A Note from the Executive Director - January 2025

Dear friends,
 

It is with an overwhelming happiness that I introduce to you the 15th incarnation of George Elliot Clarke’s 5 Poets Breaking Into Song. Clarke is one of the greatest literary figures in Canada—he pioneered the study of African-Canadian literature and coined the term “Africadian.” I studied English and Canadian literature at the graduate level, where I first met Clarke, and his contributions to both academic and creative discourses are endless. He’s taught at some of America’s most prestigious universities and written some of the most important literature of the last four decades. He’s a voice that inspires, challenges, complicates, and shouts. It is with both admiration and excitement we have the gift of welcoming him to Truro.
 

When George and I first started chatting about the possibility of him bringing his Poets series to Truro, I was thrilled. And then, with the support of ArtsNS, it came together in a way we couldn’t have imagined. First, let me explain what’s happening.
 

The Marigold, in collaboration with George, has commissioned 5 poems by African Canadian or Black poets. These poems were handed to Nevawn Patrick, a composer and 17 year member of the Stadacona Band, who translated them into song. These poems and songs will be presented in a performance on February 7th at the Marigold where we will celebrate music, poetry, and Black histories and futures. Music will be played by Holly Arsenault and sung by Linda Carvery. Then, these works will be bound and held by Truro stakeholders as a part of a shared creative history. At the Marigold we know the power of relationships—of providing space for others, building up creative atmospheres, and supporting the moments where we can give voice to those previously not always heard. And, to be clear, we are not the center of this event. The poets are—5 Poets is a celebration of their work, their stories, their voices, their histories, and their futures.
 

The poets are an outstanding set of creative geniuses including our former Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Mayann Francis; spoken word poet Thandiwe McCarthy; Nigerian-Canadian poet Amatoritsero Ede; 2016 winner of the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia’s Atlantic Writing Competition, Abena Beloved Green; and New Brunswick poet Salima Tourkmani-MacDonald. I have chills at the thought of how beautiful a sound they will make next month.
 

We chose February, Black History Month, because it made it simpler to get George to Nova Scotia. However, this project is meant to create a written history, accessible to everyone in perpetuity, and to be celebrated year round. We are proud to celebrate Black History Month, but we also believe in celebrating our diverse set of communities always. And I hope you will join us to celebrate as well. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event. And, I want to be clear, if you cannot access a ticket, but you know you need to be there—send me an email, shoot me a text, give me a call. This event is not about selling tickets—it’s about celebrating Black voices.
 

And if you can’t make the event, I can’t wait for you to see what we’ve created by visiting the Marigold throughout the month of February where the work will be displayed.
 

See you February 7.
 

marsh feit
Executive Director
Marigold Cultural Centre
ed@marigoldcentre.ca
902 957 2909

A Note from the Executive Director - November 2024

Lately, as I have been introducing shows, I’ve been bringing up the importance of live performance as a social glue that keeps communities together. When you attend a show at the Marigold, you’re sitting with others across the spectrums of liberal and conservative, male and female, neurotypical and neurodivergent, financial security and insecurity, able-bodied and differently abled. And for the run of a couple hours, all of that falls behind us at the altar of performance. It’s both a reprieve and a reminder. A reprieve from the division social media constantly makes up. And a reminder that we are all riddled with the flaws and joys of the human condition.

Art—from professional to hobby, live performance to visual, and everywhere in between—keeps communities and people tied to one another. Creativity manifests not as objects or sound waves, but as the time and moments we spend together. That might be sitting at a performance at the Marigold, or a night of knitting with friends at Truro Brewing, or drinks with friends to a band at the Blunt Bartender. Imagination asks us to think beyond ourselves and engage with stories that aren’t our own. When we read novels, we see the world through new eyes. Music has the ability to change our perspective. Visual art gives us fresh colours and angles to see the world with. 

And I know, this sometimes sounds cute. There’s a compulsion in the arts to constantly try to prove its worth in society. But art isn’t just leisure or a good time. It’s the third part of our lives that makes everything worth it. We work, we spend time at home, we go out to experience music, trivia, galleries, movies, theatre, and more. Take art away for one day and you’d notice everything turn grey. Our mental health craves something to look forward to. The products of our imaginations are what give us that hope.

