The Bassano Arts Council’s genesis was in 1983, after the Bassano School had hosted a number of Dinner Theatres, and had money in the bank! A committee of teachers was established to decide what to do with the money, and after meeting with Alberta Culture representatives, the decision was made to present a season for the community of Bassano and surrounding area. The first concert was in the fall of 1984, and the Bassano Arts Council has successfully hosted a season each year since then!
The members of BAC were very involved in fundraising and planning for the construction of the new community hall in Bassano in 1994/1995; and hosted Ian Tyson as the first event in the new Bassano and District Community Hall in January of 1996. The Bassano Arts Council’s seasons have sold out for many years and hopefully will continue for many more years!
BAC helps to raise funds for the performing arts in Bassano School, and books performing artists to perform at the school throughout the year.
The Arts Council continues to receive funding from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and from Canadian Heritage. The government of Alberta has provided a grant for the BAC every year since its inception, and this grant has been instrumental in allowing the council to continue. The government of Canada continues to support our arts council through the Canadian Heritage CAPF Grants. We are extremely grateful for the grants we receive to continue to offer the performing arts live in our little town!
Bassano Arts Council is a member of the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta which hosts a Showcase Conference each year, and the members of Bassano Arts Council attend this Showcase for networking, professional development, and in order to view performers in a concert setting and this helps to make the choices for the seasons each year.
A small group of very committed volunteers help to plan, advertise, and host the concerts each year. If you are interested in joining the group of Bassano Arts Council volunteers, please call Linda at 403-641-4280, Jan at 403-641-2484 or use the email contact on the contact page of this site.
The chart below lists the performers/entertainment for each of the previous seasons, right back to season number 1!
| YEAR | PERFORMERS |
| 2025/2026 – 42nd Year | Outdoor Concerts in Summer of 2025: Earl Morgan Band, The Jamie Allanach Trio, Amy Bishop, Rattle & Strum, Mitch Belot
Jaywalker – Alberta – country, pop Twilight Time – Alberta – Tribute to The Platters and Doo-Wop The Morgan Klaiber Band – Alberta – Country The Travis Dolter Band – Alberta – country, pop, folk |
| 2024/2025 – 41st Year | Outdoor Concerts in summer of 2024: Chris Maloney, Shaye and Sydney Zadravac and Tim Leacock, Highway 36 Unplugged, Wagonstage Theatre, Jory Kinjo and Kaley Kinjo
Creedence Clearwater Remembered – A True Rock ‘n’ Roll Story Christmas with The Travelling Mabels – Alberta – Harmony and Humour The Hello Darlins – Alberta – Country, Blues and Gospel The Jack Semple Duo Plays Lightfoot – Saskatchewan – Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. |
| 2023/2024
40th Anniversary Season! |
Outdoor Concerts in summer of 2023: Moose Carroll, Sydney and Shae Zadravac and Tim Leacock, Folk ‘n’ Kin – Bob Johnston ad Jill McGaghey, Larry Vannatta and Bob Johnston
George Canyon – Alberta – acoustic country Christmas with the Ennis Sisters – Newfoundland – Celtic and traditional Christmas music Garrett Gregory – Alberta – Emerging Country The Charms – Meg Konschuh and Denis Dufresne – Folk/Roots |
| 2022/2023 – 39th Year | Outdoor Concerts in summer of 2022: Michaela Sheedy, Larry Vannata, Matt Masters, Wagonstage Theatre, The Broken Smoke Duo
The Abrams – Ontario – original country A Classic Country Christmas with Lisa Brokop – Saskatchewan, Nashville – country TBA – folk, roots Russell deCarle Trio – Ontario – Western Swing Dinner Theatre – Drinking Habits Two |
| 2021/2022 – 38th Year | Outdoor Concerts in summer of 2021: Jamie Allenach, Red Hot Hayseeds, Lyndsay Butler, Marcus Trummer, Rutster
Hotel California – Ontario – Original Eagles Tribute Band A Horizon Ridge Christmas – Alberta – folk When You’re Smiling – Tim Tamashiro – Calgary – salute to the Rat Pack John Wort Hannam – Lethbridge – roots, folk The Carolines – Edmonton – classic country |
| 2020/2021 – 37th Year | No indoor concerts due to Covid-19 restrictions
