Canadian classics returning to Regent Theatre

By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express

For the second straight year, the Regent Theatre in downtown Oshawa is bringing rock to the people and highlighting a trio of Canadian classics.

For the Canadian Classic Rock Series, the theatre is putting on a trio of shows throughout the summer months to give fans a steady stream of classic rock flavour with the likes of Kim Mitchell, Harlequin and Lighthouse all set to hit the stage.

“Expect the best of Canadian rock,” says Kevin Arbour, general manager at the Regent Theatre.

And attendees of the inaugural series last year will know what they’re in for as Arbour says the 2017 show was a hit with rock fans.

“It was well attended and a success,” he says, noting the series is a great chance for the Regent to highlight Canadian bands and talent.

“It’s not a money-making enterprise, it’s about bringing some good quality Canadian (bands) and supporting Canadian artists and bringing them to Oshawa,” he says.

Taking the advice of fans and the success of 2017’s concert series, the Regent has booked the three most requested acts for 2018.

Arriving first in Oshawa will be Kim Mitchell with a show on May 13, followed by Harlequin, who will take the stage on June 24 for perhaps the first time in two decades. The series wraps up with Lighthouse, led by Oshawa frontman Dan Clancy, on Sept. 22.

Tickets sales for the shows are already heating up with the Regent offering a package deal for all three concerts, an offer that saves loyal fans 15 per cent. Individual concert tickets will also be made available, with tickets for Kim Mitchell going on sale earlier this month, and selling well. Harlequin and Lighthouse tickets will hit the box office in the coming weeks. For the latter, Arbour says fans should be on their toes as the demand for Lighthouse tickets is always high and they usually sell well.

Tickets for the series are available online at regenttheatre.ca or from the Regent Theatre box office at 50 King Street East.

And while this year’s shows have yet to get underway, Arbour is already looking to the future and keeping his fingers crossed that if the support continues, he can continue to bring great Canadian bands to Oshawa on an annual basis.

“Until we run out of Canadian bands,” he says with a laugh.