BONNYVILLE – Bonnyville musician Mike Plume, along with opener Joel Stewart, graced the brand new Strathcona Performing Arts Centre stage during the theatre's first show on March 21.
Founder Clayton Bellamy came on stage to thank everyone involved in making the theatre a reality.
“We have so many people to thank. All of our volunteers and board members who’ve been working tirelessly to get this up and running . . . The arts are back baby!”
Bellamy said he couldn’t be prouder to introduce his longtime friend and mentor Mike Plume to the new stage.
“Whenever anyone asks me about Mike Plume, I always tell them that Mike Plume taught me how to write songs . . . When I first saw him playing at the Agriplex in Bonnyville around 1999, I knew immediately what I had to do and how I had to do it. Mike Plume was the beacon for me as a musician – an artist with true artistry and true integrity in his music and in his work,” said Bellamy.
Plume spoke about the beginning of his music career, playing in a band in Bonnyville 40 years ago, and how much of an honour it is to be welcomed to the stage for the new theatre's first show.
“It couldn't possibly be more full circle than this . . . This is a beautiful theatre. Congratulations to the whole town of Bonnyville for all throwing in to get this thing open up and built - to raise all this money for it. All spearheaded by Clayton and Lise, and all these folk. I want to say you’re lucky to have this place, but you so deserve this place,” said Plume.
Bellamy also introduced musician Joel Stewart to the stage, who Bellamy has known for 25 years.
“Joel Stewart is not only a legendary songwriter and singer, but a video and movie producer – he just finished directing and producing the new Dallas Smith movie. He was also the director and producer of the Road Hammers’ first television show in 2005, so I’ve known him since the beginning of my career. He is an incredible human being and artist.”
Stewart christened the stage with a song about homecoming and spoke of how special it is to be the first of many artists to grace the new stage.
Bellamy made a point to thank all those who attended and spoke about the lineup of shows the theatre already has booked, with tickets selling fast.
“We were sitting backstage in the green room, and I heard the applause, it brought tears to my eyes to be able to be in here and hear that first round of applause in this room. I’m so happy and grateful for each and every one of you.”
