West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2023-11-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-11-25 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!

A Kootenay Vaudeville Affair
2023-11-18 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Edmonton) | Key City Theatre, 20 14th Avenue North, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 6H4, Canada
Key City Theatre & Deja Louve present: A Kootenay Vaudeville AffairA Kootenay Vaudeville Affair is an explosive event with some of North America’s most impressive performers, including title winners from the 2023 New Orleans Burlesque Festival and Viva Las Vegas. Magnificent talent from New Orleans, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and right here in the Kootenays (sponsored in part by the Columbia Basin Trust) will all have you roaring you with excitement!Join us for our third presentation at Key City Theatre. Book your seats early and join in on the fun!

SPELL BOUND – A MULTI-SENSORY ART EVENT
2023-11-18 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Spiritbar, 422 Vernon St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E5
This is a Feral Fringe event, featuring erotic fashion, performance art, and wild dance music provided by SisterSun Music and Robert E. Livingood.

Dance Showcase and Dance Party
2023-11-19 18:00 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Join us for our very first Dance Showcase at the Civic Theatre on Sunday, November 19th. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the showcase kicking off at 7:00 PM.
After the showcase, the energy continues as we transition into a vibrant Dance Party. It’s a family-friendly event, and kids are welcome to join with a parent or guardian until 10:00 PM.
Don’t miss this fantastic celebration of dance and community! Get your tickets through the Royal website – secure your spot now. ??

Beginner-Intermediate Wheel Throwing Class with Sarah Barr
2023-11-20 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
When: Mondays, 10:00am – 12:30pm
Duration: 6 weeks ( October 16 – November 20, 2023)
Class fee: $250 for VISAC members ($280 for non-members) plus $18 for clay
Join us in the pottery studio to begin, or further develop, your skills on the wheel. We will explore throwing, trimming, making handles and glazing. Enjoy a hands-on experience with clay during this messy and meditative six week session

Presentation: The State of Arts, Culture, and Heritage in the Columbia Basin
2023-11-21 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson City Hall, 310 Ward Street, Nelson, BC, V1L5S4, Canada
Join West Kootenay Regional Arts Council Executive Director Kallee Lins as she shares an overview of the data compiled by Kelly Hill Strategies with Nelson City Council, along with what it means for the arts community. Attend the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in person at Nelson City Hall or via livestream. SEE MEETING DETAILS

For more info on the study: (https://www.wkartscouncil.com/arts-and-culture-stats/)

Studio Connexion Winter Group Show
2023-11-22 - 2024-01-20 | Studio Connexion, 203 Fifth Ave. NW, Nakusp, BC, Canada
The Winter Group Show is under way at Studio Connexion Art Gallery! VISIT – VIEW – ENJOY…perhaps FALL IN LOVE with the artworks by our talented artists.

Visual Exploration Club – Youth (7-10)
2023-11-22 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
This bi-weekly club encourages inquisitiveness and exploration, with a supportive environment and monthly topics to focus activities. Participants will experiment with materials, style and subject matter to develop their confidence and support future artistic growth.
When: Wednesdays (bi-weekly) 3:30pm-4:30pm
Duration:
Fall session: Sept 13-Dec 6
Winter session: Jan 17-May 22
Age: 7 – 10
Class fee: $150 for 17 classes (September – May); or $10 drop-in per youth

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2023-11-22 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Christie Lee’s Hall, 807-703 Radio Ave, Nelson, BC, V1L3L3, Canada
Want to learn and practice dancing Argentine Tango?

We host a weekly mini-lesson and practica at Christie Lee’s Hall in Fairview.

The guided portion from 7:30-8:15 has a different host and topic each week (check our Facebook page for host and topic announcements). We have an open practice after the lesson until 9:30pm.

Dancers of all levels are welcome! Material is beginner-friendly.

Tango is an improvised partner dance originating in Argentina and Uruguay; you don’t need a partner to attend tango practices or events and it can be danced by anyone and everyone.

