Spotlight on Music


Date: Jul 22
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. This is a free, drop in event. 

July 8, 15, 22, and 29 – Sherry Ryan

On her fifth album, Shout for More, Sherry Ryan blends folk-pop with country and Irish-Newfoundland roots, affirming her place among Atlantic Canada's beloved singer-songwriters. Her pure voice, adorned with lush arrangements by producer Mark Neary, carries each song's soul into listeners' hearts. Born in Middle Cove, NL, Sherry's acclaimed career includes accolades from the ECMA, MusicNL, and CBC. Compared to Lucinda Williams and John Prine, her vocal style is unforgettable. Her 2018 release, Wreckhouse, featured the celebrated single "Stop the Trains." Shout for More showcases her fresh energy, new stories, and ability to captivate audiences

July 19 – Maria Cherwick

Violinist and fiddler Maria Cherwick enjoys a diverse career, from symphony orchestras, to touring internationally with her Ukrainian speed-folk band, The Kubasonics. Twice named MusicNL “Side Musician of the Year” as well as “Celtic/Traditional Artist of the Year”, Maria maintains a busy performing schedule, dividing her time between several country, folk and bluegrass bands, and is highly sought after as a session musician. This year, Maria released her first solo fiddle album (self-titled) with her band Jockey Special.

July 26 – Port-Aux-Poutines
Port-Aux-Poutines is a MusicNL Award winning French-Canadian duo based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, formed by Jenna Maloney and Axel Belgarde. Since 2022, Port-Aux-Poutines fuses French-Canadian and Newfoundland musical traditions. Through original songs, folk songs, as well as translations of Newfoundland songs, the band celebrates the diversity of French-Canadian culture, tells stories and legends of the province, and celebrates the heritage of Francophonie in Newfoundland.

Today's Events & Programs

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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!

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

What fills the void when a species disappears?
Legends from the past and lessons for the future.

Step into our Connections Gallery and hear the stories of the Great Auk, the Newfoundland Wolf, and endangered whales as they echo across the ages through their body and bones.

Commiserate with the extinct, heed the calls of the endangered, and get hands on with remarkable specimens. Then, stand in awe before The Earth, Our Mother, Billy Gauthier’s breathtaking sculpture carved from the skull of a fin whale.

Join us for an unforgettable experience where science meets storytelling and leave inspired, with a deeper love for the rich natural history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Included in the cost of admission. This tour is suitable for all ages and includes unique specimens not currently on display.  

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

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!

7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Tour

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.”

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

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

In celebration of Black History Month, join us for a special evening of music and poetry in partnership with SARfest, featuring performances by local artists Mado & Sam and Project Highlife.

This event was organized in conjunction with SARfest, the ‘St. John’s African Roots Festival’, which promotes African and Afro-descendant cultures in Newfoundland and Labrador through festivals, Black History Month celebrations, workshops, and other events.

Tickets: $15 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.

About the Performers:

Sam Youbal is a young self-taught musician, producer, and music director known for his passion for music. Fluent in more than four languages, Sam bridges cultural and musical boundaries with ease, bringing a unique global touch to every project

Madeline Diamond-Grah (professionally known as Mado) is an emerging musician and performer celebrated for her expressive voice, compelling stage presence, and emotional range. A bilingual artist fluent in English and French, Mado is passionate about connecting with diverse audiences through music.

Project Highlife is a dynamic musical collective led by Ghanaian bassist George Gogoe, featuring Khamadi “JJ” Ojiambo on guitar (Kenya), Julien Bouchard on drums and percussion(Canada), and Elena Vigna on violin (Mexico). Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the group delivers an electrifying fusion of highlife and Afropop, blending deep, infectious bass grooves, driving percussion, and expressive violin melodies into a distinctive, high-energy sound.