Happy almost St. Patrick’s Day and happy mid-point of March break.
The Orillia Public Library has really been hopping with lots of sold-out March break activities, including Star Wars and Harry Potter-themed events. It’s been a lot of fun to see the photos and events online and see how much fun all the kiddos are having. There are still some events left, but most have waiting lists, check it all out here.
Of course, it’s also Tap Into Maple time and the kiddos and families have also been having a ball with that, at all the maple syrup making places in our area. Shaw’s Pancake House has been full all week with families enjoying the syrupy goodness and taking a walk or a horse drawn wagon ride down the trail to see the sap buckets and lines. For all the places taking part in Tap Into Maple, click here.
Regarding St. Patrick’s Day, of course, there is lots going on with that holiday in mind. There must be a lot of Irish in us, we love this holiday so much. Couchiching Craft Brewery is having a St. Paddy’s Day Bingo on March 16 at 7 p.m., join in and wow the room with your knowledge of all things Irish and green.
For the actual St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, Couchiching Craft Brewery is hosting Run With The Kittens, so that will be a really fun party night for everyone there that evening.
The Orillia Opera House is getting into the green spirit(s) Friday night as well, as Sean McCann sings The Great Big Sea songbook at that venerable institution. I don’t know which is more St. Patrick’s Day friendly, Sean McCann or The Irish Rovers, but I think it is a close race.
This Sunday (March 19), The Common Stove has Sean Patrick and John MacDonald playing a “Celtic kitchen party” show during brunch service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Later that same day, the fellas will play another kitchen party at PICNIC from 2 to 4 p.m., for PICNIC’s regular Sunday show.
Moving out of the St. Patrick’s Day vibes, the Orillia Silver Band is marching into spring with Marche Joyeuse on Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Centre. The show will feature Marche Joyeuse, Rhapsody in Brass, and a suite from Porgy and Bess, among other favourites. This will be a really fun show for the whole family and a suitable entrée into spring…let’s just hope that the weather gods get the message. For tickets to the Orillia Silver Band concert, go here. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Mariposa Arts Theatre’s next film night is Wed. March 22, and it’s Living. Here's the synopis: “Mr. Williams (Bill Nighy) is a buttoned-down, pinstripe- and-bowler hat–clad stereotypical English gentleman in 1952, with a mid-level bureaucratic job in a postwar London county council. Through his taciturn manner, Mr. Williams lets his staff (which includes Aimee Lou Wood, Sex Education) know that maintaining the status quo on files is more important than progress.
"One day Williams receives a dire diagnosis from his doctor and soon the tightly held reins of his very prosaic life begin to loosen. We discover he is a widower, estranged from his only son, with few friends and fewer interests. Williams realizes that he isn’t facing death; he’s been living it. And so, in the clumsy manner of one who is unpractised in these things, he begins putting work aside for new experiences. In charmingly awkward sequences, Nighy beautifully captures that specific lead-up to the end of life and the inevitably accompanying questions: did I accomplish anything? Will I leave anything behind?"
It sounds like a winner, as are most of the film night picks. You can get a ticket for the 4 or 7 p.m. showing starting one hour before showtime for $15 a person, cash only, at the Galaxy Theatre in Orillia.
In other live music this weekend, the Will Davis Chris Robinson duo is playing Lot 88 Saturday night, and Paige Rutledge is playing Couchiching Craft Brewery that night. And don’t forget the Digging Roots concert this Thursday (March 16) at the Orillia Opera House. Click here for information on this dynamic duo; they are outstanding. Tickets through the Orillia Opera House box office: www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Coming up? The Orillia Concert Association presents the Weston Silver Band end of the month, more information on Roots North, and lots more.
If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
