For immediate release

OTTAWA, November 14, 2011 – NAC Presents welcomes for the first time to the NAC Fourth Stage, indie-folk band Sunparlour Players on Friday, November 25. Lead singer Andrew Penner along with Michael "Rosie" Rosenthal on the drums and Dennis Van Dine on bass and keyboards kick off their Ontario tour with their first show at the NAC in Ottawa.  With the release of their third album Us Little Devils, produced by Chris Stringer (Timbre Timber, Ohbijou, Rush), they continue to expand their own sound, embracing some electronic and pop influences.  Says Penner, “It has colours of what we are, but it’s also us looking out into new directions."

Growing up on a tomato farm near Leamington, Ontario, Andrew Penner had modest musical beginnings, singing in the choir of a Mennonite church. After two critically acclaimed albums, Hymns For The Happy and Wave North, the trio has not only graced many “best of” lists but have also built themselves a solid reputation for their live shows. Playing with veterans Mumford & Sons, Blue Rodeo, and Plants & Animals, Sunparlour Players have maintained a rigorous touring schedule over the years of shows in barns, backyards, theatres, and of course, clubs. Through their cathartic and euphoric live shows they’ve won fans, converts and accolades and it's the energy and passion of their live show that they've managed to bottle in this album, Us Little Devils. With Chris Stringer, they found a bridge between folk, punk, electro, and gospel that sees the band stretching out from the confines of folk and rock. The songs are joyful and challenging, playful and surprising.  This is music that brings you to the edge of breakdown and bliss.

As an added bonus to their incredible talent and stage presence, the Sunparlour Players also have a unique sponsorship with Bernardin Home Canning. They are bringing to each city on the tour their line of homemade mustards and jellies “Sunparlour Preserves”! Penner says, “It started when we were playing shows, before we had an album or t-shirts to sell, we used to raffle off homemade preserves.  People liked it so much the idea stuck.” Ottawa fans can take home the band’s brand new album along with a jar of “Handsome Strong Mustard” and the hot seller “Red Pepper Jelly”!

Sunparlour Players performs in the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Groups of 10 or more save 15% to 20% off regular ticket prices; to reserve your seats, call 613-947-7000, ext. 634 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca.

Tickets are available for purchase:

• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets
• By telephone from Ticketmaster, 1-888-991-2787 (ARTS) new!  
• Online through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s website (www.nac-cna.ca)
• A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster

NAC Presents in partnership with BMO Financial Group

2011-2012 Season

DECEMBER

1              Dala Christmas Show $25 (Studio)

JANUARY 2012

14           Madison Violet $28 (Studio)
                Geggie Jazz Series: Ron Miles with David Occhipinti $30 (Fourth Stage)
27           Les Vendredis de la chanson francophone: Annette Campagne $20 (Fourth Stage)

FEBRUARY

10-11     Jill Barber $27 (Fourth Stage)
11           Sam Roberts Band $36 + (Southam Hall)
18           Geggie Jazz Series : Phil Dwyer, Chet Doxas and Jim Doxas $30 (Fourth Stage)

MARCH
 
2              Les Vendredis de la chanson francophone: Kyssi Wète $20 (Fourth Stage)
16           Peter Elkas $25 (Fourth Stage)
17           Geggie Jazz Series:  Joel Frahm, Mian Rager and John Fraboni $30 (Fourth Stage)
22           Emilie-Claire Barlow $33 (Studio)
22          David Myles $23 (Fourth Stage)
23-24     The Sadies $28 (Studio)

APRIL

13           Les Vendredis de la chanson francophone: Les Surveillantes $20 (Fourth Stage)
21:          Geggie Jazz Series : Pat Labarbera, Josh Rager and Nick Fraser $30 (Fourth Stage)
28:          Brandi Disterheft $25 (Fourth Stage)

MAY

3              Dan Hill $40 (Fourth Stage)
25           Les Vendredis de la chanson francophone: Tricia Foster $20 (Fourth Stage)
26           Geggie Jazz Series : Joe Sullivan, Lorne Lofsky, Richard Irwin $30 (Fourth Stage)

JUNE
 
15-16     Gordon Lightfoot $65 (Southam Hall)
20-23     7 Doigts de la main-PSY $35 + (Theatre)

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For more information, please contact:
Marie-Chantale Labbé-Jacques
Associate Marketing and Communication Officer
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000 ext. 526; e-mail: mclabbe@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca