West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Preschool Workshop – Itty Bitty Art Time
2024-03-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-27 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Looking to explore art and creativity with the little kiddo in your life?
The instructor, Erin Shuttleworth, will prepare projects focused on process and sensory activities that engage your preschoolers with colour, texture, and fun! Please be aware that this class gets messy, so send children in comfortable play clothes.
Children ages 2-5 yrs old (one adult helper per child or group of children is required.)
These classes coincide with Trail Gymnastics – make it an engaging morning for your preschooler by signing up with them as well.
When:
12 or 16 Tuesday mornings with two class time options
10:00 am – 10:45 am
11:00 am – 11:45 am
12-week series: January 16-April 16, 2024 (No classes during Spring Break)
16-week series: January 16-May 14, 2024 (No classes during Spring Break)
Where:
VISAC Gallery
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Community Building downtown
Class fee: $80 for 12 weeks, or $100 for 16 weeks, per child.

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2024-03-03 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-02-25 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

Alex Zerbe: The Zaniac
2024-03-03 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, 1007 Vernon Ave, Revelstoke
With the energy of 1,000 suns, Alex Zerbe moves like a rubber band from one end of the stage to the other. Beatboxing, juggling, dancing, singing, music and magic are just a few of the things that led Piers Morgan of America’s Got Talent to call this physical comedian, “The total package.”
The “Professional Zaniac,” whoʼs been cracking jokes onstage for almost 15 years, zigzags between physical stunts and non-stop comedy. During the show vegetables are sliced in half by flying playing cards, flaming torches and bowling balls are juggled with ease and every audience volunteer leaves the stage in triumph. Formerly of the award-winning duo Brothers from Different Mothers, Zerbe is a Hacky Sack World Champion, was voted The Pacific Northwest’s Funniest Prop Comic and is a two-time Guinness World Record holder. Heʼs performed everywhere from cruise ships and comedy clubs to prime-time television in three countries, including “Americaʼs Got Talent!” and “Last Comic Standing. Visit TheZaniac.com to see Alex in action.

RLOP presents Little Shop of Horrors
2024-03-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-02 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Come see Little Shop of Horrors at The Capitol Theatre! Based on the beloved film, the musical features Giant carnivorous plants, Soulful and swinging songs, and an exploration of what people in desperate situations are willing to sacrifice.
Show your support of local theatre on Saturday March 2nd at 7:30pm or Saturday March 3rd at 2pm at The Capitol Theatre

DNB Girls Takeover Live At Bloom Nightclub
2024-03-02 22:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Bloom Nightclub, 198 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H4, Canada
Bloom Nightclub Presents, in Nelson on March 2nd
The DNB Girls Take Over
Thug Shells
Avery Aversive
Ninjette
10-2am
19+

Grandmama Speak – A Performance by Shayna Jones
2024-03-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
Grandmama Speak is a kaleidoscope of Afro-centric folklore and fact, fable and fierce reality hinged upon the mystery of “living waters”. Pieced together from the diverse folkloric traditions of the African diaspora, Grandmama Speak is a trumpet for black wisdom, resilience, and legacy that will touch listeners of all varieties, regardless of colour or creed. Love and loss, pride and pain, hambones and redfish take center stage in this evocative show and will leave listeners laughing, sighing, and lingering over the age-old wisdom of Grandmama Speak. Ages 13 +
For more on the show and performer Shayna Jones, please visit www.wearestoryfolk.com
Tickets are reservable by e-transfer to info@vallicanwhole.com, or available in-person at Rambling Rose Boutique & Thrift in Winlaw. They may also be available at the door.

Après Ski at The Josie Hotel with White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band
2024-03-02 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Josie Hotel, 4306 Red Mountain Rd, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0, Canada
Ski in or walk in to The Velvet Restaurant at The Josie Hotel, RED Mountain on Saturday March 2nd for Après Ski with White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band. Two sets packed with toe-tapping numbers from Latin America to Liverpool, mellowed out with some down-south blues and Kootenay originals.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-03-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-24 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!

VAL KILMER AND THE NEW COKE W/ HOOLA
2024-03-01 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Spiritbar, 422 Vernon St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E5
– 19+, Two pieces of valid government issued ID required
– At Spiritbar in Nelson on March 1st @ 9pm
– Val Kilmer and the New Coke are an 80s new wave cover band. VKNC not only play hit songs from the 80s but hold in their repertoire the true gems that defined so many artists of it’s era and continue to influence the new wave of indie synth rockers today!

