Well folks, looks like the never-ending January is actually ending! And now, we are entering February and the never-ending parade of cultural events in Orillia carries on.
This Friday, local singer-songwriter Zachary Lucky is hosting his U.S. tour kickoff, at PICNIC downtown. Lucky always puts on a lovely show, and this will be a nice opportunity to hear him before he takes off down south for a multi-week tour. You can grab your tickets at www.picnic.ca. Seating starts at 7 p.m. and the show gets underway at 8 p.m.
Saturday, local cover band The Offcuts, with special guest, vocalist Bernadette Connors, are Rocking for Resources for the Orillia Youth Centre, at Creative Nomad Studios. This special fundraising show for the youth centre will be a great night out, these guys know how to rock and play all the hits you know you love. Also, their lead guitar player is amazing.
So, grab your $25 tickets, or donate to the cause here.
Also on Saturday, Mariposa in Concert’s storied An Evening of Blues and Gospel, in its 12th iteration, is happening at the Orillia Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Remember when this show was at the Legion? And you couldn’t get a seat…
These days, you MIGHT be able to get a seat by Saturday, but I wouldn’t count on it. With Lance Anderson playing, arranging the music, and producing the show, you know this will be an incredible night with a whole bunch of talented musicians.
And, from the event page, here they are: “Seven-time Maple Blues award winner Kenny (Blues Boss) Wayne is headlining along with the phenomenal talent of Jordan John and legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer bassist Prakash John. Local Blues favourite from Rama First Nations Ronnie Douglas will bring his guitar-based rockin’ blues and soulful voice to the stage. As in past years Lance will introduce an artist that is new to the Mariposa audience, the incredibly gifted pianist Michael Shand, from Toronto.”
So, what are you waiting for? This show will definitely cure the February blahs. Tickets at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Monday, Feb. 5, drop in to the Hog & Penny and participate in Choir Revolution. Choir Revolution is Barrie’s drop-in, no judgment choir, led by seasoned musician Brett Caswell. Brett will have you singing up a storm together in no time. Enjoy!
Don’t forget about the Mariposa Arts Theatre Film Nights, continuing at the Galaxy Theatre until end of April. On Feb, 21, come out at 4 or 7 p.m. and enjoy Priscilla, about Priscilla and Elvis Presley. New, lowered ticket price of $10, and you can now pay by cash, credit, or debit. See you at the movies!
Speaking of Mariposa Arts Theatre, do you have your tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong, yet? If you don’t, what are you waiting for? It is full of talent and absolutely hilarious. Tickets at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Would you like to do and learn more about figurative art and drawing techniques? Join in the Orillia Museum of Art and History’s Midday-Make series, on Feb. 7 with guest artistic and workshop leader, Kathryn Kaiser. To find out more and register, go here.
Live music this week? Couchiching Craft Brewery is hosting a February Blues Festival, so check out The Boathouse Blues Project on Friday night, JoJo Garrisi on Saturday, and The Station Duo on Sunday afternoon. Next Wednesday, enjoy Julien Kelland. Saturday night, Lake Country Grill is having Karaoke night.
Have a great week, and send me your arts news at [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
