Leader & District Arts Council

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life isn’t just a show, it’s a cause. A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith Alessi’s life took a major turn, it has been his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Through donations, including 100% of all artist fees, the show has raised over $1.2 Million Dollars (CAD) as of December 2025 for various charities including cancer organizations, music programs, community groups and artist funding and development. All Proceeds from the performances at the King’s Head Theatre will benefit the theatres Angels of Angel program which supports creation and production of new theatrical productions. The show has sold out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland 3 years in a row. It has toured internationally, including Canada, the US, England, Scotland and Australia. Keith shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate board rooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion-playing the banjo! When faced with a deadly cancer battle, his musical pursuit took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humor and music, Keith’s story is an uplifting tale of challenge, triumph, and the the healing power of the arts and music.

Kellie Loder is a powerhouse performer-an award-winning singer-songwriter whose authenticity, heart, and electrifying energy light up the stage. Blending contemporary Americana with folk-pop, Kellie delivers emotionally rich, high-impact performances that resonate long after the final note. Accompanied by Mark Neary (bass) and Noah Malcolm (keys, backing vocals), Kellie performs as a trio, showcasing songs from their acclaimed album Transitions, including fan favorites "When It Comes to You," "Suit & Tie," and "Honey I’m Scared." Whether on guitar, piano, or vocals, Kellie’s captivating stage presence, powerful storytelling, and infectious charm make every show unforgettable. With heartfelt songs, humorous banter, and undeniable charisma, Kellie will have you laughing, crying, and telling your friends. One thing is clear to anyone who’s seen them live: Kellie Loder is a rare talent on the verge of a global breakthrough.

Inspirational/Country Artist Amanda Hagel is thrilled to bring her audience on a musical journey with - These Roots - Take me Home Country Roads Christmas"! In the true spirit of the holiday season, Amanda was inspired to create a concert series with a cast of amazing musicians, infused in a Christmas theme with the melodic roots of Country, Folk & Americana along with Amanda’s soulful, heartfelt songs & storytelling. Celebrating over a decade of music including the incredible success of her single release titled "These Roots" along with one of her latest releases, the re-imagined rendition of John Denver’s "Take Me Home, Country Roads", Amanda & her band are excited to bring a captivating & immersive musical experience where you will 'Come as You Are & Leave as You’ve Never Been".

In 1991, The Johner Brothers took the Canadian country music audience by storm. Brad and Ken were named "Duo of the Year" by the Canadian Country Music Association, kicking off a string of awards. After being crowned 'Entertainer of the Decade' and releasing a remarkable 26 singles from six hit albums, Ken retired from the music business in 2002. Brad continued with a hugely successful solo career, recording six highly praised albums and awarded "Male Artist of the Year" by the CCMA. After twenty years, the Johner Brothers are back together and looking forward to a busy year playing shows across western Canada. Backed by two of Brad's sons, the show is a fresh version of what Johner fans have come to expect as they are astute professionals and true gentlemen of the stage.

2025 - Celebrating 15 years and releasing Brahms, Balkans & Bagels! Oktopus presents Brahms, Balkan & Bagels, a concert that explores the elements of folklore that inspired great classical composers. In a virtuosic, moving, and unique performance, Oktopus brilliantly blends classical and folk music from Eastern Europe. How did Hungarian folk melodies inspire Brahms and Liszt? How does Enescu's native Romania appear in his works? What traces has klezmer music left in Mahler’s great symphonies? A recipient of numerous awards, Oktopus is a prominent figure on the Canadian world music scene, with over 300 performances both nationally and internationally. The group is primarily dedicated to klezmer music and stands out with a fresh approach that incorporates elements of classical and Québécois repertoire, along with some jazz and Balkan accents. The eight virtuosic musicians deliver a show that is as festive and lively as it is melancholic and profound, sprinkled with humor and stories.

Sitruc James is Canada's most sought after performer with his grand illusion magic show. This mesmerizing and mind-boggling experience will leave the audience in awe. With his charismatic energy and showmanship, Sitruc's performance is a combination of illusions, comedy, and audience participation that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Sitruc's show is a culmination of year's worth of expertise and mastery in the art of illusion. The show incorporates a wide range of complex illusions which are seamlessly integrated with live music, lighting, and sound, creating an immersive and visually stunning experience. Sitruc's performances are designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This fun show is an immersive and thrilling experience, a perfect blend of magic, comedy, and audience engagement. His performances leave audiences spellbound and mesmerized. For people looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Sitruc James' show is not to be missed.