Finley’s Afterwork Dance Party with White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band
2024-03-01 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Finley’s Bar $ Grill, 705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4G3, Canada
White Lightning Blues, Rock and Boogie Band returns to Finley’s Bar and Grill with another night of great dance music- classics from Little Walter to Chuck Berry, Little Feat to the Beatles and an ever increasing collection of Kootenay themed originals. Suggested Cover $10.

Fernie Mural Project 2024 Proposal Deadline
2024-02-29 23:45 - 23:49 (America/Edmonton) | 601 1st Ave, Fernie BC
Mural Project 2024 Proposal DeadlineThursday February 29th, 11:45pmFREE to Apply!FDAC has been awarded a Public Art Grant by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and funding from the Resort Municipality Initiative to add to the public art inventory of Fernie! In addition the Fernie Legion Branch #36 is supporting the installation of a permanent mural!All experienced and professional mural artists who are from the Columbia Basin are welcome to submit their proposal! THEME: Station Square, Community & Remembrance

Ballet Jörgen’s Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® @ THE CAPITOL SEASON
2024-02-29 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Ballet Jörgen: Anne of Green Gables – CAPITOL SEASON
Adult $55
30 and Under $49.50
The creation of Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® is monumental for Canada’s Ballet Jörgen as it is the first time the story has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet. Making the production even more special, a company of 16-20 dancers will be joined on stage by local dancers.
Anne of Green Gables is a 1908 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery (published as L. M. Montgomery). Although written for all ages, it is cherished by many children. Anne Shirley, a young orphan from the fictional community of Bolingbroke, Nova Scotia (based upon the real community of New London, Prince Edward Island), has spent a childhood living in strangers’ homes and orphanages. Anne is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, siblings in their fifties and sixties, who were expecting to adopt a boy to help Matthew run their farm at Green Gables, in the fictional town of Avonlea.
Anne is highly imaginative, eager to please and quite dramatic, but dislikes her appearance, despising her red hair and pale, thin frame. And, at first, stern and sharp Marilla wants to return Anne to the orphanage, but after much consideration, along with Matthew’s strong liking of Anne, she decides to let her stay.
Anne takes much joy in life and adapts quickly, thriving in the close-knit farming village. With her wild imagination and talkativeness Anne soon brightens up Green Gables. Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet®
Based on Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™.Original Choreography by Bengt Jörgen, C.M. Music composed by Norman Campbell.Ballet Score Arranged by Alexander Levkovich. Set & Costume Design by Sue LePage. Original Lighting Design Rebecca Picherack.

Jolene Miner Gallery Show
2024-02-29 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | 601 1st Ave, Fernie BC
Join us for the opening reception of “APPLE SKINS” by Jolene Miner @joleneminerart⁠Enjoy brand new paintings in person, complimentary snacks, good company & the Arts Station bar ⁠⁠ARTIST STATEMENT:⁠I was a hesitant painter. I wanted so deeply to create something authentic and real that I often⁠got in my own way. I wanted it to be raw and true and full of richness, and those wants kept me⁠stuck in the thinking phase. I needed a way to dissolve my creative barriers, and I embarked on⁠a journey to find it.⁠I resolved to connect deeply to the intuitive part of myself and create a process that supported⁠an unselfconscious spontaneity. This meant embracing my vulnerabilities and what I felt⁠compelled to create without questioning it. I found myself wanting to explore a shape that⁠presented as something aware and vaguely human but with all the layers stripped away;⁠something that could express the feeling I wanted to explore but without the distractions of a⁠traditional subject. The simplicity left me free to act without hesitation. Layering and the⁠subtleties of glazing became key elements as I discovered I was drawn to translucency and an⁠element of emergence that played against bold lines. I immersed myself in the layering of rich⁠areas of color, thick strokes of white under glazes, repeating shapes from hand carved stamps⁠and linework created by activating watercolor pencil with medium. As I worked, I found that a⁠story naturally started to emerge.⁠Apple Skins is me removing my layers, peeling them away in a long, bouncy curl and⁠embracing what I find. Candid. Sweet. A little bit weird. It’s the fruits of a spontaneous creative⁠process. By embracing the exploration of my unselfconscious creative impulse, I use color,⁠line, pattern and texture through acrylics, inks, wax, watercolor pencils and mark making tools.⁠I layer and build. I remove and expose. I create a space to be vulnerable, to feel without⁠judgement and create without barriers.⁠I invite you to see it and feel it for yourself.⁠