Please bring your dancing shoes and a water bottle.

5$ donation

Where to find us: Christies Lees Hall is on Radio Ave., in lower Fairview. You can access Radio from 4th or 7th Streets. The Hall’s part of the Kiwanis Villa complex. On Radio Ave. look for “701” on the deck post near the sidewalk leading to the front doors. Also, look for the sandwich board near the sidewalk.

Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/zFraPXNpJ6aBBJtv6
Maps will tell you that it’s “temporarily closed” but don’t believe it!

Castlegar Community Drum Circle
2023-11-23 07:00 - 21:00, 2023-11-23 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Castlegar & District Recreation & Aquatic Centre, 2101 6 Ave, Castlegar, British Coumbia, V1N 3B2, Canada
Set free your inner rhythm, connect with your community, and let the beat move you!
Welcome to the Castlegar Community Drum Circle as part of Rhythm by Nature’s Community Drumming Tour!
Supported by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Rhythm by Nature brings you a fully interactive and immersive drumming experience for one night only in the Selkirk Room of the Castlegar & District Community Complex.
No drumming experience is needed and all the instruments are provided.
Professionally facilitated, participants will learn about and experiment with different drums and drumming techniques from all around the world. You’ll experience a fun and inclusive drumming workshop, but that’s only the beginning!
Here are a number of reasons why this event is for you:

Group drumming releases stress and negative emotions
You’re pulled into the present moment
It induces deep relaxation
It provides a sense of empowerment
It can reduce chronic pain & boost the immune system
Your body and mind align with the natural world
You’re offered a non-verbal communicative tool
It allows for personal transformation
Oh, and it’s a whole lot of fun!

Discounts are offered when you buy three or more tickets!
Instruments are provided but feel free to bring your own.

A little about Rhythm By Nature and your facilitator, Patrick Carrick:
Patrick is a certified ‘Circles of Rhythm’ master facilitator, professional percussionist, and music educator. Patrick has a passion for bringing people together through the power of rhythm and has worked within a wide variety of musical genres and ensembles.
Patrick founded Rhythm by Nature in 2016 and it has since become a popular mainstay in BC’s Columbia Valley region, offering a variety of programs and events that promote community connection, wellness, social development, and creativity.
Patrick’s affection for music and drumming has taken him all around the world, finally growing roots in the Kootenays. After completing three levels of facilitation training with the nationally acclaimed ‘Circles Of Rhythm’ & internationally recognized Rhythm2Recovery, Patrick has been hosting community drumming events in the communities of Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Panorama Mountain Resort, Fairmont Hot Springs, Edgewater, Canal Flats, Kimberley, Golden and beyond. Rhythm by Nature has earned a reputation for its positive community impact and inclusive approach to group drumming.
Thanks to the support of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Rhythm By Nature is touring the entire Columbia Basin throughout the Fall with the intention of demonstrating the many benefits that come from the Integrative Community Drum Circle.
An Important Distinction:
Rhythm By Nature follows the ‘Integrative Community Drum Circle (ICDC)’ methodology. This means that our drumming is not based on any ethnospecific traditions, cultures, or rhythms. The ICDC employs a multicultural approach so that the experience is accessible to everyone. It’s about celebrating our diversity, creativity, and playfulness. Our drums are from all around the world but do not hold any limiting cultural or ceremonial significance. Our instruments are of premium quality and are made from 100% recycled wood fiber.
Families are most welcome. We find that very young children have trouble holding attention for the whole session and we kindly ask that children of all ages are responsibly supervised, for the enjoyment of all : )

Visual Exploration Club – Preteen (11-14)
2023-11-23 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
This bi-weekly club encourages creative growth and exploration, with a supportive environment and monthly topics to investigate and ask questions about. Participants will be tasked with finding their own style, experimenting with materials, and starting to develop their own art-making process.
When: Thursdays (bi-weekly) 3:30pm-4:30pm
Duration:
Fall session: Sept 14-Dec 7
Winter session: Jan 18-May 23
Age: 11 – 14
Class fee: $150 for 17 classes (September – May); or $10 drop-in per youth