Outdoor Curbside concerts in Summer: Jamie Allanach Matt Masters Michela Sheedy Jay Bowcott and Allan Christie Lyndsay Butler Howlin’ Pete Cormier and Sydney Shadravac_ |
| 2019/2020 – 36th year | The Jim Byrnes Duo – BC – roots/blues/rock
Tom Phillips and the DTs – Calgary – honky tonk, country A Salute to Stompin’ Tom featuring Tim Hus – country When You’re Smiling – Tim Tamashiro – salute to the Rat Pack – postponed due to COVID-19 Dinner Theatre – cancelled due to COVID-19 |
| 2018/2019 – 35th year | Trevor Panczak and His Band – Country
Christmas with Heather Rankin and her band – East Coast The Story of The Hag – (Merle Haggard Story) – Jess Lee The Ennis Sisters – Newfoundland Folk Dinner Theatre – Spirit – by Peg Kehret |
| 2017/2018 – 34th year | Duane Steele – The Legend of George Jones – Alberta – country
The Wardens – Alberta – folk, roots, western The Derina Harvey Band – Alberta – Celtic Rock Union Duke – Ontario – indie rock, bluegrass, country Dinner Theatre – The Odd Couple – Female Version |
| 2016/2017 – 33rd year | Lisa Brokop – Patsy Cline Project – Ontario/Nashville – country
Ennis Sisters Christmas Show – Newfoundland – folk Drew Gregory – Alberta – country East Coast Singer/Songwriters: Catherine Maclellan, JP Cormier, David Gunning Dinner Theatre |
| 2015/2016 – 32nd year | Brett Kissel – Alberta – country
The Carolines – Alberta – country The Jesse Peters Trio – Alberta – piano/jazz David Francey – Ontario – folk Dinner Theatre– What’s Susan’s Secret? |
| 2014/2015 – 31st year | George Canyon – Alberta – country
Brad Johner and Boys – Saskatchewan – country The Joe Defendants – Steve Pineo, Tim Wilkinson, Kit Johnson – folk/country Charlie A’Court – Nova Scotia – folk and blues Dinner Theatre – The Last Séance |
| 2013/2014 – 30th year | Aaron Lines – Alberta – country
The Travelling Mabels – Alberta – country J.P. Cormier – Nova Scotia – folk The Arrogant Worms – Ontario – comedy/music Dinner Theatre – The Boarding House |
| 2012/2013 – 29th year | Troubadours: Duane Steele, Lisa Brokop, Wyatt Easterling and Paul Jefferson – Alberta and Ontario – country
Jason McCoy Christmas Show – Ontario – country Lennie Gallant – Nova Scotia – folk John Wort Hannam – Alberta – folk Dinner Theatre – Drinking Habits |
| 2011/2012 – 28th year | Chad Brownlee – BC – country
Cod Gone Wild – BC – East Coast Celtic Victoria Banks and Charlie Major – Ontario – country Quartette – Ontario – folk/pop/country Dinner Theatre – Out of Sight – Out of Murder |
| 2010/2011 – 27th year | Jim Byrnes Trio – Zubot and Dawson – BC – folk
Christmas with Valdy and Gary – BC – folk/country George Canyon – Alberta – country Trevor Panczak and RoughStock Band – Alberta – country Dinner Theatre – First Things First |
| 2009/2010 – 26th year | Hotel California – Ontario – tribute band
Songwriter in the Round – Rob Heath, Cori Brewster, Gord Matthews – Ontario Raylene Rankin, Cindy Church and Susan Crowe – East Coast, folk and country House of Doc – Manitoba – folk Dinner Theatre – Guess Who’s Coming to Lunch and I’m Herbert |
| 2008/2009 – 25th year | Matt Anderson – New Brunswick – folk and blues
Gord Bamford – Alberta – country The Sixties – Alberta – local – pop The Cottars – Cape Breton – folk Dinner Theatre – Don’t Dress for Dinner |
| 2007/2008 – 24th year | Charlie Major – Ontario – country
Brad Johner Christmas Show– Saskatchewan – country Todd Butler – BC – comedy/music Vannatta – Alberta – country Dinner Theatre – Hot Property |
| 2006/2007 – 23rd year | The Nylons – BC – a cappella
John Wort Hannam – Alberta – folk Outerbridges Magical Moments in Time – Ontario –– magic Carlene Friesen – Alberta – country Dinner Theatre – Meet My Husbands |
| 2005/2006 – 22nd year | Powder Blues Band – BC – blues
Aaron Pritchett – Ontario – country Rita Chiarelli – Ontario – blues Buccaneers – Alberta – folk Dinner Theatre – Murder on the Rerun |
| 2004/2005 – 21st year | Lennie Gallant – Nova Scotia – folk
Corb Lund – Alberta – country Polyjesters – Alberta – folk/swing Murray McLaughlin – Ontario – folk Dinner Theatre |
| 2003/2004 – 20th year | The Songwriters – Diane Chase, Steve Fox, Duane Steele – Alberta and Ontario – country
A Lewis and Royal Christmas – Alberta – folk The Norma KcKnight Show – BC – ventriloquist/comedy The Good Brothers – Ontario – country Dinner Theatre – They Went That-a-Way |
| 2002/2003 – 19th year | The Songwriters – Lisa Brokop, Steve Fox, Jamie Warren – Sask. And Ontario – country
