West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Starbelly Jam Music Festival
2023-07-28 - 2023-07-30 | Crawford Bay Park, Crawford Bay
Photographer Louis Bockner
This annual outdoor music festival brings together an eclectic selection of artists and musical genres—from electronica and pop to bluegrass and reggae. Relaxed and laid-back with a family-friendly atmosphere, Starbelly Jam also features on-site food and market vendors, wandering entertainers, free workshops and much more.

The Langham Gallery Opening
2023-07-28 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
Join us for our Gallery Opening at The Langham in Kaslo on July 28th from 7-9 pm for two new shows in our 2023 Gallery Season with exhbit “Smoked” by Sarah Lawless and “Untangling the Knot: The Art of Honoring Ancestors” by Carol Laddas Gaskin.
These exhibits run from July 28th through October 6th.
Gallery hours are Thursday – Sunday 1-4pm

Honouring Mother Nature Through Art and Song
2023-07-29 | Delree’s Native Art Gallery, 399 Galena Shores Drive, Galena Bay
Indigenous Art, Song, Dance honouring Mother Earth

Columbia Basin Culture Tour
2023-07-29 10:00 - 2023-07-30 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | Region-wide
Meet people behind the scenes at galleries and museums, visit studios and venues not normally open to the public, shop for original art or fine crafts, and experience special events planned for a summer weekend. Since 2009, locals and visitors have enjoyed the self-directed, free Columbia Basin Culture Tour, managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council.
The next Columbia Basin Culture Tour will take place on July 29 and 30, 2023.
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Columbia Basin Culture Tour
2023-07-29 10:00 - 2023-07-30 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | various locations throughout the entire Columbia Basin region
Meet people behind the scenes at galleries and museums, visit studios and venues not normally open to the public, shop for original art or fine crafts, and experience special events planned for a summer weekend. Since 2009, locals and visitors have enjoyed the self-directed, free Columbia Basin Culture Tour, managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council.

Summer Music Series Presented by The Langham & KLIC
2023-07-29 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-08-12 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-08-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kaslo Front Street Park, Kaslo, BC
Free outdoor live performances Saturdays from 4-6 pm on Front Street in Kaslo. Come join us for some great live outdoor music in beautiful Kaslo! These free outdoor shows are brought to you by Nelson & Kootenay Lake Tourism, The Community Fund of North Kootenay Lake, Columbia Power, Comlumbia Basin Trust, Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance & the Province of British Columbia.

Kaslo Music In The Park – Tennyson King
2023-07-29 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Front Street Park, 450 Front St, Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada
Come down and listen to some live music the The Front Street Park in Kaslo Saturday July 29th from 6-9.
Tennyson King is a nomadic indie folk musician from Hong Kong and Canada who writes and sings in both English and Chinese. Tennyson was recently named Songwriter of the Year at the 2022 Mississauga Music Awards and nominated for the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards. He has captured audiences worldwide with his reverberant and earthy folk-rock blend, jovial personality, and intimately humorous lyrical storytelling. It’s a raw, gritty, and organic sound that makes the soul feel wild and the heart comforted.

Castlegar Pride ReLaunch – Movie and more!
2023-07-29 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave., Castlegar
Castlegar Pride is screening a Canadian film by queer director Trevor Anderson at the Castle Theatre.185 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, BC V1N 1A8

The Art of Charlene DUNCAN / Grace CROUGHAN
2023-08-02 - 2023-08-09 | Studio Connexion Art Gallery, 203 Fifth Ave. NW., Nakusp
Nakusp artist Charlene DUNCAN (Aug. 2 to 19) will be doing her second solo-show & sale with her crows & ravens amongst some landscapes. The represented artist Grace CROUGHAN (Aug. 23 to Sept. 9) from Toronto will be showing her textural mountainscapes.
Studio Connexion Art Gallery is a small cultural space nested in Nakusp. It has been in operation in the summer time mainly and going into its 15th season. 7 Art Exhibitions by talented Canadian Artists painting mainly landscapes and abstract. Artists from the region and across Canada are represented by the owner & curator Anne Béliveau
The 2023 season Starts on May 12th with Master Artist David Langevin who will be showing for the second time his gorgeous colourful scenes from Western Canada. David knows how to bring light in his paintings. He will also facilitate a workshop which is sold out already. Other painters from the region and BC are Richard Brodeur, Brigitte Desbois, Holly Woods, Charlene Duncan, Grace Croughan from Toronto and Bryn Stevenson. Looking forward to have you visit, make the Connexion and perhaps fall in love with the fine artworks we show.

