West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

“Uno” by Raul Pous Facha
2025-05-14 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-15 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-16 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-19 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-20 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-21 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

Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute
2025-05-14 19:30 - 21:30 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
HOTEL CALIFORNIA – The Original Tribute to The Eagles (Canada) For over three decades now HOTEL CALIFORNIA have been recreating the legendary sound of THE EAGLES, and thrilling audiences all over the world. The band set the bar in 1986, and they’ve remained the industry leading substitute for The Eagles ever since. Playing to huge outdoor and arena audiences, sharing bills with some of rock’s legends, and going places no tribute band has gone before. A long run by any measure, but it begs the question – what makes HOTEL CALIFORNIA so special? Well, incredible lead vocal similarity, intensely accurate instrumental work, soaring harmonies, and top flight live performances, just for starters. These are the band’s hallmarks, and the foundation on which their reputation has been built. With over a century of collective professional experience in the band today, they’re still going stronger than ever!
HOTEL CALIFORNIA’s show has evolved into a masterful celebration of The Eagles’ music. One of the most game-changing song catalogs in the history of rock n’ roll is performed to perfection before your eyes and ears. The band also offers tons of value-added promotional support and materials to every client, and the confidence that industry insiders have in them has made HOTEL CALIFORNIA one of the world’s most accomplished tribute productions. You can check them out any time you like, but you’ll never want to leave. If you love The Eagles, then welcome to the Hotel California – you’ve just found the next-best thing.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-05-14 19:30 - 22:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Open Mic Comedy with some of the Kootenays finest and some others!
message @kootenaycomedy on instagram to sign up!

Changing Seasons Across the Kootenays
2025-05-15 - 2025-06-08 | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
“Changing Seasons Across the Kootenays” A Solo Exhibit by Kimberley Artist Lynne Zentner Now Showing at Art Gallery Kimberley
We are proud to present “Changing Seasons Across the Kootenays,” a serene and heartfelt solo exhibition by local artist Lynne Zentner, available from May 15 through June 8, 2025.
Lynne’s collection pays tribute to the beauty and diversity of the four seasons in the Kootenays. Rooted in her deep connection to nature, each landscape painting is a visual love letter to the forests and mountain views she’s encountered during her many hours of “forest bathing,” solo camping, hiking, and skiing across the region. Her acrylic paintings capture not only the changing colours of the seasons, but also the mood and atmosphere of being lost in nature.
“I hope some of the love and beauty I’ve poured into my work will leak through to the viewer,” says Lynne, “and maybe even inspire a smile!”
Born on the wide-open prairies, Lynne’s artistic adventure began against a vast natural backdrop and blossomed into a professional career quite literally painting backgrounds bringing animated worlds to life as an artist and colour designer. With over 15 years in the Ottawa animation industry—including work with Funbag, Lacewood, and Hinton Animation for productions like Flash Gordon, Anthony Ant, and Watership Down—she has mastered a wide range of media and styles. Since changing careers and becoming an English language teacher, she has embraced landscape painting as her way of sharing her vision of the world.
Why should you visit? Because this exhibit is more than beautiful art—it’s a celebration of the wild, magical place we call home represented in paintings that invite visitors to experience the seasons of the Kootenays through the eyes—and heart—of a passionate local artist.
Everyone is invited to the opening reception on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7 pm. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Lynne’s work or a newcomer, this is a show that will move you—and perhaps change the way you see the landscape around you.
Where: Art Gallery Kimberley, 167 Deer Park Ave, Kimberley, BC.
When: May 15 through June 8, 2025 | Monday through Wednesday, by appointment and Thursday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Spring Fling FREE Thursdays
2025-05-15 16:00 - 20:00 | 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.

Still Life workshop w/ Cath McIntosh
2025-05-15 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-17 12:00 - 14:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Catherine McIntosh is your instructor for this 2-part still life painting workshop. Bring your own objects to paint or use the items on hand.
Pre-registration is required and is $50+GST for non-members and $40+GST for Museum members, all painting materials are provided. Space is limited so register early! Register here.

