Arta Vista at The Rooms: with Kelly Russell & Friends
Date: Aug 13
7:00 pm
- 8:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Arta Vista
In celebration of the Canada Summer Games, renowned Newfoundland fiddler Kelly Russell will share songs, stories and fiddle tunes from his extensive repertoire learned over his long career as a cultural keeper of the flame.
The concept for these shows was sparked by the realization that Kelly first met the iconic fiddler Rufus Guinchard at the ‘77 Canada Games and the resulting contribution to our culture has been greatly enhanced through this synergy of culture and sport.
The 2025 Games are honored to continue the tradition. In the spirit of passing the cultural torch, Kelly will be joined for these shows by several of the province’s latest tradition bearers, musicians Michael Park and Shana Brown.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Please note: All ticket sales are final, no refunds will be issued.
Check out From ‘77 to ’25: A Journey Through Newfoundland and Labrador’s Canada Games celebrating the legacy, spirit, and impact of the Canada Games in Newfoundland and Labrador. This exhibition captures the stories, memories, and moments that have shaped the Games - from the athletes and volunteers. Located on level 2.
About Kelly Russel:
A professional musician since 1975, Kelly has been a member of landmark groups Figgy Duff, The Wonderful Grand Band, The Plankerdown Band, Bristol’s Hope, Kelly Russell & The Planks, and The Irish Descendants. Working closely for many years with legendary fiddlers Rufus Guinchard and Emile Benoit, learning, recording, and documenting their unique music, Kelly has inherited genuine status as one of Newfoundland’s leading traditional music performers.A prominent musical ambassador, Kelly has performed in such countries as England, Ireland, France, Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Spain, the USA and all across Canada. His record label, Pigeon Inlet Productions (est. 1979), has released over 30 full-length LP, Cassette and CD recordings. He has published a 2 Volume Collection of NL fiddle music, “Kelly Russell’s Collection,” documenting over five hundred tunes in musical notation. Kelly has taught fiddle to many students, some of whom are now successful performers. He has also actively helped revive the art of storytelling and recitation, inspired by the Tales of Pigeon Inlet by his father, Ted Russell.
Events & Programs
Join us for Films On The Go, featuring a collection of short films from the most recent St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF).
About the lineup: Sweetgrass, perfect brows, the surprisingly queer life of a climbing clip, a giant imaginary bear, and one very bad day in 1986, this year’s Films on the Go lineup delivers seven short films packed with big emotion, sharp humour, and unforgettable moments. Crafted by filmmakers from Newfoundland & Labrador, Mi’kma’ki, Canada, and beyond.
Learn more about the films and artists here: https://www.womensfilmfestival.com/filmsonthego
Presented in partnership with the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival.
Films play on a loop in our theatre during open hours, unless the space is booked for a private event.
Beyond the Trenches: The Role of Newfoundland Women during The First World War
April of 2025 marked the one-hundred-year anniversary of women in Newfoundland winning the right to vote. The suffrage movement was substantially aided by the contributions of Newfoundland women, at home and overseas, during the First World War. Come and find out about their stories, experiences, and roles.
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.
Auks, Wolves and Whales
What fills the void when a species is no more? Legends, folklore, and history worth learning from. Come listen to 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, hold ossified bones, and see how artists transform tragedy into hope for a sustainable future.
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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Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador
Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.
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.