Youth Workshop – Visual Exploration Club – Ages 11-14
2024-02-29 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
This bi-weekly club has a different theme per session. Participants will explore a variety of materials to gain confidence in their art making, building a sketchbook to reflect their growth as an artist. Themes include: Watercolour, Clay & 3D Art, Repainting Thrifted Art, and Paper Mosaic.
When: Thursdays (bi-weekly) 3:30pm-4:30pm
Duration: Jan 18-May 23, 2024 (Note that there will be no VEC club during Spring Break)
Age: 11 – 14
Class fee: $80 for 9 classes (January – May); or $10 drop-in per youth

Where:

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

Please email info@visacgallery.com with any questions.

ANOMALIE
2024-02-28 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Anomalie is the live electronic project of Nicolas Dupuis, a classically trained keyboardist and producer based in Montreal, QC. He’s at once a piano virtuoso, a keyboard whiz, and a skilled producer and songwriter that has toured worldwide and performed at the likes of Red Rocks and Electric Forest Festival. Rising to worldwide fame after the release of his two EPs, Metropole Part I and II, Anomalie has developed a unique musical identity through an innovative combination of cutting edge electronic production, jazz and classical harmonies, and undeniably raw funk groove. His music has attracted fans worldwide, including modern musical heavyweights such as Charlie Puth, Chromeo, Thundercat, and Snarky Puppy. By the end of 2018, he sold out his entire North America, European, and Asian tours alongside his intricate 4-piece live band and grew his online following in the millions across social media. And he’s achieved all of this as an independent artist. His latest album ‘Galerie’ was released in early 2022.

OKAN
2024-02-28 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Edmonton) | Golden Civic Centre, 806 10th Avenue S, Golden, BC
Toronto-based OKAN is a woman-led Afro-Cuban ensemble that beautifully integrates jazz, Latin, and folk rhythms. Their roots are deep, yet the music they make is contemporary, exciting, and sophisticated. This is a must-see performance.

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2024-02-28 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!

Book Launch! Sisters of Belfast by Melanie Maure
2024-02-28 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Local author Melanie Maure’s new novel takes place in Ireland and Canada—and like her protagonists, orphaned twins Aelish and Isabel McGuire—the author has roots in both. The Sisters of Belfast, published this month by HarperCollins, is a tale of estrangement and reunion set to launch in two special Nelson events. The inaugural event happens at the Nelson Public Library on Wednesday, February 28 at 7pm. On Thursday, March 7 at 7pm, Notably Books offers an intimate evening with free registration available via notably.ca as space is limited.

Youth Workshop – Visual Exploration Club – Ages 7-10
2024-02-28 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
This bi-weekly club, facilitated by comic artist Erin Shuttleworth, encourages inquisitiveness and exploration, with a supportive environment and 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: Jan 17-May 22, 2024 (No classes during Spring Break)
Age: 7 – 10
Class fee: $80 for 9 classes (Jan – May); or $10 drop-in per youth
Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
Please email info@visacgallery.com with any questions.

Ballet Jörgen’s Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® – Performing Arts Trail
2024-02-27 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Charles Bailey Theatre, 1501 Cedar Ave, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4C7, Canada
The Trail & District Arts Council presents Ballet Jörgen’s Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet®, a uniquely Canadian story at The Bailey Theatre on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 pm.
The creation of Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® is monumental for Canada’s Ballet Jörgen as it is the first time the beloved story has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet. Making the production even more special, a company of 16-20 dancers will be joined on stage by 8 local participants.

