Community Messages

Let Me Explain

A Green Light Arts' Production

A hilarious night of songs, satire, and personal stories.

Izad Etemadi has spent most of his life explaining himself to others: his ethnicity, his sexuality, the pronunciation of his name. But as an elder-millennial dealing with back pain and digestive issues, he doesn’t have the time or energy to keep explaining things. This queer Iranian-Canadian immigrant born in Germany is going to attempt to explain his entire existence in 60-ish minutes, so he never has to do it again.

“One talented comedic actor who has created… a gift of a show.” – The Slotkin Letter

Recommended for 14+ Show Run Time: 75 minutes / No Intermission

TICKETS $45

UNDER 30 $35

Let Me Explain

A Green Light Arts' Production

A hilarious night of songs, satire, and personal stories.

Izad Etemadi has spent most of his life explaining himself to others: his ethnicity, his sexuality, the pronunciation of his name. But as an elder-millennial dealing with back pain and digestive issues, he doesn’t have the time or energy to keep explaining things. This queer Iranian-Canadian immigrant born in Germany is going to attempt to explain his entire existence in 60-ish minutes, so he never has to do it again.

“One talented comedic actor who has created… a gift of a show.” – The Slotkin Letter

Recommended for 14+ Show Run Time: 75 minutes / No Intermission

TICKETS $45

UNDER 30 $35

Join us for a free outdoor movie in Memorial Park. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to our pop-up, open-air theatre in downtown Port Hope.

Come downtown early to explore our business district, and enjoy a meal (dine-in or takeout) from one of our local restaurants. Concessions will also be available for purchase in the park. 

Show time is dusk. Our Movies in the Park series presents films for the whole family; where possible, movies will be shown with subtitles. 

Movie in the Park dates:
•    June 30 - Labyrinth (1986)
•    July 16  - The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
•    July 30 -  Elf (2003)
•    August 13 - Ratatouille (2007)
•    August 27 - A Minecraft Movie (2025)

If severe weather on movie night, the experience will be moved indoors to our rain venue: Fall Fair Centre, 62 McCaul St.

Let Me Explain

A Green Light Arts' Production

A hilarious night of songs, satire, and personal stories.

Izad Etemadi has spent most of his life explaining himself to others: his ethnicity, his sexuality, the pronunciation of his name. But as an elder-millennial dealing with back pain and digestive issues, he doesn’t have the time or energy to keep explaining things. This queer Iranian-Canadian immigrant born in Germany is going to attempt to explain his entire existence in 60-ish minutes, so he never has to do it again.

“One talented comedic actor who has created… a gift of a show.” – The Slotkin Letter

Recommended for 14+ Show Run Time: 75 minutes / No Intermission

TICKETS $45

UNDER 30 $35

Let Me Explain

A Green Light Arts' Production

A hilarious night of songs, satire, and personal stories.

Izad Etemadi has spent most of his life explaining himself to others: his ethnicity, his sexuality, the pronunciation of his name. But as an elder-millennial dealing with back pain and digestive issues, he doesn’t have the time or energy to keep explaining things. This queer Iranian-Canadian immigrant born in Germany is going to attempt to explain his entire existence in 60-ish minutes, so he never has to do it again.

“One talented comedic actor who has created… a gift of a show.” – The Slotkin Letter

Recommended for 14+ Show Run Time: 75 minutes / No Intermission

TICKETS $45

UNDER 30 $35

Let Me Explain

A Green Light Arts' Production

A hilarious night of songs, satire, and personal stories.

Izad Etemadi has spent most of his life explaining himself to others: his ethnicity, his sexuality, the pronunciation of his name. But as an elder-millennial dealing with back pain and digestive issues, he doesn’t have the time or energy to keep explaining things. This queer Iranian-Canadian immigrant born in Germany is going to attempt to explain his entire existence in 60-ish minutes, so he never has to do it again.

“One talented comedic actor who has created… a gift of a show.” – The Slotkin Letter

Recommended for 14+ Show Run Time: 75 minutes / No Intermission

TICKETS $45

UNDER 30 $35

Let Me Explain

A Green Light Arts' Production

A hilarious night of songs, satire, and personal stories.

Izad Etemadi has spent most of his life explaining himself to others: his ethnicity, his sexuality, the pronunciation of his name. But as an elder-millennial dealing with back pain and digestive issues, he doesn’t have the time or energy to keep explaining things. This queer Iranian-Canadian immigrant born in Germany is going to attempt to explain his entire existence in 60-ish minutes, so he never has to do it again.

“One talented comedic actor who has created… a gift of a show.” – The Slotkin Letter

Recommended for 14+ Show Run Time: 75 minutes / No Intermission

TICKETS $45

UNDER 30 $35

The Port Hope Jazz Festival returns August 21 - 24, 2025 for another weekend of great music, sun and fun.

