Join Fred Penner for an evening of family entertainment

Fans of Fred Penner won’t want to miss his free show when the entertainer visits Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek this Wednesday, Aug. 16!

Following the success of its balcony concert series, the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek is now preparing to cap off its outdoor summer entertainment with its most prolific performer to date.

Dubbed A Summer Night With Fred Penner, the concert will bring quality family entertainment for all ages from the four-time Juno award-winning Canadian children’s entertainer.

“We’re excited to host Fred,” says Kassandra Chancey, AAC’s assistant director. “It feels really special and we’re just hopeful for a great and excited crowd.”

A full-time musician since 1972, Fred is best known for songs like “The Cat Came Back” and “Humility.” His TV series, Fred Penner’s Place, ran for 13 seasons with over 900 episodes airing across Canada from 1984 to 1997. 

The concert will be Fred’s first in Pincher Creek, and the renowned performer is excited to bring his feel-good brand of entertainment to town.

“Every gig, regardless of venue, has the same value. For me, it’s about connecting with people who have had some link with me over the years, whether it’s through my music, television series or festivals,” Fred says.

“I’ve been doing this long enough that a lot of people have some sort of link with my legacy and with my career, so I’m just delighted to come to Pincher Creek and meet the folks. It’s gonna be a lovely day.”

Regarded as a pioneer of children’s music in Canada over his 51-year career, Fred has never wavered from his mission to inspire others with his music, positivity and advice that resonate with people both young and young at heart.

For those unfamiliar with Fred Penner, the man himself perfectly describes his inclusive, family-friendly entertainment style to Shootin’ the Breeze.

“It’ll be very eclectic, with lots of different styles of song that carry many influences from my own childhood,” he says. 

“Most of the songs will have a participation quality to them, where I encourage the audience to join me on this musical path so that at the end of our time, we feel as though we have shared something pretty important together.”

Last year, the AAC elected to go out on a limb and see if it was possible to book Fred Penner for a concert at the Lebel. To their surprise, it fit his tour schedule. From there, the arts council felt the show needed to happen, no matter what. 

“The Allied Arts was prepared to just take on whatever we needed to bring Fred to the community, because I feel that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have him come to our small town,” says Kassandra.

“We were really lucky that when we reached out to local businesses to sponsor the event, we had a huge outpouring of support, so we’ve had some great sponsors.”

Fred will perform on a portable stage on the mansion grounds rather than from the Lebel balcony, as past performers have. Kassandra says this is so that children, particularly, can witness the concert up close and be further immersed in Fred’s performance. 

The section of Kettles Street in front of Lebel Mansion will be closed, to make the concert as safe as possible. With this in mind, AAC requests that those driving to the show use the St. Michael’s Church parking lot at the corner of Schofield Street and Christie Avenue.

Gates for A Summer Night With Fred Penner open at 5:30 p.m. Make sure you arrive early, as the show begins at 6:30.