West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

John Reischman & The Jaybirds w/ Guests
2025-04-04 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Flying Steamshovel Inn & Gastropub, 2003 2nd Ave, Rossland, BC, V0G1Y0, Canada
Bluegrass Unlimited calls John Reischman “one of the world’s undisputed masters” of the mandolin, famed for outstanding tone and taste. Many of his dozens of original instrumentals have become popular favourites for sessions and covers, such as the jam standard Saltspring. He has three critically-acclaimed solo instrumental albums and has recorded on many other projects, including the Grammy-winning True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe. John also plays Latin-based jazz and choro music with highly regarded finger-style acoustic guitarist/composer John Miller; the duo has released three superb albums.

Monster Energy Presents: SkiiTour Live At Bloom Nightclub
2025-04-04 22:00 - 2025-04-05 02:00 (America/Vancouver) | Bloom Nightclub, 198 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H4, Canada
Skiitour – Whistler BC
A fun-loving DJ/production duo from Whistler, Canada are known for their upbeat “feel-good house music that keeps the vibe groovy” (DJ Mag) as well as channelling a retro ski aesthetic.Their annual high-energy après ski parties at Shambhala Music Festival have become legendary and their tracks have been supported by Diplo, Fedde Le Grande, Benny Benassi, Anna Lunoe, Zedd, David Guetta, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, JAUZ, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveig, Claptone, and more. SkiiTour has accumulated over 6 million plays through streaming platforms and has made Mixmag & DJ Mag’s “Track of the Month” multiple times. On top of their steady output of productions, they maintain a global touring schedule of 80+ shows per year, including festivals like Friendship, Shambhala, Burning Man, Chasing Summer, Bass Coast, Snowbombing Canada and many more.
With Special Guests:
Naturalist – Fernie BC
10pm-2am
10+

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
During the height of the Cold War, in the 1950s and 1960s, nearly 50 bunkers were constructed across Canada. In 2017, the Nelson Museum began work on restoring the space and opening it to the public. You can join a tour of one of the Museumʼs best-loved spaces!
From iodine pills and Geiger counters to board games and ashtrays, visitors get a glimpse of the vast measures taken to create normalcy in an extraordinary time.
Email info@nelsonmuseum.ca to register. Adult admission required – children under 18 are always free!

Tunnel Book workshop w/ Anna Purcell
2025-04-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Explore the fundamentals of creating tunnel books with Anna Purcell. Tunnel books are a fun sweet way to play with perspective and layering with paper. Come and play with the principals of still life: perspective, light and shadow, balance and composition, themes, and symbols.
REGISTER HERE
Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Fees for the workshop are $10+GST for non-members and $5+GST for Nelson Museum members, which includes all materials needed.
Click here to sign up for a Nelson Museum membership and save $5 today on your program registration!

Revival – Art Show & Live Performance at SOMA
2025-04-05 13:30 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Soma 444 Baker Street, 444 Baker Street, Nelson, V1L4H8, Canada
Saturday April 5th
Doors Open 1:30pm
Artist Talk/Show 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Live-Music Performance 5:00 – 7:00pm
Door Price $10-15
The project known as ‘Revival’ is a creative outpouring by folk artist Ru Rose. Revival showcases a deeply sincere full length conceptual debut album of 12 original sacred folk songs recorded Live-Off-The-Forest-Floor in the mountains of the unceded and ancestral territories of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa nations, also known as the Kootenays of British Columbia. Interwoven with the songs of the album is a series of 12 intricate paintings created with hand-made inks, dyes and paints.
With deep gratitude for the support of Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia in making this creation possible, and for the Columbia Basin Trust and the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for supporting this Album release community event.
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Original Songs / Concept / Production / Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Shruti Box / Native Drum / Paintings by Ru Rose Cabodyna
Sound Engineer / Bass / Percussion / Support Vocals / Banjo by Kai Cabodyna
Percussion (Kins Domain/Sowing Seeds) / Support Vocals (Kins Domain) by Indiana Cabodyna
Violin by Shawn Fisher
Lead Guitar (Sowing Seeds) by Amir Derakhashan
Support Vocals (the Womb) by Vanessa Deverell
Sound Engineering / Mix by Barry Jones of Sincerity Studios Mastering by Tyrell Jordan of Arrow Lake Recordings
www.rurose.earth/shows

Dubconscious End Of Season Après Set @Backroads Brewing
2025-04-05 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Backroads Brewing, 460 Baker St, Nelson, BC, V1L4H8, Canada
Another Ski Season comes to a close, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop having fun! Join Dubconscious In the brewery as We celebrate an amazing season by throwing down a Funky vinyl set. Chase your end of season Blues away with some great beer and groovy tunes.