Participating in imagination is hope. And imagination is everywhere waiting for you. It seems the world is changing a lot this month and in the coming years. It’s been changing for a long time. That’s what it does. But, our imaginations, our shared humanity—they might be forgotten sometimes, but they never go anywhere. If you need a reminder, there’s a show for that.

Be good to one another. We’re all getting this moment together, right now, all the time. Let’s make it fun.

All my best,
Marshall Feit
Executive Director
Marigold Cultural Centre

A Note from the Executive Director - October 2024

What makes a music scene? In simplicity, it’s another word for community: shared purpose, interaction, and mutual support. A music scene shares the purpose of cultivating good music, making meaningful experiences at shows, and ultimately just having a good time. Live shows are the embodiment of interaction whether it’s between audience members or spectators and performers. And these interactions build mutual support: buying merch to support artists, grabbing your best bud a beer, and cheering for an encore.

But that doesn’t answer the question of what makes a music scene. In a 2012 issue of The Atlantic, Caitlin Curran wrote that “it’s an ecosystem idea.” That to build a music scene, it takes more than musicians. It takes affordable rent, venues willing to participate and encourage, an audience to build off of, and the resources to record and present music. It also takes community partnerships to supply the beer and kombucha, restaurants to feed everyone, and manufacturers to make the merch.

At the final rooftop show of the year on August 31, I introduced blues legend Mike Trask by saying that I do my best to see and work towards the Truro of tomorrow. And there’s a reason I see music and live performance as central to building that Truro.

Music is community.

There is no difference between a thriving music scene and a thriving community. One is the embodiment of the other. I read the news about new road developments, new affordable rentals being proposed, new parts of town being built up, and more. I hear of new restaurants, wonder about what new construction will become, and talk to colleagues about how Truro hosts the latest hallmark NS event—the NS Stampede. We’re building so much, creating so much, and it sometimes feeling scary. However, when I look at it I think, look at all the music we’re getting ready for.

And now, I am here to break it to you: Truro is the music scene. There is no division between venues, between artists’ and their genres, and the various audiences numerous organizations and businesses host. We are all the music scene. You don’t go out to shows? Wait, did you hear music at the Truro Farmers’ Market? Well, you’re a part of the music scene. Did you hear a busker on Inglis? You’re in it now. Were you at Julia’s Lounge for karaoke? Welcome to the scene.

And as Truro grows, our music scene inevitably does too.

It used to be that a music scene was an exclusive club to join. We’d say the underground music scene or the indie scene. When I was growing up, we talked about the difference between ‘scenesters’ and ‘hipsters.’ (One wore colours, the other wore shades). But, just like the idea of ‘selling out,’ the gatekeeping to scenes has broken down. Now, the community is the scene.

It sometimes feels, working in the arts, like you need to make a constant push to convince people why art and music are important. That’s an idea I’ve let go of. It’s because I see Truro’s thriving music scene everyday: the Honda bumping hip hop down Prince, Randy playing guitar at the market, Bologna Colorado at Truro Brewing, K-OS at Belly Up, or music at the Marigold. When you participate in music, you’re participating in community. The music and arts scene needs no defence—it’s happening everyday, everywhere, all around us.

Welcome to the scene friends. We’re gunna have fun.

Marshall Feit
Executive Director
Marigold Cultural Centre

A Note from the Executive Director - September 2024

As we head into September, I’m excited to begin the classical series we’re presenting at St. Andrews United Church starting with pianist David Potvin on September 13. The series will present four other acts throughout 2024 and 2025. Let’s talk about classical music for a minute.

Every now and then, I like to ask the question, "does classical music matter anymore?"; I think somehow we’ve learned that, while we may not enjoy classical music personally, it is important to respect it without question. And plenty of us, most likely in the years when we were still discovering what we enjoy for music, would answer the enquiry of "what kind of music do you like"; with the answer: "a little bit of everything, classical music even." We enjoy maintaining a respect for classical, yet many of us (and there's no shame) would be hard struck to describe what we love about a certain piece of classical music when confronted with it. And that's really quite okay. In matter of fact, classical music in all its forms is constantly around us. You likely know a Max Richter piece from one of the films he did a soundtrack for, heard of John Cage's album of silence, or can still hear the melody when I write, "drink milk love life." I would even argue that Ennio Morricone with his iconic spaghetti western soundtracks was classical and everyone of us reading this can hear the wail that comes from The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. 

