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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 20, 2016 | 18 John Bkila Editor jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com OCPA announces this season's lineup of shows Tickets go on sale to public next Thursday by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Artscene "Connected to your Community" T he Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA) officially announced its 201617 lineup Wednesday (May 18) with a wide array of shows from internationally-renowned performers to up-and-coming artists. "(This) will be a great season for patrons of the Oakville Centre -- especially our members," said Robin Howarth, OCPA manager. "Our fantastic line up of shows offers a diverse range of live performances, truly offering something for everyone to enjoy. Plus our members are going to get even more for their support," she continued. "Our new Big Ticket Plus and Big Ticket membership cards offer access to front-of-the-line tickets, ticket discounts and a tax receipt, plus they also receive access to discounts at local vendors and a complimentary coffee or tea at every performance at the Oakville Centre. It's going to be a great season." Highlights from this season include The Proclaimers, Shaun Majumder, Los Lobos, The Tea Party, Lisa Loeb, Terri Clark, An Evening with Berg, Murphy, Northey and Page, Margaret Atwood, SingAlong-A-Sound-of-Music, Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite, Susan Aglukark and an Urban Dance Symposium, among others. "The season has been built with a foundation of eclectic performance styles including internationally acclaimed musicians, dazzling dance, daring dramas, fun family shows, educational student matinees and much more," stated From left, Samantha Martin and Stacie Tabb of the group Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar, perform at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA) Wednesday night during the OCPA's latest season preview. | photo by Noah Park ­ special to the Beaver a media release. "There is truly something for everyone in our community." Tickets go on sale to the public next Thursday (May 26) at 11 a.m., while Big Ticket and Big Ticket Plus members were able to purchase tickets starting yesterday (Thursday, May 19) and May 11, respectively. All performances, excluding Studio Sessions, take place in the newly renamed Willson Auditorium through the help of a sponsorship from Willson International Limited. Among the features for this season include the In Conversation With...Series, which is presented by the OCPA, Oakville Public Library and A Different Drummer Books. Participants get to hear from some of Canada's top influencers and authors. Margaret Atwood is scheduled to speak on Monday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. -- more speakers will be announced through the OCPA's e-newsletter, which can be signed up for by emailing boxoffice@oakville.ca. Chinwagn's Classic Albums Live returns this season to bring life to beloved albums. Founded by Craig Martin in 2003, Torontobased Classic Albums Live recreates famous rock albums as they are performed live Some of this year's features include the Best of the Beatles and the Stones (Dec. 14, 2017), U2's The Joshua Tree (March 22, 2017), and Jimi Hendrix's Are You Experienced (April 7, 2017). The 2016-17 season also includes shows from the Acura of Oakville Family Series; Classical and World Artists Series; Comedy Series; Dan Cooper Concert Series; Paradiso Dance, Drama and Film; and Studio Sessions Series. The OCPA also offers its TD Learning with the Arts ­ Student Matinee Program, which aims to complement the school curriculum. Shows are designated for schools only and require a specific booking through the OCPA. Tickets cost $5 per seat, with a complimentary seat provided with the purchase of 10 tickets. Schools interested in booking a show are asked to contact Lorraine McVicar at 9053384161 ext. 3204 or Lorraine.McVicar@oakville.ca. For a complete schedule of performances or more information on each of the artists, visit www. OakvilleCentre.ca. The OCPA box office can be reached at 905-815-2021 or in person at 130 Navy St., from MondaySaturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tess Buckley performing at Jonathans Tuesday night Oakville's Tess Buckley wants to inspire others through her singing. The 16-year-old is a singer/songwriter and composer, and an ambassador for About Face, an organization that advocates on behalf of people with facial differences. She has performed for Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Lieutenant Governor of Canada Elizabeth Dowdeswell and musical stage performer Robert Pilon, of Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera fame. Buckley will be showcasing her talents with a set featuring jazz classics and old standards at Jonathans, 120 Thomas St., in Oakville. Born and raised in town, Buckley "became proficient at her craft by the age of 12. She performs as often as she can, in light of her student status, and has entertained dignitaries... (and) has recently been approached to do some recording with Canadian musical icon Lawrence Gowan," stated a media release. Buckley also competes on the Tess Buckley | photo courtesy of Jessica Charuk TAB taking audience through 9 Worst Breakups of All Time The Grade 11 drama class at T.A. Blakelock High School aims to have its audience in stitches with its latest comedy The 9 Worst Breakups of All Time. The show follows the story of Katie, who is left heartbroken after her three-month long relationship abruptly ends -- she claims it was the "worst breakup of all time." Eve Tonsil, an employee of Relationships For a Better Tomorrow, decides to take Katie on a tour of the nine worst breakups of all time to prove her wrong. "It's a comedy to prove that no matter how heart stomped you can feel, it can always be worse," stated a media release. The show will be staged at the 1160 Rebecca St. school's Studio Theatre on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 at the door. national stage in snowboarding and placed ninth in Copper Colorado's USASA Nationals for alpine snowboard racing. "Growing up with a facial difference -- a `special smile' as she likes to call it -- Tess speaks about being positive, accepting, and loving who you are," stated the release. For more information or to hear some of Buckley's performances, visit tesssings.com.