The weekend kicks off with a free concert on Thursday in the Memorial Park Bandshell where the Angela Pincente Big Band performs. The Jeremy Ledbetter Trio ends the day with a show in the BLou Room.

On Friday, Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (ES: MO) will perform in the afternoon on the Beamish House patio. The Molly Johnson Quartet plays an evening show in Port Hope United Church, a venue known for its superior acoustics and perfect sight lines. Afterwards, there is a late‑night jam in the BLou Room, hosted by Michael Shand, Duncan Hopkins and Lorne Nehring, where musicians are invited to bring their instruments and perform.

Saturday is a full day of music, starting with something new to the Festival:  “Jazz and Java” - a talk by Dave Young in the Port Hope Public Library. Later, there’s Jazz Brunch with the Nancy Walker Quartet performing in the BLou Room, the André Valério Quartet will be playing Brazilian jazz in the Ganaraska Brewing Company and Jenie Thai will perform her blues‑flavoured music in Dreamer’s Cafe. In the evening, Dizzy and Fay will perform at the Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant, Oakland Stroke will raise the roof at the Ganaraska Hotel and the night will end with another late‑night jam session in the BLou Room.

The Festival wraps up Sunday with another music-filled brunch in the Carlyle featuring the Ale Nuñez Trio. The Alison Young Quintet performs at the Ganaraska Brewing Company and the Festival closes with Tryptique playing Jazz Vespers in Port Hope United Church.

Port Hope Jazz Festival is proud to present this great music featuring a cross-section of up‑and‑coming artists and seasoned veterans – all Canadian-based (some Port Hope‑based!) and all delivering their unique take on jazz.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Port Hope Jazz is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization passionate about delivering the best of Canadian Jazz to residents and visitors in Port Hope, Ontario.

www.porthopejazz.com


porthopejazz@gmail.com
 

The Port Hope Jazz Festival returns August 21 - 24, 2025 for another weekend of great music, sun and fun.

The weekend kicks off with a free concert on Thursday in the Memorial Park Bandshell where the Angela Pincente Big Band performs. The Jeremy Ledbetter Trio ends the day with a show in the BLou Room.

On Friday, Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (ES: MO) will perform in the afternoon on the Beamish House patio. The Molly Johnson Quartet plays an evening show in Port Hope United Church, a venue known for its superior acoustics and perfect sight lines. Afterwards, there is a late‑night jam in the BLou Room, hosted by Michael Shand, Duncan Hopkins and Lorne Nehring, where musicians are invited to bring their instruments and perform.

Saturday is a full day of music, starting with something new to the Festival:  “Jazz and Java” - a talk by Dave Young in the Port Hope Public Library. Later, there’s Jazz Brunch with the Nancy Walker Quartet performing in the BLou Room, the André Valério Quartet will be playing Brazilian jazz in the Ganaraska Brewing Company and Jenie Thai will perform her blues‑flavoured music in Dreamer’s Cafe. In the evening, Dizzy and Fay will perform at the Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant, Oakland Stroke will raise the roof at the Ganaraska Hotel and the night will end with another late‑night jam session in the BLou Room.

The Festival wraps up Sunday with another music-filled brunch in the Carlyle featuring the Ale Nuñez Trio. The Alison Young Quintet performs at the Ganaraska Brewing Company and the Festival closes with Tryptique playing Jazz Vespers in Port Hope United Church.

Port Hope Jazz Festival is proud to present this great music featuring a cross-section of up‑and‑coming artists and seasoned veterans – all Canadian-based (some Port Hope‑based!) and all delivering their unique take on jazz.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Port Hope Jazz is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization passionate about delivering the best of Canadian Jazz to residents and visitors in Port Hope, Ontario.

www.porthopejazz.com


porthopejazz@gmail.com
 

Rez Gas

A world premiere musical about discovering home. 

After moving away from his home reservation to pursue a music career, Destin stumbles back into town with unexpected car trouble and lands at the Wide Wigwam, the diner at the centre of the community. There he finds many of those who he left behind and who want to remind him of his history and his place in the community. Described as Corner Gas meets Come From Away, Rez Gas is a beautiful expression of Indigenous joy with a hip-hop-infused, unforgettable score. 

“[Cale Crowe is] a rising star with… the spirit to honour his home and family.” – Watershed Magazine

Who is this show for?
Recommended for 14+, contains mature language and themes.

How long is the show?
Run time is approximately 120 minutes. 