Classical music demands such respect because, unlike pop or alternative music (which is no point against them), it doesn't have to prove itself to us to be worthwhile. If pop music is the peacock working for your attention, classical is the Harpy Eagle. It's size makes it naturally unavoidable (the Harpy's claws are longer than a grizzly bear), but its grace is incomparable. It’s also just been around a long time. But, classical also tells us when to cry in film, it guides us down our wedding aisles, and closes a funeral as the casket is walked out. Good classical music cushions our lives without us ever particularly noticing it's there. And in return, all it asks is that we continue creating it and allowing it to grow.

Our classical series is aiming to show just that—that classical music is still alive, still changing. Whether it’s David Potvin’s piano or Payadora that brings tango into the classical world. Or, whether it’s the work of the Obsidiana Duo bringing Ibero-American composers to prominence or the Therrien-Go Duo reimagining traditional work’s relationship to modern times. This series is meant to remind us that our world and lives are more beautiful with classical music in them.

I feel grateful to live in a world where classical music continues to be reimagined. Where Glenn Gould’s Goldberg Variations continue to be rerecorded. Where Chopin's Nocturnes continue to articulate the darkest moments of our lives. Where dinner is elevated to romance because of Ennio Morricone's Cinema Paradiso. And maybe you haven't heard any of these works, but I guarantee you: you have heard them, you just didn’t have a name to put to them (yet).

Finally, the series also has a great deal where you can see each show for $35 or grab all five for $125. I look forward to seeing you there.

All my best

Marshall Feit
Executive Director

A Note from the Executive Director - August 2024

I hope that by now you’ve seen the news—we crowned Truro the live music capital of Nova Scotia. And by now, you’ve maybe realized it’s a bit tongue in cheek. We thought to ourselves, no one has the title, so why not just go for it? So, we bought a billboard (that goes live August 19) and decided we’d let everyone know about the amazing live music scene that’s growing in Truro. It’s a scene that grows out of an amazing history—the McCready Brothers, Dutch Mason, Jane Archibald, Don Ross, and so many others—into a new generation— Garrett Mason, Nicole Ariana, Shadow Folk, LeafGreen, and so many more.

While it may be a bit audacious to take the title, the more we thought about it, the more we realized that Truro is a hub of live music. We’ve hosted Nova Scotia Music Week more than any other community. Some weekends, there’s more than 20 shows across three days in a town that’s under 14 000 people. The Rath Eastlink Community Centre brings international talent to our community. The NS Stampede is quickly proving to be one of the next cornerstone festivals of Nova Scotia. Go out on a Friday night and you’re going to hear music across Truro.

But you know what? If someone else—Pictou, Halifax, Yarmouth, Sydney, or any other community—thinks the title belongs to them, we’re just excited to talk about live music. Performance binds communities. I’ve said it before, that arts and culture are the soul of a community brought to life. There’s something brewing in Truro and it’s a melody of a thriving music scene. It’s too easy to be subtle about what makes our community standout. So, we’re just going for it and shouting it loud… Truro is Nova Scotia’s Live Music Capital.

Throughout the month of August, we’re welcoming everyone to go onto our website where you can tell us what you love about live music in Truro. Is it your favourite Truro band or performer? Maybe it’s the Sunday concerts at First United or the music in Civic Square. It could be the dances at the Legion or the amazing shows across our restaurants and bars. It might even be performances at the Marigold. Whatever it is, we want to talk about live music. So, visit our website and tell us: what do you love about live music in Truro?

From the very bottom of my music loving heart, I can say, I absolutely love our town and it’s passion for live music. So maybe crowning ourselves the capital isn’t so audacious. I’ve lived in cities across North America with wild music scenes, I grew up in a music scene that sprouted some of that biggest acts today, and I’ve worked with musicians from all over the world. And if you gave me the choice to be involved in any music scene in the world, I can say with 100% certainty, I would still choose Truro.

