Looking for some incredible shows this summer all over the city? The National Arts Centre’s (NAC) Together Under the Sun summer programming is the perfect way to spend these summer days with family and friends.
With programming running from July 2–Aug. 30, there is an opportunity to see over 70 shows in both indoor and outdoor venues.
Not only is almost all programming free or accessibly priced—the most expensive shows will run you about $8—but there are some incredible acts hailing from all over the world performing in different venues around downtown Ottawa.
The NAC’s summer programming includes four unique ways to enjoy musical acts, plus a wide range of performances. The Feeling of Free series sees performances floating down the Rideau Canal, or in some of the NAC’s public spaces, while the Stage Series is hosted at Southam Hall or the Fourth Stage Theatre and will perform more classic and intimate shows.
The NAC Orchestra on the Rideau Canal. Photo by Curtis Perry.
There is also the Wood Terrace Series, located on the NAC’s terrace where you can enjoy outdoor concerts every Tuesday and Wednesday night, and the $8 Play Series offers the NAC’s three main performances this summer for a great price.
Executive Producer of Summer Programming at the NAC Heather Gibson says that the Feeling of Free series lets everyone experience acts from across Canada and around the world in pretty cool locations.
“When the weather cooperates, we have concerts on our rooftop wood terrace—a truly unique experience, special to the summer,” she says. “There are also many opportunities to come during the day and enjoy the same great bands and musicians in our atrium over lunch.”
From sing-alongs to bossa nova, to live music under the stars, and even the NAC Orchestra cruising down the Rideau Canal, there won’t be a dull moment this summer.
Dancing to some great tunes from NAC’s summer programming. Photo provided.
“Free programming is always important,” says Gibson. “Providing opportunities for multi-generations audiences access to great art at low or no cost is important and a key mandate of the NAC.”
While this summer programming features many different performers, Gibson says they’re always looking to bring new artists to the NAC.
“During the summer, for both national and international artists, they are generally on tour to some of our major Canadian festivals in the region and across the country,” she says. “We’re offering them shows on Tuesday and Wednesday—days that are seldom programmed by weekend festivals.”
New and exciting artists performing all summer long. Photo provided.
Gibson says that this ultimately helps the festivals and the artists.
“It helps artists with rising touring costs and can help span the gap days between two festivals making doing festivals even possible,” she says. “And it brings new, important work to our stage.”
Gibson hopes audiences come and enjoy themselves this summer by seeing incredible, world-class acts.
“It’s my hope that someone comes to the NAC and sees something they wouldn’t normally have seen and is impacted in the way that only art can impact us.”
For more information about the NAC’s Together Under the Sun summer programming, including scheduling and tickets, check out their website.
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