Kaslo Jazz Etc! Festival
2023-08-04 12:00 - 2023-08-06 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Kaslo Bay Park, Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada
Join us for the 30th annual Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival in the beautiful Kaslo Bay Park August 4th – 6th. We are excited to welcome Galactic, Allison Russel, John Craigie and more to the floating stage. Tickets and more information available on our website: kaslojazzfest.com

The Earth Freaks Live at For-rest Retreat
2023-08-05 18:30 - 22:30 (America/Vancouver) | For-rest Retreat, 8960 British Columbia 6, Salmo, V0G 1Z0, Canada
The Earth Freaks will be playing at For-rest Retreat in Salmo on Saturday, Aug. 5th. Come enjoy the backyard vibe, some wood-fired pizza and awesome live music. Tickets are $20. Kids are free. Free camping with a ticket.

Hiroshima Day 2023
2023-08-06 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Zuckerberg Island, 400 – 13th Ave, Castlegar, BC, V1N 1G2, Canada
Please join the Kootenay Branch of the United Nations Association – Canada in gathering to commemorate the disastrous day in 1945 when the US dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Sunday, August 6 – 5:30 PM
ZUCKERBERG ISLAND, Castlegar
The bridge is currently closed, please use the causeway
“If I had foreseen nuclear bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I would’ve torn up my formula in 1905.” – Einstein

Gabriel Palatchi
2023-08-09 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Harrison Memorial Cultural Centre, 16074 Crawford Creek Rd, Crawford Bay, V0B 1E0
Gabriel Palatchi is a renowned jazz/latin pianist and composer. He has been around the world and we are fortunate to have him on tour in the Kootenays. Palatchi has been reviewed and featured in several prestigious magazines. His ability to effortlessly blend complex rhythms with soul-stirring melodies has earned him widespread acclaim and recognition within the music industry. Gabriel’s musical journey has taken him around the globe, captivating audiences in prestigious venues and festivals across continents for the last fifteen years.

Wildflower Photography | With Katee Pederson
2023-08-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Revelstoke, Revelstoke
Part of the Revelstoke Wildflower FestivalJoin us out in nature for an inspiring photography course dedicated to capturing the vibrant world of wildflowers. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes and learn from local photographer Katee Pederson. Learn how to make the most of the natural landscape to create breathtaking portraits, or get in close and discover essential techniques for macro photography and composition. If you’ve got a camera that you’re still getting acquainted with, this class would be perfect for you! Katee will be there to tell you exactly what all those little settings do.The Details:August 10th10:00 am – 12:00 pm$30 per personYouth and Adults Aged 14+Offsite location to be announcedParticipants will need to bring their camera (digital, film, or phone) and any accessories they would like to use.Participants should be ready for some walking, however a high level of fitness is not required

Nelson International Mural Festival
2023-08-11 - 2023-08-13 | Nelson, Nelson
Nelson, BC, becomes both a stage and gallery through Nelson International Mural Festival’s annual celebration of public art, performance, and community. The festival is entering its sixth year in 2023 and from August 11th – 13th will return with another weekend of live music, performance, mural tours, workshops for budding creatives, family activities, film screenings, artist talks, and new public art.Nelson International Mural Festival strives to create a barrier-free festival by hosting all events at accessible public spaces and offering all events and activities free of charge.For more info visit: https://www.ndac.ca/nelson-international-mural-festival/

Wildflower Collage | Mixed Media
2023-08-11 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
Part of the Revelstoke Wildflower Festival | With Oriana RolloThrough paint and collage techniques, young artists will bring their own mythical wildflower garden to life. This imaginative play will teach students about colour, composition, and the art of sharing a story or feeling through their creations.August 11th, 4:00pm – 5:30pmAges 8 – 14RVAC Kitchen Studio, 320 Wilson st.$20 Per personAll materials providedJust in time for the Wildflower festival, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create your own whimsical wildflower garden masterpiece.

Wapiti Music Festival
2023-08-11 17:30 - 2023-08-12 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | Annex Park, Fernie
An indie music festival in a park by a river at the foot of a mountain, it’s a beautiful setting for some amazing music, food, refreshment, and celebrations with friends, family and community. This year’s lineup includes Elliott Brood, Stars, Shad, The Boom Booms, and so much more.

