Subscription tickets offered for concert series

Not only is Arts Jasper bringing a solid line-up of six concerts to town, but it’s also offering a season’s ticket to make the shows that much more accessible.

“It allows people the chance to experience things they’d otherwise have to travel for, at a very reasonable price,” said Monika Schaefer, president of Arts Jasper. “Concerts like this in the city would cost twice as much.”

The ticket will be more of a transferrable punch-card than a pass, as it allows for six entries for the price of five to any of the season’s concerts. One person can use the pass to go to all six shows, or two people may attend three, or any combination thereof. 

This is the first time in a few years Arts Jasper has had a season’s pass, a move Schaefer said will make culture more accessible. “It’s not to cheapen it,” she said. “We’re bringing in top notch events.” The season kicks off Sept. 26 with Backporch Swing, a band playing a combination of bluegrass and swing music. 

The Windrose trio follows on Oct. 30, Ten Lost Years plays on Nov. 26, a classical concert featuring violinist Aaron Au is on Jan. 17, the Marc Atkinson Trio plays Feb. 3, and a classical concert featuring music from Banff, performers to be announced is on March 21.

Schaefer said she saw Ten Lost Years play at the Alberta showcase for the Arts in Banff last year, and she expects the band will “blow people away.”

“It was just so moving,” she said. “Within 15 minutes I had the gamut of emotions.”

Convincing the bands to come to town never seems to be a challenge. “People love coming here, aren’t we lucky to have such a great place,” Schaefer said, adding that visiting performers always enjoy their stay. “I think they’ve been treated well here, and were just so thrilled with the hospitality they received here.”

This season marks 35 years since Arts Jasper has been around. The board’s going strong with about a dozen members, but Schaefer said volunteers are always welcome. “Programming is big, publicity, hospitality, and just organizing it all,” she said. “There’s lots to do but we have dedicated members.”

Season’s passes are available at Tekarra Color Lab through September for $75, or individual tickets can be purchased at the door of each concert for $15. “It’s a great deal and you’re supporting the arts,” Schaefer said.  “I’m quite happy and proud of the line-up this year.”