West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

KCR Basement Show – David Ivan Neil (Vernon) & Jayne Karma Lamo and The Interbeings
2025-03-29 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kootenay Co-op Radio, 308 A Hall Street, Nelson, V1L1Y8, Canada
Weirdos Unite! Hot off the release of his latest record, David Ivan Neil (Vernon BC) returns to bring his own personal weirdness to the KCR basement! Joined by local (Salmo) oddfellows Jayne Karma Lamo and the Interbeings, this is an all ages event. 15$ at the door. Limited capacity.
Door and tix at 7:30 pm SHOW 8 pm
Brought to you by Bandwidth Records (bandwidthrecords.com)

TRUCK VAN CAR
2025-03-29 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Truckvancar is a five piece, Alt. Soul, Reggae, Rock band out of Rossland, B.C. They play original music and cover tunes that they make their own. The bands two principal singer/songwriters, Tim Hurley and Max Jones, bring a variety of musical influences and styles to the table. The result is a groovy fusion of rock, reggae and everything in between.

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-03-30 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

Cantina Sessions – March (LIVE)
2025-03-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Cantina Del Centro, 565 Baker St, Nelson, BC, Nelson, BC, V1L 4J1, Canada
Mar 9 – Rusty Tones, Live Music, songstress & original music, 6-8pm
Mar 12 – Nikko Forsberg – Jazz, 6-8pm
Mar 16 – Jodie & Stu, Live Music covers & originals 6-8pm
Mar 30 – Rosa Good, Live music, singer songwriter, 6-8pm

Michael Charles at Columbia Valley Centre
2025-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Edmonton) | Columbia Valley Centre, 646 4 Street, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0
“The Guitars, Music and Miles 2025 tour drives the power trio of Michael Charles straight to you for a non-stop concert explosion of music and guitars, contemporary blues, high energy rock, and soulful ballads from the forty-release discography of multi-genre Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Michael Charles.”
The District of Invermere proudly presents Michael Charles! Come join us for an unforgettable evening of blues and rock music at Columbia Valley Centre.
Michael Charles is ready to rock the stage and give you a night to remember. Get ready to dance, sing along, and have a great time with friends and fellow music lovers. This in-person event is your chance to experience live music like never before. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to see Michael Charles perform live!
https://michaelcharles.us/

The African Children’s Choir “Just As I Am” Tour
2025-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | New Life Church, 602 7 St, Castlegar, BC, V1N 3J6, Canada
This isn’t just a concert — it’s a celebration of resilience and hope. Composed of talented children aged 8 to 12 from vulnerable backgrounds, the Choir stands as a powerful testament to the potential of African youth to overcome adversity and lead a brighter future.
We can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you!

“Uno” by Raul Pous Facha
2025-03-31 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-01 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-02 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-03 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-04 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

An Intimate Evening with ALAN CROSS
2025-03-31 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Award-winning radio broadcaster, author and host of “The Ongoing History of New Music” With Special Guest SARAH ORTON

lan Cross is a Canadian radio broadcaster and a writer on music. Based in Toronto, Ontario, he is best known nationally and internationally as host of the syndicated radio series The Ongoing History of New Music, The Secret History of Rock, and ExploreMusic. In 2013, he started the Geeks & Beats podcast with BNN‘s Michael Hainsworth.

www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com

Preschool Art Classes – Itty Bitty Art Time
2025-04-01 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Did you know that down the hall from Trail Gymnastics is a preschool art class? Join instructor Sarah Elizabeth for an artful morning of material exploration and motor skill development. Previous projects include cardboard looms, found object printmaking and marker pull art.
Open to ages 2-5, with one caregiver per child/group of children required.
When: Tuesdays at 11am
Duration: 10 weeks (April 1 – June 3, 2025)
Class Fee: $70 per child
Supplies: All supplies included, with smocks for the children to use on paint days!
About the instructor: Sarah Elizabeth Fibre Works is about all natural fibres; hand processed using the traditions of years gone by and the innovations of the present. The aim is to create a full circle connection for the consumer; an understanding of both the fabulous qualities of the product as well as the connection to the natural world.
Register using the QR code or at https://revenue-can.keela.co/itty-bitty-art-time-spring-2025-preschool-art-classes

Local Trail, Distant Shores: Water Colour Perspectives
2025-04-01 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-02 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-03 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)
2025-04-01 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

Rhythm By Natures - Community Drumming Tour
2025-04-02 - 2025-05-25 | British Columbia
Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rhythmbynature
Set free your inner rhythm, connect with your community, and let the beat move you!
Welcome to 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 event, for the whole community, at many communities ithroughout the Columbia Basin!
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 is an effective way to reduce stress and negative emotions
You’re pulled into the present moment which induces deep relaxation
It provides a sense of empowerment and self-confidence
It is a powerful and positive way to connect with your local community
It can reduce chronic pain & boost the immune system
Your body and mind align with the natural world and your inner nature
You’re offered a non-verbal communicative tool to express and connect
It provides a foundation for personal transformation and growth
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, endorsed REMO Rhythm Wellness & You provider, 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 Kootenay 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 Columbia Valley. After completing three levels of facilitation training with the nationally acclaimed ‘Circles Of Rhythm’ & internationally recognized Rhythm2Recovery, Patrick has been hosting community drumming events throughout the Columbia Basin. 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 during the spring of 2025 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 fibre.
Families are most welcome. We find that very young children have trouble holding attention for the whole session, so we kindly ask that children of all ages be responsibly supervised for the enjoyment of all.: ) If you’re interested in a session designed specifically for young people, we offer programs for schools and youth events of all kinds!
We would like to thank the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and many other Columbia Basin Arts Councils for their support.
Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rhythmbynature

Tea & Textiles
2025-04-02 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.

