Experience the soul and energy of Van Morrison’s music live! The Music of Van Morrison on October 3 brings hits like “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance,” and “Domino” to life on our stage. A powerhouse 7-piece band led by acclaimed vocalist Matt Weidinger recreates Van’s iconic blend of rock, blues, and Celtic soul. Join us at Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre for a joyful night of classic tunes that will have you singing along. One night only!
Go Back To Home PageRide on the “Moondance” – Van Morrison’s Music Live
If you’re a fan of songs that get your feet moving and your heart soaring, mark your calendar for Friday, October 3, 2025. The Music of Van Morrison will light up the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre with the soulful, spirited sound of “Van the Man” himself. We’re talking about an artist whose music ranges from gritty early rock to sweet Celtic-infused soul – and this tribute concert captures it all. It’s one night of pure Van Morrison magic, right here in our community.
About Van Morrison: Hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Van Morrison made his mark in the mid-1960s as the lead singer of the band Them, giving us the garage-rock classic “Gloria.” But it was his solo career that truly skyrocketed him into legend status. In 1967 he released “Brown Eyed Girl,” a song so enduring that generations can’t help but sing along every time it’s played (it’s practically the anthem of summer barbecues and oldies radio). He followed that up with a string of groundbreaking albums that blended rock, blues, jazz, and folk like never before. His 1970 album Moondance is a masterpiece that gave us the swinging title track “Moondance” – the ultimate “marvelous night” song – and gems like “Into the Mystic,” which transports you with its soulful yearning. Throughout the ’70s and beyond, Van churned out hits and beloved tracks: “Domino” with its funky horn lines, “Wild Night” with its get-up-and-dance groove, “Jackie Wilson Said” (a tribute to soul music itself), and the tender “Have I Told You Lately,” which became a romantic standard in the late ’80s. Van Morrison’s voice, often described as one of the most distinctive in music, can croon a gentle ballad one minute and launch into a fiery, bluesy shout the next. He’s a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a six-time Grammy winner, and at 50+ albums into his career, he’s still recording new music today. His nickname “Van the Man” captures how fans feel about him – he’s the man who can channel joy, sorrow, and spirituality all in a single performance, leaving audiences feeling rejuvenated.
The Tribute – An Authentic Van Morrison Experience: Recreating Van Morrison’s dynamic live presence is a tall order – and that’s where the talented ensemble led by Matt Weidinger steps in. Matt Weidinger has put together a stellar 7-piece band (including a brass section and plenty of percussion) to reflect the full, rich sound for which Morrison is known. And wow, do they deliver. Matt’s own vocals carry that gritty-soulful punch and range that can do justice to Van’s songs. Backed by organ, horns, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion, he leads a show aptly titled It’s Too Late to Stop Now (after Van’s famous live album). From the moment the band kicks into the opening notes, you’ll be amazed at how closely they capture the feel of a real Van Morrison concert. The attention to detail is remarkable – this group has carefully studied Van’s recordings and performances. Every saxophone solo, every improvised vocal run, every rhythmic swing is lovingly recreated.
One reviewer raved that “Matt’s interpretation of Van’s music is a deeply moving personal memoir of Celtic soul – simply marvellous,” and another described this tribute as “a must-see for Van Morrison & live music fans alike.” Indeed, the band doesn’t merely play the notes; they channel the impassioned, celebratory spirit Van infuses into his shows. Expect soulful sax solos that wail straight to your heart, organ riffs that add that bluesy depth, and Matt’s voice belting and then tenderly caressing lyrics in true Van style. When they launch into “Brown Eyed Girl,” you’ll feel the same jubilant vibe as when you first heard it on the radio – you might even find yourself dancing in the aisle (and that’s encouraged!). When the smooth swing of “Moondance” begins, you might grab your sweetheart’s hand, ready to sway under an imaginary October moon. And when Matt delivers the line “Have I told you lately that I love you” from “Have I Told You Lately,” don’t be surprised if you feel a collective swoon in the audience.
What’s on the Setlist: The Music of Van Morrison covers all corners of Van’s diverse song catalog. Look forward to enjoying:
And there are more gems where those came from – the band often includes fan favorites like “Jackie Wilson Said” or “Crazy Love.” Each song flows into the next, taking you on a musical journey through Van’s career highlights and some soulful detours in between. The dynamic range of the show – from lively soul stompers to intimate ballads – ensures you’ll touch every emotion by the end of the night.
Community Spirit & Craic (Fun): There’s a term the Irish use – “craic” – which means a good time filled with music and cheer. That’s exactly the atmosphere we anticipate for this show. Van Morrison’s music has a way of bringing people together in the joy of the moment. You might come as strangers sitting next to each other, but after collectively singing “La la la” in “Brown Eyed Girl” or humming along to the sax line in “Moondance,” you’ll exchange grins and maybe a high-five, because you just shared something special. Our theatre’s excellent acoustics and cozy size mean you won’t miss a note, and you might even feel like Van’s band is right there in your living room.
We encourage you to make it a night out: bring your friends who love classic rock and soul, or surprise your partner with a date night that’s a little different from the usual. If you play a bit of Van Morrison in the car on the way over, you’ll be fully primed to jump in and sing along once the concert starts. This event is part of our ongoing Tribute Series that celebrates musical heritage – and Van Morrison’s rich blend of styles certainly qualifies as heritage worth celebrating. With community in mind, we might even have a local Irish pub offering a special or a themed “Brown Eyed Girl” drink at the concession to add a little extra fun to the night.
Secure Your Tickets (Don’t Wait for the “Van” to Come Around): Tickets for this soulful shindig are $51.99. Given the broad appeal of Van’s music – touching rock, blues, folk and more – we expect a wide audience and possibly a sell-out. In other words, it’s too late to stop now… from grabbing your tickets soon! Our box office and website are ready for your reservations.
Join us for an upbeat, soul-nourishing evening celebrating Van Morrison’s incredible catalog. The Music of Van Morrison on October 3 will be a night to remember – filled with singing, dancing, and that indescribable feeling when live music hits you just right. Come experience the “Celtic soul” and joyful spirit that have made Van’s music a treasure for over half a century. We can’t wait to share this wild night of music and camaraderie with you. It's going to be fantabulous!
