Read about the Lyric Theatre!

Here is some of the material from the media, that describes different events that the Lyric Theatre has hosted.

PRAIRIE POST - Friday, November 13, 2009
Barley Wik-female quartet has a unique name, unique sound
By Ryan Dahlman Swift Current Swift Current music fans have another opportunity to enjoy talented musicians with southwest Saskatchewan roots. Bluegrass country group Barley Wik will hit the Lyric Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25. Talented amateur voices have been hitting the Open Stage as well as accomplished performers such as Fox Valley's Maria Danvers and Swift Current's Eliza Doyle. Add Barley Wik to that list. A combination of country, folk, spirituals and bluegrass, and smooth harmonies, the all-female quartet offers a unique sound which, fans of traditional, non-pop sounding country will appreciate. Barley Wik is made up of Paula McGuigan (bass), Auto Jansz (guitar), Liza Holder (mandolin) and Michelle Voisin (drums). "We're super-excited about playing the Lyric,"explained McGuigan a resident of Cabri who just moved back to her hometown recently "(I) Played Swift Current a few years ago and it has great atmosphere. "It's a great venue for the community and it's a perfect venue for us." She added she had seen an open stage or two and was impressed.		bailiwick, "A reference to someone's area of authority. It's a place where someone can have their say." McGuigan said their alt-country sound is not something they consciously try to create, but just happens naturally. Each has their own unique talent and it just meshes. "I think there's a bit of a demand for our kind of music," explained McGuigan. "It has meaning and feeling." She has noticed many artists are coming back to traditional country sounds like banjo or slide guitars, something Barley Wik incorporates. In 2007-2008, they had two, six-month tours. After that, they've taking a year off. "We had to focus on our personal lives and take some time to do that," said McGuigan. "It's pretty hard when we're travelling so much." They were impressed, despite the year off, fans still remembered them and gave them encouragement to come back and tour again. McGuigan said the rest and positive words from fans, friends and family were the shots in the arm they needed. She said they are now touring again. They enjoy hitting Saskatchewan and McGuigan said they have a big fan base in Alberta and Atlantic Canada.

Barley Wik has been around since 2002 and have produced three independently made CDs. Their latest Beyond the Down has been heard on CBC Radio and

just recently Canadian star Jane Siberry chose Barley Wik for IndiEclectic.com, "an artist-run on-line music showcase." Their name comes from the 15th century term

Tickets for the Lyric show are $15. Like to hear them for yourself? Check out their myspace page at: www.myspace.com/barleywik.

PRAIRIE POST - Friday, November 13, 2009
Danvers, Beveridge entertained appreciative Lyric crowd
BY KURTIS BAKANEC SWIFT CURRENT Toes were tapping, hands were clapping and smiles were all around Nov. 5 as Ben Beveridge and Fox Valley's Maria Danvers entertained a crowd of about 100 at the historic Lyric Theatre. The husband-and-wife duo from Maple Creek was in Swift Current as part of their tour of western Canada. They performed for almost two hours with a brief intermission, playing everything from Danvers' original pop-inflected country songs to Beveridge's old-time fiddle playing. The evening began with a selection of cover songs such as Suzy Bogguss' "Outbound Plane", along with some of Danvers' own songs from her debut album "As Long As There's You", with Beveridge providing harmony vocals and accompaniment on a multitude of instruments. The two-time provincial fiddle Grand Champion closed out the first set with several tunes showcasing his fiddling prowess, including some East Coast reels and classic wrestern swing. Before the intermission, Beveridge promised the audiencea "surprise" to begin the second set.		The surprise turned out to be a cameo appearance from his sister Rebecca, herself a deft fiddler and also the duo's promoter. The siblings delighted the audience with a trio of fiddle tunes before Beveridge crooned some laidback old-time songs. Danvers rejoined her husband onstage and they sang a few more duets like the Everly Brothers' "All I Have to Do is Dream". The festivities reached a crescendo when Beveridge onceagain hauled out the fiddle for a serious workout. The highlight was a barnstorming rendition of the bluegrass standard "The Orange Blossom Special". The crowd cheered his violin virtuosity as well as the skills of David Barber on guitar, Beveridge's brother Aspen on drums and Clark Schaufele on upright bass and keyboards. The show closed with a two-song encore, ending with a cover of "Tennessee Flat Top Box" by Roseanne Cash. Look for Ben Beveridge and Maria Danvers to make their way to Swift Current again sometime in 2010. If the scrum that surrounded them after the show for autographs and conversation is any indication, they can expect another sizeable and appreciative audience.

