Good as a Concert: A Festival of Traditional Story and Song


Date: Feb 29
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium
Music

The Dictionary of Newfoundland English states that a concert is "A miscellaneous public performance of songs, recitations, skits, etc.". Many of these pieces were composed by community locals or learned orally from an older traditional collection and passed down through the generations. Join us for Good as a Concert: A festival of traditional story and song. The evening will feature local performers steeped in the ballad and storytelling traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador. From obscure ballads and rollicking ditties to recitations and folk tales, this is a chance to hear some of the lesser known songs and stories from our vast traditional music heritage. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Host- Eleanor Dawson Denis Nash- traditional singer from Branch Hubert Furey- storyteller Rosemary Lawton- singer/fiddler Intermission Monica Walsh- traditional singer Hubert Furey Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne- singers and multi-instrumentalists This event is in partnership with and was produced by Sing Song Inc., Eleanor Dawson and MUN Research Centre for the Study of Music Media and Place, (MMaP).

Events & Programs

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Talk

Join guest curator and host, Jenelle Duval for an engaging conversation with panelists, Jordan Bennett, Samaqani Cocahq, Kayla Stride, and Nelson White.

The featured artists will reflect on their work as part of Duval’s exhibition, Tekweywinen tel weljesultiek (Be with us in our Joy), a uniquely interactive and play-based experience that showcases the works of seven Indigenous artists based in Wabanaki*—inviting you to explore their (and your) individual interpretations of joy.

For generations, Wabanaki artists have thrived and are known to be resilient and strong. Yet, it's not only their endurance that sustains them—laughter, spirit, and humour have been vital to their artmaking.

This exhibition is a celebration of that vibrant spirit, offering a space to uplift each other and collectively embrace the joy inherent in Indigenous culture. What brings joy to your inner child? How can we spark curiosity, invite wonder, and see the world with fresh eyes and an imaginative mind?

*Wabanaki, translated as “People of the First Light” or “Dawnland,” includes five nations: the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki. The region stretches from parts of Newfoundland to the Maritime provinces, Maine, and Quebec.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Pelase reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090. 

This program is in partnership with First Light in celebration of Spirit Song.

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Presented with PictureNL, we’re shining a spotlight on some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s superb films and filmmakers! Each month we’ll present a different local feature film on our big screen. Gather with friends and film buffs to celebrate home-grown talent.

Next up:

  • Screening six local shorts:
    • Faeries – directed by Yejide Emioladipupo – 7.41 mins
    • Poster Child – directed by Brianna Russell – 8 mins
    • Thumbs Up – directed by Mike Simms– 12 mins
    • After – directed by Nyah Williams– 12.12 mins
    • Scored by Time – directed by Nicola Hawkins– 9.49 mins
    • Sweet Pickle – directed by Lois Brown– 11 mins
    • Total screen time: 60 minutes

A Q&A will follow the screening.

This year-long monthly series is presented by PictureNL in partnership with The Rooms as part of Year of the Arts celebrations.  

Stay tuned as each monthly screening date is announced!

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Tickets are available online or by calling 709-757-8090.