I hope everyone is dug out from the snow, because here comes some more! The long-range weather forecast of lots of snow this season looks like it’s coming true. Good news for skiers, not so good for drivers.
But the better news is, if you live in Orillia, there are lots of fun seasonal events for you to enjoy, even if you have to snowshoe to get to them!
Murray McLauchlin’s full house show last Sunday night at the Orillia Opera House was wonderful. He still has the voice, and the guitar playing skills, and his songwriting on his new album is excellent. He’s still the folk singer he started out as, decades ago. It was lovely to see him again.
Hotel California, the Eagles Tribute Show, is coming to the Orillia Opera House Dec. 5. You can grab your tickets here: www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Dec. 6 is the Hxmesweethxme birthday bash, held in the memory of Jake Beers, a talented performer who left us far too soon. I have heard the tickets are sold out or close to it, but it’s being held at Creative Nomad Studios from 7 to 10 p.m. and tickets are $10 if there are any left at the door.
Performers include Rodda, Cousin Floyd, Zain Cook, Mightbesketchy, Lil Durpy and more. All monies raised will go to the Orillia Youth Centre’s youth programming, to honour Jake’s legacy and talent.
Dec. 7, check out Noisy Christmas at Lone Wolf Café, featuring several noisy local musicians. Should be fun!
This weekend is the Braestone Farm Christmas Market, both days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are over 100 vendors, and rumour has it that Santa Claus will be making an appearance. The farm will look amazing with all this fresh white snow, so go on and get some holiday shopping done!
Speaking of Christmas markets, the Rustica Christmas Market is this Friday night from 4 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a mulled wine or loaded hot chocolate while you browse artisanal offerings by local makers, just the thing for your holiday shopping list. Free admission, come check it out!
Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., there is a guest artist reception for Rodney Frost at Hibernation Arts, 17 Peter St. S.. Come enjoy some festive cheer and have a look at Rodney’s collection of hats, gowns, and books…not to mention all the other wonderful art for sale at this lovely gallery. Give art for Christmas, you won’t regret it!
Speaking of art and receptions, don’t forget about Xavier Fernandes’ Downtown Legacy Bowls reception on Thurs. Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Peter Street Fine Arts, 23 Peter St. South. Enjoy some snacks and the chance to see the legacy bowls in person, and chat to Fernandes about this massive project.
Saturday, the Orillia Concert Band is busy, playing not one but two shows at St. Paul’s Centre. At 3:30 p.m., bring the little ones for a shortened family Christmas concert with guest choir the Orillia Community Children’s Choir. At 7:30 p.m., bring the older crowd out to Christmas Prelude, with guests Alexandra Teske, soprano, and Orillia Vocal Ensemble. Go to the website here for tickets and more information.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., celebrate Christmas with some furry friends at A Wild Christmas, Speaking of Wildlife’s annual holiday get together. Enjoy a tour of some lovely wild animals…porcupines, bobcat, wolf, coyote, beavers and more…have some hot chocolate, and maybe even pick up your Christmas tree! Check out the Facebook event here for all the information and to order tickets.
And for a bit of advance planning, on Friday, December 13, Green Haven Shelter for Women and Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie present their third annual reading of Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol, at St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia. Doors at 6:30, show starts at 7p.m. and it’s a lovely festive tradition. Don’t miss a great event, and a chance to help women in our community. Tickets here.
A couple of other ticket announcements: Tickets for Mariposa Folk Festival are the cheapest they will be, now until New Year’s. So, get them now at www.mariposafolk.com.
And speaking of Mariposa, the next Mariposa in Concert show, the always popular Lance Anderson’s Night of Blues and Gospel, is Feb. 22 this year and tickets are now on sale. This show will likely sell out, so grab your tickets now at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
The All Your Friends Fest at Burl’s Creek, June 28-29, just announced Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan as two of the acts. Pre-sale tickets are now on sale, and you can find out more here.
Next weekend? The Orillia Silver Band show, more craft shows, the Barra McNeils, a family movie night, and more…stay tuned!
Have a holly jolly week and if you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included!
