The Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts in Balzac is offering patrons a unique Valentine’s weekend date night on Feb. 12, featuring a bottle of bubbly and sultry performance from a pair of local Latin jazz musicians, Gisela Romero and her husband Esteban Herrera.
The husband-wife duo will be performing with their all-Latin band, the Gisela Romero Quintet. The group features Romera on vocals, Herrera on piano, and fellow Latin artists Daniel Nava on bass, Luis Tovar on Latin percussion, and Ruben Bocaranda on drums.
According to Carlos Foggin, general manager at Polaris Centre, the concert, titled “Amor y Música” (or “Love and Music” in English) will include a romantic set list full of songs performed in Spanish, otherwise known as the language of love.
“They are as good as it gets for Latin jazz,” Foggin said. “Esteban has played all over the world. Gisela has got this voice that is just like molasses and caramel – it's just so dark and rich.”
Foggin said Herrera is an established artist in his own right and boasts nine studio-recorded albums, alongside performing both locally and internationally over the years.
Likewise, Romero has released two studio albums and has performed across western Canada and Mexico. Romero’s latest album, Romero and Herrara Vol. One, will be released this month.
Foggin added Romero and her band previously performed at the Polaris Centre last September as part of Alberta Culture Days, where they were well received by attendees.
“It was fantastic. It was a great show,” he said. “That’s when we met them, and we just thought, that’s the only people we want on stage for Valentine’s – it’s just so romantic and so sultry.”
He added those interested in getting a sneak peek of what the night might be like can view a concert recording from Alberta Culture Days on the Polaris Centre’s website. According to Foggin, by supporting local performing arts venues, patrons go a long way to supporting local artists, too.
“The small bars and clubs really need the support,” Foggin said, adding Polaris Centre is an all-ages venue. “Most music like that is at a bar or a jazz club, which is a licensed 18-plus establishment.
“So, people who aren’t comfortable going to a bar or who want to go out and not drink or patronize a bar can have a great time – the sound and the lighting is bar none.”
The venue does include a discrete bar and if it is a date night, Foggin said attendees can purchase a table and a bottle of champagne to accompany the romantic music and venue conducive to a great listening experience.
Foggin added the Polaris Centre is happy and grateful for the support they have received throughout the pandemic and he wants to pay it forward to artists who have similarly struggled amid the back-and-forth restrictions.
“Singing in a bar is where people get their start, but when people really want to go to a production and see what the artist can really do, they want it in a perfectly tuned, acoustically tempered hall,” he said. “And we’re so happy to offer that, because it really doesn’t exist in Airdrie.”
Romero said musicians all over the world have been affected by the pandemic, which has resulted in many performances and events being cancelled – an important source of income for many artists.
“By coming to this concert, you’re supporting us and you’re helping us to grow through this pandemic in these tough times,” she said.
Originally from Mexico, Romero said she has been singing professionally since she was 16 years old, after getting her start by singing in her church choir at the age of eight or nine. She began singing at social events in her home country and then progressed to musicals and special productions.
After moving to Canada 14 years ago, Romero started to get involved with fellow Latin musicians in the Calgary area and performed at festivals such as Expo Latina, Lilac Festival, and Taste of Calgary, as well as festivals in both Edmonton and Regina.
She said her favourite thing about performing is getting to share some of her culture and heritage with the audience.
“Most of the things that I sing are in Spanish and I like the connection that music creates without the barrier of language,” Romero said.
She added the upcoming performance is a terrific opportunity for people who are curious about Latin American culture and Spanish music to come have a taste and see it in person.
“I don’t think there’s another show like this going on this year,” she said, adding it will be a unique date night experience. “It’s all focused on Valentine’s, and it is very romantic.
“It’s a very interesting concept on rhythm, language, and culture.”
According to Romero, her fellow musicians joining her for the performance are among the best from their respective countries and are a “huge treasure” in the local Latin music scene.
She said her fellow band mates are talented musicians who each have their own musical projects and recorded albums. She added the quintet was recently awarded a grant from Calgary Arts Development to produce an album at the end of the year.
Those interested in attending the upcoming performance can purchase tickets at Polariscentre.ca. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m.
General seating at tables of eight are $25 each, and private tables of two and four are available for reservation at $70 per couple.
