We turned 20, and we’re throwing a birthday party.
A hand holding up two candles shaped like the number 20.
Somehow, Firefly just turned 20.
I feel like the parent of a toddler who suddenly grabbed the car keys from the kitchen counter and pulled out of the parking spot with a perfect 3-point turn.
How did we get here?
Of course I could go on and on about what an honour + joy + challenge + honeymoon + journey this has all been. But mostly, I want to invite you to a party.
We’re throwing ourselves a birthday party!
It will take the form of an Open Mic Night with the theme “Community Care” at St. Matthew's Clubhouse — a barrier-free space right on the edge of Riverdale Park in Toronto.
Come read your work to the nicest people in Toronto.
Or come to clap and encourage others.
Or come to get a real-life feel of what this community is all about.
Or come simply to be in a room decorated with streamers. Yes, we’re planning to go all out. There may be cake and loot bags too, we’re still happily brainstorming. If you want to bring something to make it even more special, don’t hold back.
Our dream is to create a warm and inspiring place for Fireflies, friends, and anyone who is curious about our community to show up with open hearts, and celebrate all the things that words (and community) can do.
Quick specs:
Wednesday, April 9th. Doors at 7pm, event at 7:30pm, done by 9:30pm.
This event is free, with thanks to our friends at East End Arts for donating the space.
Masks are warmly welcomed, but not mandatory.
You don’t need to buy tickets, but come in good time. We can fit around 60 people.
If you want to read or perform…
Just show up in good time and register at the door. We’ll have 10 spots, first come first served. The max length for each performer is 4 minutes, including preamble. Songs are welcome too!
All pieces should be on the theme of community care — the power of friendship, the kindness of strangers, different definitions of family… Interpret this however you like, and show us something about what community means to you.
If you can’t come, but still want to be part of it…
We’ll miss you, but we know we can’t all fit in one room, and that many of you live far away.
So, throughout the event, we’ll be sharing wishes for the next 20 years of Firefly and memories from the last 20. Use this form to submit a message.
We’ll also be setting up a clothesline of memories and wishes, so we may transcribe what you share to hang it up!
On the weekend, my friend Melissa gave me a writing assignment.
She told me to write a list of 20 gifts Firefly has given me in the last 20 years. I loved this, and could easily have numbered up to 100 or 1000.
You, reading this, is one of those gifts. Thank you for being here, and making this real.
Here’s to celebrating milestones.