At the end of the day, I know Maritimers love any reason to celebrate. So join with us and celebrate live music in Truro. Go to a show. Check out an act you’ve never seen. Buy tickets for someone you love. However you celebrate live music, remember: you’re doing it in Nova Scotia’s live music capital.

All my best,

Marshall Feit

A New Summer Series: "Marigold Office Hours

Our new summer music series, OFFICE HOURS, is bringing exciting new music and voices from across the Maritimes to the Marigold.

Taking place Friday’s at 6 PM in the United Way office and Saturdays at 1PM on our new patio space, OFFICE HOURS is your chance to discover new genres, new musicians, and a new live performance experience in Truro!

Starting June 21st, we hope you’ll join us for Marigold Office Hours all summer long.

Friday, June 21 • Gearl
Saturday, June 22 • Landon Morris
Friday, June 28 • Waantz
Saturday, June 29 • ShadowFolk
Friday, July 12 • SUMMONER BREEZE
Friday, July 19 • PostFun
Friday, August 2 • Tyler Messick
Saturday, August 3 • Mat Elliott
Saturday, August 17 • Andre Petipas
Friday, August 23 • Verry Gerry

More artists to be announced soon!
Admission will be a suggested cash donation.

A Note from the Executive Director - May 2024

This September, I will be turning 37. It’s not old, but it isn’t young either. It’s on the fringe of middle-age, but I can still recall the 4am parties from ten years ago.When I was young, I was radical and outspoken—sometimes to my detriment—but, I’ve learned that listening is sometimes the most radical way to live. It feels like I’ve done a lot in my 37 years, but I still have a sense that the best is yet to come. And I’ve been at the Marigold for one year now, so it’s got me thinking, what have I done?

There’s a whole lineup of astonishing individuals who died at 37 after making beautiful contributions to our world: French poet Arthur Rimbaud, Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, the Yankees’ hitter Lou Gehrig, or Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay. I’m not one for comparison, but I am one to look for inspiration. Comparison only stunts our ability while inspiration drives us towards new ventures. By 37, these individuals gave us some of the greatest poetry, paintings, homeruns, and beats our world has ever seen. And I am one summer away from considering what I’ve done with my 37 years. At some point, I think we all take the time to ask ourselves, ‘what have I done with my place in the world?’

And that question will only ever have a constantly changing answer. I’ve helped and hurt people, praised and criticized. I’ve had successful moments in my career and times I let myself down. I’ve wallowed in joy and experienced anger. I’ve helped people and I’ve frustrated people. Each of us are a nuanced shimmer of humanity, full of complications. Now, I don’t want to get to philosophical or in over my head here. So back to the point.

One thing I want to know that I have done with my life is provide space and moments for people to experience amazing and beautiful things. That could be music or dance or theatre. It could be a conversation or an opportunity to be heard or to learn. But I don’t just want to offer that space and assume everyone wants to be there. I want to build relationships that repair past hurt, to engage in conversations that grow trust, and to create momentum that sees inclusion leading the charge.

We’ve been having challenging conversations at the Marigold about what it means to understand our past to better design our future. And these conversations have me realizing: the amazing things I’ve been able to do in my 37 years are largely because of the privileges that I’ve either been handed or earned: a university education, a supportive community, a house and home, a spouse who supports me, and an income that sustains me. These privileges don’t make any of my gains wrong. They also don’t cause me guilt—I try my best to show gratitude for the gifts I’ve been given. But I’ve been given one beautiful thing that has been the foundation for all my wins and losses. And it’s something I have been learning with age that has not been afforded to each of us to the same degree: opportunity.

And if there’s anything I want to say when the clock strikes over to my 37th year, it’s that I shared opportunity with you. That I’ve provided the chance to experience things you otherwise wouldn’t have. That our organization—whether through our bursaries, summer camps, performances, or otherwise—has afforded every one of you the opportunity to share in beauty and inspiration. So there is one thing I’m asking as we move closer to announcing our summer series and our 2024/25 programming: take advantage of the opportunity to share in something new, something beautiful, something inspiring and tell me how I can better share the privilege of opportunity that I’ve been given. It’s one thing to speak gratitude, but gratitude in action is making opportunity accessible.

