Squares Dancing in ‘69
2024-11-22 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-11-23 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Halifax) | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
It’s New Years Eve 1969 and Johnny Cool (Jamie Collins) and Claudine (Anne Gillis) are on the stage! There’s electricity in the air after a decade of free love and political upheavals that has reached even into rural Cape Breton. So much has changed since televisions started dominating even in ceilidh houses. The Pig’n’Whistle show, which has inspired country music and Irish music at the dances with the bar right in the hall rather than out in the parking lot, has put square dances out of fashion. That doesn’t sit well with the MacAulay sisters (Jacqueline Boyd, Elizabeth Matheson and= Darlene Ellis), but they can’t resist coming out to this new type of dance, even with the bar, to spend the end of the decade with their neighbours. Alec Pat (Lawrence Cameron) and Dan Peter (Robert Pringle) are going to be there too, and well, Dan Peter has been taking in a lot of that “hippie” talk, and that doesn’t always sit well with Alec Pat, but then again, what does? The young crew (Siobhan Beaton, Kristen Boyd, Rebecca Dunphy, Adam MacNeil and Ryan Ehler) are looking at the ‘70’s as a time of new beginnings, but what will that mean for them? From Ring of Fire to Time Gentlemen Please, it’s going to be a jam-packed evening of entertainment, so get your tickets and come to Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou on November 22 nd or 23 rd at 7:30 to be part of it all. Reserved seating tickets are available on Eventbrite. Just search “Eventbrite Squares Dancing in ’69” plus the night you want, and you can find it easily. Strathspey Performing Arts Centre is trying out a different way of selling tickets which will be hopefully a lot smoother to use. Please get in touch with SP if you have any problems. See you at the theatre!

Tyler Mullendore - Album Release w/ Abbey Mullendore
2024-11-30 19:00 - 22:00 | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
Tyler & The Band celebrate the release of “Time Heals Everything”, his debut EP; featuring special guests Abbey Mullendore & The Luxtones.
About This Event:
Join us on November 30th at Strathspey Place in Mabou for an unforgettable night celebrating with Tyler & The Band for the release of “Time Heals Everything”; his debut EP. It also marks the release of the album’s 3rd single & video, “Mama Cry”, which will be presented at the show!
Warming up the stage will be his amazingly talented sister, Abbey Mullendore & The Luxtones! Abbey will also join her brother, Tyler on stage later in the show for a special featured performance, showcasing their many years of harmonious siblingship, and musical chemistry.
Expect an evening filled with incredible music, door prizes, and Tyler’s merchandise for sale; maybe a few laughs as well in proper Cape Breton fashion. There will also be a bar on-site to enjoy refreshments throughout the evening.
Let’s make this a memorable celebration of local talent and music! Stay tuned for more details and get ready to support Tyler and Abbey as they come home to thier roots, and light up the stage at Strathspey Place.
TYLER MULLENDORE
Born from the soul of Cape Breton soil, Tyler Mullendore blends rough and tumble roots rock with the electrified emotion of southern fried Americana. Tyler pays forward the heart-wrenching wistfulness of Bob Seger and the lyrical introspection of John Prine with a classic rock pulse that’s made all the more compelling by the remarkable band behind him.
The Canadian Idol finalist proves why he was awarded the top spot in eOne’s national “Big Break” songwriting competition; it’s clear the judges were just as taken with the authenticity of his songs as you’re sure to be.
ABBEY MULLENDORE
Abbey Mullendore brings the thunder to every stage she steps foot on; from family gatherings in rural Cape Breton, to Massey Hall in Toronto. She flourishes in everything she does; whether it’s her thriving organic mushroom business, being “Mom” to her 2 beautiful daughters, or traveling North America with the highly acclaimed “Classic Albums Live” – filling the shoes of Stevie Nicks on the “Fleetwood Mac Rumours” tour.
Abbey carries a strength and energy that few can match; bringing warmth and connection to anyone in her path. She is the younger sister and Irish twin of Tyler Mullendore, and has been his partner in crime and in music since it all began. Like her brother, she burns with the same flame that fuels her passion, and is born from the same soil that nurtured her soul. A talented songstress in her own right and an equally formidable performer; to watch her sing is to witness someone truly alive in their element. After the curtains close and the music fades, a lasting impression remains, as Abbey’s presence is not just heard, but felt in the moments that linger in the hearts of the listener.

