While the artist, who became an international sensation with the popular band Blood, Sweat and Tears, might not appeal to the younger set, LAC officials have made it a priority to get youth into the building.
"Somebody who's 17 might not want to see David Clayton-Thomas, but we want them to grow up through the centre," said Danna Evans, LAC manager of performing arts. "If we can get them in young, they might become (life-long patrons)."
The new Scene @ the Centre series of youth concerts is one attempt to draw the younger set into the building.
After a couple of concerts last year and earlier this year that went off without a hitch, LAC officials figured they'd expand on the idea.
The concerts ($10 admission) feature music that appeals to youth, including indie, ska, rock, folk pop, bluegrass, dance rock and punk.
The LAC is also offering the Centre Stage Membership program. Those between ages 18 and 29 can sign up and will receive a variety of benefits, including reduced ticket prices.
The upcoming season also includes performances for people of all ages. In addition to Clayton-Thomas, shows featuring Spirit of the West (Oct. 24), Women Fully Clothed (Nov. 15), Louise Pitre in Could You Wait? (Nov. 20), Logicaltramp - The Spirit of Supertramp (Nov. 27), Michelle Wright's A Wright Christmas (Dec. 12), The Young Divas with the Bill King Trio (Jan. 24), Opera To Go (March 26), Blues Brothers Revival (March 27), Just For Laughs Roadshow (April 17), Bye Bye Birdie (May 6) and Battle of the Divas (May 9) are also scheduled.
In the RBC Theatre, as part of the Relaxed Series, Joe Trio (Oct. 9), Justin Hines (Oct. 24), The Comedy Lounge featuring Jon Dore (Nov. 29), Florence K. (Dec. 5), Sharron's Party (Jan. 23), Stephan Moccio (Jan. 31), An Evening with Uncle Val (Feb. 20), Harry Manx (March 27), Second City - Facebook of Revelations (March 28), Emilie-Claire Barlow (April 17), Jorge Miguel Flamenco Ensemble (April 30) and Glen Woodcock (May 1) are scheduled.
The Wiggle Club Series, geared towards children and their families, features Edith Tankus as Hurricane Gerty (March 8) and O is for Ogre (Jan. 25), among others.
"We're trying to expose people to different genres and get them listening to more music," said Evans. "We want people to discover everything that's happening at the centre."
Tickets go on sale Monday, June 30.
For more information, visit www.livingartscentre.ca.
cclay@mississauga.net