Our summer series, what we’ve called Office Hours, is getting announced soon with over 20 acts this summer. Our 2024/25 programming will be announced in early July. Some amazing things are on their way. After all this heavy talk, all I am really trying to say is, come have some fun. The opportunity is there.


All my best,

Marshall Feit
Executive Director
The Marigold Cultural Centre

A Note from the Executive Director - March

Dear Friends, 

First, I want to acknowledge an amazing evening we held with local legends, the McCready Brothers. On February 29, we held a pay-what-you-can performance where all the funds donated would go to the APEX Scholarship for Black Youth. And at over $2000 raised for the scholarship, we’re proud to call it a resounding success. 

In reflecting on recent celebrations such as Black History Month, and now March where we celebrate Disability Awareness and Women’s History Month, I am thrilled to announce an exciting new project at the Marigold Cultural Centre. Let’s set the context. 

At the heart of our mission lies a belief in fostering a broad mind, one that acknowledges biases and embraces diversity. Understanding privilege leads not to guilt but to gratitude and a commitment to extending opportunities to others. 

Our identities are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves, and promoting equity means caring for one another and recognizing the inherent value in each individual. It's about creating space for everyone to participate and access cultural experiences. With this in mind, I am thrilled to announce a two year project at the Marigold we are calling Designing our Future. It’s a massive reshape of our organization, how we operate, and how we articulate our future. 

With the support of Bradley Consulting and the Government of Nova Scotia, we are embarking on a two-year project to modernize our organization, promoting self-awareness and inclusivity. Through workshops, consultations, and commitment, we aim to build a Marigold Cultural Centre that actively welcomes everyone with a focus on relationship building as the cornerstone to success. We can’t simply expect the future to be better. We need to invest work, money, and time into it. 

This investment of $100,000 signifies our dedication to creating a more equitable future, where every voice is heard and valued. While there may be challenges ahead, I am reminded of the words of Mr. Rogers: "Imagining something may be the first step in making it happen, but it takes the real time and real efforts of real people to learn things, make things, and turn thoughts into deeds or visions into inventions." 

I invite you to join us on this journey of growth and transformation. 


All my best, 

Marshall Feit 
Executive Director 

A Note From the Executive Director - February 2024

Dear Marigold Patrons and Friends,

I want to celebrate, with you, how vital audience feedback is in providing high quality, exceptional performances at the Marigold. As a community organization, we’re here to push forward what’s possible for live performance in Truro. We’re also here to make sure that we’re feeding your cultural appetite and tastes for live performance!

As we celebrate collaboration and community, I want to make sure I emphasize the significance of your voices in shaping the magic that unfolds on our stage. Your experiences and insights are not only valued but crucial in enhancing the quality of our performances. We firmly believe that a theatre is not merely a space for performers; it is a shared haven where the collective energy of performers and audience intertwine to create something magical. Our job is to connect artists with audiences and to support you in connecting with artists.

As we prepare our 2024 to 2025 programming season, we are placing a spotlight on the importance of hearing from you—our discerning audience. Your feedback is a guiding beacon, helping us refine our craft and curate performances that resonate with the unique spirit of our community. Whether you've been attending our shows for years or are just discovering the magic within our walls, your perspective is a vital part of the creative process.

We invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, and critiques with us, fostering an open dialogue that enriches our artistic journey. From post-show discussions to online surveys, your input will shape the narratives, themes, and styles we bring to life. Together, let's weave a tapestry of stories that reflect the diverse and vibrant tapestry of rural Nova Scotia. Soon, you’ll be seeing the opportunity to fill out post-show surveys to better understand your cultural needs. But, you’re also always welcome to email or call me directly to talk about your experiences, your expectations, and what’s brought you joy at the Marigold! I love hearing every form of feedback!

