Well, we are finally into February, and let’s hope the month feels as short as it is.
There is a lot going on this month, which will help it fly by ... I’m not trying to race through life, but get to something a bit less snowy and a touch warmer, thank you very much!
I had the opportunity to check out the three new exhibits at the Orillia Museum of Art and History last Saturday, and they are all fantastic! Nip in and check them out yourself, soon!
This Thursday is opening night for The Thanksgiving Play, Mariposa Arts Theatre’s February offering in its 2024-25 season.
Here’s part of the press release for this sure-to-be-entertaining offering: “Lean into discomfort: The Thanksgiving Play offers biting satire. Watch four well-meaning, but culturally misguided, white theatre artists workshop their way through a first rehearsal rife with inappropriate stereotypical depictions, cultural assumptions, and moments of pure slapstick sure to make theatre-goers gasp, cringe, and laugh out loud!”
I think audiences will be left laughing and yes, cringing, but especially, thinking, after this run of plays. In my mind, everyone needs to go check this out. So go get your tickets NOW at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
The Thanksgiving Play runs this Thursday to Sunday, and next Thursday to Sunday, only. Tickets are selling briskly.
This Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Centre, the Gojijing Friendship Circle presents The Fire Still Burns, an Evening of Song and Story. This free event will celebrate Indigenous culture through story and song, and features musicians JD Crosstown, Guy Monague, and Jakob Pearce, and Elder John Rice.
MC Jeff Monague will guide the evening, emphasizing the strength of Indigenous traditions and community connections. The Gojijing Friendship Circle aims to foster truth and reconciliation, making this gathering a unique opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous members to come together. Donations are welcome to support this cultural experience. See you at St. Paul’s Centre, 62 Peter St. N.
February is Black History Month and there are also some excellent events happening in that respect.
Orillia Museum of Art and History’s History Speaker this month is longtime Orillian and educator Tshweu Moleme. He will be speaking on "Black tradition(s) and days ahead," which will explore the importance of history and wisdom as guiding forces in shaping the present and future.
The talk is happening via Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. You can pre-register to get the link here.
Another amazing Black History Month event is Arts Orillia’s Black in Canada. This is going to be an incredible evening of dance, song, and spoken word, celebrating Black communities and Black leaders who shape Canadian culture and history, by artist Shameka Blake.
This incredible evening will also feature Ty the Poetess. This talented author, performer, mother, community leader, teacher, and event curator was named Poet Laureate in 2022, and is celebrated as the "People's Poet" in Simcoe County.
This is another don’t-miss event, happening Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House Studio Theatre. There are less than 100 tickets for this wonderful evening, so don’t delay, get yours at www.artsorillia.ca.
Of course, this month we also have the always outstanding Mariposa in Concert Night of Blues and Gospel with Lance Anderson and friends, Feb. 22. Very few tickets left for this, so get them at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca now.
As predicted, the Orillia Youth Centre set of four concerts in March is selling very fast, with three of the shows being sold out already. Check out https://orilliayouthcentre.ticketleap.com/ for tickets to the only remaining concert, featuring Tim Barry with special guests Billy the Kid and Nixon Boyd, on March 28. Just buy them. You won’t be sorry.
Mariposa Arts Theatre’s Film Nights continue some Wednesdays, right until mid-April. The next offering is Feb. 12, Treasure. Check out the trailer here, it looks funny, heartwarming, and gives all the feels. Film nights are Wednesdays, with films at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Galaxy Theatre. Admission is just $10 per person, and you can buy tickets at the door only, beginning one hour before showtime. Check out the MAT website here for next films.
This month also contains Valentine’s Day and there are several events coming up honouring this age-old holiday. Leacock Museum has a Galentine’s workshop and Valentine’s Teas and Leacock Love Story Tours, this weekend and next. Check it all out and buy tickets here.
The Rainbow Initiative is hosting the Bridging Pages Book Club Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. This is a book club for seniors and youth (or anyone interested!) to discuss perspectives on various social issues, starting with climate change. Participants will choose their own book to read and share a summary at the meeting. Email [email protected] to sign up and receive the 'suggestions' book list.
This Saturday, Mil and the Thrills play the ANAF Hall, and Dave Shaw is playing Couchiching Craft Brewery (upstairs) this Friday.
Have a great week, and if you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.