Kristina Lao to open The ACT Arts Centre’s 2026-27 performance season

Kristina Lao will open The ACT Arts Centre’s 2026-2027 performance season and Musical Spotlight Series in Maple Ridge, B.C., on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. The artist, performer, songwriter and actor will make her Maple Ridge debut and perform new, unreleased music from her forthcoming EP.

Russ Brummer, Manager of Arts, Culture & Events, said the centre is excited to have Lao open the season. Born in Hong Kong, Lao brings a cross-cultural perspective to music that combines storytelling, layered harmonies and atmospheric melodies. She said she hopes her music will offer listeners a new perspective and perhaps inspire a small change in someone’s life.

Lao has a personal connection to the community through her friendship with Artist-in-Residence Alex Neff. Visits to local parks, neighbourhoods, farmers markets and businesses informed elements of the performance, which will use music and storytelling to highlight Maple Ridge’s landscapes, community connections and natural character. It will also include “lo-fi interactivity”: paper-based tactile activities intended to engage audiences with the music’s themes and encourage personal reflection.

Lao has appeared in more than 300 shows across 30 cities in Asia, Europe and North America. Influenced by folk-pop and British indie music, she has had work featured in film and television; her recent releases include Run and Choices. Single tickets cost $39.90 plus fees and are available at MapleRidge.ca/Performances, in person at The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, from noon to 5 p.m. daily, or by phone at 604-476-2787.