Well, folks, we are one week out from summer solstice and the sweet spot of weather and fun in Orillia: summertime.
The Orillia and District Arts Council just announced it, in partnership with the City of Orillia, is reprising the Orillia Summer Nights events, held throughout Orillia in neighbourhood parks, all summer long. This program was a big hit last summer. It seems like bringing art and culture to the nabe is a good call. Here is this summer’s schedule. All programming runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m.:
- June 21, Homewood Park, 68 Woodside Dr. Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys performing songs from Grease.
- July 5, Clayt French Park, 112 Atlantis Dr. Eat Your Art — this is the one place where you are allowed to play with your food. Music singalong with Pat Gowan.
- July 19, Walter Henry Park, 3050 Orion Blvd. Dance Flavours — learn some street dance moves for both of your feet; music and moves.
- Aug. 2, Hillcrest Park, 255 Matchedash St. N. Music Mash-up — three musicians, three styles; Ron Douglas, Mike Dobransky, Alex Andrews-Rose.
- Aug. 16, High Street Park, 482 High St. Heart Beat hand drumming with Deb Brown — improve your mood and soothe your inner self with this drum circle.
- Aug. 30, Lankinwood Parkette, 20 Lankin Blvd. Outdoor Art for Kids — being creative in the woods; roving music by Jakob Pearce.
If the weather looks iffy, check the arts council’s Facebook page for changes. Have fun.
It was disappointing news about the cancellation of the Sunday Evening Band Concert Series in the park, due to all the construction, but I heard from a little birdie the city is listening to the disappointment and might be able to work something out later in the summer. Keep your ears and eyes open for an announcement.
The Mariposa Arts Theatre Gay Cabaret was a smash success. It sold out quickly, and it was a great night of fun, talent, and community. Director Stevie Baker is hoping for a reprise next June, and possibly even a family-friendly event added on another night. Don’t miss lots of other Pride events in town, including the Pride March this Saturday at 1 p.m., the after party at Rustica, and the drag brunch also at Rustica on Sunday.
Also Pride-related, downtown Orillia’s Celebrate You festival is this Saturday all day with vendors, music and activities for everyone. This is a fully inclusive event.
Also this Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Leacock Museum is hosting a Gatsby Garden Party. This is a relaxed outdoor event for the whole family with music and entertainment, lawn games and a silent auction. Bring your own picnic and usher in summer in style. If you would like, you can enjoy the awards ceremony and reading for the K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Contest taking place in the museum living room from 2 to 3 p.m. Tickets are here.
Cloud Gallery, recent recipient of the Small Business of the Year award from the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, has expanded and opened a gallery in downtown Bracebridge, at 10 Taylor Rd. The gallery is hosting a meet-the-artist event at its downtown Orillia location on June 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the artist in question is Kerry Walford.
The Orillia Museum of Art and History is adding to its summer camp offerings with programming for preschoolers. The programming starts the first week of July and is just two hours a day. Each week has a different theme, including camping, STEAM, animals and more. It’s geared for three- to five-year-olds. For more information and to sign up, go here.
The museum is also looking for submissions for its annual juried art exhibit, Tradition Transformed. The theme this year: What does the Canadian landscape mean to you? For guidelines and more information, go here.
Just announced: A special Gordon Lightfoot celebration at the Mariposa Folk Festival, on the main stage, Friday from 5:10 to 6:30 p.m., with musicians Matthew Barber, Lori Cullen, Dala, The Good Brothers, Meredith Moon, Kevin Fox, Jory Nash, and an All-Star House Band featuring Burke Carroll, Jason Fowler, Anne Lindsay, David Matheson and David Woodhead, with MC David Newland. Don’t miss it.
Also announced recently: Danny Michel and Steve Poltz at St. Paul’s Centre on Nov. 24. All proceeds will go to the Orillia Youth Centre. Tickets go on sale this Friday at noon, here. (The web page won’t be live until Friday at noon.) Also coming up for the youth centre: The Sadies and the Ronnie Douglas Band, plus more, on Sept. 23 at Fern Resort. Tickets are available through the same link.
Picnic’s live music schedule continues with James Gray on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. has live music, too: Friday, Ronnie Douglas Band; Saturday, Kevin California; and Sunday afternoon, Jazz in the Afternoon with the Chris Robinson-Will Davis Duo.
Have a great week, and remember, if you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