Discover Circus Presents: Fairy Tales in Flight
2025-04-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-06 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Get ready for a night of enchantment at Fairy Tales in Flight, a mesmerizing circus showcase by Discover Circus students! This spectacular performance brings your favourite fairy tales to life like never before. From thrilling aerial feats to jaw-dropping acrobatics and delightful moments of comedy, each act will transport you into a magical world where dreams take flight. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience for all ages!
Where: The Capitol Theatre
When: April 4th, 6PM
April 5th, 6PM
April 6th, 3PM
Tickets: $25, purchase tickets >> HERE <<

Inspirare Sings!
2025-04-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
Concert by Inspirare, a women’s choir directed by Kathleen Neudorf. Christoph Martens is on piano.

John Reischmann and The Jaybirds
2025-04-05 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
Like the powerful mandolinist and composer at its helm, John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.

Bluegrass Unlimited calls John Reischman “one of the world’s undisputed masters” of the mandolin, famed for outstanding tone and taste. Many of his dozens of original instrumentals have become popular favourites for sessions and covers, such as the jam standard Saltspring. He has three critically-acclaimed solo instrumental albums and has recorded on many other projects, including the Grammy-winning True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe. John also plays Latin-based jazz and choro music with highly regarded finger-style acoustic guitarist/composer John Miller; the duo has released three superb albums.

The Langham is proud to host this incredibly talented group of musicians for their live show at the Theatre on April 5th. Don’t miss it!

RUTH & SHELBY’S BOOT SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE – SALMO
2025-04-05 19:00 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | Erie Creek Brewing, 117 4th St., Salmo, Canada
YEEHAW! Dust off your boots Salmo, it’s time to line dance! We will start off the evening by learning a line dance led by Fabiola Gascon, and then get ready to boot scoot the night away under the neon moon. Western wear encouraged. ?
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Tapatia Collective dance team.
This event is open to all ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
TICKETS: $15-20 sliding scale. To purchase, please e-transfer tapatialadies@gmail.com with your name(s) in the e-transfer message to be added to the guest list.

VOLUNTEERS, JOE ABBOTT, SAULY PRIOR
2025-04-05 19:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
ALT COUNTRY ROCK AND ROLL!
Get ready to rock with the Volunteers, the dynamic garage country act hailing from Vernon!
Joe Abbott is a song writer, multi instrumentalist and singer from Vancouver, BC with a background in jazz, blues and American roots music.
Sauly Prior is a dreamscape of artistic expression!

Wiggle Room – Whitewater Season Ender
2025-04-05 21:00 - 2025-04-06 01:00 (America/Vancouver) | Spiritbar, 422 Vernon St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E5
Welcome to the Wiggle Room! The official Whitewater Season Ender bender that you won’t want to miss.
Saddle up, riders! The season may be wrapping up, but the party is just getting started. Get ready to send it one last time with a wild night of beats, boots, and good old-fashioned mountain mischief at Spiritbar on April 5, 2025 from 9:00pm – 1:00am. Throw on your favorite outlaw attire, shine them dancing boots, and keep the funky vibes going in town after the sun has set on the Ymir Wiggle.
Tickets:• $10 presale (secure your spot!)• $15 at the door (if you dare to wait)
Get your tickets here: https://humehotel.tickit.ca/events/28626#t-75dd979f8
Set times:• Rowly: 9:00pm – 11:00pm• ViraVira: 11:00pm – 12:00am• Mraki: 12:00am – 1:00am
These DJs will bring the heat and keep you moving til last call. Plus there will be some epic prizing for the best dressed in the West! So mark your calendars, gather your crew, and let’s close out the season in true Whitewater style!
Presented by Whitewater Ski Resort, Burton Snowboards, Tribute Boardshop, & Baldface Valhalla.

‘The Distance’ book launch with Judy Pollard
2025-04-06 14:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Judy Pollard will be at the Nelson Museum on Sunday April 6 to launch her latest book The Distance: Dreams and Despair, and will be signing copies available for purchase at the museum shop. Set against the majestic backdrop of southeastern British Columbia, The Distance is a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to for justice.

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-04-06 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | New Key’s Pub, 16070 BC-3A, Crawford Bay, BC, V0B 1E0, Canada
Newkeys Place in Crawforbay presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie, Like with friends.
Sundays 4-7

“Uno” by Raul Pous Facha
2025-04-07 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-08 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-09 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Meet Raul: Architect, Artist, and Digital Fabrication Visionary

“I’m Raul, an architect and artist of Mexican origin, now based in Canada since 2022. My lifelong fascination with materials and manufacturing techniques has deeply influenced my approach to design. While I’ve always appreciated the artistry and individuality of handmade products, I’ve also recognized the challenges they face in achieving precision and consistent quality.

This curiosity led me to digital fabrication, where I discovered the power to translate complex designs into reality with precision and control. Through the fusion of technology and craftsmanship, I am able to create pieces that retain the unique essence of handmade work while elevating their quality and accuracy.”

Exhibition Dates: March 10 – 20, 2025

Opening Reception: Thursday, March 13 from 4:00pm-5:30pm

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 12pm-4pm

To learn more, visit us at: https://visacgallery.com/exhibitions/#unoraulpousfacha

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
The Friends of the Library are dedicated to helping the Nelson Public Library through successful booksales and other creative fundraising efforts live trivia nights, with the funds going to new books, necessary technologies, furnishings and program supplies.
Join us: New members are welcome! It’s a great way to meet people and contribute to a vital and important part of our community. We meet at noon (12 pm) the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Nelson Public Library.
For more information check out Friends of the Library webpage.

Local Trail, Distant Shores: Water Colour Perspectives
2025-04-08 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-09 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
A series of watercolour paintings by Dan Ashman. The exhibition takes inspiration from the scenery of the West Kootenays.
Exhibition Dates:
March 27 – April 24, 2025
Opening Event:
March 27, 2025
Evening Hours:
April 15, 2025
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday
12pm-4pm

Artist Statement:
If I am asked how long it took to paint a picture, I would reply, “Thirty-five years to learn how, and a few hours to put paint on paper”. It is a long process to master the media of watercolour and even after all this time, something can still go wrong. I’m still learning and developing my style.
About Dan Ashman:
Dan Ashman was born in British Columbia in 1956 and started his foray into art in High School by painting in oils. He moved to Trail to work as a Metallurgical Engineer at Teck and took up watercolours in 1987 during a night school course led by fellow engineer and local watercolour artist, Brian O’Hara. Subsequently, he attended workshops with Les Weisbrich, a watercolour artist from the Slocan valley, and Kiff Holland, a watercolour artist from the lower mainland. Otherwise, he is self taught.
Dan joined the Trail Art Club in 1988 and helped to establish the VISAC gallery. He was a member of the “Thursday Night Painters” when it was led by Bob Ross. His work has been shown in Art Club exhibitions, the VISAC invitational show, showings of the Thursday Night Painters both in Trail and Spokane as well as juried art shows. He has sold a number of paintings including one to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
As an avid outdoorsman, Dan was inspired by the captivating scenery of the West Kootenays and began to capture local scenes in watercolour either painting “en plein air” or in his studio. He is also an amateur photographer and uses photos from his travels as subject matter. Now retired, his recent works include landscapes from the West Kootenays, the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii, and Atlantic Canada.