SILENCE OF THE LOBSTERS by Brad Lowes (adapted by Cindy O'Neill)
2025-05-17 19:30 - 22:30, 2025-05-18 19:30 - 22:30 | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
A crisis has arisen in the lobster industry in Inverness County. All along the shoreline, lobster have vanished leaving traps empty, local fishers puzzled, and bank accounts drained.
As the mystery unfolds, fingers are pointed at one local fisherman, Jessie Lecter. As luck should have it, Detective Foster and Special Agent Starling are on the case and, after a few twists and turns, and some favorite songs, their keen eyes and ears pick up the clues to get to the bottom of it all.
WesPAC theatre is excited to bring SILENCE OF THE LOBSTERS to the Strathspey Performing Arts Centre on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m. Come to see if you can figure out ‘who did it’ before the police can.
Tickets are $30 (plus applicable fees) and are available on WesPAC’s eventbrite: click here for Saturday, May 17th and here for Sunday, May 18th.
See you at the theatre!

KitchenFest: Small of my Heart Songwriters' Circle
2025-06-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
Join us in the beautiful Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou for a powerful evening of Cape Breton songwriting. The “Small of My Heart” Songwriters Circle is a celebrated concert series created by Lisa MacIsaac, showcasing award-winning women and non-binary artists in music and advancing their voices within the Canadian music industry. For this special night, Lisa is joined by Catherine MacLellan, Heather Rankin, and Abigail MacDonald in a stellar lineup of talent you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here.

KitchenFest: Squares Dancing in '69
2025-07-04 19:30 - 22:00 | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
It’s New Years Eve 1969 and Johnny Cool (Jamie Collins) and Claudine (Anne Gillis) are on the stage! There’s electricity in the air after a decade of free love and political upheavals that has reached even into rural Cape Breton. So much has changed since televisions started dominating even in ceilidh houses. The Pig’n’Whistle show, which has inspired country music and Irish music at the dances with the bar right in the hall rather than out in the parking lot, has put square dances out of fashion.
That doesn’t sit well with the MacAulay sisters (Brenda MacLennan-Dunphy, Elizabeth Matheson and Darlene Ellis), but they can’t resist coming out to this new type of dance, even with the bar, to spend the end of the decade with their neighbours. Alec Pat (Steve MacDougall) and Dan Peter (Robert Pringle) are going to be there too, and well, Dan Peter has been taking in a lot of that “hippie” talk, and that doesn’t always sit well with Alec Pat, but then again, what does? The young crew (Siobhan Beaton, Lauren Boyd, Rebecca Dunphy, Martin Thomsen, and Theo Feehan-Peters) are looking at the ‘70’s as a time of new beginnings, but what will that mean for them?
From Ring of Fire to Time Gentlemen Please, it’s going to be a jam-packed evening of entertainment! Tickets available here.

"Hello Again...Again"
2025-08-31 20:00 - 22:00 | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
The cast and crew are excited to bring ‘Hello Again …Again’ with the music of Neil Diamond to Strathspey Place’s beautiful theatre. The show just finished a run in Halifax, where it played to sold out audiences, with rousing standing ovations and rave reviews.
“ We had so much fun and were totally blown away. Every minute was fun , haunting, interesting, and a pleasure to the ears.”
“ An outstanding show!”
“I left humming and singing my favourite songs, and I continued to do so all night .”
“The band was …just wow!”
“I hope many, many more people get to enjoy it .”
Sean Andrews’ amazing voice and command of the stage has masterfully intertwined his own words with the lyrics and music of Neil Diamond. The show is his personal story told through the music of Neil Diamond, giving us another look at how a performer like Neil Diamond can affect so many people’s lives. It is a true testament to how music can take you back to a moment in your life, and help you get through the ups and downs of of this journey we are all on.
Director Edmund MacLean, who’s other directing credits (Boardwalk Productions) performed at Strathspey Place include ‘Woodstock- A Time Of Love And Peace’, ‘Hello, My Name Is Johnny Cash’, ‘Canadian Legends’, ‘Roy Orbison- In Dreams’, ‘Elton John’s Song Book’, and most recently, ‘A Walk Down Memory Lane with Patsy Cline’
Tickets available here.

