Markham Theatre unveils exciting January lineup
The Markham Theatre team is preparing for an exciting start to 2025.
January promises a diverse slate of performances, packed with a mix of Diamond Season highlights with community events and school performances.
“It’s wonderful to see the students back in our space,” says Hill. “Of course, we see the folks from Unionville High regularly, but we’re particularly happy to have Markville Secondary back in our space after a few years away for their production of Hadestown.”
The Diamond Season starts with YAMATO: The Power of Human Strength on January 17. These world-class Japanese drummers promise to combine tradition with modernity to create something between unbridled passion and a top athletic performance. After more than 4000 performances worldwide over 30 years, it certainly seems that they deliver.
“This is an awesome show to have here,” says Hill.”We talk a lot about bringing the world to Markham’s doorstep, and this is a great example of it. The show is incredible, and the company is amazing.”
Up next is Brass Transit on January 24 at 8pm. A nearly annual tradition in Markham now, the band bills themselves as THE premier Chicago Tribute band. Formed in 2008, its accomplished, award- winning (JUNO, Emmy, SOCAN) roster was intent on paying tribute to the decades-long, multi-platinum songbook of Chicago. More than 15 years later, there are many who argue that there is no act that does this better, including the current lineup of Chicago itself.
The excitement continues on January 24 with Brass Transit. This tribute band is known for their faithful renditions of Chicago’s multi-platinum hits.
“These guys are a Markham favourite,” Hill says. “They sound like Chicago in their prime, it’s a fantastic night of great music.”
The next night, January 25, promises more musical memories with the Cuban jazz fusion of Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita: featuring Gustavo Ovalles on percussion. Sosa and Keita are acclaimed musicians who collaborate to create a unique fusion of jazz, Latin, and African influences. A Cuban piano virtuoso, Sosa has recorded over 30 albums and received seven Grammy or Latin Grammy nominations. A Senegalese kora master, Keita is a multi-award winner, notably earning the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year title in 2019. With Ovalles joining for this tour, the group becomes the SUBA trio (named for their recent album). Sosa describes the performance as a ceremony and a moment of collective communion.
“Sosa is at the top of his game—of the whole jazz game really, right now,” adds Hill. “The music he’s making with this trio is both familiar and transformative.”
The talent doesn’t stop there. On January 30, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro returns, bringing his unparalleled skill and innovative sound to Markham. Dubbed the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Shimabukuro has redefined what the instrument can do.
“It’s wonderful to bring Jake back,” says Hill, “I remember the first time we had him. I couldn’t believe the ukelele could sound like that; he’s a master. He makes it sing.”
On January 31, HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis with Asad Mecci and Canadian Treasure Colin Mochrie hits the stage at 8 p.m. This unique combination of mystifying hypnosis and world-class improv comedy promises to be as irreverent as it is original. The evening begins with Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive “Hyprovisors” then join Mochrie onstage to create an instant improv troupe and perform the rest of the show while entirely under hypnosis.
The soulful melodies and jazz harmonies of Caity Gyorgy and her trio return on February 1 after a triumphant performance at last year’s Jazzalicious festival in Markham. A two-time Juno award winner, she is known for singing bebop and swing music with particular passion.
Beyond the Diamond Season lineup, community producers are also stepping into the spotlight. Markham at the Movies screens Ghostlight on January 21, and local favourite Elton Rohn delivers his renowned Elton John tribute on January 16.
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.
Photo: Caity Gyorgy performs.