In the afterglow of Christmas celebrations, I had a great idea for a column: a retrospective of the year past.
After all, 2016 was full of fabulous performances and visual art shows. And with this being the first column of the new year, it seemed like a good time to look back on how we have evolved as a creative community.
But seriously, there is no time to look back. This is Flin Flon, people! There is so much happening in 2017 that I simply had to tell you about it.
Besides, if you want to read about the Flin Flon musical renaissance embodied by the wonderful performances by local artists at Johnny’s Social Club, read Keith Reed’s blog, 50,000,000 Flin Flonners Can’t Be Wrong. It is so good.
(While I’m on the subject of blogs, you should also read local writer Judy Pettersen’s blog, This Northern Life. It’s very funny, heartwarming and emotional from time to time...but I digress).
You have probably heard the adage, “Start as you mean to go on.” That is exactly what the Flin Flon Arts Council intends to do in 2017.
The arts council “will boldly go where no one has gone before” into the world of fundraising. They have been tentatively trying 50/50 draws at their performances and have earned about $750. In 2017, they hope to generate significant donations, beginning with “$150 for Canada’s 150th” from each Flin Flon / Creighton / Denare Beach family that has benefitted over the years.
They hope Flin Flon audiences will dig deep and go to the website www.flinflonartscouncil.ca to find the “Donate” button, then just follow the instructions to make a contribution. Donations are eligible to be applied to personal income taxes.
The arts council has been operating on a shoestring budget (from the provincial government) that has not been increased since 1978 (I am NOT kidding!); yet they have managed to improve the quality and quantity of performances every year.
This year will be no different, with the performances of Grease in the spring and all of the other shows that are planned for Canada’s birthday. You have seen how well they do with nothing, just imagine what they will accomplish with a bit of real money behind them. Please think about including the arts council in your charitable giving for 2017.
Moving on now to the second half of the cultural season in Flin Flon and area, it kicks off with the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the RH Channing Auditorium.
This company was created in 1960 to preserve, interpret and express Ukrainian cultural values in Canada, through dance. They have performed in London several times and three times for Queen Elizabeth I, in Sweden, Ukraine and Cuba as well as Las Vegas, New York and at Disney World. Their artistic director is professional ballet master Vitali Sorokotiaguine, who, prior to his moving to Canada, was ballet master and principal dancer with companies in Ternopil, Zaporizhia and Odessa, Ukraine. Tickets are available at Northern Rainbow’s End. Doors open at 7 pm and performance begins at 7:30 pm.
The NorVA Centre is offering “Fundamentals of Drawing” as a six-part workshop beginning Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1:30-3 pm and continuing each Saturday until Feb. 25. Participants will need pencils, eraser and a sketchpad.
The classes are suitable for all ages and abilities. They will be taught by artist Monique Rainville, whose paintings of old Flin Flon are so beautiful. Register at NorVA, 177 Green Street or by phone at 204-687-4237.
At the end of the month, the arts council will present a mini Celtic Colours Festival with three separate shows over two weeks. Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Johnny’s Social Club, the annual Robert Burns Night Celebration happens. This evening of bagpipes and haggis begins at 6 pm as it involves dinner, poetry and songs from Scotland’s best-loved poet, some whisky consumption and lots of laughs. There will even be a nod to the late, great Hank Williams! Tickets are available at The Orange Toad.
The second event takes place Saturday, Feb. 4 and will feature the Anti-Social Club Band in Natalie’s East Coast Kitchen Party. Get prepared to see fantastic local talent entertain with the music of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, with some PEI and New Brunswick tunes for good measure. This show is also at 7:30 pm at Johnny’s Social Club and tickets are at
The Orange Toad.
The third and last event will be on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm. It will feature Mary Beth Carty from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Mary Beth will sing, play accordion and step dance through humorous and romantic songs, with lots of sing-alongs.
As this performer is part of the Home Routes tour, she will do a second concert on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Ann and Doug’s home, 183 Merton Bouelvard, for those among you who prefer the intimacy of a home concert. Tickets available at The Orange Toad.
