The Canada Winter Games opening ceremonies will have some national performers that are known in Northern B.C. and will also feature some local acts worthy of national attention.
"I can't wait for the Canada Winter Games. That's going to be a great time for us," said Jeremy Pahl, one of the members of local buzz-band Black Spruce Bog. They are one of those sparks of local culture that will snap and sizzle at the big kickoff event on Feb. 13.
Organizers announced on Monday that more than 180 performers will play some kind of role in the opening event at CN Centre, but they only disclosed a few names so that the overall effects were reserved for the surprise and delight of the live audience.
"Athletes from over 800 communities across Canada will journey to our region in 25 days for the 25th edition of the Canada Games, and we are so proud to kick off the 2015 Games with this professional production," said 2015 Canada Winter Games CEO Stuart Ballantyne. "The opening ceremony, presented by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, will allow us to celebrate the athletes and showcase our region's northern story to the nation."
At the top of the list of disclosed performers was the cultural entertainers and performance-educators of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, the host aboriginal nation for these Games. They will be joined by the rootsy folk group Black Spruce Bog, modern pop band Bright City Heights, and star ballet dancer Tristan Ghostkeeper to name but a few.
Organizers allowed that one of Canada's hottest electro-rock bands Dear Rouge would be among the visiting acts on stage as the nation's athletes arrived in Prince George.
"The opening ceremonies will be a marquee event that sets the tone in how our country and region will be showcased as we celebrate the achievements of our young athletes," said Art Kaehn, chair of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. "We are honoured to be the presenting sponsor for the 2015 Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremonies."
The opening ceremonies event is being produced by Patrick Roberge. His company PRP was responsible for the 100th Grey Cup, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, and many other high-profile functions.
"We want to harness the youthful energy of the athletes and celebrate the northern story of the region," said Roberge. "Athletes, artists, performers and spectators alike all follow unique tracks to join us for the opening ceremony. Together, we will celebrate their journey to the 2015 Games."
Tickets for the opening ceremony, presented by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, are available through (CN Centre box office and Studio 2880), online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.
