West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Summer Lovin’ FREE Thursdays
2025-07-10 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-17 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.

Kootenay Savings Music in the Park
2025-07-10 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-17 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Trail Gyro Park, 234 Park Rd, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4X7, Canada
Kootenay Savings Music in the Park
Gyro Park, Trail
The Trail & District Arts Council is excited to present a range of great musicians at Kootenay Savings Music in The Park. With two acts per night, it’s the perfect opportunity for all the family to get together outside and listen to great live music in beautiful Gyro Park from June 26 to August 14. Regular Music in the Park Nights start at 6:15 with the headliner at 7:00 pm.
To make the season even more fun, we will see the return of the popular Night Markets on July 17 and August 14 as we once again collaborate with Trail’s Incredible Farmers Market. These awesome events bring the community together for Music, Food, Beer Garden and Farmers Market. These special events run from 5-8:30 pm.
And we have two new events. The Friday night Music in the Dark Beach Dance Party on August 8 will feature DJs and dance-heavy music from Apollo Suns our headliners. Happening from dusk ‘til dark from 7-9:30 pm admission is $10 at the door for this no alcohol event recommended for ages 15 and up.
On July 24, RemarkABILITY Fest, in partnership with Diverse Family Roots, will provide unique experiences to engage the public and celebrate inclusion and diverse community..
FREE shuttle buses run from 5:30 -9:00 from Trail Safeway and Trail Arena for the July 17, 24 and August 14 events.

Music in the Park Schedule
Thurs. June 26:

Trail Maple Leaf Band’s 30 to 40 band members will play tunes that delight everyone including concert band pieces, show tunes and movie medleys and marches
Trail Pipe Band will engage the audience playing pipe band favourites from their huge repertoire. They will be joined by guests the B. McJones Highland Dancers for Scottish piping and dancing.

Thurs. July 3

Truckvancar is a five-piece, Alt. Soul, Reggae, Rock band out of Rossland and Trail B.C. They play original music and cover tunes that they make their own for a groovy fusion of rock, reggae and everything in between.
Tina Leon is a singer-songwriter from Montreal who draws her inspiration from the Motown generation and the soul music of the last decades for a colorful musical journey through jazzy, funk, and pop rhythms with rich and enchanting melodies.

Thurs., July 10

Shuffle Demons have a unique and unmistakable sound. A trademark fusion of jazz, funk, blues, and rap with finely crafted compositions from all five band members.
Stubbs and the are rooted in Rossland. This 5-piece plays crowd-pleasing covers and independent original and theatrical music with lyrics in 10 different languages.

Thurs., July 17: The Night Market

Twin Fiddles and Friends have been Castlegar Fiddle camp Instructors and playing MITP for 20 years. Gordon Stobbe and JJ Guy and two more instructors (tbc) will play Canadian Old Time Fiddle Music. features favourites of the fiddling world JJ Guy and Gordon Stobbe, whose distinctive original tunes are written in the twin fiddle style with lead and harmony lines that reflect their shared love for traditional fiddle music,
Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Ontario of French Canadian & W8banaki (Abénaki) heritage. Her story-driven, ethereal music whisks you away with uplifting melodies that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments.
Meredith Moon plays unique, non-traditional folk with her finger-style guitar, piano, lap dulcimer and clawhammer banjo complementing her lyrical storytelling.

Thurs., July 24: RemarkABILITY (Celebrating Inclusion and Diverse community in Partnership with Diverse Family Roots)

Rock Squad is a 4-piece band covering classic rockers from the past that will rock your socks off! The band was formed after two members Luc Picard (drums) and Marshall (Guitar) met at Autism BC during one of their Awareness Events. Joining them in Andrew MacFarlane on lead guitar and dean on bass.

Rhythm by Nature will run 20-minute drumming workshops at 5:15, 6:00 and 6:45 where you will learn about and experiment with different drums and drumming techniques. No experience needed. All ages friendly.

