A Christmas Time with Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne


Date: Dec 27
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre

Newfoundland Folk Holiday Performance – Fergus O'Byrne & Jim Payne

Continue the festive spirit with a delightful holiday performance featuring Fergus O'Byrne and Jim Payne!

Immerse yourself in the warmth of Newfoundland folk culture, including traditional Christmas carols, rousing sea shanties and work songs, poignant ballads, comic ditties, folk tales and recitations, and toe-tapping jigs, reels, and polkas on a variety of instruments.

Cost: Free. A ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

About the Performers:

Jim Payne – From Notre Dame Bay, Jim is a leading performer on accordion and a collector of Newfoundland traditional music. He is one of the province’s most prolific songwriters and has created soundtracks for theatre, plays, and documentaries. Jim also owns and operates SingSong Inc., Newfoundland’s largest traditional music label with fourteen available titles, dedicated to music, story, song, and dance reflecting the Newfoundland experience.

Fergus O'Byrne – Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Fergus became a familiar voice on radio and television from 1971 to 1983 as a member of the renowned folk group Ryan's Fancy. He now tours nationally and internationally with Jim Payne and A Crowd Of Bold Sharemen and is recognized for promoting Newfoundland and Celtic music while mentoring young folk music enthusiasts.

Today's Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:15 am

Join Archives Technician Elizabeth Fewer for an exclusive members-only tour of the archives vault.

Go beyond the public displays and explore a fascinating collection of historical diaries, dating from 1862 to the 1930s. These personal records provide a unique glimpse into daily life and winter weather observations of the past.

Cost: $20 plus HST.

Registration: Opens at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Secure your spot by calling (709) 757-8090.

 

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

Join Archives Technician Elizabeth Fewer for an exclusive members-only tour of the archives vault.

Go beyond the public displays and explore a fascinating collection of historical diaries, dating from 1862 to the 1930s. These personal records provide a unique glimpse into daily life and winter weather observations of the past.

Cost: $20 plus HST.

Registration: Opens at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Secure your spot by calling (709) 757-8090.

 

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

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.

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

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Celebrate 20 Years of Stories with Music at The Rooms

Join us for a musical celebration of The Rooms’ 20 Years of Stories.

This performance will honour the season with a rich mix of traditional Newfoundland and Labrador Christmas music, original compositions, and stories deeply rooted in our shared culture. With its emotional resonance, musical excellence, and local voice, this concert aligns perfectly with The Rooms’ mission to preserve and celebrate the stories that shape our province.

Honouring The Rooms’ Legacy Through Song

To reflect the milestone anniversary, the show will feature Echoes in the Halls, an original composition by Linda Hickey and recorded by Hamilton Sound in 2025. This deeply moving piece was inspired by museum spaces and the sacred act of preserving memory. It serves as a tribute to The Rooms’ 20-year commitment to storytelling, curation, and the voices of past and present.

As the festive season draws near, the performance will also include a selection of beloved holiday music, filling the theatre with the warmth and joy of Christmas.

Come immerse yourself in this heartwarming celebration and enjoy the festive cheer—an unforgettable evening to share with family and friends.

Cost: $25 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090. (Does not include admission to the galleries.)