Congratulations to Arts Orillia on a beautiful, unique, successful dance and piano show at the Orillia Opera House last Friday.
Julie et l’univers came to us from Montreal, the choreographer and artistic director of the dance company were present at the show, and the audience of Orillians that attended were blown away.
Comments included, “I can’t believe I just saw this show in Orillia.” “That was amazing.” “That was beautiful.” “I feel so lucky to have seen this,” and so on. Kudos to Arts Orillia for bringing new, different, and unique programming to Orillia. They are winning over a new audience, one show at a time, and that is only good for all of us.
Stay tuned for Arts Orillia’s next offering, “Theatre and Cross Creativity 2024.” Five high school students from Orillia are invited to participate in this special theatrical experience, at the end of which an original play will be performed. The show will be May 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at the Orillia Opera House. Tickets $25 or pay what you can. More details soon.
Congratulations also to St. Paul’s for a sold-out Pub Night featuring ALEX last Friday night. Apparently, they had every chair in the place in use and couldn’t have squeezed another soul into the Banquet Hall. Well done!
Looking forward, Easter weekend traditionally has been slower for concerts and other arts events, as it is assumed people will be busy hosting family and of course, going to Easter Sunday service at church.
That being said, a group of excellent musicians have come together to present a beautiful program of Early Music at St. James’ Anglican Church, this Good Friday at 4:30 p.m. Alexandra Teske, Christina Bosco, Valerie Thornton, Dean Jobin-Bevans, and David Jefferies, under the direction of Dean Jobin-Bevans, present Quire, Music for Passiontide.
This 75-minute program will be sure to be of the highest quality, and something no true music lover would want to miss. Admission is by freewill donation (cash). Do come out and enjoy this incredible opportunity.
Of course, the big Easter Egg Hunt is happening in downtown Orillia this Saturday, as well as in Hawkestone the same day. Yummy chocolates for all!
Tap into Maple continues throughout the area. It’s a chance to enjoy all things maple in Simcoe County, including maple syrup bushes, pancakes and maple syrup, and other delicious maple products. Head to the website for all the information, but hurry, Tap into Maple is over April 7.
Next Thursday, the Orillia Opera House presents an International Roots n Blues Kitchen Party, with Canadians Suzie Vinnick and Charlie A’Court and Lloyd Spiegel of Australia. Lots of stories, music, laughter and fun at this relaxing evening of entertainment. Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Coming up next Friday, April 6, Gojijing Friendship Circle and St. Paul’s presents Shkagojin-New Moon, an Evening of Renewal Through Song and Story. This beautiful event will feature MC Jeff Monague, storytelling by John Rice, poetry by Jillian Morris, and music by Semiah Smith, Plex, and the High Steppin’ Stutters. Admission is free, and there will be an informal mix-and-mingle afterwards. All this takes place at St. Paul’s Centre, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Admission free, donations welcomed.
Quite a lot of live music this weekend, despite the Easter holiday. Friday night, Lyric Dubee, and Saturday night, Jeremiah Hill, both at Couchiching Craft Brewery. Friday night at the Hog and Penny, Jakob Pearce and Dave Hewitt, from 9 to 11 p.m. Quayle’s Brewery has a full weekend of music set up with Ron Whitman Friday from 3 to 8 p.m.; Burke Erwin Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.; and Andrew Walker Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Happy Easter and enjoy your chocolate. If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
