There's Never Been a More Important Time to Know Our History

There’s never been a more important time to know our history. Understanding that the fundamental challenges we face as a society today are not dissimilar to those our ancestors faced gives us a fresh perspective on our lives. One of the common threads is music and, with that as its foundation, Sumach Roots (the album and live show) takes audiences on a bold and innovative exploration of Upper Canada’s evolution over the past three hundred years. The brainchild of two-time JUNO nominee and best-selling historian Jason Wilson, Sumach Roots draws from a deep well of sounds— from traditional British folk to bebop jazz and classic reggae—in order to tell the stories of those who built Upper Canada, both literally and culturally. With a top-flight cast of performers joining him on stage, Wilson delves into the late eighteenth century diaries of Elizabeth Simcoe, the impact of the Irish Famine, and the great Toronto fires of 1902 and 1904. With equal measures of humour and pathos, Sumach Roots joyfully illuminates the host/immigrant experience in Upper Canada. The album is a follow up to Wilson’s acclaimed Perennials (2016) and is the second part of his Valley Road Trilogy, a trilogy that celebrates “place” and its importance to history and memory. THE CAST JIM ARMSTRONG – James Pott / various Jim is a classically trained actor with a BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor. His favourite roles in the theatre include Detective Dick in High Park Noir (Simply Twisted Productions), Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Hart House Theatre), Jean in Rhinoceros (Seven Siblings Theatre), Ambituoso in Cousins of Corsica (Springworks Festival) and Tom from The Generation Gap (U of T Drama Centre). On screen, you can spot Jim in episodes of Imposters, American Gothic, Man Seeking Woman, and Murdoch Mysteries , as well as an upcoming short film called Buzzard. Jim is a cast member of Jason Wilson’s successful Soldiers of Song play that has toured Canada. Jim is also an aspiring stand-up comic, occasional writer, and all of his friends' cats' cool uncle. HERBIE BARNES – Joseph Brant / various Herbie has spent thirty years in various roles in the theatre, appearing in such plays as Harvey, Alice through the Looking Glass, and Children of God. Herbie developed his skills in the Toronto improv community and went on to teach at Toronto’s Second City also various other improv companies across North America. Herbie also toured North America with his improv troupe Tonto’s Nephews. Herbie has also been in the director’s chair and was nominated for a John Hursh Award for directing. His directing credits include Tales of an Urban Indian, Where the Blood Mixes, Munchtime, as well as big musicals such as Music Man, Oliver the Musical and Cotton Patch Gospel. Herbie has also taught in a great number of universities and colleges including Humber College, and The Centre for Indigenous Theatre where he has blended theatre with empowerment. As a result, Herbie has also worked with survivors of various types of abuse. SARA MOYLE – Elizabeth Simcoe / various Sara was co-founder and Artistic Producer of the Humber River Shakespeare Company (HRSC) from 2008-2015. During her tenure with HRSC, Sara brought professional, classical theatre to over 25 communities across the GTA and beyond, performing in such venues as Casa Loma, The McMichael Gallery, The Alton Mill Arts Centre, The Old Mill Inn, The Aurora Cultural Centre, City of Toronto Museums, Blue Mountain Village, and many other unique cultural and outdoor spaces. With a passion for animating heritage through theatre, Sara has enjoyed producing work for various municipal and provincial commemorative events—most recently, Sara directed Temple of Fame for the Aurora Museum on the 100th anniversary of this local suffragette play. Sara also wrote and performed Tom Thomson: Letter from Lambton Mills, for Walk the Six West- History on the Humber, an Ontario 150 event in 2017, and is the current project director for Walk the Six West 2019. Sara has over 20 years of experience as a professional actor, director, playwright, and drama educator. HE CAST JASON WILSON – Director / Musician Jason Wilson is a two-time Juno-Awards nominee, Canadian Reggae Music Award winner and Bestselling Canadian historian from Downsview, Ontario. He is the protégé of Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo and has performed and recorded with UB40, Alanis Morissette, Sly & Robbie, Ron Sexsmith, Dave Swarbrick and many more. An Adjunct-Professor of history at the University of Guelph, Dr. Wilson has six books to his name, including the official Toronto Maple Leafs centenary book (McLelland & Stewart, 2016). Wilson also wrote and directed the successful musical-historical play Soldiers of Song – a tribute to Canada's famous Dumbells of the First World War – which has been performed dozens of times across Canada. Wilson’s own life story has been the subject of documentaries that have appeared on CBC’s The National and BBC Radio. Whether touring with his own band, or when he's out with musical icons such as Pee Wee Ellis or Ernest Ranglin, Wilson's unique approach of combining history with global-roots music has charmed audiences across the country and around the world. THE MUSICIANS Marcus Ali saxophones/whistles/vocals Dave Chan percussion/mandolin/vocals Perry Joseph guitar/vocals Vince Reel cajon/guitar/percussion Michael Shapinko bass Jason Wilson vocals/piano/accordion RUNNING TIME: 90 mins (2 x 45 sets, with interval) A “MUSIC ONLY” version of the production is also available For bookings contact: AIM Booking Agency P: 416-953-5752 F: 416-907-3667 [email protected] For more information visit: http://www.jasonwilsonmusic.com/ .

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