I hope you are enjoying the great weather we are still getting, well into September. Take advantage of being outside while you can.
As usual, lots of arts and cultural events to take note of in our fair town. The Thursday night concert series at St. Paul’s, produced by Inside the Music, starts off again after a summer hiatus, on Sept. 21.
Lowest of the Low will perform with local band REAY as openers. Billed as classic alternative rockers, Lowest of the Low started in Toronto in 1991 and were one of the most influential bands of the Canadian alternative music scene at that point, garnering critical acclaim and radio play. Their debut album, Shakespeare My Butt, is still selling, in various incarnations, today.
The Low came apart in the mid 90’s, hating the music scene at that point (wonder what they think of it now?) and then came back together in 2000, producing the album Sordid Fiction, with some of its best work yet. The band was inducted into the Canadian Indie Music Hall of Fame in 2008, and played Massey Hall in 2011.
The band seems to be famous for NOT being all about the band, with members taking time for solo projects throughout the years, leaving, and coming back, or not. In 2018, they inked a deal with Warner Canada (a big deal) and reformed with original members Ron Hawkins and David Alexander, and Lawrence Nichols, The Weakerthan’s Greg Smith, and lead guitar Michael McKenzie.
“The band is looking very forward to getting out on the road in support of our new record, Welcome To The Plunderdome," said frontman Ron Hawkins. "The group has never been sharper or more fired up. Welcome To The Plunderdome is a 12-song collection of punk-inspired rock, soul and ska that takes on the current firestorms of society. It’s full of danceable tunes about reform or revolution.”
He added, “We haven't been to Orillia in a while and are looking forward to getting back there.”
This is going to be quite an amazing show, and a chance to see some real Canadian music stars. You can grab your tickets here.
This Friday night, Harvest Hoedown, a fundraiser for The Sharing Place, is happening at ODAS Park. Dust off your cowboy gear and enjoy a BBQ dinner, cash bar, and dance with music by Lone Star Oasis. Tickets are $100 and you can grab them here.
Speaking of fundraisers, Arts Orillia (AO) is having one, with a sneak peek at its 2023-24 season, next Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., if you’re not Lowest of the Low fans.
The AO Showcase 2023 is at Creative Nomad Studios, and attendees will enjoy music by Laura Kelly and Bonnie Black, food by Rind and Truckle, a cash bar, and a chance to bid on some fine artwork by Sean Reees. Also, as mentioned, a sneak peek at the 2023-24 season. You can get your tickets here.
This Saturday at 8 p.m., Angry Yoga, an Improv Comedy Show by The Old Dance Hall Players, is coming to Cards and Coasters in downtown Orillia. This will be hilarious, as always. Grab your tickets here.
Of course, this Friday and Saturday is the Oro World’s Fair, at the Oro Fairgrounds. They will have it all, including the demolition derby, tractor pull, kids’ activities, and loads of food and animals. Check it out!
This Saturday, a John Lennon tribute band will perform at the Orillia Opera House. Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Peter Street Fine Arts (PSFA) has a new guest artist for this month, Bob Broom. Broom’s work covers a wide array of subject matter from expressionist to abstract to realism and brings them alive with acrylics. Come and see for yourself at PSFA Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And Express Yourself is starting another series of triple threat classes for kiddos from 4-6 and 7-9 years old. Your kids can have a ball learning singing, acting, and dancing, and then put it all together in a special end-of-year show. For more information and to register, www.expressu.ca.
Live music this weekend in the bars? Friday, Valerie Burns and Dave Chun; Saturday Chris Lemay; Sunday at 1 p.m., Stephan Bernard, all at Couchiching Craft Brewery.
Enjoy the week, and check out Lowest of the Low! It’s gonna be a time. If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
