It's called the Hot Ticket, and judging by the lineup of entertainment
scheduled to appear at Brock's Centre for the Arts in 2012-2013, it will be just that.
The Hot Ticket calendar kicks off with some major acts in October, including legendary Sir Bob Geldof, Canadian blues man Colin James, multiple Grammy and Oscar Award-winning artist Jennifer Warnes and Arlo Guthrie, and features about 45 dates of entertainment through to April, featuring everything from children's theatre such as The Berenstain Bears live, to popular family sing-a-longs, to dance, to comedy, and even a concert by ‘90s R&B stars Boyz II Men.
“It really is a great lineup that has something for everyone,” says Debbie Slade, director of Brock's Centre for the Arts. “We have a great opening month, and so many other
amazing shows lined up for the months to follow.”    
An eclectic mix excites Slade, with returning favourites
anging from Randy Bachman to the family sing-a-long Sound of Music, and some new performers like Colm Wilkinson and David Clayton-Thomas.
There will also be some unique performances that touch down in Niagara for the series, such as Scrap Arts Music — which makes its instruments from recycled metal scraps and other repurposed materials, and The Intergalactic Nemesis, a live-action graphic novel that Slade says you have to see to truly understand.
“It's almost as if a comic book comes to life on stage,” says Slade, explaining images are projected onto a screen and brought to life by three voice actors who perform dozens of different characters. There is also live music and sound effects that set the stage and give it a radio drama feel.
“It's a great afternoon of visual story telling and it's going to be a real interesting piece,” she says, adding it will appeal to comic book lovers, but also those who simply enjoy some fun, visual storytelling.
If the opinions of her peers in the U.S. are right, Slade expects a sell out in April 18 for an appearance by Jake Shimabukuro, who has been described as one of the world's most exciting and innovative ukulele
players and composers. Playing everything from jazz to rock to classical music, he was a viral video hit when a clip of him performing “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in Central Park attracted more than eight-million hits and counting on YouTube.
Sell outs, explains Slade, could be a familiar theme for many of the shows. Each season more than 70 per cent of the performances sell out, and with a lineup that includes award-winning entertainers like Bachman, Boyz II Men, Geldof and many others, this season will be no different. That's why, she said, they encourage Hot Ticket membership, which gives members first crack at purchasing tickets for the shows — well in advance of the general public sale that begins in September. Membership benefits also include a discount on tickets, complimentary parking passes, and more.

For the complete lineup of the 2012-2013 Hot Ticket, dates, times and ticket prices, as well as the opportunity to sign up online for membership, and for other information, you can visit www.arts.brocku.ca, or call 905-688-5550, ext. 3257.