Category: 2023-24 Season

This play is a gripping and comedic tribute to Canadian World War I fighter pilot, Ontarian Billy Bishop. This beloved show won the 1982 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama and remains one of the most critically acclaimed Canadian musical plays of all time.

Matt Evans portrays the legendary flying ace, Bishop, as well as other characters. His co-pilot is musician Michael Mulrooney, who uses a piano to score battle scenes, taking us from bar rooms to ball rooms, capturing both humour and heartstrings.

“Dear Matt … your rendition of Billy Bishop Goes to War … the best one I have ever seen. It was a great tribute to my grandfather! I completely forgot that you were an actor and felt I was actually watching my grandfather. You were superb.” — Diana Bishop

Athens is honoured to welcome this play that will have you laughing and crying throughout the performance.

2022 Juno-nominated Miss Emily has spent 20+ years honing her skills as a soul/rock/pop/blues performer. From her home base in Kingston to New York City, Ottawa Bluesfest, Bobcageon’s festival with 30,000 in attendance, Westport’s The Cove (in New Jersey) — where she sang a few songs with Bruce Springsteen — and now to the intimate Joshua Bates Centre, the dynamo Miss Emily is wowing crowds wherever she appears.

Her Live at the Isabel garnered her a 2022 Juno nomination, a rarity for a live album. In 2020 Miss Emily won a triple crown of Female Vocalist, New Artist and Sapphire Blues Video at the Maple Blues Awards.

Be sure to be in the audience to experience the electrifying, roof-rattling performance of Miss Emily and her musician.

Photo Bernard Clark

This quartet returns to our theatre, from California, with their brand of 50’s 60’s music. They perform all your favourite hits of that era, plus originals written in the same vein. Their current EP, Sweet Nothings, may be heard on Spotify.

Here’s what people are saying:

“It was truly the best stage presence I have seen in a very long time. It was the kind of performance that made you want to kick off your shoes and get loose.” —OPJAM.Blog

“I think they’re the best rock n’ roll group – my old style of rock n’ roll – I’ve ever seen. These boys have got a show, they’re young and they’re getting it official.” —Ronnie Hawkins, Legendary American Rockabilly Artist

“This is, without a doubt, the most exciting band that I’ve seen in decades!” —Robbie Lane, Radio Host and Canadian Musician

Sam Polley says, “our sound is a mix of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and everything that time entailed…rock, pop, country, a bit of soul…. I wanted to make upbeat music, fun to play and would create a fun atmosphere around us. I am lucky that I am in a profession where I can create a good time.”

What others say is that it is “a vibrant, assured sound that leaves listeners wanting for more.” Fans who have seen them perform at such venues as the famed Mariposa Folk Festival, GTA’s Cameron House and Moonshine Café, Hillside Festival, Alberta’s Canmore Folk Festival and many others, have said, “entertaining and great set list..easily memorable songs and great personalities…Catch them if you can.” “Sam’s seriously ‘got it’. If you haven’t seen him live yet, GET THERE NOW… Sam is next Gen, and he’s got it RIGHT!”

‘Next generation’ is correct, as Sam is the son of famed singer Jim Cuddy and actress Rena Polley and younger brother to singer Devon Cuddy. Sam has learned from the best. He and The Old Tomorrows are sure to please!!