Buffy returns to Alberta

Buffy Sainte-Marie will perform live in concert at the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod on Feb. 17. But get your tickets now, because Gerard Gibbs, executive director for the theatre, anticipates a sold out show.

"She is so widely appealing, so I think we will have a very wide, diverse turn out. We are really looking forward to Buffy's performance."

Sainte-Marie is not only a world renown First Nation musician, but also is known for her art work, which has been exhibited at various art galleries in Canada and abroad.

Her songs have been performed by a variety of well-known and diverse artists, including Cher, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Taj Mahal, Elvis Presley and Barbara Streisand. Her song "Up Where We Belong," performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes for the film An Officer and A Gentleman, received an Academy Award in 1982.

Gibbs said Sainte-Marie's last performance at the Empress Theatre was about 10 years ago and he has been trying to get her back ever since.

"We inquired last year to get her back here but she's been busy," said Gibbs. "A lot of people, I think, don't realize how fine a songwriter she is."

According to information from www.creative-native.com, Buffy Sainte-Marie received a PhD in Fine Art from the University of Massachusetts and she holds degrees in both Oriental philosophy and teaching. Since 1996, she has limited her performances and has focused on the Cradleboard Teaching Project.

Through this project, Sainte-Marie created the first interactive multi-media curriculum CD, "Science: Through Native American Eyes."

"As I learned more about her career, I was fascinated about how successful she is as a songwriter and, of course, she has won awards for that," said Gibbs.

The Empress Theatre is the oldest non-profit theatre in Alberta. It opened in June 1912. Gibbs said they show films every night and they have had a number of concerts.

For more information about how to purchase tickets, call (403) 553-4404 or 800-540-9229.
Visit the Web site at www.empresstheatre.ab.ca for additional information.