Embracing Winter in Smiths Falls - theHumm February 2020
Embracing Winter in Smiths Falls - theHumm February 2020
By John Pigeau
You know, you never hear a ten-year-old say, “Man, I’m so over winter. This is bleak.” Nope, kids are a hearty lot. Playful, adventurous. When I was a kid, February was prime time road hockey season. Every day after school, my buddies and I played in one of our driveways until our feet were frozen. We thought we had it good, I tell ya, and really, we did. We never griped about endless snow shoveling, freezing rain, the price of rock salt, or having to shower for work when it was still dark out. Nah. Basically, we left the griping to the adults.
It seemed to me that they were of two types of adults: those who complained about all that winter “crap,” and those who embraced it or at least endured it without much of as fuss. You know?
At any rate, whichever category you happen to belong to — eventually, inevitably — spring is coming. But in the meantime there’s plenty of fun to be had in February, and some noteworthy events happening around Smiths Falls as well.
Speaking of fun, every Friday at Bowie’s you can warm up and enjoy a drink and a bite with friends while listening to some fabulous live music on New Music Nights, with weekly performances by established as well as emerging local musicians. Their February lineup is pretty stacked, too. Boxcar Cadavers and Nigel Wearne take to the stage on February 7, with Dead Root Revival and David James Allen playing the following Friday. Fiends and Andrew Sherriff perform on the 21st, with Emily Rockarts and Gino Visconti on the 28th.
On February 16, the fifth installment of the Songwriter Concert Series at Bowie’s features world-class slide guitar from the Juno-nominated Sean Pinchin. This guy is a gem, the real deal, as they say. That show begins at 8pm. For ticket information, you can email bowiesbar@gmail.com or drop by the café at 20 Russell Street E. You can also visit bowiessmiths-falls.com for their full February lineup of food, fun and fine entertainment. It’s a pretty happening spot.
There’s more music mid-month at the Gallipeau Centre Theatre featuring Road Apples, one of Canada’s best Tragically Hip tribute bands. Road Apples, who hail from the Hip’s hometown of Kingston and began playing together in 1992, are likely the most celebrated Hip tribute band in the country (like the Hip, they’ve toured it extensively), and I can tell you, having seen them numerous times, they’re tight, entertaining, and they put on a high-energy show.
Tickets for the February 15 concert are $34.50 in advance and $39.50 at the door. You can purchase yours online at gallipeaucentretheatre.com or by calling 284–9916. There will be a cash bar at the theatre. The doors open at 7:30pm.
On Monday, February 17 — which is Family Day in Ontario — you can delight in some delicious soup and keep the bowl as the Smiths Falls & District Arts & Culture Council hosts the Fill-A-Bowl Fundraiser at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre from 11am to 1pm. The idea for this family-friendly fundraiser is much the same as the Empty Bowls initiative in Perth, or the Soup for Thought event in Almonte. For $10 you can enjoy a yummy soup lunch and walk away with a lovely hand-crafted bowl too. You can also simply buy a one-of-a-kind bowl too, for only $8. And if you just want to warm up with some scrumptious soup, you can do that too for $5. Buy your tickets at the door, or pick them up beforehand at Special Greetings (8 Russell Street E.). Proceeds support the Smiths Falls & District Arts & Culture Council.
Movie theatres have long been a refuge for those wanting something to do — indoors, in a cozy seat, with a box of hot buttered popcorn — on a cold winter night. Thankfully, the Station Theatre is screening a taut political thriller on Thursday, February 27 — Official Secrets, starring Keira Knightly, Matt Smith and Ralph Fiennes. I’ve seen this, and it’s gripping, clever and fascinating (it’s also a true story). Keira Knightly is absolutely mesmerizing as British Intelligence whistleblower Katherine Gun. Check it out on the big screen. Showtimes are 2pm and 7pm, and tickets are $12 at the door.
In gearing up for its summer season, Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum has some goings on in February, including four days of Heritage Week Activities from February 18–21, and a fun and unique fundraiser on the 27th. The museum staff are also excited to be hosting a 2020 Paint Party on the last Thursday of the month. This event is for adults (19+) who can enjoy a drink or two and tasty snacks while working on their masterpieces. Funds raised will help pay for the Museum’s multiple summer programs and events, including children’s programs and Market Days, to name but two.
“Come and create your own masterpiece artwork at our Paint Party!” says Emily Parker, the Museum’s Collections Assistant. “You won’t want to miss the snacks, drinks and laughs as we re-create a snowy blue-sky painting. This event will support our 2020 season full of events for families, kids’ programs and more. We look forward to seeing you!” Tickets for the Paint Party are $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Sienna Cauley at 283–6311 or email heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca .
The Heritage House Museum will celebrate National Heritage Week with various activities from February 18–21. On February 19, the museum will host a Beginners Genealogical Workshop at 6pm ($10 per person), and on February 20 they will have their Annual General Meeting ($5 per person, or $3 per member). Other events are still to be determined. For more information about the Museum’s plans for the week, please call 283–6311 or visit smithsfalls.ca .