Barbe à Papà Live @ Backroads Brewing
2025-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Backroads Brewing, 460 Baker St, Nelson, BC, V1L4H8, Canada
Join Barbe à Papà (Nick Johnson) for a night of beautiful Music. Barbe à Papà’s Unique Electro-Folk Style is intertwined With Lyrical story telling To bring a Calm and Engaging vibe to any room he plays. If the weather is right, His tones will make their way out to the Backroads Patio!

Into the Woods Watch Party!!
2025-05-15 18:30 - 21:30 | 2054 Washington Street, 2054 Washington Street, Rossland
Join the RLOP as we view the 1991 broadway version of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, staring Bernadette Peters as The Witch.
The RLOP is thrilled to be staging their own adaptation of Into the Woods this fall.
This watch party is a great way to learn about the show, meet the director, learn about auditions, and basically what the next six months will look like if you join!
$5 cover fee for non RLOP members.
Hope to see you there!!

Kootenay Blues Society presents Dawn Tyler Watson and Steve Strongman
2025-05-15 19:00 - 21:30 | Finley’s Bar $ Grill, 705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4G3, Canada
Two of Canada’s top blues performers will be appearing as a dynamic duo at Finley’s in Nelson, BC on Thursday, May 15th at 7 PM. Tickets are $25.00 and are available online at kootenaybluessociety.com or by contacting Finley’s for physical tickets: PH: 250 352 5121. They will also do a workshop on Wednesday, May 14 at 7 PM in the basement of the Kootenay Co op Radios building. The workshop is by donation.

Nelson Sketch Comedy Revue: Volume II
2025-05-15 19:30 - 21:30 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
After selling out the Capitol Theatre in November 2024 with the premiere of Nelson Sketch Comedy Revue, we’re back—bigger, bolder, and weirder than ever.
This show is a love letter to the phrase “Keep Nelson Weird.” It’s a live show packed with fast-paced, scripted comedy. Each scene is short, sharp, and completely original—written and performed by the cast. Expect the return of Nelson News Tonight—and if you don’t know what that is… well, we won’t spoil it for you.
What audiences said about our last show:
“That was such an amazing show! Maybe the best I’ve seen in Nelson, honestly. Please do it again!”
“I haven’t laughed that much in a long time.”
“We loved it so so much and can’t wait to see the next show!”
“PEOPLE IN THE BATHROOM CAN”T STOP TALKING ABOUT HOW GOOD THE SHOW IS!!!! AHHH!!!!!”
The Cast:
Jaymes Bowman
Michelle Hart
Emma Hill
Ruby Horton
Kait Hundt-Lippett
Ruth Krulitsky
Jonathan Ramos

With special guest, Jackie Atkins!

Directed by Michelle Hart
This 90-minute production, including an intermission, features mature content—parental discretion is advised.
Due to the incredible response to our last show, we’re thrilled to add a second performance! Don’t miss your chance to catch us at the Capitol Theatre on May 15 or May 27

DANNY BELL & HIS DISAPPOINTMENTS, JARED JACKEL’S BAD VIBRATIONS, AMY NELSON
2025-05-15 20:30 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
WESTERN FOLK // PSYCH // PUNK // SPOOKY BLUES // DEPRESSION ERA BLUES

Friday Blues at Torchlight Brewing Co.
2025-05-16 17:30 - 22:00 | Torchlight Brewing Co., 125 Hall St, Nelson, BC, V1L 7B4

Electrojazziness
2025-05-16 19:00 - 22:00 | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
The Langham presents an interactive, improvised concert with Electrojazziness.

Electrojazziness is an incredible jazz x electronica x hip hop fusion project, featuring the amazing Montreal-based jazz piano maestro Alex McNally and the Nelson-based live-music-production wizard and freestyle rapper thisissami.

What does “interactive concert” mean? Well, it’s a concert where the audience will get to direct the music & lyric journey. Attendees and Electrojazziness will collaboratively weave a tapestry that is sure to delight your senses!

These two life-long improvisers come have been exploring different forms of interactive performance for many years, and Electrojazziness was born when they met doing street performance in Montreal. We invite you to help us co-create a magical, eclectic, groovy improvised journey with us at The Langham.

This evening will begin with a workshop at 7:15pm where you will get a chance to learn production techniques from these pros and collaborate with them. The interactive concert kicks off at 8:00pm.

Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for youth (<21 years)

STAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE! FUNDRAISER, LIVE MUSIC & DANCE PARTY
2025-05-16 19:00 - 2025-05-17 01:00 | Eagles Hall, 641 baker street, Nelson, BC, V1L 4J3, Canada
STAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE ! “From Turtle Island To Palestine, Colonization Is A Crime!”
A night of LIVE politically conscious music and dance, to fundraise for the Autonomous Sinixt and Nelson4Palestine (supporting their sponsorships of 2 children in Gaza, who were orphaned by the Zionist Israel’s military during the ongoing genocide).
———————-
EVENT DETAILS:
———————
TIME: 7pm-1am
LOCATION:
– The Eagle’s Hall (641 Baker Street)
– Happening on Sinixt təmxʷúlaʔxʷ (homeland), in so-called “Nelson”
AGE RESTRICTION:
All Ages welcome
*Note: expect some swearing in the music
..if it was a movie, we’d rate it PG-13.
DRINKS:
Non-Alcoholic, Flavoured Fizzy Drinks Available.
– Feel free to bring your own water bottles and snacks
SOUND SYSTEM
-https://www.instagram.com/live.harmonics/
Live Harmonics will be bring in a PK sound system!
—————————
TIMELINE (7pm-1am)
—————————
DOORS OPEN: 7pm
7pm-8pm: SILENT AUCTION & KEFFIYEH RAFFLE + DJ WHO
– please bring cash, water bottle and snacks
– To donate see “Tickets & Silent Auction” section below
8pm-8:30: OPENING CEREMONIES
– Opening Ceremonies & Land Acknowledgement
– Host: Othman Hamdan “The Imprisoned Blogger”
– Guest Speakers: BOLC, Nelson4Palestine, Nelson Tenants Union
LIVE POLITICAL MUSIC
8:30-9pm: KAY THE AQUANAUT
910pm-10pm: LEE REED
COMMUNITY DJ DANCE PARTY
10pm-11:30am: RAFFERTY FUNKSMITH
11:30-1am: MOCHILERO
——————————————————-
TICKETS & SILENT AUCTION / DONATIONS
——————————————————-
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & AT DOOR:
– $10-20 (SLIDING SCALE)
– $10-15 (YOUTH / LOW INCOME FOLKS)
– $15 – 20 (IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY FULL PRICE)
* Limited subsidized tickets available, by email: stageagainstthemachine@protonmail.me
– Pre-paying to reserve your spot & helps us to prepare.
ONLINE TICKETS / PRE-PAY:
1) Send E-transfer to: STAGEAGAINSTTHEMACHINE@PROTONS.ME
2) In the comments field: specify # of tickets you are paying for + your name and/or the names of attendees joining you.
3) You name(s) will be on a list / ID required
*DM if any of this is an issue for you
*All pre-sale ticket purchasers receive (per ticket):
1 FREE raffle ticket for 1 handmade Keffiyeh (from www.inaash.org), upon arrival.

CITIZEN RAGE, IDIOFAME, POOR SPORT, FOLDED HAND
2025-05-16 20:00 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
NOISE CULT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
two bangin nights with
MAY 16TH -$25
CITIZEN RAGE
IDIOFAME
POOR SPORT
FOLDED HAND
MAY 17TH – $25
TERAKKA
PURE LOVE ETERNAL PEACE
GARDENER
INFINITE ENCLOSURE
WEEKEND PASS – $40

Kaslo May Days
2025-05-17 - 2025-05-19 | Downtown Kaslo, Kaslo
The 2025 Festival will take place May 17 to May 19, 2025.
Whether you’re new to Kaslo, a long-time local, or back for a visit over the Victoria Day long weekend, Kaslo May Days feels like coming home. May Days—a celebration of the return of summer—has been part of the fabric of this community since 1892. Every year, for three glorious, fun-filled days, the Kaslo & Area Chamber of Commerce serves as its proud host and steward.
During May Days, dozens of arts and crafts vendors set up booths at Vimy Park to sell their wares alongside artisan food producers, craft beer, and other gourmet treats. The park’s Gazebo becomes a stage for Music in the Park, with a foot-tapping, finger-snapping lineup of live music performances throughout the weekend. In keeping with tradition, local children enact the Maypole Dance, which just so happens to be the longest consecutive annual Maypole Dance in North America. And it’s not just the park—during May Days, the entire village of Kaslo is abuzz with events and activities.
Logger Sports is a marquis May Days tradition in Kaslo, and a spectator favourite. Competitors travel here from all over the continent to vie for prizes at this spirited two-day event, which features competitions in Tree Climbing, Log Rolling, Axe Throwing, and Springboard Chopping. If you’re new to May Days, we can pretty much guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this before!
Show ‘n’ Shine has been a part of May Days for more than 25 years. Typically held on Sunday, hundreds of unique cars—from 1900s antiques to rare sports car icons like the AC Cobra—can be seen lining the streets of Kaslo’s historic downtown.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2025-05-17 11:00 - 12:00 | 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!