Trail’s Incredible Farmers Market – Pride Market
2023-08-12 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Esplanade Ave Trail, BC, Esplanade Ave, Trail, BC, Canada
Pride Market on the Esplanade in Trail, BC. Where there will be exciting, family-friendly activities, live music performances, Mystic Dream dancers, food and drinks, and the Incredible Farmers Market. Saturday, August 12 from 10am – 2pm.

Dance Workshop w/ Creeasian.
2023-08-12 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Nelson International Mural Festival is offering a FREE dance workshop with Creeasian at 11am on Saturday, August 12th at Oxygen Art Centre in Nelson. ASL interpretation will be provided.
All levels welcomed. Toprock, Drops, Footwork, and Freezes are some of the fundamentals Cree will walk you through. This workshop will help you better understand how to have a conversation/freestyle with other dancers in an open circle/cypher.
Creeasian has been a dancer for 25yrs and has travelled all over the world to compete and perform. Through developing his style he found his connection to his indigenous heritage which helped amplify his love for movement. Breaking and Grassdancing complimented each other very well which then helped cree explore a much deeper connection to dance. Currently the main touring dancer for The Hallucination (formerly A Tribe Called Red).
Register for your free spot here: https://calendly.com/ndac/nimf-2023-dance-workshop?month=2023-08&date=2023-08-12

Bill Lynch Trio LIVE at the Vallican Whole
2023-08-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
The Bill Lynch Trio is performing live at the Vallican Whole, Saturday August 12th.
Bill invites his audience into a deeply felt world with his Irish gift of storytelling, his passionate vocals and beautiful guitar work. Bessie Wapp expands the Trio’s palette with musically intriguing accordion and keyboard accompaniment and solos. And her vocal harmonies are haunting. The stand-up bass becomes an instrument of striking eloquence in the hands of the consummate musician, Mark Spielman.
Tickets are $20 at the door, and there will be food and beverages for sale – bring cash.
Doors open at 7:00pm, show will start at 7:30. All welcome!

Sketchers in the Wild
2023-08-14 - 2023-08-18 | Katherine Russell Glass Studio, Elkford
We will be outdoors absolutely as much as possible (disc golf course, Hopkins Hollow etc) – it’s all about the sketchbook… observing nature, trees, bugs, leaves, animal tracks, clouds, deadfall. It’s learning observational drawing at first, then building composition using pen & ink, watercolour, acrylics. Nature journaling, portrait drawing. Rock painting. Nature mobiles. Reading. Meditation. Plenty of walking. In-situ landscape art. Drawing games. In my studio we’ll also do: glass etching, painted collage, printmaking, card making, letter drawing.
Elkford, BC
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm each day.
Ages 8-12
$390 per child / week
All art supplies included
Offered July 17-21, 2023 and Aug 14-18, 2023

Live History Show at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre
2023-08-15 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Doukhobor Discovery Centre, 112 Heritage Way, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4M5, Canada
The Live History international theatre company will be performing their “In Time” show at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre from 10-5pm on August 15th. Those participating will set out on unique missions and be able to interact with the historical characters to solve clues and further explore the museum. Live History will use multiple characters from our exhibits and history to create an experience like no other.

Flow of Great Tao or Hunting for Tigers • art opening with Zora Doval
2023-08-17 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | SOMA Sound & Events, 444 Baker St., Nelson BC
gallery 444 is excited to be featuring the playful abstract paintings of Zora Doval • Flow of Great Tao or Hunting for Tigers : a series of ink on wooden panel paintings inspired by the writings of Lao Tzu.
The exhibit opens Aug. 17 with an art opening; open gallery, refreshments & snacks followed with and artist talk and an invitation to join Zora on Saturday, Aug 19 : 10am-12pm; for an introductory workshop on the Path of Tao with demonstrations of Chi-kung practices. The art will be on exhibit until the end of September.

