Spotlight on Music
Date: Aug 10
2:00 pm
- 4:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium
Enjoy performances by local outstanding musicians as they fill The Rooms with music and songs from our province’s rich musical history. Be prepared to sing along, tap your toes or just sit back and delight in the moment. Included in the cost of admission.
Featuring:
Fergus O’Byrne – July 13 and August 10
Fergus O'Byrne is widely acclaimed for his musical legacy, as a member of Ryan's Fancy, Tickle Harbour, working as a duo with Jim Payne, or performing with his son, Fergus Brown-O’Byrne, and as a solo artist. He proudly celebrates the songs of his adopted province, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Ireland, England, Scotland and the Maritimes in his performances.
O’Byrne has received many awards acknowledging his contribution to folk music including an ECMA Lifetime Achievement Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Folk Arts Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and an NLAC Arts in Education award. Besides touring nationally and internationally, he works extensively mentoring young folk music enthusiasts and students throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Jim Payne – July 27 and August 24
A native of Notre Dame Bay, Jim Payne is an award-winning performer, collector and producer of traditional Newfoundland music, as well one of the province’s most prolific songwriters, whose songs and stories reflect the folklore of the province as well as historic and contemporary issues faced by coastal peoples of the North West Atlantic.
Jim is a recipient of Arts NL’s Outstanding Cultural Achievement and Arts in Education Awards, and has been awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. He has also received a Cultural Tourism Award from the NL Dept. of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, the federal Dept. of Canadian Heritage, and Hospitality NL. He was inducted into Arts NL’s Hall of Honour in 2016, presented with the ECMA’s Stompin’ Tom Connor’s Award in 2017, and received both the NL Folk Arts Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Music NL’s Industry Builder Award in 2021.
Today's Events & Programs
Your Friday’s Just Got Creative
Whether you’re a confident sketcher looking for community and inspiration, or someone who’s always wanted to try drawing but never felt brave enough—this is your chance!
Join us in a welcoming, relaxed environment where creativity flows and everyone belongs. Each week, we explore a new theme while building our skills and own drawing style. From investigating the intricate details of our natural history collection to learning and drawing from our gallery exhibitions.
What to Expect:
• A supportive space to learn, share, and enjoy art together
• Guided exercises with an experienced instructor
• Tips and techniques for all skill levels
• Quality drawing supplies provided (or bring your favorite sketchbook!)
No pressure, just possibilities. Come for the art, stay for the conversation.
Cost: $25 per session plus HST. 10% discount for members. Reserve your spot today online or by calling (709) 757-8090
Let’s draw together at The Rooms!
Your Friday’s Just Got Creative
Whether you’re a confident sketcher looking for community and inspiration, or someone who’s always wanted to try drawing but never felt brave enough—this is your chance!
Join us in a welcoming, relaxed environment where creativity flows and everyone belongs. Each week, we explore a new theme while building our skills and own drawing style. From investigating the intricate details of our natural history collection to learning and drawing from our gallery exhibitions.
What to Expect:
• A supportive space to learn, share, and enjoy art together
• Guided exercises with an experienced instructor
• Tips and techniques for all skill levels
• Quality drawing supplies provided (or bring your favorite sketchbook!)
No pressure, just possibilities. Come for the art, stay for the conversation.
Cost: $25 per session plus HST. 10% discount for members. Reserve your spot today online or by calling (709) 757-8090
Let’s draw together at The Rooms!
In celebration of African History and Liberation join author Shania Sanderson for a look into her new book Always Expect the Unexpected.
About the book:
Nekia had everything she ever dreamed of, the typical falling in love and marrying the man of her dreams, a beautiful baby girl and closely knit loving family. Nothing could go wrong, or so she thought. Twisted fate and bitter luck was about to turn her world upside down and take her through a series of unfortunate events. Will she be able to overcome the unexpected incidents that are waiting for her just over the horizon? Take a journey through this elaborately written book of short stories to get a taste of love, suspense, mystery, drama, and a minimum amount of horror in Always Expect the Unexpected.
About the Author:
Shania Shenekia Sanderson was born in the parish of St. Elizabeth Jamaica and raised in the Parish of Manchester. Though her career path led her to Nursing, Shania has been writing short stories and poems since the age of 13. Her unique style of composing creative pieces will leave every reader searching for more.
This is a free program but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090.
In partnership with Memorial University (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism)