10 arts, music and community events you should check out in Fredericton this weekend

This weekend’s roundup includes a hilarious political comedy, a musical theatre show, a fiddling legend and so much music.

Jeff Dingle (Joe Clark) and Kevin Curran (John Crosbie) in Theatre New Brunswick’s current production, the Canadian political comedy, 1979. Together with Sarah O’Brecht, these three actors play nine different characters in hilarious fashion.

Friday

1979 (Theatre New Brunswick) at the Open Space Theatre. Theatre New Brunswick kick-off a brand new season this month with 1979 by Canadian playwright Michael Healey. Step inside the office of Prime Minister Joe Clark for this laugh-out-loud comedy packed with events and colourful characters from Canada’s political past. 7:30 p.m. (Pay-what-you-wish)

Les fils du facteur with Chloé Breault at Centre Communautaire Sainte-Anne. Mixing poetry, humour, festive songs, and a bit of melancholy, Les fils du facteur are true stage artists. Charismatic singer, Sacha Maffli, skilfully handles words behind his guitar, accompanied by Emilien Colin on the accordion. This is a Swiss duo you will not forget! With her first mini-album, Love, Acadian singer-songwriter, Chloé Breault, offers an intimate show full of…love! 7:30 p.m.

Ashley MacIsaac at The Playhouse. Ashley MacIsaac plays the fiddle with intensity, authenticity, and a passion that is hard to deny. He learned his chops at an early age, mentored by some of the legendary greats of the area, performing all over the Island in halls, clubs, barns and kitchens. Hi How Are You was released in the mid-90s and the accolades rolled in, the awards, the touring, the interviews and appearances, the persona took shape and the legend took hold. Ashley continues today with the same passion and dedication to his fans, his craft and his country. 7:30 p.m.

Disney’s Frozen Jr. at the Tom Morrison Theatre. Chameleon Jo Productions’ Young Company and Musical Adventure Club are proud to present this New Brunswick premier! Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and all of your favourites from Arendelle as we bring this story of true love and sisterhood to life on stage. Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, the show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. 7 p.m.

Van Morrison Tribute Night at Grimross Brewing Co. A tribute to the one and only Van Morrison in support of the Living Roots Music Festival and music in schools program. 8 p.m. $10-15.

$KELETON CLUB + Snorkelers + Short for Arthur at The Capital. Montreal trio $KELETON CLUB make a stop in the city in support of the band’s debut Death, Love, and Money. 9 p.m.

Saturday

Mike Biggar with Manitoba Hal at The Tipsy Muse Café. Friends for years, Mike and Hal’s first performance together came in February 2019 when Hal joined Biggar onstage for his blues showcase at the international Folk Alliance Conference in Montreal QC. They appeared again in May 2019 at East Coast Music Week in Charlottetown PEI for showcase appearances that garnered praise from audiences and industry delegates. Their first official tour combines Biggar’s soulful melodies and powerhouse vocals – Hal’s effortless mastery of the Blues on resonator, cigar box guitar and ukulele – and abundant fun and humour from each with their onstage banter, demeanor and tales from the road. 7 p.m. $15.

Nautical Disaster – A tribute to The Tragically Hip at Grimross Brewing Co. What more needs to be said? 8 p.m. $10.

Gala 60 at The Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Celebrate the past and embrace the future at Gala 60. This very special 60th anniversary will be celebrated with a look to the future: the exclusive preview opening of the Marion McCain Exhibition of Contemporary Atlantic Art, celebrating some of the finest artists currently working in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. With an artistic eye fixed on the future, the evening will also provide a look to the past: timecapsule photos from our opening year, signature vintage cocktails, a scotch tasting, fashion and art all geared to transport you back to 1959. Concert entertainment will be provided by New Brunswick’s own David Myles. Later on, dance the evening away with Sugarbomb. 7 p.m.

Acoustic Night at Wilser’s Room. Come hear a few local bands like you’ve never heard them before. Catch performances from Chips + 86&8 + Andre Saulnier. 8:30 p.m.

Sunday

This Week in Fredericton was created with notes from the Fredericton Arts Alliance‘s weekly newsletter as well as Music Runs Through It‘s weekly Fredericton music update. We encourage you to visit both these valuable community resources for more detailed information on these and other events happening This Week in Fredericton.