West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2024-08-14 20:00 - 23:30, 2024-09-11 20:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Hosted by lil’ Mikey, its an open mic Comedy night!
To sign up come early or message kootenaycomedy on instagram!
$5

Family Story Time
2024-08-15 10:30 - 11:00, 2024-08-22 10:30 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Drop by the Nelson Public Library Thursday mornings at 10:30 come to sing your favourite songs and hear some great stories!
All ages welcome.

Rag Rug Workshop
2024-08-15 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Inspired by the Utopia Unveiled history exhibition, textile artist Tracy Fillion will be at the Nelson Museum to explore the art of upcycling rags into a beautiful rug. All materials will be supplied for you to make your own small round rug, or you can bring your own special rags and fabrics that you want to give a second life.
This is a FREE program, space is very limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up here.

Jeux de mots et d’écriture – An Evening of Writing Games
2024-08-15 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | AFKO, 807 Baker Street, Nelson, V1L 4J8
Passionné par les mots et la créativité littéraire? Rejoignez-nous à l’AFKO pour une soirée inédite où Sophie vous guide à travers un voyage captivant au sein des possibilités infinies des mots.
Lors de cette expérience enrichissante, Sophie vous propose une série d’exercices ludiques et inspirants qui non seulement stimulent votre imagination mais vous permettent également de vous connecter les uns aux autres de manière simple et authentique. Que vous soyez un écrivain en herbe ou un amateur de jeux d’esprit, cette soirée est conçue pour tous ceux qui cherchent à explorer leur créativité et à partager leurs histoires.
C’est une occasion unique de laisser libre cours à votre imagination, d’explorer de nouvelles perspectives et de célébrer la beauté de l’expression écrite.

Dates:
11 juillet
23 juillet
15 août
Heure : 18h30 à 20h00
Lieu : AFKO, 807 Baker Street, Nelson
Venez nous rejoindre pour une expérience enrichissante où chaque session promet d’être un voyage de découverte, de créativité et de connexions significatives à travers l’art de l’écriture. Ne manquez pas cette occasion – réservez votre place dès maintenant pour une soirée inoubliable à l’AFKO !
Voir le formulaire ci-dessous.

An evening of writing games
Join us at AFKO for an evening dedicated to unleashing your creativity through the power of words. Led by Sophie, these sessions will explore the limitless possibilities of language, blending playful prompts with opportunities to connect authentically with each other.
These interactive sessions are designed to inspire and engage participants of all writing levels. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, Sophie’s guided explorations will encourage you to express yourself freely and imaginatively.
Dates:
July 11th
July 23rd 23rd
August 15th

Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: AFKO, 807 Baker Street, Nelson
Come and join us for an enriching experience where each session promises to be a journey of discovery, creativity, and meaningful connections through the art of writing. Don’t miss out – reserve your spot now for an unforgettable evening at AFKO!

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-08-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-31 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-07 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!

SUMMER KICKS: KIRAN AHLUWALIA WITH OLIVIA ROSE
2024-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Keith King Park, 1501 Maple Dr., Golden, BC
Born in India, raised in Canada, and currently based in New York City, the sublimely talented vocalist and composer Kirin Ahluwalia is the poster child for musical multiculturalism. With two JUNOs to her credit, Kiran has always been celebrated as a master of the profound vocal traditions of India and Pakistan (DownBeat praises the “emotional richness” of her singing). Yet these are traditions that she simultaneously honours but also updates in remarkable ways.
Her original compositions, while intensely Indian, have also been influenced by Kiran’s deep delving into the realms of jazz, western blues, soul, and rock, and especially the haunting trance blues of Mali. Over her storied career she has also had memorable collaborations with everyone from fado legends to superstar Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster. Appearing with a quintet featuring renowned jazz artist Rez Abbasi on guitar and similarly skilled performers on drums, tabla, and accordion/organ, the boundary-blurring Kiran will take the audience on a unique and enchanting musical journey.

Guided tours of the Cold War Bunker
2024-08-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-28 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2024-08-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-08-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-11 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!

Macramé workshop
2024-08-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Artist Celia Hayet joins us at the Museum for a fun macramé workshop, where participants will make their own macramé plant hanger! Inspired by the Utopia Unveiled exhibition, which explores the history of counterculture and intentional communities in the West Kootenays.
Registration is required for these sessions, and each are standalone – please only sign up for one session. All materials are supplied in this FREE workshop, but donations are welcomed!
Sign up for the August 22 session here.

KARAOKE NIGHT!
2024-08-24 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Hosted by Brian Kalbfleisch

Night Market it Nelson
2024-08-30 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Baker Street, Baker Street, Nelson, BC
Baker Street will come alive from 6 to 10pm. Market Nights in Nelson will be sure to please everyone. There will be vendors from all over British Columbia, Food Trucks, Farmers, Performers and much more!

NELSON PRIDE COFFEE HOUSE
2024-08-31 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
SINGING/DANCING/POETRY/SPOKEN WORD/SKITS/COMEDY
CELEBRATE PRIDE
COME ONE, COME ALL
BRING ON THE TALENT.
Register AT 250-509-0064
thimbleberrygdns@gmail.com
$5 suggested donation

Music in the Park Sunset Series: White Lightning
2024-08-31 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Centennial Park, New Denver
There’s no better way to enjoy a Saturday night than at Centennial Park, New Denver with LIVE music and summer evening breezes in the air. By donation.

