Jorge Miguel (centre) and his Flamenco Ensemble will perform the Brock Centre for the Arts' swan song on April 23.

Those in the entertainment industry could take a page from the playbook of Brock’s Centre for the Arts.

After all, few in the business can boast of lasting 45 years and working with legends that include the likes of Bob Geldoff, Dizzy Gillespie, Darlene Love, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Steven Page – even Mr. Dress-Up.

But the time has come for the centre’s finale.

April 23 marks the final HOT TICKET performance at the storied venue that has been a cultural hub for Niagara Region since the lights went down and the curtain went up for the first time in 1970.

Award-winning Flamenco guitarist Jorge Miguel will be the last artist to rouse a Centre for the Arts audience when he takes the stage for a spirited performance with his eight-piece ensemble of musicians and dancers.

The Jorge Miguel Flamenco Ensemble formed in 2002 to bring true Flamenco to audiences throughout Canada and beyond. Together, the group passionately honours the three pillars of Flamenco: the guitar (el Toque), the dance (el Baile) and the song (el Canté).

Before the centre’s curtain call comes, however, there will be a post-show celebration to help say ‘adios.’ There will be tapas, sangria, a photo booth and behind-the-scenes tours for those curious to see where show biz magic has been made during the past five decades.

In that time, one million people have been entertained, moved, thrilled and educated during more than 1,450 performances.

Debbie Slade, Centre for the Arts director, has been there for most of them. The centre’s closing, which happens officially on June 11, is bittersweet for Slade, who will also call it a career after 30 years of programming the centre.

A grand farewell will be held for the grande dame of the performing arts on May 14 at 7 p.m. Slade’s final day at Brock is June 30.

“As I walk backstage and reflect on the artists who have performed on our stages, I am reminded of the wonderful opportunities Brock has afforded me to travel the world to bring some of the world’s finest actors, musicians, singers and dancers to St. Catharines,” Slade says.

“I speak for all of the CFTA staff when I say we have made great memories together. Some of us have been together for three decades and more.”

Several of the staff who have helped Slade with centre operations will carry on their roles at the City of St. Catharines-run FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on St. Paul Street.

Before they go, they will all gather for a private party with Classic Albums Live on June 12.

After that, both the Sean O’Sullivan and David S. Howes theatres will be dismantled. Their theatrical lighting, drapes and sound equipment will be used at the new Marilyn I. Walker School for the Fine and Performing Arts and the FirstOntario Centre.

Slade applauds everyone she has worked with through the years – her colleagues, the artists, and, of course, the patrons who will get their live music fixes at the FirstOntario Centre starting next fall.

“So many great nights, so many memories,” Slade says.

“What I won’t miss is the long hours,” she adds with a laugh. “I have a lot of sleep to catch up on.”