

Juno nominated Cris Derksen is an internationally respected Indigenous cellist and composer. In a world where almost everything — people, music, cultures — get labelled and slotted into simple categories, Cris Derksen represents a challenge. Originally from Northern Alberta, she comes from a line of chiefs from NorthTall Cree Reserve on her father’s side and a line of strong Mennonite homesteaders on her mother’s. Derksen braids the traditional and contemporary, weaving her classical background and her Indigenous ancestry together with new school electronics to create genre-defying music.
As composer Derksen has a foot in many worlds. Her 2019 compositions include Maada’ookii Songlines, a Mass Choral piece for 250 singers commissioned by Luminato Festival; Rebellion, a short symphonic piece commissioned by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra; Iron Peggy, a theatre piece commissioned by the Vancouver Children’s Festival; and a new performance art piece commissioned by the National Art Gallery of Canada, Ikumagiialit. 2018 highlights include a DORA Award for Best Sound Design for Theatre 2018 for Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools; TIFF Premier Biidaaban (the dawn comes), a short animation film by Amanda Strong; Ka:hawai Dance Company production of BloodTides; Kamloopa Theatre production; 2018 Banff Centre for the Arts String Quartet Residency commission White Mans Cattle; and Wood Quintet International commission 5 bucks per head.
As a performer Derksen performs nationally and internationally solo and with some of Canada’s finest, including Tanya Tagaq, Buffy Sainte Marie, Naomi Klein, and Leanne Simpson, to name a few. Recent destinations include Hong Kong, Australia, Mongolia, Sweden, and a whole lot of Canada, the place Derksen refers to as home.
Silence Presents: George Crotty Trio – “Heart Music” Album Release
Saturday 21st June 2025 Doors: 7.00pm Show: 7.30pm $20/ PWYC “Heart Music”, the George Crotty Trio’s newest release, is a suite for cello, bass, and percussion. Emulating both contemporary chamber music and European jazz, these new works are a travelogue of creative encounters in Copenhagen, Delft, Berlin, Toronto, and Brooklyn. George Crotty (cello) John Murchison (bass) Jeremy Smith (percussion) facebook.com/georgecrottycello instagram.com/georgecrottycello Buy Tickets
Justin Shaw – Have Jokes Will Travel
Comedian and storyteller Justin Shaw is a rising star of comedy often compared to a “slightly caffeinated Stuart McLean.” He is originally from Prince Edward Island (and if you’re also from Prince Edward Island, his dad probably knows your dad.) Shaw returns to Guelph with HAVE JOKES, WILL TRAVEL – a collection of hilarious new tales that celebrate the experience of being an Islander on the mainland. Filled with lots of laughs and lots of heart, this show is perfect for a night out with friends and family looking to enjoy the absurdities of Canada and all that makes it true north, strong, and freakin’ ridiculous. HAVE JOKES, WILL TRAVEL June 28, Showtime 7:30pm. SILENCE SOUNDS (Silence 46 Essex St., Guelph, Ontario) We would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario for their support. Sponsored by Dawson’s Hot Sauce. About JUSTIN…
Silence Presents: Slidin’ Around!
Get ready for an unforgettable night of smooth, soulful, and swinging jazz as Slidin’ Around takes the stage! This unique ensemble features the rich, bold sounds of a trombone quartet, perfectly paired with a dynamic rhythm section. Together, they will explore the full range of jazz—from mellow ballads to fast-paced bebop—showcasing the versatility of the trombone in a fresh and exciting light. With lush harmonies, tight-knit improvisation, and the unmistakable ‘slide’ of the trombones, Slidin’ Around is a celebration of jazz tradition and innovation. The rhythm section will lay down infectious grooves that will keep your feet tapping, while the trombones (Sam Meakin, Robin Jessome, Kathryn Scobie & Eric Probst) create harmonies and melodies that will transport you to the heart of jazz. Personnel: Sam Meakin – Trombone Robin Jessome – Trombone Kathryn Scobie – Trombone Eric Probst – Bass Trombone TBA – Piano Liam Gallagher – Bass Andrew Schoettler…