Chuck Copenace: Oshki Manitou
2023-11-23 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Chuck Copenace: Oshki Manitou – Capitol Season
Adult $35
30 and Under $31.50
For Chuck Copenace, Oshki Manitou is a decidedly personal musical expression, a gift to his family and community, and a means of sharing how ceremonial melodies have changed his musical outlook and united his creativity and spirituality.
Oshki Manitou finds the Winnipeg-based, Ojibway musician expanding dramatically on his previous work as a trumpet player, arranger, and composer, fusing contemporary interpretations of sweat-lodge melodies with jazz and elements of dance and electronica.
The result is a collection of eminently groovy, haunting, and ethereal songs that display Chuck Copenace’s signature voice and substantial skills as an interpreter, composer, and performer as never before. But there’s a larger purpose behind his efforts, for which Oshki Manitou is just a starting point. “I’m committed to sharing my story and I want to introduce young people to jazz, but I also want to bring indigenous musicians together. And I think my music can be a platform to further that mission.”

Santa’s Elves
2023-11-24 15:30 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Kids 7 – 12 get crafty in this workshop called Santa’s Elves. Cards, ornaments, and gifts are on the menu—as well as dinner!—all for a $40 registration fee (registration is required)

Nelson Studio 88 Artisan Market
2023-11-24 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Studio 88, 402 Victoria St., Nelson, BC, V1L 4K5, Canada
Come check out our new monthly artisan market!
On Friday, November 24th, from 4 – 8 pm, head over to Nelson Studio 88 and cross some of those names off your Christmas list.
Explore local artist and makers booths brimming with handmade treasures. Bring along your friends and family along to share in the excitement. You may even hear a pretty tune or two that puts you right into that holiday spirit.
See you there!

‘Elevation’ exhibition opening
2023-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
This four-seasons backyard playground produced world-class athletes, built a tourism economy, and hosts adventurers from around the world. Beyond celebration, we explore the resounding environmental impact, the elitism of mountain sports, land and resource use, and more. Elevation presents a balanced approach to mountain life.
Elevation opens Friday, November 24 with a reception from 7-9 pm, and runs through Saturday March 2, 2024.

‘Elevation’ exhibition opening
2023-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
This four-seasons backyard playground produced world-class athletes, built a tourism economy, and hosts adventurers from around the world. This winter, the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery presents Elevation – an ambitious exhibition exploring the vast expanse of the mountains in the Kootenays.
Beyond celebration, Elevation explores the resounding environmental impact, the elitism of mountain sports, land and resource use, and more. Elevation presents a balanced approach to understanding mountain life.

Nelson Community Drum Circle
2023-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | North Shore Hall, 675 Whitmore Rd, Nelson, BC, V1L 6H7, Canada
Set free your inner rhythm, connect with your community, and let the beat move you!
Welcome to the Nelson Community Drum Circle as part of Rhythm by Nature’s Community Drumming Tour!
Supported by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Rhythm by Nature brings you a fully interactive and immersive drumming experience for one night only at the North Shore Hall, Nelson.
No drumming experience is needed and all the instruments are provided.
Professionally facilitated, participants will learn about and experiment with different drums and drumming techniques from all around the world. You’ll experience a fun and inclusive drumming workshop, but that’s only the beginning!
Here are a number of reasons why this event is for you:

Group drumming releases stress and negative emotions
You’re pulled into the present moment
It induces deep relaxation
It provides a sense of empowerment
It can reduce chronic pain & boost the immune system
Your body and mind align with the natural world
You’re offered a non-verbal communicative tool
It allows for personal transformation
Oh, and it’s a whole lot of fun!

Discounts are offered when you buy three or more tickets!
Instruments are provided but feel free to bring your own.

