Friday March 30, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m.

Living Green in Quinte presents “Celebrating Living Green: Success Through Community Action” featuring musical guest Sarah Harmer and environmental activist & speaker Franke James.

Canadian singer/songwriter and activist, Sarah Harmer, sounds reinvigorated and positively charged on her first album in five years oh little fire. In the years after touring her last studio release, the Polaris Prize-nominated I’m a Mountain, she set music aside to focus on political and environmental campaigns, helping to shepherd PERL (Protecting Escarpment Rural Land), the organization she co-founded.

Franke James, tells how she is fighting back, in Banned On The Hill, after being blacklisted by the Harper Government for speaking up about climate change and against dirty oil.

For more information please visit www.quintesustainability.ca

Ticket Pricing:
$25.00 + HST + ticket service fee

Tuesday April 3, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.

Lawrence Gowan, award winning singer/songwriter and electrifying showman, performs his classic hits “A Criminal Mind”, “You’re A Strange Animal”, “Moonlight Desires”, “All The Lovers In The World” and more. His last visit was to Empire Square Live…where rocked thousands with STYX. Now he brings his solo concert to The Empire, up close.

[ Watch Gowan's "A Criminal Mind" video on our blog ]

Ticket Pricing:
$31.00 + HST + ticket service fee

Thursday April 12, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.

Electro-rock sensation, Lights, first hit the music scene is 2008. She went on to win the Juno award for Best New Artist and her debut album went Gold. Lights won Indie awards as Favourite Solo Artist and Favourite Single during Canadian Music Week in 2009. Her 2011 release “Siberia” continues to push the envelope of what is being called anti-electro, dream-step and grit pop. Songs … “February Air”, “The Listening”, “Saviour” and more.

[ View LIGHTS' video "Banner" on our Empire BLOG ]

Ticket Pricing:
$28.00 + HST + ticket service fee

Friday April 13, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.

They’re on their way, to the city lights’ … and, THE predominant Canadian Rock ‘n’ Roll band of the 1970s are bringing along all their classic hits: _Wild Eyes, Carry Me, Oh My Lady, Devil You, Monday Morning Choo Choo, Minstrel Gypsy, Hit the Road Jack _and, of course, the quintessential Canadian – and Hall of Fame – song, _Sweet City Woman_. A veritable soundtrack to a whole generation that will ‘carry you home ‘ … maybe not to Birmingham … but back to a time of tie-dyed shirts and elevator shoes, 15¢ coffee and homemade apple pie, dating and dreaming … By the time The Stampeders get to the first chorus of the first song, everyone will be singing along. ‘So you better catch a noon train, better get there for a rock ‘n’ rolling good time!

Ticket Pricing:
$50.00 including HST and ticket service fee

Thursday April 19, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m.

The Abrams Brothers, with their new-grass bluegrass, are creating a palpable buzz: “fiery energy” … “blistering fiddle work” … “young, fun, with talent to burn” … “effortless harmonies” … or, as folk music legend Arlo Guthrie succinctly put it, “These guys are way too young to be playing that good!” With the release of their fourth CD _Northern Redemption,_ The Abrams Brothers have raised the bar yet again, underpinning the more traditional fast rhythms and intricate guitar finger-work with the addition of electric instrumentation, creating the ‘new grass’ of their unique sound. Their superb version of Coldplay’s _Viva la Vida _is just one stunning example. Prepare to be amazed!

Ticket Pricing:
$27.43 + HST + ticket service fee

Saturday, April 21, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m. *New Date*

All tickets will be honoured for this date

There’s an old saying…”If you want someone’s attention, whisper.” Bill Anderson has been using that philosophy for almost fifty years to capture the attention of millions of country music fans around the world. He’s known, in fact as “Whispering Bill,” a nickname hung on him years ago as a result of his breathy voice and his warm, soft approach to singing a country song. His credentials, however, shout his prominence: One of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music, a million-selling recording artist many times over, television game show host, network soap opera star, spokesman for a nationwide restaurant chain, and a consummate onstage performer. Enjoy this up close and personal, initimate evening. A mix of songs and stories with one of country music’s true legends, Bill Anderson.

