Celebrate International Jazz Day with a variety of events taking place in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26.

Molly Johnson, recognized as one of Canada’s greatest jazz voices, will be performing on Sunday from 7 to 9:45 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte St.

In addition to being a jazz vocalist, Johnson is also a mother, singer-songwriter, artist, and philanthropist. Throughout her life-spanning career, she has captivated audiences in Canada and Europe with her original pieces and interpretations of jazz standards.

She has received numerous accolades, including two JUNO Awards, the Governor General’s Award, and the Order of Canada. Tickets are $58 per person and are available at tickets.markethall.org or by calling 705-749-1146.

Dine with Jazz takes place on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Make a reservation with one of the participating restaurants and experience dinner surrounded by the sounds of live jazz performed by local artists.

Participating restaurants and musicians include La Hacienda, 190 Hunter St. W, Pete Woolidge and Mark Davidson; Amandala’s, 375 Water St., Ginny Simonds and Craig Paterson; Agave, 376 George St. N., Michael Monis and Paco Luviano; Blackhorse Pub, 452 George St. N., Rob Phillips and Carling Stephen.

On Saturday April 25, from 9 p.m. to midnight, the Curtis Cronkwright Quartet will take the stage at the Blackhouse Pub. Admission is free. The Quartet features Jazz masters Nathan Hiltz, Chris Gale, Duncan Hopkins and Peterborough’s own Curtis Cronkwright.

April 30 was officially designated as International Jazz Day in 2011, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The stated mission is to highlight Jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.

For more information on local events celebrating International Jazz Day, please visit facebook.com/internationaljazzdaypeterborough.

GreenUP is welcoming the community to its downtown office on Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit with the GreenUP staff and learn about current programming including active transportation, business education, the Ecology Park, energy services, landscaping, native plan propagation, and volunteer opportunities.

Light refreshments will be served. The GreenUP office is located at 378 Aylmer St. For more information, visit greenup.on.ca.

‘Women Fully Clothed’

“Women Fully Clothed” takes to the stage at Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St., on Thursday April 23 at 7:30 p.m.

This “Best Of” show features Jayne Eastwood (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Teresa Pavlinek (Workin’ Moms), Kathryn Greenwood (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) and Robin Duke (SCTV, Schitt’s Creek).

“Women Fully Clothed” highlights the hilarity of life through scene and song, and makes us laugh at ourselves until there isn’t a dry seat in the house. For more information, visit womenfullyclothed.ca. To purchase tickets, visit showplace.org or call 705-742-7469.

The Artisans Centre Peterborough (ACP) is hosting “ARTISANITY,” a bi-annual art show and sale on Friday April 24, from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This fundraising event supporting the ACP features handmade pieces by local artisans, including woodworking and wood turned items; gourd artistry; pottery; fibre arts including weaving, felting, quilting, sewing, knitting and crocheting; fused glass, beaded jewelry and three-dimensional beaded pieces.

“ARTISANity Show and Sale” takes place in the lower-level atrium of Peterborough Square, at 340 George St., outside the ACP. Admission is free. One hour of free parking is available underground at Peterborough Square on Friday before 6 p.m. and parking is free after 6 p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday. For more information, visit artisanscentre.ca or call 705-775-1797.

The Friends of the Peterborough Public Library (FOL) will be hosting their Spring Book Sale on Friday April 24 and Saturday April 25.

The sale runs Friday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. It features a wide selection of bestsellers, Canadian authors, mysteries, non-fiction, books for children and young adults, collectible and rare books. Shoppers should bring their own bags, and the sale is cash only.

All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Peterborough Public Library. This is a special year for FOL, as the group celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since its inception, the group has donated $800,000 to the library for the purchase of books and funding of special programs. For more information, visit facebook.com/PtboFOL or call 705-745-5382 ext. 2339.

St. Margaret’s Guild, of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, is holding a craft and jewelry sale to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the church. The sale takes place Saturday April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature crafts, jewelry, books, puzzles, and more.

Admission is $5 and includes tea or coffee and muffins in the tea room. St. John’s Church is located at 99 Brock St. For more information, call 705-745-7624 or email stjohnsptbo@gmail.com.

© Peterborough Examiner