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 9-12)
2025-04-02 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

Silent Book Club @ Backroads Brewing
2025-04-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Backroads Brewing, 460 Baker St, Nelson, BC, V1L4H8, Canada
At Silent Book Club, there’s no assigned reading. All readers are welcome—ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books… it’s BYOBook. Friends and strangers gather, order drinks, share what they’re reading, and settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize—or not.

Open Mic Night at The Angry Hen
2025-04-02 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Angry Hen Brewing, 343 Front St, Kaslo, V0G1M0
Open mic night at The Angry Hen in Kaslo.
The first Wednesday of every month. All live music is presented in conjunction with Propel Studios, a full-production recording studio with accommodation directly across the street from The Angry Hen.

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 13+)
2025-04-03 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 13+, or secondary students in grades 8-12.
If your child is 16 or older, they can also participate in adult classes such as pottery workshops or any drop-in groups.
Workshop Dates:
Thursday afternoons
January 9 – June 5, 2025 (20 sessions)
3:30pm-4:30pm
No class during SD20 Spring Break; March 20 & 27, 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-13
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

Spring Fling FREE Thursdays
2025-04-03 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Come on down to the Nelson Museum on Thursday evenings, where you can visit the galleries, museum, and shop for FREE. 4-8pm every Thursday.

Art & Ecology Book Study
2025-04-03 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
We are excited to offer a 5 week Art & Ecology course that will provide an opportunity for discussion, reflective writing, and art-making to critically examine the present and inspire the process of imagining and eventually realizing better futures. What we can create begins with what we can imagine.Co-facilitated by NMAG and the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, the course will run on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm, April 3 to May 1, 2025, at NMAG. There will be required readings each week from the collection of essays, An Ecotopian Lexicon.Registration fee includes a copy of the book, An Ecotopian Lexicon, a collaborative volume of engaging essays that offer new terms and concepts to inspire responses and alternatives to our current social and ecological trajectory.The content and readings are suited for adult learners. Maximum registration of 10 participants. Register here. Course cost is $40+GST for members, and $50+GST for non-members. Sign up for a Museum membership online or in person at the Front Desk.

The Doggone Brothers Band Album Release Tour
2025-04-03 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Edmonton) | Knox on 2nd Ave, 201 2 Ave, Fernie, BC, BC, V0B 1M0, Canada
The Doggone Brothers Band will be releasing their new album, Hard Luck Livin’ and will be kicking off a release tour by playing a series of shows in the Kootenays, starting with an April 3rd launch at the Knox on 2nd in Fernie, BC.
The band is anticipating their first full-length album as a 4-piece. The 12-track album includes 11 road-tested originals and one traditional tune, mixed and mastered by legendary sound engineer David Travers Smith. If you’re looking for a folk-centric grass-adjacent show for all ages, look no further! Authentic and uplifting—this four-piece band feels grassy at a folk-fest, and folky at a grass-fest. Their sound is something in between: a nod to traditional instrumentation but an eye towards the future of acoustic music. Some bonafide Canadian Americana. The Doggone Brothers Band will tickle your ears with tasty licks, warm your heart with soulful songs, and give you a laugh along the way with their cheeky banter.
This Kootenay-based band is:
Clayton Parsons (The Good ‘Ol Goats, The Parsons) on banjo and guitar, and Michael Hepher (Craig Young Band, RedGirl, As The Crow Flies) on mandolin, octave mandolin, and guitar. Rounding out the sound is Leah Gardner (fiddle), and Rhonda Shippy (upright bass).

Discover Circus Presents: Fairy Tales in Flight
2025-04-04 18:00 - 20:00 (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 <<

Oh Pray Tell
2025-04-04 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Harrison Memorial Cultural Centre, 16074 Crawford Creek Rd, Crawford Bay, V0B 1E0
BC group with “sass and grace” – gorgeous harmonies, body percussion and movement, experimental folklore.

Nelson Contra Dance
2025-04-04 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4

BC/DC at RED Mountain
2025-04-04 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Vancouver) | Red Mountain Resort, 4300 Red Mountain Rd, Rossland, British Columbia, V0G 1Y0, Canada
GET READY TO ROCK YOUR SKI SOCKS OFF AT RED!
Start closing weekend off with a bang and get your tickets to BCDC before its too late!
There are dozens of AC/DC cover acts around the world, but there aren’t many who embody the band’s timeless raunch with such epic rock n’ roll fury, while also bottling the essence of a wild frontier lifestyle.
DETAILS:

19+ Only
Doors @ 7pm
Show starts @ 7:30pm
Concert is on the RED Deck **this is an outdoor show, so please dress appropriately**
BBQ Available for purchase
Rafters bar open for ticket holders only
Free Late Night Shuttle available from Rossland (Click here for the schedule)
No outside food or drink
