Well, it’s certainly been quite the week here in Orillia. Our hometown hero, Gordon Lightfoot, put us on the international stage this past week, no doubt about it. And Orillia, and St. Paul’s United Church in particular, did him very proud.
All of the arrangements were handled perfectly, and I have heard from more than one source, everyone was so very kind, respectful, and welcoming.
Lightfoot planned this 10 years ago, and he knew what he was doing. He knew Orillia and St. Paul’s was where he wanted to be, and where he wanted his loved ones to be taken care of with love and respect. Hats off to you, Orillia. You did good. Rest easy, Mr. Lightfoot. We will never forget you.
After this so very special and important time out of the ordinary, Orillia is right back into the whirlwind of arts and culture events that we do so very well.
First off, the Creative Nomad Studios (CNS) Spring Market is this weekend. Come out to this special artisan and creatives market, located on both floors at CNS. The market goes Friday May 12 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday May 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be a full gamut of vendors selling everything from specialty olive oils, jams, soaps, to wood-turned bowls and other items, pottery, and other handcrafted items. Definitely a place where you can get your mom or mom figure a unique and special gift or two, not to mention yourself ... or a wedding or birthday gift, or just about anything. Free admission, come out and enjoy and shop.
All of the spring concerts are starting to come down the pipe now, so here we go.
First up, Orillia Secondary School May Melodies concert is this Thursday (May 11), with admission by cash donation. This is always a great concert as those music teachers at OSS really know how to get the most out of those kids. Go check it out.
Friday night, St. Paul’s Centre has two events, shockingly. No, not really. That place is really hopping. The ABBA Story is Friday night at 7:30 in the Great Hall. Tickets are only $39 through the Orillia Opera House box office here. Really, is there anyone who doesn’t love ABBA? So, get your tickets now.
Also Friday night at St. Paul’s Centre, in the downstairs pub room, it’s Pub Night with Steph Dunn. Of course, Steph is awesome, the music will be great, and there will be a cash bar, pub food, and lots of fun and camaraderie. Bring cash and come check it out. The fun starts at 6 p.m. Cover is $10 cash at the door.
Express Yourself’s Junior Stars present their end-of-year show May 13 at 10:45 a.m. at St. James. Come watch these little darlings show off what they have learned this term, guaranteed adorable.
This Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the venerable Orillia Concert Band presents its spring concert, Celebrate the Classics, with special guest, Jacquie Dancyger-Arnold on the incredible St. Paul’s Bösendorfer piano. Dancyger-Arnold will be performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto and Bach’s Solfegietto, accompanied by the band.
Tickets for this incredible show are only $15 for adults, $13 for senior (60 plus), $10 for student (12 to 18 or adult with a student card) and $5 for Youth (5 to 11). Children under 5 are free. Honestly, probably the best value for your money in town, this band is really really good. You can get them at the door, cash only, or online here.
Also this Saturday, at 7 p.m., the Hawkestone Singers are back in their beloved Hawkestone Hall, for the spring show, The British Are Coming! The show includes songs by The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Adele, Sting, and Elton John, among other notable Brits.
Tickets are $20/adult and $10/child. For tickets, call Catherine: 705-984-7110; or Jim 705-721-7069.
Finally in this long list of really amazing shows this week, the Orillia Vocal Ensemble (OVE) spring concert, Let Your Imagination Soar! is next Wednesday (May 17) at 7:30 p.m. at, you guessed it, St. Paul’s Centre. Special guests are the wonderful Orillia Community Children’s Choir and the Orillia Recorder Consort.
The OVE always raises money for charities with proceeds from its concerts, and this time, the charity who will benefit is Born To Read. Admission by donation to the charity. Come out and enjoy.
Speaking of St. Paul’s, St. Paul’s United Church is looking for a new Director of Music. Very long time Director Blair Bailey is actually retiring…he has been there over 35 years. So, these are big shoes to fill. It’s a part-time position, about 20 hours a week, there is a choir, and lots going on there as you can see.
For all the details and how to apply, go here. The position starts in September.
Live music this Mother’s Day weekend? Couchiching Craft Brewery has Jessica Bowman Thursday, Jeff Young Friday, Cam Galloway Saturday and The Chris Robinson Will Davis Jazz Duo Sunday afternoon for your Mother’s Day pleasure.
Have a great week. If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
