Johannes Linstead: From Spain to Cuba – A Musical Journey
Kicking off the year, Theatre Collingwood presents Johannes Linstead: From Spain to Cuba, a stunning live performance that will take audience members on a journey from the exotic Mediterranean sounds of Spain to the colourful rhythms of the Caribbean on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 3 p.m. at New Life Church, Collingwood.
“For 2025, we want to feature the change-makers in our world. Those people who create spaces for our imaginations to soar and for us all to feel hopeful for the future. I can’t think of a better way to start this year than with the international music of this incrediblytalented performer,” said Erica Angus, Executive Director for Theatre Collingwood.
Prepare to be mesmerized as Johannes Linstead, renowned for his virtuoso guitar skills, delivers an afternoon filled with the magic of Spanish guitar. Accompanied by a talented ensemble featuring spicy Latin percussion, grooving bass, and soulful accordion, Linstead will set the stage aglow with his unique blend of world music.
Linstead is a musical force with an impressive career spanning across the globe. With over 500 million streams and multiple accolades, including being named Canada’s Guitarist of the Year, Linstead has earned recognition as one of the bestselling guitarists in the Instrumental, Latin Jazz, and World Music genres. His career boasts eight Best Album awards, seven top-10 US Billboard charting albums, and a recent induction into the L.A.-based Akademia “Hall of Fame.”
Known for his ability to bring together musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, Linstead’s vibrant music incorporates elements from Cuba, Greece, Palestine, France, Canada, Australia, Iran, and the Dominican Republic. His performances fuse upbeat rumbas and emotional ballads, enhanced by Latin percussion, violin, piano, and accordion, making each performance a colorful celebration of global sounds. Even if you’re not yet familiar with his name, you’ve likely heard his music. Linstead’s songs have been featured in popular TV shows such as Miami Housewives, Californication, The Following, and Burn Notice, among many others. His music also made its way into the world of sports, with world champion figure skater Stephane Lambiel using Linstead’s song Zabuca for his Winter Olympics choreography. Additionally, several of Linstead’s songs appeared in the hugely successful video games Tropical 4 and 5.
In December 2019, Linstead scored a huge radio success with his holiday song Tropical Christmas, which became a verified hit, charting at Number 1 for two weeks as the most added song on the top-40 New Music Weekly chart and Number 1 Most Increased song, surpassing chart-toppers like Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and Justin Bieber.
Tickets cost $48 for adults and $25 for youth. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theatrecollingwood.ca or call 705-445-2200.