Bragg Creek Performing Arts (BCPA) is gearing up for an exciting fall season, featuring three performances from artists music fans won’t want to miss. “Being able to experience live arts is very important,” said BCPA president Baruch Laskin. “We have this great venue and [are] giving an opportunity for people to experience even one fresh thing and embrace local once again.” According to Laskin, and artistic director Tina Mathas, BCPA’s upcoming season marks a shift. Laskin said strategic planning sessions have helped BCPA clarify the board’s vision of bringing Canadian talent to rural communities. Mathas said BCPA now aims to expand its offerings, bringing in more varied genres of musical performers to Bragg Creek, and promoting visual arts. “We’ll have different artists exhibit their work in the foyer on the evening of the concert,” Mathas said. “While people are waiting to go in, they get to also speak to local artists and talk about what they do.” BCPA’s fall season will kick off Oct. 13, with a double bill featuring Winnipeg roots-pop outfit Sweet Alibi and Toronto pianist/singer Jenie Thai. Nova Scotia trio Port Cities will bring its eclectic pop sound to the Bragg Creek Community Centre Nov. 24. In selecting this fall’s performers, Mathas said, BCPA remained cognizant of the tastes of season ticket holders, but also considered what would attract new audiences from outside Bragg Creek. “We’re trying to create something that’s collaborative and supports local businesses in Bragg Creek,” she said. “We want to be able to draw people that are either on the outskirts of Calgary or in Calgary, in Cochrane or other areas. They have different tastes in music and will come out for different types of performance.” Laskin echoed the commitment to promoting Bragg Creek through the fall season, adding BCPA is working with local businesses to offer ticket-holders deals throughout the hamlet. “Important to me, and for us, is connecting the businesses in Bragg Creek – as we get back on our feet since the flood of 2013, which might seem like a long time ago – and connecting patrons and giving some of these people an opportunity to see what Bragg Creek’s about,” he said. Ultimately, Laskin said, BCPA’s goal with the upcoming season is to provide exposure to live arts and, hopefully, provide a respite for audiences from the busyness of day-to-day life. More information about BCPA’s fall season is available at braggcreekperformingarts.com
