Coming Full Circle

“And the seasons, they go round and round.” – Joni Mitchell, The Circle Game

Welcome to Westben’s Summer Season 2023! Inspired by the cyclical nature of life and nature, we celebrate “Coming Full Circle” this summer with a season imbued with that wonderful sense of “starting afresh” as the world emerges from a pandemic into a sunnier future.

You are heartily invited to share the circle with our colourful array of local to international Canadian artists at our three extraordinary venues. From international “classical” circles, there is Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Janina Fialkowska, Ben Heppner - Host, Gino Quilicobaritone and the Elmer Iseler Singers. There is Mozart in the Meadow. Singer-songwriters include Chantal Kreviazuk, Jill Barber and Lennie Gallant while and jazz artists include EmilieClaire Barlow, Laila Biali and the Brian Barlow Big Band.

Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Award winner Dan Hill is here, as is platinum up-andcoming Warkworth-born country artist, SACHA (one of Country Music Television’s Next Women of Country, class of 2021). Ben Caplan and Del Barber are around the Campfire. And pushing the boundaries, we have The Fretless, as well as “Sounds of Silence” complete with silent film, improv musicians and a mime!

“The Universe is circles within circles, and everything is one circle...” - Black Elk

You are also invited to share in the sacredness of the circle with our Michi Saagiig neighbours from Alderville First Nation who will be here with music and stories focusing on the caretakership of the Black Oak Savanna. Also here is the joyful Mi'kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney, recent winner of three East Coast Music Awards.

The circle also includes “Les Mis in Concert” bursting with the amazing music from the smash hit musical If a story about finding redemption through a challenging time doesn’t resonate with the spirit of our own times, I don’t know what does!

We are so excited to welcome you to our circle this coming summer! Be sure to round out your experience with the interesting array of extra events surrounding concerts such as Dare to Pair events and pre-concert chats.

This is music in nature, and we’re thrilled to have you around!

Brian Finley, C.M.

Artistic & Managing Director