Flats Fest 2023
2023-08-18 - 2023-08-20 | Canal Flats Ball Diamond, Canal Flats
Flats Fest is held in the quaint Village of Canal Flats, BC, peacefully located at the south end of Columbia Lake, the headwaters to the Columbia River, and nestled between the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountain ranges that encompass the Columbia Valley.Flats Fest was established in 2017 in this friendly little Village as the perfect location for an outdoor music festival, where attendees can take in the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings while enjoying 20 bands on 2 separate stages. The family-friendly event started out as a 1 day event that has evolved into 2 days over the 3rd weekend in August. Attendees enjoy a weekend full of music with the headliners on the main stage (Columbia Stage) and our incredible local talent on a side stage (Kootenay Stage) in between the main stage sets.During the show, families will also find entertainment in our children’s section with face-painting and other fun-filled activities for all ages. As well, a market is located onsite with local vendors selling food, clothing, jewelry and many other unique crafts and wares. Adults can kick back with a beverage from the onsite beverage garden and enjoy the show. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on the grassy area in front of the stages.Join us for a weekend of entertainment for the whole family that will be enjoyed in a spectacular mountain-view setting!

Making Waves exhibition opening
2023-08-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Kootenay Lake has long been a hub of activity, from the earliest sturgeon-nosed canoes to modern day sporting activities such as paddleboarding and kitesurfing. Through artifacts, photographs, and archival film from the Museum collection, Making Waves examines the diverse nature of this history and the role that the West Arm has in the community today.
See the gold medal uniform of Olympic rowing champion Lorne Loomer; study trophies won by the famous Ladybird speedboat; watch a recently uncovered Shaw 10 tape discussing the origins of the Nelson Rowing Club; and much more.
Making Waves runs August 19 to October 28, with a FREE opening reception on Friday, August 18 from 7-9 pm.

Never Come Down bluegrass concert
2023-08-18 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
A toe-tapping evening is in store for Nelson area music-lovers when the Portland, Oregon-based stringband Never Come Down plays Taghum Hall on Friday, August 18 at 7:30pm. Since the band formed in 2018, they’ve taken home the top prize at the FreshGrass and RockyGrass bluegrass competitions and have released one album, with a second on the way. Never Come Down appears at Taghum Hall as part of a 36-stop tour; tickets are available at taghumhall.ca and Eddy Music. The concert is part of the Taghum Hall Presents performance series.

Mural Workshop | With Antonia Otoya
2023-08-19 - 2023-08-27 | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
Unlock your creativity and learn how to transform your artwork into larger-than-life murals in this immersive four-day workshop. Antonia Otoya will guide you through a perfect balance of hands-on learning and theory, providing you with the essential foundations of mural painting.Save the Date: August 19, 20, 26, & 27Teens and AdultsRVAC | 320 Wilson st,Cost to be announcedDiscover the techniques, tools, and processes required to bring your artistic vision to life on a grand scale. Throughout the workshop, you will have the opportunity to translate your art onto the walls of the RVAC building, transforming it into a captivating mural for all to admire.This workshop is designed for beginners and artists who want to expand their skills and delve into the world of mural painting. Please note that this class focuses on hand painting with acrylic paint, rather than spray paint.Save the date and add your name to the expression of interest list to be one of the first to hear when bookings for this class officially open!https://forms.gle/79ZvYjSQ1ZijdJRN8

KYF Workshop Series – Truth Reconciliation & Accountability
2023-08-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Shambhala Center, 812 Stanley Street, Nelson, BC, BC, V1L 1N7, Canada
Support the Kootenay Yoga Festival 2023 in collaboration with the Autonomous Sinixt in these very special events!
This is especially for space holders, those who work in holistic health and anyone who may be interested in the subject of truth, reconciliation & accountability.
Saturday, July 15th, 2023 1:00-3:00 PM at Shambhala Center, 812 Stanley St, Nelson, BC with Lori Barkley + Cheryl Cook.
Participants are encouraged to bring their questions about truth and reconciliation in unceded Sinixt tmxwúlaʔx (homeland). The focus will be on demonstrating responsibility and respect as good guests and how to ask and demonstrate responsibility to work in Sinixt tmxwúlaʔxw (homeland). This workshop will be co-facilitated by a green/plant people practitioner working in right relations with Autonomous Sinixt. Participants will be asked during the end of the first workshop how they will be holding themselves accountable as an ally after the workshop. It will be a safe space to ask questions about Sinixt in advance of meeting with Autonomous Sinixt Elder & Matriarch Marilyn James.
Saturday, August 19th, 2023 1:00-3:00 PM at Sandbox Building, 6177 BC-6, Winlaw, BC.
The goal of this workshop is to educate participants on the Autonomous Sinixt and their təmxʷúlaʔxʷ (homeland). During the second session we will open a dialog about how to create an ask & how the participants have held themselves accountable throughout the təmxʷúlaʔxʷ (homeland).
