With Black History Month set to come to a close for another year later this week, just a quick reminder about a couple of local events happening in downtown St. Catharines that are very worthy of your consideration.
The always adventurous Suitcase in Point theatre is partnering with BlackOwned 905, Niagara Artists Centre, Meridian Credit Union and Future Black Female to host a variety show for Black residents to showcase their talents in recognition of Black History Month.
Residents who participate will get paid to do so but the show is free admission if you wish to attend as a spectator. The deadline to apply to perform is now passed but you can still catch the show later today from 4 to 7 pm, There will also be a vendor market hosted by BlackOwned 905 in addition to the talent show.
If you're interested in going, stop by the Niagara Artists Centre on St. Paul Street in downtown St. Catharines this afternoon.
Next Saturday, March 4th, although technically after the end of Black History Month, will be the evening you can catch an important film screening at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines.
The film is The Scar of Shame, directed by Frank Perugini in 1929 and featuring an all-Black cast. Produced by Colored Players Film Corporation in Philadelphia, the silent film is a social melodrama about an impoverished young woman who escapes her abusive father and is rescued by an aspiring composer.
This is a co-production with the Film House at the PAC and our local professional chamber ensemble Gallery Players, and the players will actually perform live improvised music during the screening, much as it would have been back in 1929 when the film first premiered.
This is really a lost art form and when you come right down to it, the musical success of such a venture comes from it not actually being noticed, as it is just a seamless package.
Performers for the evening will be Douglas Miller on flute, Eric Mahar on guitars, and Penner Mackay on percussion. Local film critic and curator of the Movie Night series, Joan Nicks, will provide the introduction to the performance at 6:45 pm next Saturday evening.
For tickets or more information go to either the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre or Gallery Players websites and you should be able to link up from there.
Have a great weekend!
February 25th, 2023.
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