Fresh from an overseas musical mission to Afghanistan, Aurora’s own Gregg Lawless will play a special homecoming show at Theatre Aurora Saturday night.
The upcoming concert, part of Mr. Lawless’ Duets Etc. tour, marks only the second time the musician has played a show in his hometown.
It’s an evening to which Mr. Lawless is looking forward.
“I did a show last year and that was literally the first one I’d ever done there,” he said. ”I’m excited to bring Duets Etc. to Aurora.”
In addition to music, the evening will also feature stories, including a few straight from Mr. Lawless’ recent trip to Afghanistan.
The veteran musician will also be joined in his performance by a couple of special guests.
“John Sheard, the well-known pianist on CBC Radio’s Vinyl Orchestra, will be joining me on stage,” Mr. Lawless said. “We’ll also have singer Lori Anna Reid who has performed with Daniel Lanois, Emmy Lou Harris and Bono from U2.”
And while the Aurora stop might be one of the smaller shows on the bill, Mr. Lawless said he likes it that way.
A smaller performance space goes a long way in generating an intimacy between the performers on stage and the audience.
“The smaller the theatre, the more I like the venue,” he said. “Some people like the lights in the eyes and not being able to see the audience, but I like being able to see the people.”
Another big bonus of the show is that concert-goers are permitted to bring one child under 16 to the performance for free with their ticket purchase. That means there’s no need for a sitter that night, Mr. Lawless said.
“I’m hoping it will give some kids their first experience with live music,” he said. “People never forget that; it’s special.”
The show begins at 8 p.m. at Theatre Aurora located at 150 Henderson Dr. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the box office or by calling 905-727-3669.