The Ennis Sisters--On We Go
2025-10-02 19:30 - 21:30
Join us in Mabou for a night of sweet, soulful music from this JUNO award-winning Newfoundland trio! For one night only, October 2nd at 7:30, these ECMA winners are joining us at Strathspey place. Tickets will sell out quick so make sure to pick some up!
Tickets can be found here.

Down At MacLean's
2025-11-29 14:30 - 19:00 | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
Get ready for a festive holiday good time at Strathspey Performing Arts Centre!
‘Down at MacLean’s’ A Holiday special written, directed and produced by Kathryn McIntyre.
‘Down at MacLean’s’ is based on a small store, in a sparsely populated area, on Christmas Eve,
where the store has always been the centre of the action. Two estranged brothers, who have
long made Christmas Eve another bone of contention, end up at the store together, their poor
wives in the middle. Why they are estranged and how the community both supports and pushes
them is guaranteed to keep you wondering how Christmas will ever be the same. This show has
lovable, familiar characters and shows the strength and resilience in a rural community in the
quiet of a harsh winter.
This show was inspired by Kathryn MacIntyre’s years living in Mabou, learning about the history
and people who have run small stores that were the heart of the town before her, and inspired
by her years of service at Brook Village. The holidays are always the heart of the season at the
store, getting to know and curate gifts and food for the people we all know and love. The
holidays are special, they bring everyone together, chaos and all. She hope this gets you in the
holiday spirit and that you enjoy the show!
Cast members vary from people you may have seen before and new faces on the stage.
Kristine MacDonald (The Weddin’ Dance), Elizabeth Matheson (The Silence of the Lobsters),
Darlene Ellis (The Silence of the Lobsters, Morgan MacInnis, Jamie Collins (Squares Dancing in
’69), Amanda MacDonald, Theo Feehan (Squares Dancing in ’69), Rankin MacEachern
(Lookout Tower band, John Allan Cameron’s Last Show), Brandon MacNeil, Cindy O’Neill (The
Silence of the Lobsters director), Jeremy Rose, Bridget Wilson (The Weddin’ Dance), and
Justice Stephney. The music in the store will be supplied by Mike MacInnis (The Rèiteach) and
Kyle MacDonald (Good Crowd band, John Allan Cameron’s Last Show. Kristen Boyd (Squares
Dancing in ’69) will be helping Kathryn out backstage for this production; and the magic of Marg
MacInnis (costumes) and Trisha Boyd (hair and make-up) will supply the finishing touches.
Be sure to come to Strathspey Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, November 29 th for the
matinee at 2:30 or the evening show at 7pm! Tickets are available on Eventbrite or by following
the links on the Strathspey PAC website. See you there!
Two showings are available on November 29th–A matinee at 2:30 and one at 7!
Tickets for both can be found here. Make sure to double check you have bought the correct amount of tickets–Eventbrite will auto-select the first seat, so you’ll have to de-select it if you don’t want that seat.

Jon Bryant: Maritime Mistletoe
2025-12-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, 11156 Route 19, Mabou, Nova Scotia, B0E1X0, Canada
Jon Bryant is a Halifax-born, Vancouver-based folk singer who wonderfully blends a classic Maritime feel with the best of Canada’s indie.
Jon Bryant is coming to Mabou!
An ECMA-nominated folk singer/songwriter who was declared iTunes Canada’s “Featured Singer/Songwriter,” Jon Bryant has released five albums and performed at the Junos. You may know him from his acting career, too, appearing in hit shows like Smoke, Searching For A Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story, and Arrow. He’s ready to give us a night of emotional, evocative folk music! Tickets are $30, and doors open at 7:00 PM.

