If nationhood was won on the crest of Vimy Ridge, it was the Dumbells who provided the country with its earliest soundtrack. The soldier-entertainers’ journey from Vimy to Vaudeville is now celebrated by award-winning author and two-time Juno Award-nominee Jason Wilson in the new musical-play “Soldiers of Song.” In it, Wilson is assisted by Canadian storyteller Lorne Brown, Toronto, stage actors Jim Armstrong and Andrew Knowlton, as well as Marcus Ali and Patrice Barbanchon from the Jason Wilson Band.
Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to experience old time vaudeville!
“Soldiers of Song” is performing at Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre on Saturday, November 14 at 2 p.m. This highly-entertaining show celebrates the songs and stories of Canada’s famous First World War Concert Party: The Dumbells. Originally formed to build the morale of the troops on the front lines, the group took its name from the Third Division's emblem, a red dumbell that signified strength. It is also the focus of Wilson’s book Soldiers of Song: The Dumbells and Other Canadian Concert Parties of the First World War (Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2012). Both book and show will enlighten audiences on the story of the Dumbells and reimagine the musical fare of the famous comedy troupe founded on the Western Front.
Advance tickets are recommended as seating is limited. Tickets are $20 plus HST for Museum Members and $25 plus HST for the public and can be purchased at the Museum or by calling 519-797-2080.