Well, folks, we have almost made it through January, the longest, darkest, coldest month of the year. With the help of all the fun arts and culture events in February to pass the time, spring will be here before we know it. Happy Groundhog Day and keep your fingers crossed!
There’s another great event at the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) this weekend, Fibre Fun Day on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be exhibitions, demos, and hands-on activities such as designing your own quilt, and weaving. Suitable for all ages and experience, and free with admission or membership, so come on in and check it out. Please note that the front entrance to OMAH is still closed due to falling ice, so you will need to enter through the back door, off the Mariposa Market parking lot and Tiffin’s courtyard.
Also this Sunday, at 2:30 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House, the Orillia Concert Association (OCA) presents Bridge and Wolak, a concert of accordion and clarinet like you have never heard before. Inventive and magical, this is a once-in-a-lifetime show. This concert is by series subscription, but you can contact the OCA and see if they have tickets, at [email protected] or 705-326-6598.
Don’t miss Mudmen in Concert Saturday at the Opera House, starting at 8 p.m. For tickets, click here.
Thursday at 2 and 6 p.m., the new Leacock Museum Master Plan update will be unveiled. Do come out and see what the draft plans are for one of our defining heritage buildings. Seating is limited, so please email [email protected] to reserve your free spot.
Also on Thursday, at 7 p.m., Hibernation Arts Gallery Concert features Caleb Kearey-Moreland, at 7 Peter St. S. Admission is $20 and includes light refreshments.
Friday, the Old Dance Hall Players improv group is at it again, with another hilarious show at the Geneva Event Centre, starting at 8 p.m. Message the Old Dance Hall Players on Facebook, here, to grab your tickets.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Eclectic Café at 39 Mississaga St. W., with the help of the Fifty Acre Garden, is having a fundraiser for Australian fire relief. All funds raised will go to the Australian Red Cross to help those in need. There will be a silent auction, sweet treats especially for the event, or you can make your own donation. In the evening, it will be a fun social house atmosphere, so come, have fun, and help out, too!
Also Saturday, starting at 1 p.m., Heartworks Children’s Studio at 471 Laclie St. will be having its grand opening, with draws, prizes, and a presentation from Mayor Steve Clarke at 2:30 p.m. Drop-in fees are 20 per cent off that day, so come in and see what all the fuss is about. Studio is open until 3 p.m.
Do you have a dining room chair whose seating is looking a little the worse for wear? Come learn how to reupholster it at Uptique Boutique’s How Chair You! upholstery workshop on Monday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. Cost is $85 and you must pre-register here.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, is the Lunch ‘n’ Learn at the Orillia Museum of Art and History, Watercolour with Hilary Slater. Hilary is an artist who paints the wilderness of Ontario. Lunch ‘n’ Learn runs from noon to 2 p.m. and includes lunch and a hands-on workshop. To register, go here.
Don’t forget about the Artrepreneur Expo next Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Orillia Opera House at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and it’s a chance to see what these wonderful creatives have learned in their 13-week course.
Looking ahead a bit more into February, there are lots more events to be excited about and plan ahead for. The 24th annual International Women’s Day Show at OMAH is opening Feb. 8. There is also a storytelling workshop with Michael Jones that day at the Leacock Museum.
Coming up on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., Dan Needles, Canada’s funnyman, is coming to St. James’ Anglican Church with his True Confessions of the Ninth Concession. Tickets are $30 and available here. This is a fundraiser for St. James’.
If you were hoping to go to the Lance Anderson Mariposa Blues and Gospel Show at St. Paul’s Centre Feb. 8, you are out of luck. It is sold out. But there are upcoming concerts by the Jubilee Chorale, Orillia Concert Band and Orillia Vocal Ensemble in February that should appease you. More on all of this next week.
Music this weekend? Lots of it! At the Hog ’ Penny Friday night, Darrin Davis; Saturday at 3 p.m., Geoff Booth and friends with a tribute to Stan Rogers; Saturday night, Nonie Thompson. At Fionn MacCool’s Friday, Charlotte and the Dirty Cowboys. At Studabakers Friday, Melina Melle; Saturday, DJ Kaos at 10 p.m. At Casino Rama’s Simcoe Yard House Live Friday and Saturday, Ben Hudson Duo.
See you in February and don’t forget to send your arts and culture news to [email protected] by Tuesdays at noon.