Friday, October 16,2009 - PRAIRIE POST
Musical and culinary showcase at the Lyric
SUBMITTED BY DIANNE MILLER SWIFT CURRENT The Southwest Cultural Development Group billed the evening of Sept. 25, as a Showcase at the Lyric Theatre, and what a show it was. A capacity crowd enjoyed a showcase of musical and culinary talent second to none. Audience member Abbie Houston was one of many to rave about the event. "Kudos to all involved with the Lyric! Fabulous job. The food was terrific, drinks were unique and the talent was awesome. I loved it. I had never been to the Lyric, and in fact, didn't even know where the building was. Bought two tables and am sooo glad I did. Just an all round classy night. I will certainly come again." Kelly Law, owner/chef of Pick-A-Deli Restaurant and Delicatessen, provided six savory appetizer courses including sundried tomato bruschetta, tequila prawns, tortilla wraps, saffron mussels, garlic bison ribs, and asparagus wrapped with prosciutto ham. The flavours of each course were enhanced by a pairing of drink such as a Tankhouse Ale, Tsingtao beer, or refreshing Mojito. Diners expressed appreciation for the wonderful tastes but also for the attention to detail in each dish. As the evening's food and drink were a treat for the palate, the musical offerings	performed between courses were truly a pleasure for the ear. Denise Wall, backed by her sister, Rena Le Marellec, on percussion, and Agnes Vilde on violin, demonstrated a full-bodied sound and confidence that immediately engaged the audience and earned her a standing ovation. Dave Cyca, accompanied by Bob Hale, performed in a gentle folk style, five of his original songs, insightful and humorous in content. Al Hudec displayed masterful guitar- playing and clear, melodic vocals in a blend of jazz and blues. His son, Josh, a skilled guitar player in his own right, accompanied him on one number. Al will soon be hosting the Lyric Open Stages. Banjo-pickin', blue grass singin' Eliza Doyle had the crowd clapping along with her high energy performance. Her infectious enthusiasm had everyone smiling from the first strum of her banjo to her trademark kick at the end of each song. Illusion, a local teen band, rounded out the evening with a rock and roll set that resulted in a jammed dance floor. Group members Brady Frank, Logan Forester, Keenan Meyers, and Marshal Siemens sang and handled their instruments with a proficiency and maturity beyond their years. Two encores barely satisfied fans. Audience member, Sasha Regier, was the	lucky winner of a raffle worth more than $400 for product and services at Rejuvenate Day Spa. Sponsor Erin Lightfoot said, "The next time you find yourself thinking that there's nothing to do in Swift Current, think again. The Lyric Showcase was a phenomenal success and Rejuvenate Day Spa couldn't be more pleased to have supported this initiative by the Lyric and its volunteers. The entire evening was a new and wonderful event for Swift Current. The food, the drink, the entertainment and the atmosphere set a new standard of what is considered to be 'an evening out.' For those who weren't able to get tickets for this first-time event, make sure you don't hesitate when it happens again because it will be sold out in no time. Congratulations to everyone who was a part of the event." The Southwest Cultural Development Group is delighted with the community's	response to this premiere showcase at the Lyric. They also thank John Rogers for operating the sound equipment and the 21 volunteers who acted as servers, bartenders, and set-up and take-down crews. One organizer, Brad Gross, expressed satisfaction with the evening's success. "I think it was a terrific opportunity for our community to savour some of Swift Current's talents. Kelly Law's appetizers were absolutely top notch and the local entertainment was incredibly well received — something different that appealed to all. Who doesn't enjoy great food and drink with friends while enjoying live entertainment?" It is through the efforts of so many committed sponsors and volunteers that funds are raised to continue the restoration and renovation of the historic Lyric Theatre in downtown Swift Current.