RJ LeBlanc’s HEYDAY – from Montreal
2024-02-26 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Selkirk College 10th St Campus – Shambhala Music & Performance Hall, 700 10 St, Nelson, V1L 3C7
Montreal-based bassist RJ LeBlanc’s new project, HEYDAY, consists of five of Montreal’s most versatile and prolific musicians: Erika Angell (voice), Jérôme Beaulieu (keyboards), Kevin Warren (drums), Nicolas Ferron (guitar) and RJ LeBlanc (bass).
The group has a wide range of influences—from post-rock to RnB and beyond—with the spirit of jazz as a common thread. It is an eclectic and highly energetic band that mixes finesse and feel-good in a beautiful way.
’In the top 10 Jazz albums of 2022’’ —Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
‘’HEYDAY is an exploration of ingenuity’’ —Yoshi Maclear Wall, The Whole Note
LeBlanc has been on the Canadian music scene since the mid-2000s, performing with jazz artists, including Jean-Michel Pilc and Carol Welsman, as well as with iconic rock bands like The Dears.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music at the Shambhala Music & Performance Hall in Nelson, BC, Canada.
Event Details:

Date: Mon, Feb 26, 2024
Time: Doors open at 7 pm. Show starts at 7:30 pm.
Location: Shambhala Music & Performance Hall, Selkirk College, 10 Street, Nelson, BC, Canada

Lip Sync Battle
2024-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
INTUIT MOVEMENT IN NELSON PRESENTS:
The Second Annual Lip Sync Battle Grand Finale
Ages 16+/PG Rated
Join us for the 2nd Annual Lip Sync Battle and Variety Show!
An evening of local talent competing for the Golden Microphone and their chance to win $1000 with adult dance performances by Intuit Movement.
Expect to laugh, cry, dance, and cheer through this rollercoaster of a variety show that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
NEW THIS YEAR: Audience Voting! Be here to vote for your favourite and help them get closer to winning that cold hard cash.
Hosted by last year’s reigning champs, Ruth + Shelby.

COLD SMOKE w/ RUBBER TIRE PEEP SHOW
2024-02-24 18:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest is an annual grassroots celebration of ski and snowboard culture. The festival makes a stop at the Royal for an evening of presentations, giveaways, and live music! Coldsmoke presentations will run from 6pm to 8pm. Rubber Tire Peep Show will be hitting the stage at around 8:30pm to finish off the night. Rubber Tire Peep Show is a musical collective based in Toronto, with a knack for jam based rock music. Slinging sounds that span from blues, funk, jazz, country, and soul to some good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll.

VIVA CARNAVAL A FUNDRAISER FOR THE POLKA DOT DRAGON ARTS SOCIETY
2024-02-23 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Viva Carnaval!
Find a fabulous costume and come out to support this local community arts organization by celebrating one of the greatest community arts traditions around the world–Carnaval! Doors open at 8pm with a silent auction; at 8:30pm we’ll start the showcase with live music and dance inspired by the carnaval traditions of Brazil, Trinidad, Panama, Colombia, and more. At 9:30pm DJ ViraVira will take the floor playing Latin beats, and DJ Dubconscious will finish the night with some Caribbean sound.
19+

The Cherry Orchard – Freezing Point Play Reading Series
2024-02-23 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
Black Productions Presents Freezing Point: A Play Reading Series

The Cherry Orchard
By Anton Chekov
Directed by Lindsay Clague
Cast TBA soon

Friday, February 23rd, 2024
7:30pm
Nelson United Church
10$ donation at the door

What exactly is a play reading?

A play reading is the most basic version of a play. Actors deliver their lines directly from the script with minimal direction and movement, but in character and with gusto. There are no technical elements such as props, costumes or lighting, but someone reads the stage directions aloud to give the audience the context for each scene.

(from What’s a Play Reading and Why is it Cool? By Andrew Kleindon)

Artist Talk with Naomi Bourque
2024-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Using traditional techniques for gathering, tanning, embroidering, and embellishment, Nelson-based textile artist Naomi Bourque has reimagined the intersection of function and beauty in her latest project, ‘Medicine Harvest’ – a series of ten ponchos constructed with natural materials, including deer hide, antler, birch bark, and plant dyes.

Three of the ponchos in the series will be on display during an artist talk at the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery on Friday, February 23 at 7pm. Naomi will discuss her approach to her practice, ‘Medicine Harvest’, and the Indigenous Fashion Arts Biennial – the prestigious fashion event held in Toronto this spring. The ponchos are being created as part of an artist residency at Selkirk College; Bourque is a graduate of the Kootenay School of the Arts Jewelry and Small Object Design program (2013), the Sculptural Metal program (2015), and the Textiles program (2023).

The artist talk is free and open to the public, no registration is required. For more information about the exhibition and events at the Museum, visit nelsonmuseum.ca