Ian Stewart--Hypnotist
2026-02-20 19:00 - 20:30
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs and mind-bending fun! On February 20, Strathspey Place welcomes Ian Stewart, one of North America’s top comedic hypnotists, for a high-energy show unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Audiences can expect a fast-paced, interactive performance where volunteers become the stars. Ian guides participants through hilarious hypnotic scenarios, spontaneous reactions, and unpredictable moments that keep the entire crowd laughing. Every show is completely unique!
This is a full hypnosis and comedy experience, making it the perfect night out for families, friends, and anyone who loves live entertainment.
Come ready to laugh, be amazed, and maybe even be part of the show!
Tickets available here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ian-stewart-hypnotist-registration-1977459779432?aff=oddtdtcreator

Frozen In Time
2026-03-30 18:00 - 19:00
Join your two favourite princesses for a truly magical experience! This enchanting event features delightful storytelling and sing-along performances to all your favourite songs. It’s the perfect family outing, designed for children of all ages to enjoy together. To add to the fun, guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite prince, princess, character or even a villain!

For those looking to make the afternoon extra special, a limited number of VIP tickets are available. VIP guests will enjoy reserved VIP seating along with an exclusive meet-and-greet with the stars of the show.

Tickets available here.

J.P. Cormier
2026-06-06 19:30 - 21:00
Cape Breton legend JP Cormier delivers masterful guitar, fiddle, and stories—an unforgettable night of Celtic roots and energy.
JP Cormier is one of Canada’s most gifted and genre-defying musicians—an extraordinary guitarist, fiddler, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and storyteller. From deep roots in Cape Breton tradition to bluegrass, folk, and Americana stages across North America, his career spans decades of award-winning recordings and unforgettable performances. Touring solo with just his instruments, JP delivers a show that is powerful, surprising, funny, and deeply human—leaving audiences amazed and talking long after the final note.
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jp-cormier-registration-1980147588742?aff=erellivmlt

Country Boys Tribute
2026-09-11 19:30 - 21:30
Country Boys Tribute Show — A Tribute to Four Country Legends
Strathspey is thrilled to welcome the Country Boys Tribute Show, delivering the unforgettable hits of Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, and George Strait in one incredible night of live music.
This high-energy performance features outstanding vocals, rich harmonies, and a full band of seasoned musicians who recreate the sound, feel, and excitement of true classic country. From “Chattahoochee” and “Mud on the Tires” to “The Fireman” and “Friends in Low Places,” you’ll hear the songs that shaped generations of country fans.
Whether you love old-school country, modern favorites, or just a great night out with friends, this tribute show brings it all — authenticity, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun.

Don Ross and Julie Malia
2026-10-07 19:30 - 21:30
Don Ross & Julie Malia combine world-class guitar and heartfelt songwriting, creating a dynamic duo captivating audiences across the globe
Acclaimed solo artists Don Ross and Julie Malia have joined forces to create a dynamic musical partnership that showcases their world-class artistry. Since 2023, the pair have toured extensively across Europe and North America, performing a mix of solo and duo sets that highlight their exceptional guitar work, compelling songwriting, and captivating stage presence.
Don Ross, a pioneering Canadian guitarist with 18 solo albums and numerous international accolades, continues to push artistic boundaries through innovative collaborations and orchestral scoring. His latest album, WATER, features an impressive lineup of guest artists and marks his fully independent release.
German guitarist and singer Julie Malia (Jule Malischke) has become one of Europe’s most in-demand acoustic performers, admired for her versatility, virtuosity, and expressive voice. Her recent album Seagull earned a nomination for the German Record Critics’ Prize.
Together, Don and Julie create a powerful and engaging concert experience, blending masterful musicianship, diverse styles, and genuine chemistry onstage!
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/don-ross-and-juile-malia-registration-1977468200620?aff=oddtdtcreator
