Spotlight on Music


Date: Jul 24
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  24 – Fergus O’Byrne

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.

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.

Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:15 am
Family

Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by Certified Music Therapist, Renée White. Join us in exploring the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.

Who's Invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies, if your baby is on the move check out our other TOTS programs)

Monthly Sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new art exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.

About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.

Secure your spot in this unique program that blends art, music, and infant development!

Cost: $15 plus HST (per session). Cost includes: 1 Caregiver and 1 Infant. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Family

Embark on a monthly musical journey with your little one at the Infant Sensory Music Group, hosted by Certified Music Therapist, Renée White. Join us in exploring the unique art exhibitions at The Rooms, setting the stage for a sensory-rich experience that enhances your infant's development.

Who's Invited:
Newborns to 9 month olds and their caregivers. (This program is designed for younger babies, if your baby is on the move check out our other TOTS programs)

Monthly Sessions:
Immerse yourselves in a new art exhibition each month, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for your infant's sensory exploration.

About Ms. Renée:
Renée White, certified music therapist and University of Windsor Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy graduate, brings her expertise to create a warm and welcoming environment. As "Ms. Renée," she shares her passion for using music as a tool for connection and growth.

Secure your spot in this unique program that blends art, music, and infant development.

Cost: $15 plus HST (per session). Cost includes: 1 Caregiver and 1 Infant. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

In Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou exhibition find out about the impacts of the First World War on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and how events overseas dramatically altered our lives at home.

Tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and included in the cost of admission.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for a lively conversation with award-winning author, Jennifer May Newhook, and a reading from her book of poetry, “Last Hours”, which was recently nominated for the prestigious Gerald Lampert Memorial award for first book of Canadian poetry.

The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer period.

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709)757-8090.

Jennifer writes poetry as well as short- and long-form narrative fiction, receiving accolades and awards for her work in all genres. She has been published in literary journals, magazines, and anthologies locally, across Canada, and internationally.

She is currently working on a collection of short stories, some new poetry, and has just completed her first novel, “The Gulch”. Jennifer lives in downtown St. John’s, NL (Ktaqmkuk) with her partner and their four children.

“Last Hours” was released in Spring 2024 by Riddle Fence Debuts Press.