A quick run through some of the events happening this week in the world of art, music and film.
Monday
Mayworks 2019 Festival. This year’s festival features a book launch by Bruce Campbell, an artist pop-up gallery, poetry by El Jones, a film about migrant workers in Canada, labour history, skill-building workshops, a ceremony for workers who have lost their lives while at work, and much more. Festival goers will learn about the issues facing today’s workers including worker safety, migrant justice and Black Lives Matter. Learn more.
Tuesday
Open Mic Night at The Capital. Rich Gloade hosts this weekly event at The Capital. If you are a duo, or a band, stop by and try out a new tune in front of a very encouraging crowd. 9 p.m. No cover.
Early Music Concert at Christ Church Cathedral. The Rubrum Aurum early music trio heralds from Mount Allison University. The group includes Emily Steers (soprano), Lucie Bauby (flute), and Gibson MacMillan (harpsichord and organ), coached by Dr. Vicki St Pierre. The group will be performing a diverse program of Baroque chamber favourites, including works by Bach, Handel, Buxtehude, Blavet, and more! 7:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
Wednesday
Nasty Shadows presents A Story Jones: In memory of an Unseen Shadow. A Story Jones is our Nasty creation celebrating the life and spirit of a Shadow who stepped into the light, our friend Andrew Jones. Jones is a storyteller, telling tales to a small friendly community in a world hungry for such gatherings, but tonight might be his last story. Vic has been selflessly caring for Jones, protecting Jones from outsiders when Chael suddenly re-appears in the story circle. Driven by forces beyond and within their control, Chael’s dramatic purpose in the room precipitates the most inevitable conclusion, or so it seemed to suggest in the book. The development of A Story Jones began with an idea in the spring of 2013. As the writing grew it was played off a number of veteran Shadows in various rehearsal rooms over the last few years and then finally worked into the play we now present. This is not a history; this is a fantasy story memorial. May 1-2. 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. Limited seating.
The Mothership at Wilser’s Room. Yup, that’s right! The Mothership is back to funk up all of your Wednesday’s in May in Wilser’s Room. Doors at 9 p.m. Show at 10. $6.
CHSR Hosts Wax Wednesday at The Tipsy Muse Café. CHSR loves sharing local music with the masses! So our very own Johnny James (Host of CHSR’s Wake Up! and The Crazy Train) is taking over the turntables at the Tipsy Muse Cafe to host a special edition of Wax Wednesday! 3 hours of music from vinyl records exclusively by local east coast artists! 7 p.m.
Thursday
Theatre St. Thomas presents #Swipers in the Black Box Theatre. Witness the world premiere of #Swipers, written and directed by Corenski Nowlan, a romantic comedy for the Tinder generation! A lighthearted and geeky glimpse into the culture of online dating and how social media has changed the way we interact with others. Expect the unexpected. This is unconventional, immersive theatre. Through the use of lights, sound, projections, and masks, we are crafting a unique atmosphere that could unsettle some people. Content Warning: Recommended for ages 16-and-up. Moderate use of strong profanity, and safely choreographed fight scenes. Use of flashing lights. If you suffer from PTSD, an anxiety disorder, or a heart condition, please attend at your own discretion. May 2-4. 7:30 p.m. $10.
Old Self + Kam Speech + Johnny Manic + Special Guests at the Capital Complex. The Cognition & Unrequited Tour, featuring Kam Speech, Old Self, Johnny Manic with official Tour Support from Faith Bow, Joe Beez & L’nu Joker. Doors at 9 p.m. Show at 10. $5-$10.
Friday
Workshop Presentation of Les filles du quoi? at the Open Space Theatre. An Anglophone with Francophone roots immigrates to Canada from the United States, a century after her great-grandparents immigrated in the opposite direction. She has questions: What does “Francophone” mean? What’s the deal with the queen? Why is Jack Kerouac the only Franco-American anyone’s ever heard of? Is Céline Dion a witch? With this new comedic, intimate, and bilingual one-woman show, FrancoAmerican writer and performer Abby Paige looks for answers and finds connections between the living and the dead, the past and the present, History (L’Histoire) and stories (les histoires). 7 p.m. By donation.
Mitch Rayner at The Tipsy Muse Café. Catchy tunes and gripping storytelling go hand in hand with Fredericton’s own Mitch Rayner. Originally hailing from Summerside P.E.I., Rayner brings a great amount of small town pride into his art. His confident, acoustic stylings make him stand out, along with a unique raspy voice that completes the package. Love songs, character studies and personal experiences; Mitch views every side of a story through his music with personality, a unique guitar style, and a stage presence that many fans have already fallen in love with. 7 p.m. $8.
Saturday
A Monster House Publishing Showcase at The Abby. To celebrate another year of amazing children’s stories with East Coast artists and authors, Monster House Publishing will host an afternoon of art and stories from the Monster House catalogue. This event will showcase original artwork from the artists that have illustrated titles in the catalogue, as well as some that are yet to be released. All artwork is for sale, so you could take home a part of your child’s favourite book! With readings by several authors, kids’ art activities, and cider on tap, it’s sure to be a unique day for the entire family. 11 a.m. No charge. Donations accepted.
Tachichi + Ghettosocks + Mathewmatical + Sean One and more at The Capital Complex. Come by The Capital Complex Saturday, May 4th and catch a full line up of legendary east coast hip hop! 10 p.m. $10.
Stages Of A Modern Witch Unveiled: A Fashion Show at Grimross Brewery. Come out to Grimross Brewing May 4th to see a truly exceptional runway exhibition that will explore the themes of modern witchcraft and inhibited integration within the fashion industry. The event will showcase the textile works of Jolene Robichaud from Wands Wear and will feature the works of Mika Brown from Mika Jewelry. 7 p.m.
That’s A Wrap!: A TNB End-of-Season Party at Charlotte Street Arts Centre. Theatre New Brunswick announce an end of season fundraising party featuring refreshments, performances, raffles, music, and more! Advanced tickets are $40, and are available online or at the TNB offices, 55 Whiting Road. Tickets are $45 the night of the event. All tickets include a complimentary drink ticket and a $20 charitable donation tax receipt. There will be a cash bar and prizes and giveaways throughout the night. 6-9 p.m. $40.
Feast Media Team Official Launch at The Ville. Feast Media is a film and media company passionate about creating artistic projects, connecting with the community, and inspiring others to create. We are so excited for this launch and the opportunity to show our community what we are up to. Get ready for live giveaways, short films, an interactive community art project, a galaxy photo booth, as well as the opportunity to network, meet the team and hear about upcoming offerings. 6-9 p.m. No charge.
Atlantic Ballet Atlandique Canada presents Figaro at The Playhouse. A marriage of the satirical Beaumarchais play with music of Mozart at his most lyrically beautiful, this is a timeless comedy about the foibles of lovers where the tables are turned on just about everyone. They succeeded not only in bringing us high quality classical ballet, but a dramatically satisfying rendition of the romantic comedy. 7:30 p.m. $19-$40.
Sunday
Sharon and Bram at the Fredericton Playhouse. Since 1978, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison have been preeminent in all aspects of family entertainment across North America as members of the trio Sharon, Lois & Bram. A Sharon & Bram concert is a sing-along concert featuring such well-known favourites as “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” “Five Little Monkeys,” and, of course, “Skinnamarink.” Two shows: 2 and 6 p.m. Pay What You Wish.
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.