A little about Rhythm By Nature and your facilitator, Patrick Carrick:
Patrick is a certified ‘Circles of Rhythm’ master facilitator, professional percussionist, and music educator. Patrick has a passion for bringing people together through the power of rhythm and has worked within a wide variety of musical genres and ensembles.
Patrick founded Rhythm by Nature in 2016 and it has since become a popular mainstay in BC’s Columbia Valley region, offering a variety of programs and events that promote community connection, wellness, social development, and creativity.
Patrick’s affection for music and drumming has taken him all around the world, finally growing roots in the Kootenays. After completing three levels of facilitation training with the nationally acclaimed ‘Circles Of Rhythm’ & internationally recognized Rhythm2Recovery, Patrick has been hosting community drumming events in the communities of Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Panorama Mountain Resort, Fairmont Hot Springs, Edgewater, Canal Flats, Kimberley, Golden and beyond. Rhythm by Nature has earned a reputation for its positive community impact and inclusive approach to group drumming.
Thanks to the support of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Rhythm By Nature is touring the entire Columbia Basin throughout the Fall with the intention of demonstrating the many benefits that come from the Integrative Community Drum Circle.
An Important Distinction:
Rhythm By Nature follows the ‘Integrative Community Drum Circle (ICDC)’ methodology. This means that our drumming is not based on any ethnospecific traditions, cultures, or rhythms. The ICDC employs a multicultural approach so that the experience is accessible to everyone. It’s about celebrating our diversity, creativity, and playfulness. Our drums are from all around the world but do not hold any limiting cultural or ceremonial significance. Our instruments are of premium quality and are made from 100% recycled wood fiber.
Families are most welcome. We find that very young children have trouble holding attention for the whole session and we kindly ask that children of all ages are responsibly supervised, for the enjoyment of all : )
We would like to thank the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for supporting this event.

The Land of Giants
2023-11-24 19:00 - 22:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Toyota Presents
A New SKi Film From Matchstick Productions
The Land of Giants (2023)
November 24th @ 7PM in Nelson
The Land of Giants features the best skiers in the world, riding unbelievable conditions and riding to the very edge and beyond. It’s a celebration of the natural world, and is a reminder of the power of the human spirit. It’s a film that will leave you awestruck, inspired and humbled.

PARIS PICK, DAMIEN ALBLAS & FITZPLEASURE
2023-11-24 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Some of you may remember our Lingerie Dance Party last year at The Royal. But for those of you who missed out, here’s your chance to be apart of the fun!
The Royal presents, Lingerie Dance Party 2.0
Are you a person who enjoys dancing?
Are you the owner of an unnecessarily large collection of vintage or secondhand lingerie that you simply NEVER get to wear?
then THIS is the event for you!
Come on out for an evening of unapologetically fun music that’ll keep your bodies movin’ and groovin’ all night long!
Starring Kootenay Boundary Heartthrob, Damien Alblas and his super tight psychedelic indie-rock band + Whitehorse, Yukon’s very own Yacht-Pop Rockstar, Paris Pick & The Pricks + local funky DJ Extraordinaire, FITZPLEASURE!

White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band at Erie Creek Brewing Co. Salmo
2023-11-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-11-25 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Erie Creek Brewing, 117 4th St., Salmo, Canada
On Saturday November 25th White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band plays Erie Creek Brewing Co., Salmo serving up dance- time classics from Little Walter to Chuck Berry and The Beatles seasoned with home-grown Kootenay themed originals. Suggested Cover $10.

An Evening of Theatrical Storytelling
2023-11-25 08:00 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Four exceptional performers offer dramatic stories: Michael Graham, Pat Henman, Kozmo Sammartino, and Bessie Wapp as part of the Taghum Hall Presents series.“I fully expect to laugh and cry through these performances,” says co-coordinator Heather Haake. “Taghum Hall Presents never disappoints.” Tickets are $25 and available at taghumhall.ca and at Otter Books and Taghum Shell.