Its’ Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas! – Chinook Winds Sweet Adelines – Alberta – choral Nils Ling – The Truth About Marriage – Ontario – humorist/storyteller The Nomads – Alberta – old time rock and roll Extra Concert – Big Bill Morganfield – blues night Dinner Theatre – The Mice Have Been Drinking Again and Aunt Miranda’s Will |
| 2001/2002 – 18th year | Michael Kaeshammer – Ontario – boogie-woogie piano
Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad – Nova Scotia – theatre Valdy and Gary Fjellgard – BC – folk and country Dinner Theatre – Bridal Terrorism and Duelling Oakes |
| 2000/2001 – 17th year | Western Hospitality Singers – Alberta – barbershop choir
Jerusalem Ridge – Alberta – bluegrass New Orleans Connection – Alberta – ragtime, Dixie, jazz Added concert – Ray Bonneville – Ontario – Blues Night Dinner Theatre – When Men are Scarce and The Sisters McIntosh |
| 1999/2000 – 16th year | Prairie Tales – Alberta – short films
The Arrogant Worms – Ontario – comedy/music Carlene Friesen – Alberta – country Lorne Elliot – Quebec – comedy Dinner Theatre |
| 1998/1999 – 15th year | Gleichen Choir – We Remember – choral
Stratus – Alberta – pop, folk Cypher – Nova Scotia – theatre Bending the Bows – Ontario – violin/fiddle Dinner Theatre |
| 1997/1998 – 14th year | Laura Vinson – Alberta – aboriginal/country
Don Bryan – BC – ventriloquist Backstage Broadway – Alberta – Broadway Duet Dinner Theatre – Don’t Misunderstand Me! |
| 1996/1997 – 13th year | Brent McAthey – Alberta – country
Streetnix – Saskatchewan – a cappella Tom Kubinek – Ontario – physical comedy Dinner Theatre – first year to be scheduled in spring – The Odd Couple – Female Version |
| 1995/1996 – 12th year | Valdy – BC – folk – last show in the old hall – November 7 – 1995
Ian Tyson – not in season – but first event in New Hall – Hall Raisers Fundraiser Event – January 13, 1996 Al Simmons – Ontario – physical comedy – first season show in new hall – January 22 – 1996 The Legends – Elvis, Roy, Marilyn, Neil Diamond – Saskatchewan – tribute show Dinner Theatre – last year scheduled in January – local – Murder in the Wings |
| 1994/1995 – 11th year | Jaccee Dallyn – Ontario – country/pop
Western Hospitality Chorus – Alberta – barbershop choir Murray Hatfield – Alberta – magician Dinner Theatre – first local production with Bassano Community Players – Boeing, Boeing! |
| 1993/1994 – 10th year | Kahurangi – Hawaii – music/dance
Easy T’s – Winnipeg – a cappella Richard and Deborah Popvich and family – Alberta – vaudeville variety show Dinner Theatre – Ent +5 – Buttons, Bows and a Six Shooter |
| 1992/1993 – 9th year | Valdy – BC – folk
Stratus Musical Comedy Act – Alberta – folk and pop Lorne Elliot – Quebec – comedian Dinner Theatre – Sid Marty – Sid’s Cafe |
| 1991/1992 – 8th year | Jerusalem Ridge – Alberta – bluegrass
Western Hospitality Chorus – Alberta – barbershop choir Variety Night – Alberta impersonator – Elvis, Roy Orbison, and BC comedian Don Hambley Dinner Theatre – Puff ‘n’ Blow – Sssssibilance! |
| 1990/1991 – 7th year | Su Chong Lim – Alberta – ethnic folk
Michael Mitchell – Alberta – folk pub night The Flying Kozaks – Ontario – physical comedy/music Dinner Theatre – Bunkhouse – cowboy poetry/music |
| 1989/1990 – 6th year | Kelita – Ontario – country
The Man With the Horn – Alberta – swing band The Melloyds – BC – a cappella Dinner Theatre – Al Simmons |
| 1988/1989 – 5th year | Kompany! – Alberta – music/dance
Trickster – Alberta – physical comedy The Michael Mitchell Band – Alberta – pub night – folk/Irish Dinner Theatre – OnStage – A Scheme-a-Dream Christmas |
| 1987/1988 – 4th year | Murray McLaughlin – Ontario – folk
The Romaniacs – Ontario – ethnic folk From Here to Insanity – OnStage – theatre Dinner Theatre – On-Stage – Scrooge – the Female Version |
| 1986/1987 – 3rd year | New Orleans Connection – Alberta – ragtime, Dixie, jazz
Alley Scatz – Alberta – vocal trio The Wild Colonial Boys – Alberta – folk Dinner Theatre – On-Stage – Bell, Book and Candle |
| 1985/1986 – 2nd year | Siding 29: The Government Inspector – Alberta – operetta
Tamarack –Ontario – folk Foothills Brass – Alberta – brass quintet Dinner Theatre – On-Stage – My Husband, The Wife |
| 1984/1985 – 1st year | Johnny Thorson – Alberta – vaudeville
Joan MacIsaac – Saskatchewan – folk Murray Hatfield – Alberta – magic Dinner Theatre – On-Stage Production’s “Nina” |
Bassano Arts Council 