The countdown is on to our hall-iday shows! Did you know that we have expanded our series this year? Yes, we have 10 shows in small towns across Eastern Ontario taking place over just two weekends starting Nov. 29. Then, Small Halls does the BIG hall on Dec. 13, 14 and 20 when we partner with NAC Presents and venture to Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre.
So, you’ve hear about the amazing artist lineup for the shows, but growing our hall-iday series means we also had to add halls to the bill which have never hosted one of our festive shows. We can’t wait to feel all the cozy community festive vibes! All of the halls on our hall-iday schedule have intriguing history that intertwines with their charm.
Here are a few trivia highlights for the halls from the first two Deck the Small Halls weekends to add sparkle to the festive experience!
Did you know that the Joshua Bates Centre was built in 1904 and officially opened by Sir Wilfrid Laurier? The centre, which sits on the second floor of the town’s municipal building, even boasts a brass-railed balcony. See Royal Wood here on Nov. 29 at 7:30 PM – tickets here!
The Marble Arts Centre in Actinolite in the Municipality of Tweed, is thought to be Canada’s only white-marble church! It was built in the 1860s with marble quarried about 200 feet north-east of the site. See Royal Wood here on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 PM – tickets here!
Did you know that while the Almonte Old Town Hall was originally built for town offices and council meetings, it has also housed the fire department, the municipal library, and even some local jail cells? Next time you’re there look up – it also features a soaring ceiling of hand-hewn Douglas fir beams. See Fortunate Ones here with special guest, Sherman Downey, on Friday, Nov 29 at 7:30PM – tickets here!
The Seeley’s Bay Community Hall has service-based roots which continue to this day. It’s been housed above the fire hall since the 1960s, when the fire house was enlarged to a double bay garage with a community hall upstairs. Finally, in 1983, the building was completely renovated to its present form, which includes the hub of the village: a large community hall on the second floor. See Fortunate Ones here on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 PM with special guest, Sherman Downey – tickets here!
Did you know that all of the materials used to build the Merrickville United Church, including wood, iron, tin, and limestone, were provided locally? Even the work was done by local craftspeople. The pews themselves were built on the spot, curving around the sanctuary and sloping gently down to the front of the church. See Fortunate Ones here for a Sunday matinees on Dec. 1 at 3 PM – tickets here!
The historic St. John’s United Church in Brockville is known as the only main-street church in downtown Brockville! Its sanctuary has recently received a major overhaul which involved turning the church’s choir loft into a unique stage space. See The Once here on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 PM – tickets here!
Did you know that Delta’s Old Town Hall dates back to 1880? Since then it has served the town as a meeting place, courthouse, jail, community theatre, masonic lodge, municipal office, and museum. The first floor of the Old Town Hall even historically hosted theatre productions and traveling medicine shows! See Còig here on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 PM – tickets here!
The DACA Centre in Dacre, has unique roots: the exterior strong, weathered logs were all repurposed from local barns! See The Once here on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 PM – tickets here!
Did you know that the limestone Manotick United Church is a prime example of turn-of-the-century architecture with its an offset tower with open belfry and metal roofing, hammer-dressed masonry and delicate stained-glass windows? See Còig here on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 PM – tickets here!
St. Andrew’s United Church in Pakenham is a sight to see. It’s unique and historic interior has a ‘wow’ factor with stunning stained-glass windows, beautiful woodwork, umbrella shaped ceilings, radial seating, and gently sloping floor. It’s known for its acoustics, too! See Còig perform a matinee here on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 PM – tickets here!
Enjoy the first snowfall and be sure to take a peek at the whole schedule – we can’t wait see you there in your Santa hat!
