Global Music at The Rooms


Date: Aug 7
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Fortis Courtyard & Amphitheater
Global Music

Celebrate the diverse talent in our community with this exciting concert series! Led by MusicNL and the Association for New Canadians, this initiative aims to increase the representation and recognition of new musicians in our province. Stay tuned for weekly announcements of featured musicians!

This is a free event. All ages are welcome. Bring a blanket and enjoy the music on the lawn! Please check our social media for updates in case of inclement weather.

This event is offered in partnership with the Association for New Canadians and MusicNL.

 

AUGUST 7 

 7:10 to 7:40: Ana Luísa Ramos
Ana Luísa Ramos is a Brazilian singer-songwriter, educator, and music curator based in St. John's, NL. She has performed across Europe, South, Central, and North America, working in both classical and popular music. Ana holds a Licentiate Degree in Music Education and a postgraduate diploma in Vocal Coaching, with studies in Brazil, Argentina, Austria, and Canada. She has contributed to over 18 albums and released her debut solo album, "Um," in 2016. Her second album, "Amanheceu," was released in 2021, the same year she won the MusicNL Jazz Artist of the Year award. Ana also performs as part of the duo "Ana & Eric" with Eric Taylor Escudero. Their self-titled EP (2020) and album "Our House From Here" (2023) earned multiple MusicNL and ECMA nominations. Ana's latest solo album, "Solaris," released in April 2024, explores themes of love in Portuguese and English and was recorded across Canada, the USA, and Brazil.

7:55 to 8:25: Andrew Kagumba
Andrew Kagumba is a PhD student in Ethnomusicology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He also holds a PhD in Music Education from Texas Tech University. Born and raised in Uganda, Andrew's creative output is deeply influenced by the rich musical heritage of his Ganda culture.


AUGUST 14

7:10 to 7:40: Jing Xia
Jing Xia is a professional guzheng artist and ethnomusicologist based in Newfoundland, Canada. Born and raised in Hunan, China, Xia began studying the guzheng at the age of six. Her recent accolades include winning the 2023 East Coast Music Award "Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year” and the 2023 MusicNL Awards "Album of the Year” and "Solo Artist of the Year.”

7:55 to 8:25: Alla Melnychuk
Alla Melnychuk is a pianist from Ukraine. In May 2022, she moved to the vibrant city of St. John's, where she currently works as a piano teacher at Halliday Music Studio. In addition to teaching, she performs both solo and as part of the international Sunflower Duo, a group she co-founded with a friend. The duo has performed multiple times in St. John's for various events and audiences. Alla has also participated in Shelley Neville's last two "O Holy Night" shows and, with the duo, toured across the island in the summer of 2023. Her performances feature instrumental (piano) arrangements of Ukrainian classical and folk music, contemporary adaptations of Ukrainian folk music, and works by contemporary Ukrainian composers.

 


AUGUST 21

7:10 to 7:40:  Cristina Hernandez 
Cristina Hernandez is a Mexican folk singer and songwriter with over a decade of experience in the music industry. She studied voice and composition at Fermatta Music Academy. In Mexico, she released her first EP, Más Allá de la Razón and performed at various festivals and cultural venues. Now based in St. John’s, Cristina launched her international career in March 2022, performing for the Multicultural Women’s Organization on International Women’s Day and premiering her song “Flowers in the Wind.” She also participated in the Newcomer Musician Panel during the same event. Cristina's latest performance was a multicultural collaboration at the Lawn Vanya Festival. Currently, she is working on new music that fuses influences from Canada, Mexico, and other cultures worldwide.

7:55 to 8:25:  Zay Nova
Zay Nova is an Indonesian-born singer/songwriter, and radio producer/video producer based in St. John's.  He released his debut album, Head Above the Water, on January 20th, 2024. Zay Nova was Nominated for 2022 Music NL Country Artist of the Year as well as Global Artist of the Year and 2021 nominee for the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards for Best Country Video.  His debut album, Head Above the Water, is available now online or visit www.zaynovamusic.com

 


AUGUST 28

7:10 to 7:40:   Baraka
From his home base of St. John’s, NL, Baraka carries with him a sound and spirit sure to deliver a world-class entertainment experience. Originally hailing from the coastal city of Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania, Baraka has been performing and writing music since his early teens. Drawing influences from artists such as Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Tracy Chapman, The 1975, Drake, Kanye West, The Script, Usher, and Ne-Yo, he has a natural talent for writing clever lyrics and infectious melodies.

7:55 to 8:25: Eldin Husic
Eldin Husic is a singer-songwriter originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has lived and performed music all over the world. Eldin has more than 25 years of experience in the music scene. In 2002, he moved to South Korea and performed there for 16 years.

Eldin is a proficient instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. He sings and plays original and cover songs in English and his native language. In his compositions, he mixes folk and rock from diverse musical traditions. Since 2018, he is grateful to call Newfoundland home. Eldin likes to sing about love.

Events & Programs

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Auks, Wolves and Whales

What fills the void when a species is no more? Legends, folklore, and history worth learning from. Come listen to the stories of the Great Auk, the Newfoundland Wolf, and Endangered Whales as they echo across the ages through their body and bones. Commiserate with the extinct, heed the calls of the endangered, hold ossified bones, and see how artists transform tragedy into hope for a sustainable future.

Offered Fridays 2:30 pm

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

"The Forgotten Warriors", directed by Noel Joe, is the unbelievable true story of the courageous last stand by Mi'kmaq activists from Conne River, NL. 

In 1983, 9 individuals risked their lives by beginning a hunger strike in a desperate plea to the government to release funds owed to them.  It was an act of courage and determination fueled by a hunger for justice - justice for their families, those who came before them, and those who would come behind. 

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

About the Director:
Noel Joe was born and raised in Miawpukek First Nations (Conne River) Reserve in Bay D'Espoir, Newfoundland.  

A strong advocate for Indigenous youth,  Noel served as Co-Chair of the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council. He was elected to Miawpukek First Nations Band Council in 2012 and served two consecutive terms.

Noel has been involved in several community initiatives, most notably The Red Road Walk from Miawpukek to St. John’s, raising $12,000 for homelessness and youth at risk in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 2012 Noel was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II diamond jubilee for his many efforts in volunteerism and involvement.   

His love of politics led him to pursue a bid for Federal and Provincial politics under the NDP banner. In 2022 Noel began working for the Office of Regional Chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia before returning home to Miawpukek.  He sits on the Board of Directors for the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation and is a member of Art’s NL Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Noel is an emerging first-time filmmaker having directed his first documentary film “The Forgotten Warriors” produced by Up Sky Down Films.

Closed captioning is currently unavailable for this film. We understand the importance of this feature and are working to include it in future screenings. Thank you for your understanding.

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Teens

Join us at The Rooms for an inspiring drawing class designed specifically for teens. Whether you’re a budding artist or just curious about exploring your artistic interests, this class is perfect for you!

What to Expect:

Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques, from line work to shading. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbor view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This fun and relaxed atmosphere is a place for teens to meet fellow teen artists, share ideas, and enjoy a supportive environment.

Materials Provided: High-quality drawing supplies will be provided.

Unlock your creativity, express yourself, and create beautiful art! No prior experience necessary.  Let’s make art together!

Cost: $20 plus HST per session. 10% discount for Rooms Members. Reserve your spot by calling (709) 757-8090.