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 5-8)
2025-04-08 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
About Visual Exploration Club (VEC):
Students can expect to learn about other artists, experiment with various materials, and make mistakes. Each participant receives a sketchbook to track their skill development in a wide range of materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional art.
This session is for ages 5-8, or primary students in grades K-3.
Workshop Dates:
Tuesday afternoons
January 7 – June 3, 2025 (20 sessions)
3:30pm-4:30pm
No classes during SD20 Spring Break; March 18 & 25, 2025
Minimum 5 students, with a maximum of 12.
Class Fee:
$200 per participant
All supplies are provided
Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
Register here:
https://revenue-can.keela.co/visual-exploration-club-january-june-2025-ages-5-8
About the instructor:
Erin has a BFA in Studio Arts from UVic and a Masters of Illustration from Falmouth University. Her classes focus on process-based activities that don’t have a set outcome, fostering creativity and a low pressure environment, encouraging exploration and making mistakes!
If you have any questions, reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
2025-04-08 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Key City Theatre, 20 14th Avenue North, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 6H4, Canada
Juno Award winning fiddle virtuosos Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are hitting the road again this Spring and taking their music to new heights with an all new show. The tour is appropriately named “The Four on the Floor Tour” and features their two eldest children, Mary Frances and Micheal Leahy who will join their parents for a night of musical magic.
The accomplished duo of MacMaster and Leahy has toured extensively over the years both together and separately, selling out venues across the continent. To fans of fiddle music, MacMaster needs no introduction. The Order of Canada recipient has released 11 albums, won two Juno Awards, 11 East Coast Music Awards and is a Grammy Award nominee. She has collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma, Jesse Cook, Allison Kraus, Johnny Reid and many many more.
Leahy is a three-time Juno Award winner, with internationally acclaimed music/dance group Leahy. He is widely recognized as one of the best Celtic fiddlers in the world and is widely known for his high energy playing style.
“If you really love fiddle music, there are performances in this show that are nothing short of jaw dropping—performances that will raise you up and performances that will leave you misty-eyed.”-The Guardian
To avoid disappointment, get your tickets early on Friday October 25th when the tickets go on sale to the general public. It’s the “Four on the Floor Tour” featuring the Queen and King of the Fiddle, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and family. Don’t miss this rare event for the whole family.
The “Four on the Floor Tour” is presented by the Kootenay Concert Connection. Tickets can be purchased through the Key City Theatre box office.

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 9-12)
2025-04-09 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
About Visual Exploration Club (VEC):
Students can expect to learn about other artists, experiment with various materials, and make mistakes. Each participant receives a sketchbook to track their skill development in a wide range of materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional art.
This session is for ages 9-12, or intermediate students in grades 4-7.
Workshop Dates:
Wednesday afternoons
January 8 – June 4, 2025 (20 sessions)
3:30pm-4:30pm
No classes during SD20 Spring Break; March 19 & 26, 2025

Minimum 5 students, with a maximum of 12.
Class Fee:
$200 per participant
All supplies are provided
Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
Register here:
https://revenue-can.keela.co/visual-exploration-club-january-june-2025-9-12
About the instructor:
Erin has a BFA in Studio Arts from UVic and a Masters of Illustration from Falmouth University. Her classes focus on process-based activities that don’t have a set outcome, fostering creativity and a low pressure environment, encouraging exploration and making mistakes!
If you have any questions, reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Black Bear Review Magazine Launch
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Selkirk College returns to the Nelson Museum this spring for the launch of the 9th print edition of Black Bear Review! This event features readings from the talented students and community members showcased in the magazine. Refreshments will be served, admission by donation.

Beginner / Intermediate Wheel Throwing with Sarah Zanussi
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-09 18:00 - 2025-05-14 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Join instructor Sarah Zanussi for 6 weeks of clay exploration. Sarah teaches a mix of hand building and wheel throwing techniques in her workshops, so this is an excellent class for those who aren’t sure which style of making is their preference yet. Take this opportunity to begin, or further develop, your skills in the pottery studio. Participants will learn wedging, centering, pulling, trimming, making handles, as well as some hand building techniques.
When: Wednesdays, 6:00pm-8:30pm

Duration: 6 weeks (April 9 – May 14, 2025)

Class Fee: $270 for VISAC members (or $300 for non-members)

Supply Fee: $20 for clay, to be paid by cash or e-transfer on the first day of class.
Minimum 4 students, with a maximum of 5.
Youth ages 16-18 are welcome to participate, with parental consent.

Where: VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building

About Sarah Zanussi of Pisces Pottery:
Creating nature inspired, whimsical collections of functional pottery from her home studio. To learn more, check out her work on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pisces_pottery/

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

KCR Basement Show – Caveman & the Banshee w/ Theremin Man & Czary
2025-04-09 18:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kootenay Co-op Radio, 308 A Hall Street, Nelson, V1L1Y8, Canada
Mayhem and Magic! From the West Coast comes the brain shaking sounds of Caveman & the Banshee! Along with the intergalactic transmissions from Stephen Hamm: Theremin Man and local prog-doom maestros Czary, it will be a show you won’t want to miss!
ALL AGES – 20$
Door and tix at 6:30pm – SHOW 7-10pm

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-04-09 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Open Mic Comedy with some of the Kootenays finest and some others!
message @kootenaycomedy on instagram to sign up!