In memoriam – Dr. Bill Buttle - theHumm February 2020
By Kris Riendeau
I honestly can’t remember when Bill Buttle first started contributing Artbeat cartoons to theHumm, but I think it was some time within our first year of publishing. So for the past two decades (give or take a year or two), his humorous take on the world of art and music has had pride of place here on page 2. On Sunday, January 19, Bill passed away peacefully in Arnprior at the age of 79, leaving behind grieving family and friends as well as legions of Artbeat fans throughout......
Charles Spratt A Four-Decade Love Affair - theHumm February 2020
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
It is a true gift to discover a passion that endures and rewards for the rest of your life. Charles Spratt is grateful that he has had forty years to enjoy what it took him forty years to realize — he is an artist.
Interviewing artists is always an adventure. When he ushered me into the basement of the tastefully appointed home he shares with his wife Pat in Stittsville, I was astonished. Spratt’s man cave is unusual and fabulous. I would like to return a......
Thaw Out at Frozen Jr. in Carleton Place! - theHumm February 2020
By Linda Beiglee & Sherrie Seward, CoProducers
This enchanting modern classic from Disney is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, bringing Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage.
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. examines the emotional relationship between Princesses Anna and Elsa as they embark on a journey. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters, and laden with magic, adventure and plenty of h......
Hard Hitting Blues at Blues on the Rideau - theHumm February 2020
If you like your blues hard and heavy then you won’t want to miss the Bill Durst band at the Cove on February 21. Blues on the Rideau producer James Doran explains: “This will be Bill’s first visit to Westport, and I don’t know why it’s taken this long for us to get him here. I promise that anyone who loves Texas roadhouse-style blues (like ZZ Top) will really enjoy this band. This power trio blues rock is as good as it gets!”
Growing up in Wingham, Ontario, Bill was influenced by Mo......
Almonte’s Seedy Saturday - theHumm February 2020
By David Hinks
The fifth annual Almonte Seedy Saturday will soon be here. That’s right — fifth year — what an amazing anniversary!
Seedy Saturday comes to the Almonte Civitan Club on Saturday, February 8 from 9am to 3pm. Once again there will be guest speakers all day on a wide variety of topics, more than forty artisan vendors and not-for-profits, door prizes, plenty of seed swapping, and homemade brunch from the Civitan canteen. Johvi Leeck, a young local entrepreneur and owner of t......
Key for Two Laugh the Winter Away at the Station Theatre - theHumm February 2020
By Smiths Falls Community Theatre
February is the dreariest of months — if you aren’t a winter person. There’s snow, cold, wind… it seems to have been here forever and seems like it’s never going to end. You need a pick-me-up! A night to forget about it all and just submerse yourself in a whole lot of nonsense. That’s where the Station Theatre comes in. Our production of the traditional British farce Key for Two by John Chapman and Dave Freeman is sure to lighten your mood!
First-time director Linda Pipher has put together a g......
Shift Happens: A Documentary Series The Impact of Humans on Our Planetand What Can Be Done About It - theHumm February 2020
Studio Theatre Perth, Biosphere Environmental Education, and Three Green Peas are pleased to announce a series of documentary films at the Studio Theatre in Perth.
Five award-winning environmental documentaries shown over five months will cover climate change and environmental challenges caused by human activity. One documentary from the series was presented in November 2019, and four more will be shown in February, March, April, and May of 2020. These films explore the dangers facing our......
Family Time & Mid-Winter Milling! - theHumm February 2020
By Miss Mills
OK — we’re tired of being indoors already, so it must be time to head outside for some awesome activities and marvellous milling about. No problem — Mississippi Mills has you covered (or uncovered, as the case may be)!
Monday, February 17 is Family Day in Ontario, and there are many affordable (and free!) activities to enjoy close to home. In Almonte, Pakenham and area, you can enjoy free public skating, explore local history, have fun outdoors, eat pancakes or catch a screeni......
Marion Bridge Where Past and Present Jostle for Forgiveness - theHumm February 2020
By Heddy Sorour
Studio Theatre Perth’s upcoming production promises a heart-warming evening of discovery. Marion Bridge by Daniel MacIvor is a humorous and touching story about the power of realization and how it heals more than it harms.
“It’s a drama, with lots of comic moments. They’re amusing characters and the language is amusing and clever and it just flows,” enthuses director Barb Guthrie.
The play is about three sisters in their thirties who congregate at their childhood “home” ......
Eric Walker: Solo Exhibition in Almonte - theHumm February 2020
Artist Eric Walker has been creating his “painted constructions” — blurring the boundaries of painting, collage, and sculpture — for over three decades. Much of his work is linked to the history and culture of the Maritimes, combining elements of high art with more vernacular forms. Walker aims to call attention to collective history by focusing on a mix of commonplace subjects such as ships, trains, government buildings and cities seen from the ground ......