Are there any special performances?
Pay-What-You-Can Preview - August 22
Talk Back Thursday - August 28, September 4
Indigenous Community Night - August 29
Relaxed Performance - August 31

How much are tickets?
Adults - $48
30 and Under - $40
Shop, Dine & Show $80

The Port Hope Jazz Festival returns August 21 - 24, 2025 for another weekend of great music, sun and fun.

The weekend kicks off with a free concert on Thursday in the Memorial Park Bandshell where the Angela Pincente Big Band performs. The Jeremy Ledbetter Trio ends the day with a show in the BLou Room.

On Friday, Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (ES: MO) will perform in the afternoon on the Beamish House patio. The Molly Johnson Quartet plays an evening show in Port Hope United Church, a venue known for its superior acoustics and perfect sight lines. Afterwards, there is a late‑night jam in the BLou Room, hosted by Michael Shand, Duncan Hopkins and Lorne Nehring, where musicians are invited to bring their instruments and perform.

Saturday is a full day of music, starting with something new to the Festival:  “Jazz and Java” - a talk by Dave Young in the Port Hope Public Library. Later, there’s Jazz Brunch with the Nancy Walker Quartet performing in the BLou Room, the André Valério Quartet will be playing Brazilian jazz in the Ganaraska Brewing Company and Jenie Thai will perform her blues‑flavoured music in Dreamer’s Cafe. In the evening, Dizzy and Fay will perform at the Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant, Oakland Stroke will raise the roof at the Ganaraska Hotel and the night will end with another late‑night jam session in the BLou Room.

The Festival wraps up Sunday with another music-filled brunch in the Carlyle featuring the Ale Nuñez Trio. The Alison Young Quintet performs at the Ganaraska Brewing Company and the Festival closes with Tryptique playing Jazz Vespers in Port Hope United Church.

Port Hope Jazz Festival is proud to present this great music featuring a cross-section of up‑and‑coming artists and seasoned veterans – all Canadian-based (some Port Hope‑based!) and all delivering their unique take on jazz.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Port Hope Jazz is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization passionate about delivering the best of Canadian Jazz to residents and visitors in Port Hope, Ontario.

www.porthopejazz.com


porthopejazz@gmail.com
 

The Port Hope Jazz Festival returns August 21 - 24, 2025 for another weekend of great music, sun and fun.

The weekend kicks off with a free concert on Thursday in the Memorial Park Bandshell where the Angela Pincente Big Band performs. The Jeremy Ledbetter Trio ends the day with a show in the BLou Room.

On Friday, Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (ES: MO) will perform in the afternoon on the Beamish House patio. The Molly Johnson Quartet plays an evening show in Port Hope United Church, a venue known for its superior acoustics and perfect sight lines. Afterwards, there is a late‑night jam in the BLou Room, hosted by Michael Shand, Duncan Hopkins and Lorne Nehring, where musicians are invited to bring their instruments and perform.

Saturday is a full day of music, starting with something new to the Festival:  “Jazz and Java” - a talk by Dave Young in the Port Hope Public Library. Later, there’s Jazz Brunch with the Nancy Walker Quartet performing in the BLou Room, the André Valério Quartet will be playing Brazilian jazz in the Ganaraska Brewing Company and Jenie Thai will perform her blues‑flavoured music in Dreamer’s Cafe. In the evening, Dizzy and Fay will perform at the Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant, Oakland Stroke will raise the roof at the Ganaraska Hotel and the night will end with another late‑night jam session in the BLou Room.

The Festival wraps up Sunday with another music-filled brunch in the Carlyle featuring the Ale Nuñez Trio. The Alison Young Quintet performs at the Ganaraska Brewing Company and the Festival closes with Tryptique playing Jazz Vespers in Port Hope United Church.

Port Hope Jazz Festival is proud to present this great music featuring a cross-section of up‑and‑coming artists and seasoned veterans – all Canadian-based (some Port Hope‑based!) and all delivering their unique take on jazz.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Port Hope Jazz is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization passionate about delivering the best of Canadian Jazz to residents and visitors in Port Hope, Ontario.

www.porthopejazz.com


porthopejazz@gmail.com
 

Join us for a free outdoor movie in Memorial Park. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to our pop-up, open-air theatre in downtown Port Hope.

Come downtown early to explore our business district, and enjoy a meal (dine-in or takeout) from one of our local restaurants. Concessions will also be available for purchase in the park. 

Show time is dusk. Our Movies in the Park series presents films for the whole family; where possible, movies will be shown with subtitles. 

Movie in the Park dates:
•    June 30 - Labyrinth (1986)
•    July 16  - The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
•    July 30 -  Elf (2003)
•    August 13 - Ratatouille (2007)
•    August 27 - A Minecraft Movie (2025)

If severe weather on movie night, the experience will be moved indoors to our rain venue: Fall Fair Centre, 62 McCaul St.