Meet the Author: Mike Heffernan


Date: Feb 22
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre

Step into the heart of St. John's vibrant countercultural landscape with this exclusive author talk featuring Mike Heffernan. Our moderator will lead a thought-provoking discussion as Mike discusses his latest book, "Let It All Fall: Underground Music and the Culture of Rebellion in Newfoundland, 1977-95." The narrative begins in the late 1970s, tracing the genesis of a raw and revolutionary sound that echoed from the basements and garages and political protest events of St. John's. Witness the evolution of this musical movement as it grew into a vibrant community by the mid-'90s, with numerous bands producing an astonishing volume of music despite limited resources.

This is a free event, but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709757-8090.

About the Author:

Mike Heffernan was born and raised in St. John's, Newfoundland. He is the author of the national bestseller Rig: An Oral History of the Ocean Ranger Disaster, which was adapted to the stage by Rising Tide Theatre and the Arts and Culture Centre, and The Other Side of Midnight: Taxicab Stories. His work has appeared in Riddle Fence, This Magazine, Our Times and been performed on CBC Radio. Let It All Fall: Underground Music and the Culture of Rebellion in Newfoundland, 1977-95 is his latest book.

Presented in partnership with Breakwater Books. Books will be available for sale in The Rooms Giftshop.

Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:00 am
Tour

Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the Cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow tour, there is something for everyone. 

Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.

Fishing for Cod

For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish”.

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Tour

In Each Other’s Shoes

Learn how shoes are created, fashioned, and crafted for different environments by the people who thrive there. See how cultural identity is displayed through style, design, and decoration.

Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the Cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow tour, there is something for everyone. 

Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.

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2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Please join us for a conversation with Sophie Angnatok, an Inuk throat singer and drum dancer from Nain, Nunatsiavut.

Sophie has been practicing the art of throat-singing and traditional Inuit drumming for 20 years and plays an active role within her local urban Inuit community.

Learn about her love of Inuit culture, the knowledge she shares in the community, her relationship with The Rooms, and her experiences in the Inuit drum dance group, Kilautiup Songuninga (Strength of the Drum).

Sophie performed for the Canadian Prime Minister during the Truth and Reconciliation apology for Labradorimut, the Governor General of Canada, and the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2024, she was the inaugural recipient of the Chris Brookes Memorial Award for “artists effecting positive change in the world”.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.