Ticket Pricing:
Premium Orchestra: $39.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Premium Balcony: $39.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Regular: $33.95 + HST + ticket service fee

Thursday April 26, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m.

A six-time Just For Laughs Festival veteran, John Pinette has been making audiences laugh for over twenty years. The food-obsessed, storytelling Pinette, delivers smart, original, Bill Cosby-influenced observations on everyday life. John has toured across Canada with Just For Laughs selling out shows in all major cities and his new one-hour stand-up special John Pinette: Still Hungry premiered on July 29 on Comedy Central.

Ticket Pricing:
$41.27 + HST + ticket service fee

Written by Dan Needles

In the seventh instalment of the much-loved saga of former Bay Street broker-turned farmer Walt Wingfield, there is a record drought, and a search to locate a new well on Wingfield Farm ensues. Wingfield Lost and Found is a whimsical reminder that searching can turn up more than what is lost and teach us the value of more than what is found.

Show Dates:
Tuesday May 15 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Wednesday May 16 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday May 17 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Friday May 18 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday May 19 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Sunday May 20 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE

Ticket Pricing:
Regular – $29.50 + HST + ticket service fee
Student (18 and under) – $20.00 + HST + ticket service fee
Group tickets – $27.50 + HST + ticket service fee – Please call Box Office to book.

Thursday May 24, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.

The hottest a cappella group on the scene today! Straight No Chaser returns, and will rock the house with their unique blend of harmony and humour. With songs ranging from Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” to Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend”, SNC are not to be missed.

Ticket Pricing:
Premium: $45.00 + HST + ticket service fee
Regular: $33.00 + HST + ticket service fee

July 16 to 20, 2012

[ Click to view full details ]

with Special Guests: Downchild Blues Band

THURSDAY JULY 26, 2012

Heʼs bad to the bone and he likes to drink alone….and heʼs returning to Empire Square Live. George Thorogood and The Destroyers will rock the Square with his patented bar room blues attack for opening night of Empire Rockfest 2012. His Empire debut, in 2007, was one of Rockfestʼs most successful nights. Thorogood will thrill his fans with favourites “Move It On Over”, “One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer”, “Get A Haircut And Get A Real Job”, “Bad To The Bone” and many more.

They inspired the Blues Brothers.  They are a national treasure and Canada’s favourite Blues Ambassadors…Downchild Blues Band.  Like fine wine and whisky, they get better with age.  ”I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost)”, “Flip, Flop & Fly”

Click to view ticket pricing and full details

with Special Guests: Chris Caddell and The Wreckage

SATURDAY JULY 28, 2012

The word legendary does not come close to describing the impact, past and present, of the Steve Miller Band. With roots that stretch back to the late 60ʼs San Francisco blues and psychedelic scene, Steve Miller is always evolving with his passion of the blues, jazz and pop, yet respectful of his past works. His songs are staples of rock radio worldwide. The Square will be electric on the final night of Empire Rockfest 2012 when the space cowboy hits the stage. “The Joker”, “Take The Money And Run”, “Jet Airliner”, “Rockʼn Me”, “Jungle Love”, “Swingtown”, “Abracadabra” and the list goes on.

Special guests is Chris Caddell and The Wreckage. Bellevillleʼs own blues/rock guitar hero takes his audience back to a time when guitarists were superheroes, in the tradition of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Click to view ticket pricing and full details

Written by Tim Firth

Members of a Yorkshire Women’s Institute spark a global phenomenon by persuading one another to pose for a charity calendar – in the buff! Calendar Girls is based on an uplifting and very inspiring true story that is quirky, poignant and often hilarious.

Show Dates:
Tuesday August 14 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Wednesday August 15 @ 2 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Wednesday August 15 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday August 16 @ 2 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday August 16 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Friday August 17 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday August 18 @ 2 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday August 18 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Tuesday August 21 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Wednesday August 22 @ 2 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Wednesday August 22 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday August 23 @ 2 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday August 23 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Friday August 24 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday August 25 @ 2 pm – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday August 25 @ 8 pm – ORDER ONLINE

Ticket Pricing:
Regular – $29.50 + HST + ticket service fee
Group tickets – $27.50 + HST + ticket service fee – Please call Box Office to book group tickets
Not recommended for Young Audiences.

