We have almost hit mid-February and it shows. Lots of snow, coming up to another deep freeze, but the sun is starting to come back and has some warmth in it. Looking forward to maple syrup time and some mud and flowers. But first we have the rest of February to get through.

Lots of fun cultural events to help us do just that, in our culturally great city of O-Town.

The Orillia Opera House (OOH) has some nice programming coming up in the next little while. Mariposa Arts Theatre’s The Art of Dining opens this Thursday and already has a couple of nights sold out.

The Art of Dining is a comedy about a couple and the opening night of their first restaurant, when everything that could go wrong…does! Fan faves Stacey Schat, JL Durnford, Sally Holdsworth and more are in this hilarious show that will help beat the mid-winter blahs. Better grab tickets here soon though, it’s only on Thursday through Sunday until Feb. 23.

Next up at the OOH, Canadian favourite Murray McLauchlan, for one night only, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. I have been a fan of his for years, and have seen him in our own OOH, at Peter Gzowski’s Red Barn Theatre (dating myself here), and at the Horseshoe Tavern in the city. He always puts on a great show and his songs are real Canadiana. Grab your ticket today through the OOH box office here.

The OOH and the Orillia Centre for Arts and Culture present Artists Talk Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. This will be an entertaining and informative afternoon with four artists in various media, and a sneak peek at some young up-and-comers as well. Tickets are $28 plus fees and available here.

And a little further down the calendar, March 7, the OOH has a crazy afternoon of dance, in the Extreme Dance Connection Competitive Gala. You will probably see some pretty amazing moves in this fun afternoon of dance, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, available here.

St. Paul’s Centre has a ton o’ fun happening this month and early next, as well. First of all, did you know the Reconciliation Art Gallery there is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free of charge? Go on in to 62 Peter St. N. and check out the Call #83 Art Exhibit, with 16 pieces by settler and Indigenous artists. It’s quite a sight, and story.

Also at St. Paul’s, this month: Orillia Concert Band and Salvation Army Citadel Band are teaming up to support the Orillia Pregnancy Resource Centre in the Spirit of Life concert, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. Admission is by freewill donation to the charity.

On Feb. 23 at 2:30 p.m., it’s the Jubilee Chorale’s Sweetheart Soiree, a cabaret-style show with special guests, including St. Paul’s own Blair Bailey and Jim Harris. This show is a fundraiser in support of Helping Hands Orillia and a freewill donation will be gratefully accepted.

On Tues. Feb. 25, St. Paul’s invites the community to join in on a free pancake and sausage supper for Shrove Tuesday, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy.

Friday, Feb. 28 from 1 to 7:30 p.m. March of Dimes presents The Family Caregiver Experience, a day of speakers, information and support for caregivers in families. This event is free, just register here if you would like to attend.

On Feb. 29, all day at St. Paul’s Centre, there is a writing workshop by Deepam Wadds. Come and spend time with your writing, gently guided by Deepam. Snacks provided, to register go here.

And March 1 at 3 p.m., join the Orillia Vocal Ensemble at St. Paul’s Centre in a fun concert in support of Mariposa House Hospice, again a freewill donation will be collected in support of the charity. Go St. Paul’s! Lots of fun events in this busy event centre.

Speaking of event centres, the Geneva Event Centre on West Street South has a couple of things coming up, so take note: Feb. 15 a wonderful night of music and more in support of the Orillia Suns Volleyball team. There will be three bands and lots of fun, advance tickets can be purchased at Stuffed on Peter Street South or tickets will be at the door at 8 p.m.

On Feb. 19, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., also at the Geneva, Simcoe Moms For Overdose Awareness presents an evening for everyone who has been affected or wants to understand.

“During our event we will be sharing local community mental health/addictions services with workers at the event to help answer any questions, we will meet the moms and share legacies of those lost, we will learn mindfulness techniques, build a community and the health unit will be doing a demonstration and giving away free Naloxone Kits. We will be joined by Natalie Harris who will guide us in creating Addiction Get Well Cards that will be sent to local detox facilities. Finger foods and drinks will be available.” So, come out, and find out, and help with this dreadful issue in our community.

The Orillia Museum of Art & History History Speakers evening is next Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. and features John Merritt who will talk about the black settlers in Oro, in honour of Black History Month. Admission is free for these informative and engaging talks, at the Orillia Museum of Art and History each month.

Don’t miss The Cellar Singers’ St. John Passion Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at St. James’ Anglican Church, 58 Peter St. N. You can grab tickets at the door or here. Don’t wait it could sell out!

Music at the bars? Yup, lots of music for you and your Valentine’s sweetie! At the Brownstone Café, Friday, Bruce Beckons and The Wild Run with Sam Johnston, Saturday Sunshine Express, Global Paradise and Dummy. At the Hog ‘n’ Penny, Friday: Michael Martyn; Saturday: Christina Hutt. At Fionn’s, Friday: Jakob Pearce. At Studabaker’s, Friday: Chris Lamey. At Casino Rama, Friday: Wayne Newton; Saturday: The Australian BeeGees.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and don’t forget to send me your arts news, by Tuesday at noon to annaproctor111@gmail.com.

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