NEWS RELEASE
OMAH HISTORY COMMITTEE
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With the Mariposa Folk Festival on the horizon (July 7 to July 9), it is fitting to have Michael Hill, former Artistic Director of the Festival, as guest speaker at the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) Speaker Series on June 21 at 7 p.m. via ZOOM.
Michael is also the author of The Mariposa Folk Festival: A History (published 2017 Dundurn Press).
Jann Arden, Ian and Sylvia and Orillia’s own, the late Gordon Lightfoot, are just a few of the artists who have performed at the Mariposa Folk Festival. Founded in Orillia in 1961, the festival was first held at the Orillia Lions Club Oval (currently the location of Lions Oval Public School at Brant Street and West Street) in Orillia. Since then, it has survived 60 years of tumultuous changes, both as a festival and in the music world.
In his talk 60 Years of Mariposa, Michael will share a treasure trove of the festival’s musical and financial ups-and-downs, and provide insight into the notable people involved in staging one of Canada’s iconic cultural events.
To receive a link to the talk or any of the talks, visit www.orilliamuseum.org/3 or call Monica at 705 326 2159.
Admission is free, donations to OMAH are appreciated.
The OMAH History Speaker Series will be on hiatus for the summer and will return in September.
Next up on Wednesday, Sept. 20, Chris Newton, a 30-year member of the Mariposa Arts Theatre (MAT), will present a history of MAT, from its humble beginnings over 50 years ago to the present.
Chris’ talk will include references to various productions over the years, involvement with the Orillia Opera House, the development and use of its long-awaited workshop/theatre/rehearsal hall, Film Night, the long running “Oh Really Orillia” and other interesting details throughout MAT’s long history.
The OMAH History Committee appreciates your outstanding support. Have a safe and enjoyable summer. See you in September!
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