A quick note I want to make is about why you may sometimes see me introduce performances and other times not. It’s an interesting part of how our industry works. Some performances, we search out those artists or find them touring Atlantic Canada. In those situations, we reach out and offer contracts and fees that we pay to bring those performers here. Other times, performers will come to us to rent our space to bring their performance here themselves and take on the financial risk of the performances success. In that case, I don’t introduce shows and instead let the artist present their performance however they wish. Alternatively, when we purchase a performance, you’ll see me introducing that show because as buyers of that performance, we become the presenters. It may seem a bit confusing, but the two options give performance spaces like ours the versatility to provide multiple avenues to bring high quality performances to our stage.

So, as we embark on this collaborative adventure, I extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support. Your presence in our audience is not just as a witness to the unfolding evolution of cultural experiences in Truro; it is an active participation in the creation of memories that last a lifetime.

Join us in celebrating the power of your voice, as we listen, learn, and grow together in the shared enchantment of live performance at the Marigold.


All my best,

Marshall Feit
Executive Director
The Marigold Cultural Centre

A Note From the Executive Director - January

Another year closes and the exhilaration and joy of the holidays runs past us faster than a snowplow. I’m left filled with excitement at what we saw throughout December: hundreds of guests joining us to celebrate not only the holiday, but time together in the midst of creative experiences. Whether it’s Ashley MacIsaac surprising audiences during the sold out Jimmy Rankin show or the four amazing nights spent with Bette and Maynard in Christmas in Cape Breton, I’m always left awe-struck at how much what we do at the Marigold means to our community. If we want to measure how healthy a community is, we can see it in the turnout and engagement in our cultural and community organizations. And from where I’m looking, Truro is in good health.

We also remember those we lost in 2023. Amazing music leaders like Myles Goodwin who was a regular on the Marigold stage. Or Bill Elliot, a homegrown hero, who played with legends like Bruce Guthro who we also lost in 2023. While it breaks our heart to lose icons in our industry, it also reminds us of a few things: to cherish the amazing talent we have here with us today and to remember that we are privileged with the ever lasting gift of those now-gone musicians’ recordings.

As we lose those legends who create the soundtracks to our lives, I remember that they’ve raised another generation of talent. Music and art are legacy projects. Each creator inspired and mentored by those who came before them. Without Stompin’ Tom, we wouldn’t have JP Cormier. Or without Myles Goodwin, we wouldn’t have Mike Trask today. There’s a line that runs through the generations of music. And it’s a line that connects each individual who steps into the creative arena. I believe that we best serve the memories of our music legends by investing in that line.

And that’s part of what we tried to do with our January to June 2024 programming. You’ll see amazing emerging talents like Leanne Hoffman, Jackson/Wilson Duo (Nova Scotia Music Awards biggest winner in 2023), and Good Dear Good on our stage this Winter and Spring. Or Nova Scotia/Jamaican rising star, Jah’Mila who recently released an amazing track with Wolf Castle, Aquakultre, and Wendy MacIsaac named East Coast Family. Jah’Mila was a big winner at the 2023 Nova Scotia Music Awards taking home “New Artist Recording of the Year” and African Nova Scotian Artist of the Year.” The song strikes at the strength and resilience of the East Coast music industry. An industry growing in representing the plurality of faces and backgrounds that make up our scene.

When you listen to East Coast Family, you can see how Nova Scotia music is growing. And even more, you see that the line running through the eras of every great musician is not only alive and well, but strong as a hundred fishing lines. I don’t hesitate to brag here: the Marigold is a central part in building and presenting our Nova Scotia scene. We’re not just the geographic hub—we’re the hub of cultural creation and presentation. We draw from across the province and country to our theatre, both in audience and performers. We believe in holding that line strong so every generation has a new legend, new music, new experiences to enjoy. Let’s give the next generation of music lovers new artists to invest in by supporting those emerging voices.

It takes many hands to keep that line strong. So to start of 2024, I want to once again express my gratitude at everything each of our stakeholders, guests, volunteers, donors, and funders at every level do to make our project possible. The last thing I will ask leaving 2023 is this: make a point to invest in that line by joining us to celebrate emerging Nova Scotia musicians this year.

Here’s to 2024.