Thurs., July 31

Kim Churchill is an Australian singer-songwriter who brings a distinctive presence to the stage. Kim is known for his laidback folk style, often described as “ocean-side blues.”
Shooglenifty was formed in 1990 by musicians from the Scottish Highlands, Orkney and Edinburgh. Its bright spark was the idea of fusing traditional and traditional-sounding melodies with the beats and basslines of a mixed bag of more contemporary influences.

Thurs., August 7

Tenise Marie Trio – Tenise Marie is a multi-instrumentalist based in Nelson, whose original music pairs soulful vocals with acoustic guitar, piano, and oud, crafting a unique blend of Western and Eastern folk music, reflective of her own heritage.
John Reischman and The Jaybirds play a stylish take on bluegrass that blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music.

Friday, August 8: Music in the Dark

DJ TBA
Apollo Suns is a 7-piece instrumental collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba that fuses jazz, rock and psychedelic music to create their own unique sounds with the dancefloor in mind.

Thurs., August 14: Night Market

Bella Cat is a dynamic and soulful vocalist whose electrifying performances blend R&B, funk, blues, hip-hop, and pop for an unforgettable, immersive and thrilling experience.
The Latin Lovers are seven extremely dynamic musicians from The Slocan who play Latin Fusion. With a mix of original songs and well-known Spanish covers, they invite the audience to participate by adding harmonies and playing shakers.

So, bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes for a Summer of live music in the park!
Admission is by donation – $3 per person minimum suggested. Or support the Trail Arts Council’s programming by buying a Season Pass for the whole summer for $30! You may buy a pass at trail-arts.com by clicking on any of the Music in the Park events and clicking the “Buy” button. Or buy them in person at Gyro Park with cash or credit card.
Please note that entrance for Music in the Dark is $10.
This show is made possible thanks to support from BC Arts Council, BC Live Performance Network, the Government of Canada, Kootenay Savings, City of Trail, Columbia Basin Trust, Pharmasave Trail, Teck Trail Operations, HUB International, Summit 95.7 FM and Tourism South Kootenay. We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Shows are moved indoors if the weather is not cooperative. Check our Facebook page by 2:00 pm on Thursdays for the exact location.

TENISE MARIE, CAM BLAKE, STONE FACE KID
2025-07-10 20:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
ALBUM RELEASE!

Nelson Streetcar Tour
2025-07-11 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Streetcar, Nelson
Learn about the history of transportation in Nelson!
We will ride the Nelson Streetcar and tour the Nelson Electric Tramway Museum to learn about the history of transportation in Nelson.
Please meet at the Tram stop at the Prestige Lakeside Resort parking lot by 9.30am.
This activity is open to everyone; no registration required

WOOD opening reception
2025-07-11 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The Nelson Museum welcomes renowned artists Pat Bruderer, Rita McKeough, Stephen Noyes, Susan Point, Samuel Roy-Bois, and Peter von Tiesenhausen for the official opening of WOOD—a special group exhibition exploring the medium of wood and its limitless potential. This free public event includes an artist talk with the featured artists in attendance, along with light refreshments. READ MORE

ANTIDOPING
2025-07-11 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
The legendary Mexican reggae band, Anitdoping, has marked a milestone in music history by becoming the first Mexican band to perform in concert in Jamaica as part of Reggae Month 2025, where they participated in the Bob Marley Tribute on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
During the event, Antidoping shared the stage with reggae greats such as Julian Marley, Skip Marley, Bushman, Warrior King, Nonpalidece, Aza Lineage, and Jah Fabio. This historic performance consolidated the recognition of Mexican talent in the birthplace of reggae.
In recognition of their outstanding participation and their career in promoting reggae in Latin America, the Mexican Embassy in Jamaica awarded Antidoping a special recognition as the first Mexican band to participate in Reggae Month 2025, highlighting their role as cultural ambassadors and their contribution to the musical brotherhood between Mexico and Jamaica.

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-07-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-19 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.

Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free! (https://form-can.keela.co/bunker-tours)

Mike Meany LIVE! @ Backroads Brewing
2025-07-12 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Backroads Brewing, 460 Baker St, Nelson, BC, V1L4H8, Canada
Mike Meaney is a local Nelson musician originally from Toronto who plays a mixture of mellow fingerstyle and upbeat acoustic. Equally at home around a campfire or on stage, his choice of songs are sure to get you singing along. He plays covers with a healthy dose of originals when courage moves him to do so, refining his craft before the lovely audience of Nelson and the Kootenays.

Taghum Hall Present: Pierre Bensusan
2025-07-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Pierre BensusanMister DADGAD – Virtuoso Guitarist, Composer, Vocalist
Described as “the guitar given free reign to play itself,” French-Algerian acoustic guitar legend Pierre Bensusan is a world-renowned master of the DADGAD tuning, blending folk, jazz, classical, and world music into a truly singular voice. A trailblazer on the global stage for over four decades, Bensusan has captivated audiences with his emotive playing, rich vocals, and genre-defying compositions.
Winner of the Independent Music Award for his live triple album Encore and voted Best World Music Guitarist by Guitar Player readers, Pierre’s influence spans generations—from Michael Hedges naming a piece after him to collaborations with artists like Donny Osmond and praise from Steve Vai, Tommy Emmanuel, and Mark Knopfler.
Often called “The Prince of DADGAD,” Pierre’s performances are intimate journeys filled with innovation, depth, and raw beauty—an artist whose music transcends borders and touches the soul.

Glacier Watercolour Workshop
2025-07-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson Street, Revelstoke, V0E 2S0
Glacier Watercolour Workshop | Parks Canada
Hosted by Lara Davis
Paint the Glaciers with Us!
As part of the Parks Canada Glacier Festival, we’re excited to partner with Parks Canada to offer a special Glacier Watercolour Workshop at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.
Join us for a creative evening where you’ll learn how to paint icy blues, snowy textures, and the beauty of alpine landscapes using watercolour. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a total beginner, this workshop is for everyone.
Saturday, July 12
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
RVAC Kitchen Studio
$35 All Materials Provided
Ages 16+
Come solo or bring a friend — no experience necessary. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register on our website: https://revelstokeartgallery.ca/education/

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-07-13 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

Awakeneers
2025-07-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
Hey there! We’re very excited to be making it back to the Kootenays! We hope you’ll join us for an evening of thoughtful, humorous, and uplifting lyrics swirled gently into an acoustic mix of all original folk sounds and sibling vocal harmonies.
Join us for an uplifting evening concert at the beautiful Nelson United.
Returning from a series of festival performances in Northern BC, Cortes Island folk band Awakeneers will be performing at Nelson United Church on Sunday, July 13th, at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and audience members can look forward to an evening of thoughtful, humorous, and uplifting lyrics swirled gently into an acoustic mix of all original folk sounds and sibling vocal harmonies.
“Several of us grew up in the Valley and cut our teeth as buskers on Baker Street” said Francis, songwriter who plays fiddle and cello with the Awakeneers “It’s been twelve years since our last concert at Nelson United, during that time the music has taken us across two continents and three albums — so it’s pretty swell to be coming back to the Kootenays with the band!”
The Awakeneers will also perform at the SIFCo Resiliency Centre in Winlaw on July 20th at 5:30 pm.
Currently based on Cortes Island, the Awakeneers are a nomadic tribe of multi-instrumentalist songwriters (most of whom are siblings) who offer a genre-bending blend of acoustic positivity that orbits elliptically around the idea of folk music.

