Some months, it feels like there is less happening in this city than others. Fear not- February is not one of those months.
From music to comedy to a winter theatre festival (not mentioned) to Winterfest– which is a whole lot of different events throughout February- there is no shortage of great art to see and participate in this month. Our favourites are below.
For more details on other events happening in and around Hamilton this month and great shows to check out, stay up to date with our full event calendar.
The Shortest Longest Time
Hamilton’s grassroots storytelling collective, The Hamilton 7, returns for their second performance as Theatre-Company-in-Residence at Theatre Aquarius. February’s storytellers bring together some of the original members of the ensemble, including Tor Lukasik Foss, Lisa Pijuan Nomura and Karen Ancheta with new featured storytellers including Carlyn Rhamey, Fareh Malik, Edith Chavez and more. In true celebration of February, the eclectic stories being told by in the Studio Theatre on February 5 at 7:30pm will be woven together along the theme of a ‘shortest longest time.’ Tickets are $15 per person and can be reserved by emailing them directly at [email protected]. If the 7’s reputation and past performances are any indication, there likely won’t be many- if any- tickets left at the door.
A Work of Fiction
Magician Nicholas Wallace has an extraordinary gift- or an extraordinary deal with a higher power that allows him to enchant audiences. Either are equally plausible given his incredible talent for magic, mentalism and illusion. In his latest show, ‘A Work of Fiction,’ Wallace promises to tell a story to the audience- and the rest is a mind-bending, unnerving, magical time that weaves separate stories and magic into singular moments of astonishment. One of our favourites at last year’s Hamilton Fringe Festival, we’re glad to see it back in an extended form- even if it’s just for one night only at The Staircase on February 18 beginning at 7:30pm. Get your tickets now; if the Fringe was any indication, this show will be sure to sell out.
Hamilton Fashion Week
There’s one week each year where fashion takes centre stage in Hamilton- and this year, February 12-18 is it. Now in its eighth year, the week-long event is officially part of Winterfest and shines a spotlight on Hamiltonian and Canadian designers with the goal of helping the City, aspiring designers and fashionistas to recognize and support the artists at the forefront of the city and country’s fashion scene. This year, Fashion Week events will once again call the Music Hall on Main Street home. The culminating event takes place on February 18 beginning at 5pm with a Gala Fashion Show featuring local designers including Ark Collective, Domenication, Sari KNOT Sari and more. Tickets available directly through Hamilton Fashion Week.
Human Kind Cabaret
The Cotton Factory will be jumping- sometimes literally- on February 18 at the Hamilton Aerial Group’s much anticipated return. The group, known for their artistry, agility and dramatic costumes finally returns to indoor performances after two years of being primarily outdoors (if at all). The annual cabaret, hosted by the circus troupe promises acrobatics, feats of strength and agility, stilt-walking, aerial dance, music and more. The troupe traditionally uses their cabaret platform to raise funds and awareness for a local group. This year is no exception, with funds raised directed to the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters. Doors open at 6, and for those looking to make a full night of it, Nellie James will be on hand to serve food.
Luca Fogale
JUNO-nominee Luca Fogale makes a final stop in Hamilton at Mill’s Hardware on his way to a performance at New York’s iconic indie venue, Mercury Lounge. Raised on the music of Joni Mitchell and Nina Simone, Fogale’s 2016 debut brought comparisons to the ambience and songs of Bon Iver. His lyrics are meditations on his life; the type he’d like to live and how he thinks about those in his life and how he wants to be seen. With a quickly rising star and continual bookings in larger and more prestigious venues, expect the Mill’s Hardware performance on February 19 at 8pm to be one of those moments that you can say that you were there before his star really took off.
