NAC Presents announces 2019-20 season lineup

Today the National Arts Centre announced its 2019-2020 programming, and it is unlike any that has come before.

Executive Producer Heather Gibson is determined to push forward with the idea of an expanded role for performing arts centres in the Canadian music landscape. As NAC Presents approaches its 9th season, GIbson explains how the NAC showcases the best in contemporary Canadian music, from emerging singer-songwriters and groundbreaking musicians, to our national heroes.

“How else can we present contemporary Canadian music?” asks Gibson. “We see collaboration with the NAC’s five other disciplines as an incredible opportunity. Whether teaming up great songwriters with the NAC Orchestra, or presenting shows in our free Public Spaces, I believe performing arts centres have a duty to reimagine their place in not only the national landscape, but within their communities.”

The lineup puts a focus on celebrating indigenous popular music with the inclusion of Oscar-winning songwriter and activist Buffy Saint-Marie, as well as 2018 Polaris Prize-winning composer and classically-trained tenor Jeremy Dutcher, and Tanya Tagaq and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory as major additions. Also hitting the big stage will be performer-extraordinaire Chilly Gonzales, Raffi, Matthew Byrne, and many more.

Following a successful 2018-19 SESSIONS series season with extraordinary performances by Patrick Watson, Tom Wilson, Lynn Miles, and STARS. This year’s SESSIONS artist lineup will be announced in the weeks to come, so keep an ear out for that announcement. Furthermore, Fridays at the Fourth, NAC Presents’ popular emerging music series will also return. With a focus on accessible ticket prices, the series offers an exciting program of new Canadian music across all genres.

Check out the full lineup below.

NAC PRESENTS 2019-2020 LINEUP

(as of March 16, 2019) Buffy Sainte-Marie • Tanya Tagaq and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory: Voices Rising • Jeremy Dutcher • Raffi • Chilly Gonzales • Matthew Byrne • Robert Charlebois • Bellflower • Rob Lutes • Louis-Philippe Robillard • Megan Nash • John Wort Hannam • Erin Costelo • Tara Shannon • Irish Mythen • Madison Violet • Kellylee Evans’ Winter Song • David Francey • Port Cities

TICKETS

Pre-sale begins Saturday, March 16 at 10am EST. Official on-sale date is Monday, March 18, at 10am EST. Tickets can be purchased directly from the NAC Box Office, at nac-can.ca, and via Ticketmaster.