby, a 17 year old singer/songwriter from Kingston, feels most at home on the music stage achieving some impressive success in her budding career.
She has opened for Hunter Hayes, Tebey, Michelle Wright, Emerson Drive, Tim Hicks and three times for Brett Kissel. Abby has sung duets with Dean Brody, Dallas Smith and Aaron Pritchett and has performed at Boots & Hearts, Havelock Jamboree, Ottawa Bluesfest, Trackside Music Festival, Spencerville Stampede, and the CNE stage.
Locally, she has performed at The Grand Theatre, Kingston and headlined the DFIA festival in Brockville. Abby released her EP “Firsts” in 2015 which included her radio release “I’m Still Faster”, followed by her first video which has over 250,000 views on YouTube. Why wait until she’s selling out arenas when you can catch this teen phenom live in one of Eastern Ontario’s most intimate venues?
Carl Dixon
Carl Dixon (from Facebook)
Following Abby on February 23, 2019 is legendary Carl Dixon. Dixon is currently touring in support of his debut country album, “Whole ‘Nother Thing”. Rock fans will remember Carl in Coney Hatch, Triumph, April Wine and The Guess Who where he was, for eight years, the lead singer.
Carl’s powerful vocals, artistry and stage presence combined with his inspirational story, make this a show you do not want to miss. Check out his website for more of Carl’s accomplishments. They are too numerous to list here.
There is little doubt that this show will be like none other ever presented at the Joshua Bates Centre!
Jordy Jackson
Jordy Jackson (from Facebook)
The Jordy Jackson Band is an up and coming high energy country band from Kingston, they’ll kick off spring on our stage on April 5, 2019. Best known for their original music, fan favourite covers, and electric live performances, the band has earned their way into such country festivals in Ontario as the Tweed Stampede, Trackside Music Festival, and the Havelock Jamboree. Jordy also previously entertained the crowd in Athens at the Country in the Park in 2017.
The Jordy Jackson Band’s original music is best described as fun, upbeat, and relatable. With a rocky twist on a traditional sound, it makes for a truly original experience and has
landed their recent single “Canadian Redneck” spins on local country radio stations.
SPIDEY Make – Believe
Spidey (from Facebook)
The only non-country and non-musical act in the 2018-19 season is mentalist Spidey. Mentalism – the use of 5 senses to give off the impression that one has a 6th sense. It uses a mix of psychology, verbal and non-verbal communication and magic to accomplish incredible demonstrations that deal with our innermost thought. Mentalism as an art has become quite mainstream in the last decade finding itself in movies and in the television series “The Mentalist”.
Spidey brings a mind-blowing and hilarious magical performance in his show Make Believe. He will freak you out with his eerie mental demonstrations bordering on the supernatural!
Spidey has appeared on Penn & Teller, Entertainment Tonight and the Discovery Channel and other shows. He has traveled to New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa.
For tickets and more details visit joshuabatescentre.com