The band was formed in 2020, but all members of the Awakeneers have played together for more than a decade. Collectively, they have written more than 400 songs and have performed together across the USA, Canada, and Europe, playing for audiences ranging in size from 7 to 7,000 at festivals, farms, conferences, concert halls, folk clubs, churches, eco-villages, and almost anywhere that folk music can be heard.
A fiercely independent band, they have built a strong following with a unique approach to the music business that has included touring on a wooden sailboat and giving away their music for free on a custom-built smartphone app.
If you’d like to reserve a ticket by telephone, please contact us at: (778) 788-3459
More info about the band: https://www.awakeneers.com
Patty Castle, the artistic director of the Victoria Folk Music Society, described their concert there as a “wonderfully entertaining show … left us all with a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts!”
And Campbell River Arts Council’s Karen Seaboyer referred to the band as “One of the most talented and professional groups of musicians I’ve ever worked with.”

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-07-16 13:00 - 14:00 (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.

Wednesday Bunker tours run seasonally from June to September. Saturday Bunker tours are offered year-round. Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free!

MY SON THE HURRICANE
2025-07-16 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
MY SON THE HURRICANE IS A MULTI-HORN, MULTI-DRUMMER, MULTI-SINGER BRASS FUNK BEAST FROM NIAGARA, ON. THE 12-PIECE BRASS-DANCE CREW HAS TOURED OVER MULTIPLE COUNTRIES AND PLAYED SOME OF CANADA, USA, UK, SCANDINAVIA, BELGIUM, MEXICO, LITHUANIA, AND FRANCE’S BIGGEST FESTIVALS. THE BAND FEATURES TRUMPETS, SAXOPHONES, TROMBONES, DRUMS, GUITAR, KEYS, PERCUSSION AND A WILD FRONT WOMAN…WE DARE YOU NOT TO DANCE! IN 2023, MY SON THE HURRICANE’S “MR. HOLLAND’S LOCUST” RECEIVED OVER 30 MILLION VIEWS ONLINE. IN 2025, THE BAND WILL TAKE ON AN OVER 70-DATE CANADA, UNITED STATES AND EUROPE-WIDE TOUR WITH NEW SINGER SARAH FAZ. THEY’VE SHARED THE STAGE WITH ACTS LIKE FOO FIGHTERS, JASON ISBELL, I MOTHER EARTH AND COLIN JAMES.

Castlegar Community Drumming Experience
2025-07-17 | Kootenay Gallery of Art, 120 Heritage Way, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4M5, Canada
Set free your inner rhythm, connect with your community, and let the beat move you!
Welcome to the Castlegar Community Drumming Experience! With support from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Rhythm by Nature brings you a fully interactive and immersive drumming event, for the whole community, at the Kootenay Gallery of Art History & Science, Castlegar.
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 for their support and the Kootenay Gallery of Art History & Science for hosting.

Spoon Carving workshop w/ Anna Wynne
2025-07-17 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Anna Wynne teaches a lucky group how to carve a wooden spoon with an axe at the Nelson Museum! Inspired by the Deep Roots and WOOD exhibitions in the galleries this summer, now you have an opportunity to explore the possibilities with this versatile medium.

Ages 16+ and very limited space! Fees for the workshop are $35+GST for non-members and $30+GST for Nelson Museum members, which includes all materials needed. Click here to register. To purchase a Museum membership and receive special pricing, click here.

