Burt celebrates milestone with 101 shows in 2022-23

The Burton Cummings Theatre is celebrating a milestone achievement after hosting 101 events in the past 12 months, bringing over 100,000 people to downtown Winnipeg. Included in the 101 events were 17 sold-out performances by the likes of British comedian Jimmy Carr and the theatre’s namesake, Burton Cummings, who sold out two shows commemorating his 75th birthday. This represents a record high number of events during True North’s time managing the theatre since 2014.

The 2023 Pollstar mid-year report – one of the concert industry’s leading trade magazines for promoters, concerts, and events – ranked the Burt among the top 100 Theatres in North America for ticket sales, holding down the 89th spot.

“The theatre has become a staple in Canada’s touring landscape. Great acts return year after year and new acts are coming through who are experiencing the magic of the Burt for the first time,” said Ruben Ramalheiro, Director of Live Entertainment for True North. “We are continuously trying to improve the audience experience as well. To see a historic theatre like the Burt being used to its full potential is rewarding in its own right.”

True North’s Sr. Vice President of Venues & Entertainment, Kevin Donnelly adds, “To be able to bring people to downtown Winnipeg and attract the high calibre of performers to our city is no small feat. Our employees at the Burt, our promoting partners, renters, and fans in our city, have made the Burt stand out internationally. To be recognized by industry peers among other musical landmarks around the world is very validating. The variety of programming is the key to success in our theatre. Everything from touring musical acts, comedy, drag shows, dance, and more have made this a truly inclusive venue in the heart of downtown Winnipeg with something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Burt recently announced the opening of a new event space, “The Studio Lounge”, which features memorabilia from Cummings’ own collection, including hand-written music sheets, awards, photos and instruments. A focal point of the lounge is the piano he learned to play on in his childhood home. The lounge offers additional mingling space for all events and can also be booked for special pre-show or off-day events.

“I’m extremely proud and impressed with the latest enhancements to the theatre,” said Burton Cummings. “As a kid, I went to the movies there many times. I realize now that artists of renown are performing there year after year and I’m deeply proud that my name is associated with the building. Thanks to Kevin Donnelly and his incredible team, the City of Winnipeg, and all involved in preserving this historic building.”

As part of True North’s continuous investment in the theatre’s restoration, work has begun to install a new exterior marquee, along with the ongoing developments to the exterior plaza. Since True North’s acquisition of the theatre in 2014, investment in theatre upgrades and improvements is approaching $2 million.

This August, five Burt Block Party outdoor concerts will be held at the Burton Cummings Theatre with headliners, The Strumbellas, Billy Talent, Brett Kissel, Glass Tiger, and Cheap Trick. The outdoor concert series Aug. 11-12 and 18-20, is expecting 4,000 fans each night outside the theatre with activations, bars, and food trucks to complement the live music.

Notable upcoming acts at the Burt include, Bonnie Raitt, The Beaches, Paul Brandt & Terri Clark, a sold-out Blue Rodeo show, and four sold-out Matt Rife shows. True North Sports + Entertainment looks forward to hosting another year of incredible talent at the Burton Cummings Theatre.

Visit BurtonCummingsTheatre.ca/WhatsOn for a complete list of upcoming events.