Orillia, Ontario – After a sold-out debut earlier this year, Arts Orillia, in partnership with the Orillia Opera House, has announced the return of its Forever Young – Youth Mentorship Concert. The event will take place on November 21, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Gordon Lightfoot Theatre, promising another evening of dynamic performances that bridge generations and celebrate young artistic talent.
Launched in May 2025, Forever Young marked Arts Orillia’s first-ever youth-driven mentorship concert — a collaboration designed to pair emerging high school musicians with established artists in a professional concert setting. The inaugural event featured the acclaimed local band Sleepy Jan, who mentored high school musicians from Twin Lakes Secondary School: Lincoln Baragar, Journey Henderson-Herbert, and Liam Finney, alongside Trey Morris and Christian Ouellette of the band Still Deciding.
The concert drew a full house at the historic Orillia Opera House, captivating an intergenerational audience with what organizers described as “a night of fresh art, new voices, and great music.” The program also provided an opportunity for local youth to learn firsthand what it takes to produce a successful show — from stagecraft and collaboration to sound design and audience engagement.
Building on a Successful Debut
Following the enthusiastic community response to its inaugural performance, Forever Young will return this fall with a new lineup and expanded mentorship opportunities. This year’s concert will feature Taylor Knox, known for his signature “happy rock” sound and extensive experience in the Canadian music industry.
“Building on this success, Forever Young returns this fall with another exciting lineup featuring Taylor Knox!” the organizers announced. “With his ‘happy rock’ sound and years of knowledge in the industry, we know this concert won’t disappoint!”
Knox, a well-known figure in Canada’s alternative and indie music scene, brings a blend of upbeat rhythms and thoughtful lyricism that aligns perfectly with the concert’s mission of mentorship and musical exchange. His participation underscores the program’s commitment to giving youth direct access to professional musicians who can share real-world insight and guidance.
Also returning to the stage are several of the artists who helped launch Forever Young. Audiences can look forward to the “mesmeric lullaby” tunes of Sleepy Jan, the “soulful melancholy” of Lincoln Baragar, and the “hard rush” of Still Deciding, who will introduce a new band member, Jacob Audia, during the performance.
Community Collaboration and Youth Empowerment
Forever Young was conceived as part of Arts Orillia’s broader mandate to support youth and creative development in the community. The organization’s partnership with the Orillia Opera House and the City of Orillia has played a central role in fostering opportunities for young artists while enriching the region’s cultural landscape.
“Arts Orillia is committed to uplifting youth and artists through powerful creative encounters that bring audiences together,” said organizers. “They are proud to be working with the City of Orillia and Orillia Opera House Manager, Emily Martin, to broaden the cultural landscape of our beautiful city.”
The Gordon Lightfoot Theatre, located within the Orillia Opera House, provides a fitting venue for the event. As one of the city’s most treasured cultural landmarks, it offers a professional stage environment that allows emerging artists to experience performing at a scale typically reserved for established acts.
Tickets and Event Details
Tickets for the Forever Young Mentorship Concert are $10 cash at the door, making it an accessible community event that welcomes audiences of all ages. The show begins at 7 p.m. on November 21, 2025, and is expected to draw both local supporters and visitors from surrounding regions.
Organizers emphasize that beyond entertainment, Forever Young represents a vital educational opportunity. By connecting youth musicians with mentors and live audiences, the program helps cultivate not only musical skills but also confidence, leadership, and collaboration — qualities essential for success in both the arts and broader community life.
A Continuing Legacy of Artistic Growth
Arts Orillia has steadily grown its reputation as a key cultural driver in the region, fostering collaborations across disciplines including dance, theatre, music, and visual arts. The success of Forever Young reflects the organization’s expanding focus on mentorship, inclusivity, and community engagement.
“The first concert was just the beginning of an amazing partnership between Arts Orillia and the Orillia Opera House,” said organizers. “It was a powerful night of music, exchange between artists, and youth-driven performance — lighting up one of Orillia’s most treasured buildings with an intergenerational audience.”
As Orillia continues to invest in its creative economy, initiatives like Forever Young demonstrate how cultural programming can support both artistic development and local economic vitality. By blending mentorship with performance, the program provides a blueprint for how smaller cities can nurture the next generation of Canadian artists.
For more information, media inquiries can be directed to Kate Hilliard, Artistic Director of Arts Orillia, at (416) 455-3657.