The Dance Educators’ Showcase
2023-11-25 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
The Nelson and District Arts Council is delighted to present our seventh annual Dance Educators’ Showcase at the Capitol Theatre on November 25th, at 7:30 pm.
Come experience the plethora of dance styles taught and practiced in our community in a rare event that features our phenomenal local dance educators onstage with their students.
All ticket sale profits from this event will be turned into bursaries to support dance students that might not otherwise be able to afford dance education. These bursaries will be distributed equally among the participating dance schools and studios.
Tickets here: https://capitoltheatre.ca/event/dance-educators-showcase-2023/

White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band
2023-11-25 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Erie Creek Brewing, 117 4th St., Salmo, Canada
White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band returns to Erie Creek Brewing Co. promising a night of lively dance-focused good- mood music. $10 suggested donation.
White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band is a highly danceable 6-piece band from Nelson BC with a distinctive twin guitar plus harmonica sound. They play classics from Little Walter to Chuck Berry and The Beatles, plus an increasing collection of kootenay-themed originals. Their energetic dance-focused songs get folks off their seats with well crafted, good-mood music for any event.
The band keeps busy around the Kootenays – Nelson to Nakusp, Castlegar to Cranbrook playing functions and festivals, pubs and parks.
White Lightning is presently booking for events through fall 2023 and into 2024

THE ROYAL ART THROWDOWN
2023-11-25 19:30 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
The Royal in Nelson is having an art battle with two rounds featuring three artists at a time going head to head with one hour to create a piece of art! The crowd votes and raffle tickets can be bought to support the artists and win the pieces made that night!
Brought to you by Paradise Painting! Sat Nov 25th 7:30pm
FREE

The Royal Art Throwdown – Round 1
2023-11-25 19:30 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Welcome back to ‘The Royal Art Throwdown’ for our third season. After the fantastic success that we had the last two years with so many incredible artists on the stage and packed houses every night it was an easy decision to bring the Throwdown back for another winter.
Round 1 will be kicking off with a whole lot of Artists, new donations and sponsors. This year however I have a new host joining me on stage in the fantastic @pallomacallo
If you didn’t catch a Throwdown last year this is how it plays out.
Two heats of three artists will take to the stage throughout the night and will have one hour to create their masterpiece. They will have the options of using a canvas provided but really its pretty open forum for whatever they want to create. After the hour is up, you (the crowd) will judge your favorite and the winner will go through to the grand final in March for some major prizes.
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase with your chance to win the art pieces created on the night with all money raised going straight to the artists.
There will also be some interactive fun and your favorite DJ – Mr Paradise spinning some phat beats.
It’s fun, it’s silly and it’s out right incredible watching the artists do their thing so get around it. No table bookings so if you want a seat get there early. It will be busy.
Our artists for Round 1 will be………
Reiko Jansen
PNut gallery
Jonathan Ramos
Sien Verschueren
Samantha Strachan
Jack Mumford
Thanks to our sponsors and donors
Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism Paradise Painters
The Royal
Ripping Giraffe
Urban Legends
Buddys Place
Big ups Nelly
Catcha at the Throwdown.
xx Mr Paradise

Stickybuds Live At Bloom Nightclub
2023-11-25 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Bloom Nightclub, 198 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H4, Canada
Bloom Nightclub Presents:
Stickybuds
Special Guests
Ben Fox
Trip A
19+

Serenity Fest
2023-11-26 04:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Harrison Memorial Cultural Centre, 16074 Crawford Creek Rd, Crawford Bay, V0B 1E0
Free event! Collaborative art as tribute to Hilma af Klint, a recognised female genius of abstract art, whose artworks were locked in a vault to be released 50 years after her death. Facilitated by Jacqueline Wedge. Sound healing session with a local sound healer Qusie, Chi Kung healing session with Zora followed by a self- reflexology presentation by Susan Snead. Beats to relax and dance with local musician and sound wiz Miroslav.