Crafternoon
2024-09-03 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Drop in between 3:30 and 4:30 every Tuesday for CRAFTERNOON at the Nelson Public Library.
Crafts, LEGO, Ozobots, DatoDuo, STEAM stations & more! Every week is a bit different.
Activities will be geared towards school aged children aged 5-13.

Tea & Textiles
2024-09-04 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | J.B. Fletcher Store Museum, 3602 Sutton Street, Ainsworth, BC, V0G 1A0, Canada
The J.B. Fletcher Museum in Ainsworth will be hosting gatherings for fibre enthusiasts and tea lovers to come and work on their knitting, crochet, embroidery, and spinning projects while connecting with fellow crafters. These gatherings will occur the first Wednesday of every month from 9-12. Drop ins welcome.

Producer Jam Vol.5 (Nelson) | FIELD RECORDINGS
2024-09-04 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Jam Factory Co-working Space, 303 Vernon St., Nelson, V1L4E3, Canada
Bring a friend to another FUN night for Producers, Beatmakers, and Electronic Music Composers to jam and hang! (and eat snacks)
WHAT IS IT? It’s a night of collaboration games for Music Producers, Beat-Makers, and Electronic Music Composers, of all genres, DAWs, and skill levels.
Bring your Headphones and laptop with your preferred DAW or hardware such as MPC, Maschine, Push3, or others.
The event is on SEPTEMBER 4th from 6-10 pm at “The Jam Factory”, 303 Vernon St, Nelson, BC V1L 4E3. This is the FIFTH volume of a series of monthly jams, each featuring a unique collaboration “game” or “style”.
Here’s how it works:
OUR GOAL: FIELD RECORDINGS
Field Recording: The first 30 minutes of this jam will be used recording “found sounds” or field recordings from our environment to be reformed into rhythmic and musical elements in the following phases.
Recording Sharing: All recordings will be distributed to participants via provided Dropbox links, and/or USB
Production Phase: Spend the next hour creating elements (drums, bass, synths, chops, etc.) inspired by and/or derived from the field recordings.
Optional Stem Sharing: Export your audio stems and upload them to a shared Dropbox or USB
Collaboration Phase: In the remaining hour, combine uploaded elements from other participants as you see fit.
Show and Tell: Conclude with a showcase and Q&A session.
This collaborative approach, dubbed “Co-Independent Collaboration”, aims to foster community networking, enhance creative decision-making skills, boost confidence, and inspire both new and seasoned electronic composers.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have fun, learn, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts!
RECAP:
-Date: SEPTEMBER 4th
-Time: 6:00 pm – 10pm
-Location: The Jam Factory, 303 Vernon St, Nelson, BC V1L 4E3
-Cost: $5 participation fee (to cover space rental)
What to Bring:
-Laptop with preferred DAW
-Hardware if you prefer (e.g., MPC, Maschine, Push3)
-Headphones
-Cellphone or Field Recorder
QUESTIONS?
Text or call: 1 250 505 7725
SEE YOU THERE!
Oh! and don’t forget to bring a friend!

Producer Jam Night Vol.5 (Nelson) | FIELD RECORDINGS
2024-09-04 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Jam Factory Co-working Space, 303 Vernon St., Nelson, V1L4E3, Canada

Quilt Till You Wilt
2024-09-05 16:00 - 2024-09-07 15:00 (America/Edmonton) | 601 1st Ave, Fernie BC
This is an opportunity for Fernie Quilters to come and work on their projects in a group setting over multiple days.
Business meeting Thursday 4pm
The primary purposes of the Fernie Quilters’ Guild is to provide education and mutual support to the Guild members; to promote skill and creativity in quilting; and to contribute to our community through sharing and charity.
If you wish to join or find out more information please contact directly:
ferniequilters@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/Fernie-Quilt-Guild-127022111007607/

ED Fest
2024-09-06 - 2024-09-07 | Rotary Park, 10 Ave S, Cranbrook, BC V1C 2N2, Cranbrook
This fall, the vibrant community of Cranbrook, British Columbia, will be transformed into a pulsating hub of creativity and expression with the annual Ed Fest Arts & Music Festival. Scheduled for two days, this festival is not just an event but a celebration of the arts, inviting people of all ages to immerse themselves in a world of artistic wonder.
Ed Fest is designed to showcase and elevate the appreciation of diverse art forms including music, dance, literature, theatre, and visual arts. It’s a time when the community converges to explore new ideas, celebrate local and emerging talent, and most importantly, to be inspired. Organized by a passionate collective of organizations, local artists, educators, and community members, Ed Fest aims to weave a unique and unforgettable cultural tapestry that resonates with everyone who attends.
Ed Fest is committed to inclusivity, ensuring the festival is accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender, race, or cultural background. This philosophy is reflected not only in the programming but also in the welcoming atmosphere that encourages every participant to enjoy and engage in the festivities freely.
Plan to join the celebration this fall and be part of something truly special at the Ed Fest Arts & Music Festival in Cranbrook, BC. Come to enjoy the creativity, stay for the community, and leave inspired by the boundless possibilities of the arts. For more information on the festival schedule and ticket bookings, be sure to check the Ed Fest website. Don’t miss this artistic celebration—it’s more than a festival; it’s a community’s heartbeat.