Friday November 9, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.

Motown comes to downtown Belleville. Motown giants, The Temptations, return by popular demand. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees featuring founding member Otis Williams. Their #1 hits are countless…”My Girl”, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”, “Just My Imagination”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” and so many more. Their iconic choreography, vocal harmonies and stellar showmanship will have you dancing in the aisles. Their last visit to The Empire was sold out, get your tickets early.

Ticket Pricing:
Premium Orchestra – $59.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Premium Balcony – $59.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Balcony – $49.95 + HST + ticket service fee

Friday November 16, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.

An up-scale night of comedy and song with Vicki Lawrence. Emmy Award- winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence is one of the most beloved television personalities of her generation. Plucked out of total obscurity as a high school senior, Vicki went on to become part of the now-legendary cast of the “Carol Burnett Show”. In the seventh season, and hundreds of hilarious sketches later, at the ripe, old age of 24, Vicki created her most endearing character to date, Thelma Harper, or “Mama” as she is better known to her fans. After the Burnett Show, Vicki went on to star in “Mama’s Family”. The multi-talented entertainer is mostly known for her acting and comedic talents, but she also earned a gold record for the 1973 hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”.

Ticket Pricing:
Premium Orchestra – $49.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Premium Balcony – $49.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Balcony – $39.95 + HST + ticket service fee

Saturday November 24, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.

To lovers of musical theatre around the world Colm Wilkinson definitely needs no introduction. On stages in London, New York, Toronto and beyond he has firmly established himself as one of theatre’s greatest performers. His definitive portrayal of such leading characters as Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” and the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera” have brought the Irish born singer huge critical acclaim, a trophy case crammed with awards and the adoration of millions of theatre goers. A talented actor, Wilkinson starred in seasons 3 and 4 of the award winning series “The Tudors”. He portrayed Lord Thomas Darcy, a leader of the rebellion against Henry VIII and his reformation. Colm Wilkinson’s stage show “Broadway and Beyond” will feature a selection of his favourite songs from the world of theatre and popular music, including “Bring Him Home”, “Music of the Night”, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and seasonal favourites.

Ticket Pricing:
Premium Orchestra – $59.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Premium Balcony – $59.95 + HST + ticket service fee
Balcony – $49.95 + HST + tickets service fee

On Sale Friday March 16 @ 10 a.m.

The world will end in December 2012 unless some brave young wizards and their superhero friends find and destroy the Mayan Calendar of Doom! Filled to the brim with madcap mayhem, music, improvisation and magic, children and young teens will love the Family version…. and the Naughty Adult version contains special material just for grown-ups!

FAMILY SHOW DATES:
Sunday December 9 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday December 15 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Sunday December 16 @ 2 p.m.- ORDER ONLINE
Sunday December 23 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday December 29 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Sunday December 30 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
* Family shows recommended for ages 5 and up. *

Family Ticket Pricing:
Adult – $24.00 + HST + ticket service fee
Child/Student (under 19) – $12.00 + HST + ticket service fee
Family (2 adults/2 children) – $60.00 + HST + ticket service fee
($15.00 per ticket)

NAUGHTY SHOW DATES:
Thursday December 6 @ 2 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday December 6 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Friday December 7 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday December 8 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Sunday December 9 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Wednesday December 12 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday December 13 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Friday December 14 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday December 15 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Sunday December 16 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Tuesday December 18 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Wednesday December 19 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday December 20 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Friday December 21 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday December 22 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Sunday December 23 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Thursday December 27 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Friday December 28 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Saturday December 29 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
Sunday December 30 @ 8 p.m. – ORDER ONLINE
NEW YEARS EVE
Monday December 31 – ORDER ONLINE
Doors open @ 8 p.m. - Performance @ 9:30 p.m.
Hors d’oeuvres … Goody bags
* Naughty Shows for Adults Only! *

Naughty Ticket Pricing:
Adult – $28.50 + HST + ticket service fee
Group (20+) – $26.50 + HST + ticket service fee -
please call box office to book for groups
New Years Eve – $49.50 + HST + ticket service fee