Spotlight on Music
Date: Aug 9
3:00 pm
- 5:00 pm
Where: Level 2
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 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.
AUGUST 2024
August 2 and August 30 - 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.
August 5 - Andrew Kagumba
Andrew Kagumba is a PhD student in Ethnomusicology at The Memorial University of Newfoundland. He also holds a PhD in Music Education from Texas Tech University. Born and raised in Uganda, Andrew's creative output is deeply influenced by the rich musical heritage of his Ganda culture
August 7, 14, and 28 - Jim Payne
From Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland, Jim Payne is a leading performer and collector of Newfoundland traditional music. The multi-instrumentalist and singer, who has performed on six continents, is also one of the province's most prolific songwriters, known for creating musical mosaics that portray the lives of coastal people living on the edge of the Northwest Atlantic.
August 9 and August 21 - 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.
August 12, 19, and 26 - Ana and Eric
Ana & Eric are a Brazilian duo based in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador. Having performed in Brazil, Europe, and Canada, Ana & Eric offer a unique combination of Brazilian bossa nova and North American indie-folk. In 2020, the duo released two singles “Hope" and "Lights My Way" as well as their self-titled debut EP, which earned them one nomination at the 2021 ECMA Awards, and three nominations at the 2021 MusicNL Awards. In 2023, the duo released their debut album “Our House From Here” and the singles “I Can See Our House From Here” and “Manhã de Abril" (April Morning), which have received wide coverage in Brazil, Portugal, and Canada. The album was nominated as the 2024 Global Recording of The Year at the ECMA and received three 2023 MusicNL Award nominations.
August 16 and August 23 - Adrian House
Adrian House is a bilingual singer-songwriter from St. John's, NL. His music is an exciting, passionate journey through styles of folk, jazz and rock. Pêcheur de rêves, his first album in French, was released in June 2024, supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Events & Programs
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.
Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.
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.
Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.
Get to know the artifacts and material culture from The Rooms Collections better through drawing. This new weekly series is designed for creatives who want to sketch independently and draw from a unique collection of artifacts and objects from our 6 vaults.
Each session of Drawing from Our Collections will feature a new curated selection of artifacts and material culture from our extensive archives, art gallery, and museum vaults. It will be a rare opportunity to observe and draw from items that are not usually accessible to the public. Prepare to gain valuable knowledge about our collections along with others who are keen to draw, sketch and learn.
This series is for those comfortable with drawing independently in a supportive and engaging environment. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and join us for a creative adventure that will deepen your connection to art and history.
4 sessions: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12 and 19
Cost: $80 plus HST for 4 sessions. 10% discount for Rooms members. OR can be purchased as individual sessions for $20 plus HST per session.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot. Suitable ages for 15 and up. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Prefer an evening time slot? There is also a 6:30 – 8:30 pm session offered.
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.”
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.
Get to know the artifacts and material culture from The Rooms Collections better through drawing. This new weekly series is designed for creatives who want to sketch independently and draw from a unique collection of artifacts and objects from our 6 vaults.
Each session of Drawing from Our Collections will feature a new curated selection of artifacts and material culture from our extensive archives, art gallery, and museum vaults. It will be a rare opportunity to observe and draw from items that are not usually accessible to the public. Prepare to gain valuable knowledge about our collections along with others who are keen to draw, sketch and learn.
This series is for those comfortable with drawing independently in a supportive and engaging environment. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and join us for a creative adventure that will deepen your connection to art and history.
4 sessions: Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12 and 19.
Cost: $80 plus HST for 4 sessions. 10% discount for Rooms members. OR can be purchased as individual sessions for $20 plus HST.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot. Suitable ages for 15 and up. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Prefer an afternoon time slot? There is also a 2 - 4 pm session offered.
Please join us for a conversation with Kathleen Knowling, a visual artist whose daily practice continues at age 97. Learn about her most recent exhibition, Art is What Makes Life More Interesting Than Art, which showcases the heart of Kathleen’s creative world—her handmade sketchbooks. Kathleen’s drawings, poetry, collages, and whimsical reflections invite you into her decades-long artistic journey, rich with curiosity, resilience, and fresh perspectives.
This is a free event, but a ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
About Kathleen Knowling:
Kathleen has an extensive exhibition history, and her artworks are part of many public and private collections in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
She holds a BA in History from Barnard College at Columbia University, New York, and also studied at Mount Allison University, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) University, and MUN Extension Arts.
In 1977, Kathleen initiated and organized the life-drawing program, Group of 77, which has been active for almost 50 years. Today, she is part of the Senior Artist Sunday Group and continues with her professional practice.