Canton, GA
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Theatre Events and Facilities Director
770-704-0755
kristin.green@cantonga.gov
Historic Canton Theatre
Upcoming Showings and Productions
Hope's Anchor with Neena Elliott
- Date: 08/06/2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Location: Canton Theatre
171 E Main St.
Canton, Georgia 30114
The Church is Leaving the Building and coming to the Canton Theatre with Hope’s Anchor
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our soul” - Hebrews 6:19
While most local Rock and Roll bands are paying tribute to their favorite artists of the past (imitating their look, sound, and music); original band Hope’s Anchor has been working for over a decade to honor and pay tribute to God.
Shawn ‘Swift’ Johnson, Raymond Hemms and Harry Wolle met in 2007, ironically playing in a rock tribute band. During one of their rehearsals, Harry presented the idea for the song “Bend” and the band’s intentions and direction completely changed. They decided to create music that mattered writing straight from the heart in a style that collectively moved them. In 2013, the band added drummer, Jeff Wood, to the line-up and have been creatively moving forward ever since, releasing 3 albums with over 35 songs.
The band derived its name, Hope’s Anchor, from Hebrews 6:19 which states, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our soul”. Hope’s Anchor musical style merges heavy, groove-oriented rock with soulful, melodic vocal phrasing creating songs that can both hit you in the chest and touch your heart at the same time. The band was once asked if they were a “Christian” band, to with they responded, “No, we’re four Christians in a band writing about what moves and impacts our daily lives. We know that we’re flawed but also very aware of Christ’s love and grace; and we feel that it shows in the music we create”.
In 2017, Hope’s Anchor won the International Christian Film Festival award for “Best Music Video” for their song "Bend". This song has so much personal meaning to the band. Not only is it seen as the genesis moment of the band, but it has also become an anthem for special needs parents and caregivers.
“We all struggle with things that are heavy to us and we all deal with hard times, but by trusting God, we can find the strength to not break under pressure” - Harry Wolle
Hope’s Anchor is releasing a five-song EP titled “The Church is Leaving the Building” this summer. The extended play release was recorded and produced by Corey Lowery, from the band Seether. The band’s first single, “The Church is Leaving the Building” calls in the services of Mac Powell, of the Christian band Third Day. It’s a heavy anthem calling for believers to take the “church” outside of the four walls it resides in on Sundays. It’s a call to action with some heavy grooves to support it.
Reaching those who are disconnected, or distant from God has always been the aim of Hope’s Anchor. They have focused on writing music straight from the heart that chronicles their collective walk with God. Their hope is their music allows the listener to know that God will meet you right where you are and that His grace provides Freedom.
Up and coming original Christian country singer/songwriter and Canton native Neena Elliott will be opening the show. Performing her recently released songs ‘Mama’ and "Confidently Me" a song about overcoming fear and insecurity and believing the truth of God's word over the lies. Visit her site at neenaelliottmusic.com
The Church is Leaving the Building and coming to Canton Theatre! Get ready to Rockjoice and move with hope's ANCHOR and Neena Elliott at the Rock and Roll Revival event! This in-person concert will take place on Sun Aug 06 2023 at 7:00 PM EDT at 171 East Main Street, Canton, GA 30114.
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, praise and worship as these talented Christian artists take the stage at the historic Canton Theatre. With their unique blend of rock and roll and faith-based lyrics, you won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind event.
Whether you're a long-time fan of hope's ANCHOR or just discovering Neena Elliott for the first time, this is a concert you won't forget. So grab your friends and family and get ready to rock and rejoice!
History of the Theatre
As early as 1911, the Historic Canton Theatre was used to show slides and silent movies. Later, in the early 1920s, the Theatre changed owners and was renamed “The Bonita,” which held movie showings on Fridays and Saturdays.
During this era, the popularity of the Theatre grew rapidly. The Theatre was soon renovated, expanded, and renamed “The Haven.” It presented the people of Canton first line shows, including their first talking motion picture, the 1928 film “Singing Fool,” starring famous singing star Al Jolson.
The “Haven” continued to be a movie house for several more years until the late 1930s, when the Theatre was sold to the Martin-Thompson Theatre Company. The newly named “Canton Theatre” was then remodeled to reflect the Art Deco design so popular during that time.
The spectacular new Theatre had improvements that were truly unique, such as a steel skeleton for improved stability and safety. The fireproof walls and sprinkler system ensured that no fire would last long. New air conditioning and heating systems were installed in the Theatre to make it more comfortable for larger audiences. New restrooms and dressing rooms had a modernistic design. Red and blue uniformed employees at the “Candy Bar” sold candy and popcorn from the new popper, while an array of bright neon lights surrounded the Theatre, bathing it in colorful beauty. The size of the stage was expanded to make it larger than ever before. The new Canton Theatre was indeed a splendid site at the Grand Opening, which took place on September 30, 1940.
The Canton Theatre played the best motion pictures of the time. It was described as a “thoroughly modern sound and movie palace, with all the comfort, light, and cheer that denotes a first class picture theatre housed in the "larger cities.”
The Theatre continued to show movies for 30 more years, but by the mid 1970s, the popularity of the Theatre declined dramatically. Many guests felt that it had become too out of date. They wanted to see movies with the convenience of drive-ins and with many more choices. As a result, the Theatre sat idle for many years and subsequently went into disrepair.
In 1994, the Theatre was purchased by an individual for restoration. The City of Canton then acquired the property in a land swap in 1997. It was later deeded to the Downtown Development Authority in order to secure financing for restoration, which soon began. The Canton Theatre was restored to the Art Deco style of the 1930s and was reopened in a Dedication Ceremony, taking place on May 26, 2000.
Since that time, the Canton Theatre has become a community fixture, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy live theatre from both local and traveling productions, as well as entertainment from musicians, comedians and film screening events.