Grand OnStage shifts to virtual performances for 2020-2021 season

The Grand OnStage program is launching a virtual program for the 2020-2021 season. Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, with an online performance by guitarist Jesse Cook, the virtual programming will include unique and customized online streamed experiences of exceptional artistic presentations.

According to a press release from the City of Kingston, dated Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, all shows that were originally scheduled for the current 2020-2021 season as live, in-person performances have been either postponed or cancelled.

“After 12 incredible Grand OnStage seasons that have engaged, entertained, and inspired audiences through live in-person performance, the 2020-2021 program is being re-imagined in response to the dramatic impact of Covid-19 on the performing arts,” says Jayson Duggan, Performing Arts Manager, City of Kingston.  “Through the development of a series of unique and exclusive digital broadcasts featuring a variety of artist performances, live interviews, engagement opportunities and audience Q&A sessions, audiences can soon re-engage safely with the Grand OnStage program.”

The virtual performances will be announced on an ongoing basis and shared directly to subscribers, patrons and the general public through the Kingston Grand Theatre newsletters, social media channels and website, according to the release. Virtual events and performances will either be free of charge or available at an affordable ticket price. Registration will be required through www.kingstongrand.ca to access the streaming link. The show must go on and, despite the current circumstances, the City remains committed to the artists presented through Grand OnStage and to Kingston audiences who enjoy the Kingston Grand Theatre.

Grand OnStage programming is supported by Canadian Heritage through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund and the Ontario Arts Council.

Grand OnStage 2020-2021 program opens with Jesse Cook

On Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., the 2020-2021 Grand OnStage program kicks off with Juno-winning Canadian flamenco guitarist, Jesse Cook. The event will be free and feature an exclusive 30-minute online performance, artist interview, and audience Q&A.

Following the season opener, Grand OnStage will present contemporary dance artist and choreographer, Christine Friday on Thursday, Nov. 5. Christine is an Anishinaabe kwe from the Temagami First Nation and is a proficient and resilient Indigenous storyteller, according to the release. The 30-minute free event will feature a performance of Maggie and Me, which has just recently been recorded by Christine on her home territory and produced exclusively for the Grand Onstage virtual program. 

To register for the upcoming virtual Grand OnStage events, visit: https://www.kingstongrand.ca/about/resident-companies/grand-onstage.

To stay up-to-date regarding upcoming virtual Grand OnStage programs, sign-up to the Kingston Grand Theatre newsletter at https://www.kingstongrand.ca/sign-up-to-our-newsletters and follow along on Facebook @kingstongrandtheatre, Twitter @Kingston_Grand and Instagram @kingstongrandtheatre.