Kaslo May Days Logger Sports
2025-05-17 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-18 11:00 - 17:00
Logger Sports has become one of the main events at the annual Kaslo May Days Celebration. Competitors from across Canada and the United States compete for big prize money and the opportunity to show off their logging skills.
The venue is the shore of beautiful Kootenay Lake with its gorgeous backdrop of the Purcell Mountain Range. Our grounds are steadily being improved with beautiful amphitheater style seating and a new log rolling pond.
Every year on the Victoria Day long weekend spectators are thrilled by Canadian Championship events such as Tree Climbing, Log Rolling, Axe Throwing and Springboard Chopping to name a few.

2025 Schedule

TEKARRA, PURE LOVE ETERNAL PEACE, GARDENER, INFINITE ENCLOSURE
2025-05-17 20:00 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada

Kaslo May Days Show and Shine
2025-05-18 10:00 - 15:00
The Kaslo Show and Shine was started by a small group of dedicated car buffs as a feature in the 1997 May Days celebrations held on the May long weekend every year. The inaugural event had approximately 15 vehicles on display and from that small beginning has been held every year since and has seen continuous growth to the point that in 2012 there were just under 100 registered cars covering the years from the 1930′s up to some exceedingly rare Mustangs from the 1960′s and 1970′s
Kaslo is a village of about 1000 people, situated about an hours drive North of Nelson BC on the West Shore of Kootenay Lake and nestled between the Purcell mountains to the East and the Selkirk range to the West. For a small community Kaslo has an unusually high number of interesting and unique vehicles both in the village and in the surrounding area and has counted among its residents one of only two original Shelby Cobras licensed in BC amongst other interesting vehicles.
Over the years the Show and Shine has began to attract cars from further afield and has seen cars from as far afield as Spokane, Vancouver BC and the Prairie Provinces of Canada.

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-05-18 16:00 - 19:00 | 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

Kaslo May Days Parade
2025-05-19 12:00 - 14:00
Everyone loves a parade—especially our beloved Kaslo May Days Parade! Come out and cheer on our incredible local participants, including the Kootenay Kilties, local organizations, businesses, and our dedicated Emergency Service Providers.
We welcome everyone to join in the fun! However, for safety reasons, please do not throw candy from vehicles. In past years, this has led to unsafe situations with children running into the street. If you’re walking in the parade, you’re welcome to toss candy onto the sidewalks instead.
2025 Theme: CANADA Show off your Canadian pride by wearing red and white, flying the flag, and designing a fantastic float!
Date & Time: Monday, May 19, at 12:00 PM sharp Parade Route: The parade kicks off at the Kaslo Legion, traveling down historic Front Street, then along 4th Street to B Avenue before taking a second lap around the block. From there, it continues down Front Street, passing the beloved SS Moyie, and finishes at Vimy Park fairgrounds.
A Long-Held Tradition:The JVH Graduating Class proudly takes the second-to-last spot in the parade. As tradition dictates, along the final stretch—from Front & 4th Street down to Vimy Park—spectators are welcome to toss small water balloons at the grads (water only, please!).
Want to Join the Parade?If your organization or business would like to participate, we’d love to have you! Contact the Chamber Event Manager at thekaslochamber@gmail.com for details.
Please give a big thank you to volunteer Parade Marshall Mark Dobroski & let’s make the 2025 Kaslo May Days Parade a celebration to remember!

Steve Marc w. Buns
2025-05-22 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Dance your buns off to some multi genre groove music with Buns (from Calgary) and Steve Marc (from Castlegar).