The Postman Delivers - theHumm February 2020
By Sebastian Weetabix
But first, a word from Weetabix on analogies and terminology, since exactly what is delivered is of interest. “Il Postino” in Italian is, literally, the postman or letter carrier. Il Postino in A......
The People Are Coming!The People Are Coming! - theHumm February 2020
By Glenda Jones
I feel like I’m living in that Ikea commercial — in a big flap because company is coming, important company who’ll be here for a few days, and who might be opening cupboards or looking under beds......
Snow Angel Party - theHumm February 2020
By Sue Cressy
We are celebrating the Tenth Annual Snow Angel Making Party at Highlands Gate (4381 Wolf Grove Road in Lanark Highlands) on Sunday, February 16 from 1–4pm. It’s fun, it’s free, and it is fab......
Library, After Dark Featuring Jenny Whiteley & Joey Wright - theHumm February 2020
By Heidi Taber Work
The Perth & District Union Public Library is preparing to use their space like never before. On Saturday, February 22 at 8pm, the library will be transformed into a live music venue for ......
If You Heart Art… - theHumm February 2020
By Miss Cellaneous
Find Faraway Places… in Perth!
As the temperatures drop and we start to feel a little tired of lower light levels and icy pathways, our thoughts tend to travel to Fara......
Indian Creek Orchard Gardens - theHumm February 2020
By David Hinks
“Five acres is not nearly enough”, opined Scott Sigurdson in a recent interview.
Scott is one-half of the dynamic duo that own Indian Creek Orchard Gardens near Pakenham. Scott and his life-......
Church is Not aFour-Letter Word - theHumm February 2020
By Heather Atkinson
Three years ago, I “came out” to the former minister of the church where I sing in Pakenham. I had asked to meet with him, and I was very nervous. I had a big secret to share.
“Reverend,” I s......
The Narrow Years and the Luxurious Years - theHumm February 2020
By Angie Arendt
It’s not much of an orchard as far as orchards go, I suppose. Rumour has it that back when roads around here were mostly dirt and people were still punching a time clock in the mills across the r......
HFT Donuts’Vallentyne Bake - theHumm February 2020
When Ed and Doris Atwell first moved to Clayton, one of the first people they met was Gord Vallentyne. Gord’s brother Bill was often in the Clayton General Store, so they got to know him as well.......
Embracing Winter in Smiths Falls - theHumm February 2020
By John Pigeau
You know, you never hear a ten-year-old say, “Man, I’m so over winter. This is bleak.” Nope, kids are a hearty lot. Playful, adventurous. When I was a kid, February was prime time road hockey sea......
PDHS PresentsA Preview of Spring - theHumm February 2020
Spring will feel just around the corner when Carol Onion of Hillside Gardens treats us to what we might expect this growing season. At the Perth and District Horticultural Society (PDHS) meeting ......
Come toMardi Gras (Without Travelling Too Far!) - theHumm February 2020
By Karen DeLuca
On February 22, the Arnprior Public Library, in collaboration with the Arnprior & District Food Bank, will be hosting a fundraising extravaganza sure to kick out those mid-winter doldrums.
......
Choral Evensong in Perth - theHumm February 2020
The evenings are already getting lighter — a perfect opportunity to come to Choral Evensong at St. James the Apostle Anglican Church in Perth on Sunday, February 16. There will be a prelude ......
Music of Life River Resonance Chamber Choir - theHumm February 2020
River Resonance Chamber Choir is a new addition to the Perth choral scene. This twenty-voice balanced choir, comprised of voices from across Lanark County, is led by Nicola Oddy and will perform ......
The Girl, the Ash, the Plantation… and Wilding - theHumm February 2020
By Susie Osler
The Girl
She used to sing as she walked past and up the hill, to the rock where she would sit, looking back towards me, and I towards her. We grew up together. She’d w......
Aug 31 - Sep 2 Sundance Artisan Show
Sep 7 - 8 Fibrefest
Sep 7 - 8 Natives & Clay
Sep 8 Music at Mera: Nathan Sloniowski
Sep 11 Community Open House
Sep 12 Opening Celebration of the new Art Hub
Sep 13 Jason Kent
Sep 14 Art in the Yard
Sep 14 Perth Night Market
Sep 17 Henry Norwood
- Wendo Van Essen — Nothing Felt Better
- Be a Wild Child — Roar Against Climate Change!
- MUSICwestport Festival A Fun, Free Event in Beautiful Downtown Westport!
- Misi Zibi Mamidosewin (The Gathering Place)
- 40 ArtistsAlong a Riverbank Outdoor Show on Labour Day Weekend
- Paint the Summer Returns to Westport
- Stone Fence’s Miss Pringle’s Mini-Skirt
- Blueberry Teaat Union Hall
- Come to the North Lanark Highland Games!
- Almonte Potters Guild Open House