Generations of fans around the world haven enjoyed the musical output of “America’s Band” for more than 50 years.
On May 1, the Beach Boys will be performing two shows at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre — at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. — sating Prince Albert fans’ desire to see them live without having to leave the city.
As well, multi-talented Jason Alexander, best known for his portrayal of George Costanza on the hit television sitcom Seinfeld, will incorporate a mix of stand-up, improvisation and musicianship into his June 3 show in P.A.
“They are among the biggest acts that we’ve had, and we’re really excited to have both,” E.A. Rawlinson Centre marketing director Linda Jensen said.
Tickets for each of the Beach Boys’ concerts are set at $94.50, while Alexander’s show is priced at $84.
“The price of the ticket is always going to be reflective of the price that we have to pay to get (artists) in,” Jensen said.
Jensen noted that with a seating capacity of 600 at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, patrons should expect a more intimate setting for both acts.
“The experience of seeing one of these high-profile acts in a venue like we have is just so amazing,” she said. “We certainly have people who have said that the ability to see a Kenny Rogers in our theatre is so amazing, because no matter where you sit, you can see their facial expressions.
“The prices are high, but it’s right in our own community. You don’t have to drive anywhere to see them,” she continued. “It makes you feel like you’re sitting in your living room, as opposed to being in a very large venue where you need binoculars to see what they look like.”
With the performances being part of the Canadian Tire Concert series, local Canadian Tire owner Malcolm Jenkins has been instrumental in bringing high-profile acts to P.A.
“It’s part of a bigger picture, really,” he said, noting that the E.A. Rawlinson is celebrating its 10th anniversary. “Specifically, the Canadian Tire series is meant to foster a bit of a vision I had.”
With the new building, Jenkins aimed to broaden the city’s market for bringing in acts.
“I got to Saskatoon to see shows,” he added. “I think nothing of jumping in the car, driving through a storm, paying 100 bucks to see someone who’s in town, and then driving all the way back. “
As a sign of things to come, Jensen said that the E.A. Rawlinson Centre will continue hunting for high-profile acts, as long as the appetite exists in the community.
“We’re working with a talent broker out of Winnipeg, and he is constantly on the lookout for acts that we can present here,” she said. “He has a good connection to many of the agencies in North America and is always on the lookout for tours that are happening.
“We’re just on the radar screen right now,” she continued. “The more we are able to attract artists like this, I think the greater our ability to continue to do that.”
Tickets for both acts will go on sale to sponsors, advertisers and subscribers on Feb. 4 and to the general public on Feb. 11. For more information about upcoming shows, visit: www.earawlinsoncentre.ca.
alex.dipietro@paherald.sk.ca