Atim Maskikhiy (‘Dog Medicine’ in Cree) presents works of seventeen artists local to the La Ronge tri-community area in Northern Saskatchewan. The multimedia pieces represent the artists’ interpretations of the dog-human relationship as expressed through preliminary findings of a community-driven research project conducted in the community. This unique marriage of art and science allows knowledge translation to a broader audience than typical of peer-reviewed research. Highlighting the need for improved access to animal health and welfare services in northern, remote and Indigenous communities everywhere, this gallery represents a call to action for systemic change at the human-dog interface. Through their works, the artists confirm that dog-human bonds are highly valued and often critical to human life and well-being in the north, and current approaches to ‘fixing’ dog problems in communities without regular access to care ignore important contributors at the root of the issue. This exhibition is curated by Dr. Jordan Woodsworth, Director, Northern Engagement and Community Outreach, Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The artists featured in this exhibition are: Andrea Cowan, Caron Dubnick, Donna Langhorne, Hilary Johnstone, John Halkett, Larissa Muirhead, Miriam Koerner, Molly Ratt, Myles Charles, Nancy Lafleur, Terri Franks, Sammi Kopeck, Abigail Clarke, Annalisa Heppner, Jade Roberts, Jasmine Grondin, and Wendy Cleveland.Atim Maskikhiy (‘Dog Medicine’ in Cree) presents works of seventeen artists local to the La Ronge tri-community area in Northern Saskatchewan. The multimedia pieces represent the artists’ interpretations of the dog-human relationship as expressed through preliminary findings of a community-driven research project conducted in the community. This unique marriage of art and science allows knowledge translation to a broader audience than typical of peer-reviewed research. Highlighting the need for improved access to animal health and welfare services in northern, remote and Indigenous communities everywhere, this gallery represents a call to action for systemic change at the human-dog interface. Through their works, the artists confirm that dog-human bonds are highly valued and often critical to human life and well-being in the north, and current approaches to ‘fixing’ dog problems in communities without regular access to care ignore important contributors at the root of the issue. This exhibition is curated by Dr. Jordan Woodsworth, Director, Northern Engagement and Community Outreach, Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The artists featured in this exhibition are: Andrea Cowan, Caron Dubnick, Donna Langhorne, Hilary Johnstone, John Halkett, Larissa Muirhead, Miriam Koerner, Molly Ratt, Myles Charles, Nancy Lafleur, Terri Franks, Sammi Kopeck, Abigail Clarke, Annalisa Heppner, Jade Roberts, Jasmine Grondin, and Wendy Cleveland.

The Burden of Street brings together paintings that depict contradictory compositions to provide distinct visual experiences while exploring the complexities of our surrounding built environment. The element of the wall plays a significant role in this body of work as public sites for dwellers to engage with the political and social fabric of society. These paintings aim to explore the dichotomy of walls as both tools of control and platforms for resistance. They delve into how authorities use these walls to impose their ideologies and values upon the people, while also emphasizing the agency of dissidents who transform these spaces into channels of protest and expression. A diverse range of artistic techniques and mediums, including collage, painting, drawing, and graffiti, are used to create satirical and ironic situations that reference the deep dualities, disparities, and hypocrisies inherent in ruling systems. Iranian born visual artist, Mohadese Movahed focuses on painting in her studio practice. She graduated with a Bachelor of painting degree from the University of Science and Culture (USC) in Tehran and an MFA from the University of Regina, SK, Canada in 2020. Currently based in Vancouver, Movahed has exhibited her work nationally, internationally and is a recipient of Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation.The Burden of Street brings together paintings that depict contradictory compositions to provide distinct visual experiences while exploring the complexities of our surrounding built environment. The element of the wall plays a significant role in this body of work as public sites for dwellers to engage with the political and social fabric of society. These paintings aim to explore the dichotomy of walls as both tools of control and platforms for resistance. They delve into how authorities use these walls to impose their ideologies and values upon the people, while also emphasizing the agency of dissidents who transform these spaces into channels of protest and expression. A diverse range of artistic techniques and mediums, including collage, painting, drawing, and graffiti, are used to create satirical and ironic situations that reference the deep dualities, disparities, and hypocrisies inherent in ruling systems. Iranian born visual artist, Mohadese Movahed focuses on painting in her studio practice. She graduated with a Bachelor of painting degree from the University of Science and Culture (USC) in Tehran and an MFA from the University of Regina, SK, Canada in 2020. Currently based in Vancouver, Movahed has exhibited her work nationally, internationally and is a recipient of Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation.