Well, we have some exciting news this week. Orillian Danny Webster, musically known as Livers, is releasing his third full-length album, The Late-Night Social Escapade!, on April 29. Webster reached out to share the album and his thoughts on it, this week.
The album is full of thoughtful lyrics on love, loss, relationships, grief, and family, set to a fun, pop/surfer rock sound that is easy on the ears and very enjoyable to listen to. Livers’ musical influences are the Beach Boys, Tame Impala, and Radiohead, and you can hear those influences in the songs.
The 13-track project was written and recorded entirely by Webster, with the exception of drums and cowbell, contributed by Stephen Bennett and Oliver Compton, respectively. The album cover was done by Christina Oyawale, with text by Paige Patton.
Webster shared that he was looking “to record an indie rock album that was cohesive in its instrumentation and sound, while also having standout singles in the style of a pop record.”
From first listen, it seems he has done just that, with fun, poppy songs like Beds, Anyone, and The Late-Night Social Escapade.
I really liked the album, definitely one that I will be picking up to enjoy listening to on my porch, with a cool glass of something, when the warm weather comes.
The Late-Night Social Escapade drops April 29 and you can pick it up through all the major streaming platforms. Hopefully, fans can also hear it live as Livers performs it across Ontario this summer.
For more of Livers’ music, check out his YouTube channel here.
Other big news this week is the Roots North Music Festival this weekend. After a two-year hiatus (thank you, COVID-19), Roots North is back, bigger and better than ever, despite wave 6. Mainstage passes are sold out, but there are many shows downtown all weekend long, starting with the festival kick-off on Thursday night at PICNIC, featuring Michael Martyn and Alex Andrews. Most shows downtown are free, and some have a $10 cover. For the full line-up, go to the website.
And still more big news…Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of Steel Magnolias opens this Thursday and runs Thursday to Sunday, this weekend and next, with matinees and evening shows, at the Orillia Opera House. Wonderful to have live theatre back, and Mariposa Arts Theatre is so good, always top-quality acting, sets, and shows. To grab your ticket, go here.
The 25th annual International Women’s Day Art Show is opening April 23 at the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH). The theme this year is Lifelines, and the show runs until July 23.
OMAH is forgoing an opening reception due to the current COVID-19 situation, but the gallery is large and the show is gorgeous, so do make time to go check it out. OMAH is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 or you can buy a membership and go as often as you would like.
Coming up in May (which is not far away), the Orillia Youth Centre has an exciting concert to raise monies for its Jake Beers and Nelson Bell scholarships, as well as its Valis705Forever sound studio. This is an all-ages show on May 6 at the youth centre, featuring Mitchell (Durpy) Sleeman, Zain Campbell, and special guest Crabrat. More details coming soon, but you better grab your tickets now here.
The Orillia District Arts Council is looking for graphic artists to put together a new version of Stephen Leacock’s Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, for today’s youth. For lots more details and a chance to get in on the action, email [email protected].
And, speaking of Leacock and youth, the deadline for the Leacock student short story competition has been extended to May 15. For all the details and to enter, click here.
Have a great week and remember, snow notwithstanding, it really is spring. If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
