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    Arts & Culture

      Bicentennial Theatre

      Kirk Logan Fiddling Contest

      Artisans of the Heart

      Local Artists, Authors and

          Musicians

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Arts & Culture in the Musquodoboit Valley

The Musquodoboit Valley is unique compared to other rural communities in Nova Scotia. Either through our ancestry or our need to entertain others and ourselves, we have a disproportionate number of talented musicians, authors, actors and artists in our presence. 

Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre & Cultural Centre

"I think one of the amazing discoveries and highlights of Middle Musquodoboit is your Bicentennial Theatre. What a wonderful job the town as undertaken in maintaining the building as a theatre. And, what a treasure you have owning that magnificent heritage painted stage curtain created by William Gill. That really took our breath away!"    - Dorothy Rolin (Salmon Arm, BC) and Anita Stevenson (Brentwood Bay, BC)

When the Independent Order of Odd Fellows opened Craigmyle Lodge in 1928 in Middle Musquodoboit, a 225-seat theatre was incorporated in to the building’s design for the community at large to use. Traveling minstrel shows, movies, school concerts and variety shows were regularly presented.  

When the lodge was sold to the community in 1983, (Musquodoboit Valley’s bicentennial year) plans were made to restore the building. When it re-opened on Feb. 16, 1985, it was renamed the Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre and Cultural Centre.  

Besides bringing in top Canadian musicians like Valdy, the Barra McNeils, the Rankins, Murray MacLauchlan, Natalie MacMaster and Ashley MacIssac, to name but a few, the Bicentennial has also enjoyed live theatre presented by Neptune, Two Planks and a Passion and Mulgrave Road Theatre, among others.

 

Our own Bicentennial Players and musical productions presented by Musquodoboit Rural High School and the community have presented to sold-out audiences for the past several years.  On the main floor of the Bicentennial, art shows, quilt displays, and book and CD launchings consistently attract visitors to our community. The Bicentennial Theatre is an ideal location for meetings, conventions and special events.

 

Kirk Logan Old Time Fiddling Contest Since 1996, the Bicentennial Theatre and Cultural Centre has been home to the Kirk Logan Old Time Fiddling Contest.  Mr. Logan, a champion fiddler from Upper Musquodoboit, was the three-time winner in the over 60-class at the Maritime Old-Time Fiddling Contest in Dartmouth, a four-time winner in the same class at the New Brunswick contest and twice a winner at the Down-East Old Time Fiddling Contest in Lower Sackville.

Artisans of the Heart  

Artisans of the Heart is a guild established by local crafters several years ago. Collectively, they continue to create traditional crafts as our ancestors once did. Rug hooking, weaving along with painting and handiwork, the members come together throughout the year to demonstrate their skills and sell their art.

Local Artists, Authors & Musicians

"Your town has the potential to attract Art Groups, such as writers, artists, musicians, and songwriters in offering retreats and workshops at the Bicentennial Theatre. Middle Musquodoboit is a jewel in the rough waiting to be discovered and uncovered. It's just a matter of time." - Dorothy Rolin (Salmon Arm, BC) and Anita Stevenson (Brentwood Bay, BC)

Books and CDs published by local Valley authors and musicians are available for purchase at the Musquodoboit Valley Tourism Association Visitor Information Centre Gift Shop. 

Story-telling comes naturally to the people who live here. From generation to generation, oral histories and tall-tales have been passed down. Mixed with lots of humour and good intentions, listeners will be captivated to hear our story.

Waddya know...?

Since 1929, the Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre and Cultural Centre has proudly housed a rare piece of stage art. The curtain, Italianate Scene, painted in 1892 by Canadian scenic artist, William Gill, is only one of two surviving pieces of this artist's work in Canada.