news | Wednesday December 9, 2015

Songs in the Key of Cree, December 12 & 13 in Toronto

This weekend, join Tomson Highway and friends for a retrospective cabaret!

SPEAKeasy Collective presents, for two nights only, Songs in the Key of Cree, a one-time musical tribute to the multi-talented Cree playwright, author, storyteller, and musician Tomson Highway. The evening will showcase the musical achievements and unique wit that have garnered Highway fans around the world. Get yourself to Hugh’s Room (2261 Dundas St. W) for 8:30 PM on December 12 or 13, 2015 and enjoy this musical celebration of Highway’s plays and songs.

A master pianist, composer and songwriter with a repertoire spanning three decades, Highway’s music takes inspiration from a wide range of styles, including country, Brazilian samba, jazz and French Canadian folk songs with influences of Cole Porter and Kurt Weill. In addition to his Order of Canada, the JUNO-nominated performer was named one of the 100 most important people in Canadian history by Maclean’s magazine.

Highway will be joined on stage by musical director and pianist John Alcorn, saxophonist Marcus Ali, and performers Micah Barnes, Laura Hubert, Teresa Castonguay, Jani Lauzon, and Patricia Cano. More performers will be announced soon. Tomson achieved international recognition in 1986 for his sixth play, the multi-award winning The Rez Sisters, followed by the equally successful Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing. Both won the Dora Mavor Moore Award. He has criss-crossed the world conducting lectures, readings and musical performances, with accompaniment and as a solo performer.

Tickets are available for $22.50 in advance and $25 at the door.