Marshall Feit
Executive Director
The Marigold Cultural Centre

A Note From the Executive Director - December

Season's Greetings from the Executive Director

Dear Friends

As we approach the end of another remarkable year at The Marigold Cultural Centre, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary moments we've shared together within the intimate confines of our beloved venue. I think on the warmth and enthusiasm of our audience, the amazing artists who have committed time to our theatre, and the outstanding volunteers and staff who make it all possible. It takes many hands to hold a community together and I’m so proud to be a part of a town and organization that believes in building those bonds. In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen nearly 2000 guests come to performances at the Marigold. For each and every one of you, it’s been an absolute thrill to welcome you. For those who have yet to visit us this season, I hope you’ll join in celebrating both the season and the beautiful creative community we foster in Truro.

In the spirit of the holidays, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support. Your presence at our performances, your applause, and your genuine love for the arts have been the driving force behind the success of our theatre. This year, despite the challenges we've faced as both a world and local community, we've witnessed the power of art to inspire, uplift, and connect us all. The theatre has been a sanctuary—a place where stories come to life, emotions are felt, and memories are made. Your presence in our audience is what makes those moments.

As we embark on the festive season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. On the same hand, I realize that the holidays are not a happy time for some. Not all of us have the privilege of family, home, and ability to bear the financial and social stress of the season. I hope that as you build towards whatever day you celebrate, that you will give to organizations that care for those in different chapters in life. That you will reach out to old friends, make new friends, and take the time to learn how to care for those who the season impacts differently. I also hope that the unity and bonds we feel during the holidays will extend throughout the year. That as 2024 arrives, we will hold close the reality that no matter our divisions, we are each humans doing our best.

And in 2024, I hope you will join us for some of the most exciting programming yet. We have so many amazing moments to share with you. You’ll see a number of new upcoming shows for 2024. And that’s just the start. As we begin promoting our Winter 2024 programming, I hope you will find a new artist you love, a new genre to enjoy, and new memories to hold.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Marigold family. I’m going to leave you with my favourite Mr. Rogers quote:

As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have. Something inside that is unique all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.

Marshall Feit

Executive Director

New Executive Director

Marshall Feit (he/him) is the former manager and programmer for The Grace Arts Centre and former organizer of the TataFest Music Festival held annually in the Tatamagouche Creamery Square. Raised across Atlantic Canada, Marshall has done graduate work in American Literature at the University of New Brunswick where he also received his bachelor’s with honours in English. Marshall is now based out of Central New Annan in the heart of Colchester County where he lives with his wife and their dog and cat.

In early 2022, Marshall and two other rural Nova Scotians began Folly House Press, a publishing co-op focused on promoting creative writing throughout Atlantic Canada. He is the former managing editor of QWERTY magazine and the co-founder of Eisner/Feit, a collaboration with artist Brandt Eisner that presents drag performances and visual art exhibitions across Nova Scotia. Prior to moving to Nova Scotia, he worked for New Brunswick’s oldest publisher, Goose Lane Editions.

Marshall also sits on the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Debut Atlantic board, and is an active member of the Atlantic Presenters’ Association. When not working, Marshall is walking his dog Tofu through the forest or reading books on music history.

Take your seat at The Marigold

The Cobequid Arts Council invites you to get involved and leave a permanent mark at the Marigold Cultural Centre! The Seat Sale Fundraiser seeks to raise funds to complete the expansion and extensive renovation of the Marigold Cultural Centre - we are almost there, but we need your support!

Dedicate a Seat for $250 and take a permanent place in the history of the Marigold.

• Your seat will be identified with an engraved plaque on your chosen seat, plus:

• Acknowledgment of your support on the Marigold official website in perpetuity,

• … and your gift is tax deductible!

Take this opportunity to:

• Celebrate a special occasion or event

• Cherish the memory of a loved one who shared your passion for the theatre

• Make a gift to record a milestone

• Raise your company’s community profile

All proceeds from the ‘Take Your Seat’ campaign will go towards Marigold
theatre upgrades.

Purchase by Cheque/Cash/Credit Card

To purchase your seat, simply call our box office (902) 897-4004 (we accept Visa or MasterCard over the phone), visit in person, or send a cheque to:

Cobequid Arts Council
605 Prince Street
Truro, NSB2N 1G2

(Limited to 208 seats!)

Thank you for your Support!