The Night Market with Meredith Moon, Mimi O’Bonswain and Twin Fiddles at Music in the Park
2025-07-17 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Trail Gyro Park, 234 Park Rd, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4X7, Canada
Join the Trail & District Arts Council and Trail’s Incredible Farmers Market on July 17 for an entertaining evening of food vendors, market, beer & wine garden, and live music at The Night Market in Gyro Park. From 5 pm to 8:30 pm there’s lots to do surrounded by great live music.
Headlining the evening is Meredith Moon and her Band at 7:15 pm.
Meredith Moon has had a lot to live up to her whole life as a folk musician, not only because of the other great performers out there but because her father is the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. But music is literally in her blood and she does not disappoint.
Meredith found her sound as a busker on sidewalks from Halifax to Vancouver, and began travelling her home of Canada, and the world, by means of road and rail, finding inspiration for her unique style of songs which are often based on her travels, and crafted in a true storyteller’s fashion.
Since then Moon has earned a stellar reputation performing traditional tunes often ‘non-traditionally’, playing finger-style guitar, piano, lap dulcimer and clawhammer banjo to complement her lyrical storytelling sung with a powerful voice.
Moon has played many Canadian folk festivals , and has toured North America extensively, as well as Central America, the UK and Western and Eastern Europe. Her album “Constellations” garnered international acclaim; was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, and was featured on the Folk Alliance International Top 10 Album Chart two months running in April and May 2023, along with other notable Americana charts.
Hear her perform https://youtu.be/8POvMVIJG28
“She conjures up songs awash in rich, moody melodies that catch the ear in a way, at least in my experience, that many don’t get close to.” – Rambles
For more information: meredithmoon.com
Then from 6-7 pm Mimi O’Bonsawin takes the stage, a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario who is French Canadian & W8banaki (Abénaki), a member of Odanak First-Nation.
Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of the Land. The ethereal quality of her music whisks you away with uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments.
She performs as a duo with her husband Ryan Schurman on drums & percussion making it an intimate yet uplifting experience for the audience. They invite you into their universe while providing a full band sound that provokes dancing, singing and overall joy.
“She takes you to her special place … where the northern lights always shine and the forest is a cosmic garden filled with story and song” – Tom Coxworth- Folk Routes CKUA
“There’s a lovable directness to O’Bonsawin’s words, through which she presents the idea of nurturing a simple wish for a different life and the hope that this wish might be fulfilled.” – Americana UK
Listen to her live https://youtu.be/N9kePpRC1Q0
Opening the night at 5:00 pm is Twin Fiddles and Friends. Favourites of the fiddling world this group features award-winning and renowned Canadian fiddlers, JJ Guy from Saskatchewan, and Gordon Stobbe from Nova Scotia, widely known across Canada as a premier accompanist on guitar for fiddle players. These two Castlegar Fiddle camp Instructors have been teaching camp and playing MITP for 20 years. They will be joined by two other instructors (tbc) and play Canadian Old Time Fiddle Music.
JJ and Gordon’s distinctive original tunes are written in the twin fiddle style with lead and harmony lines that reflect their shared love for traditional fiddle music, the unique places they have been and the people they have met. Telling rich stories of their shared experiences, their show includes much humour and audience participation.

Organized by Trail & District Arts Council, in partnership with Trail’s incrEDIBLE Farmer’s Market, our Night Markets have become a staple of Music in the Park where you may picnic, shop, and dance the night away. The market will see a range of artisans and other vendors at the market, as well as tasty cooling treats and delicious eats by our food vendors. Plus, the Beer and Wine Garden will be serving up cold beverages including cider and sodas.
FREE shuttle buses run from 5:30 -9:00 from Trail Safeway and Trail Arena at this event.
So, bring a lawn chair and don’t forget to bring plenty of water. Need to cool off? The music is right by the water park and the river!
Admission is by donation – $3 per person minimum suggested. Or support the Trail Arts Council’s programming by buying a Season Pass for the whole summer for $30! You may buy a pass at trail-arts.com by clicking on any of the Music in the Park events and clicking the “Buy” button. Or, buy them in person at Gyro Park with cash or credit card.

Laela Heidt Live @ Backroads Brewing
2025-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Backroads Brewing, 460 Baker St, Nelson, BC, V1L4H8, Canada
Laela Heidt is a Kootenay-born songstress and instrumentalist- A songbird with Owl words which the Selkirk alumni weaves into a unique and soulful vocal performance. Don’t miss her grace the Backroads Patio for an enchanting night of music.

Castlegar Community Drumming Experience
2025-07-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Kootenay Gallery of Art, 120 Heritage Way, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4M5, Canada
Set free your inner rhythm, connect with your community, and let the beat move you!
Welcome to the Castlegar Community Drumming Experience! Rhythm by Nature brings you a fully interactive and immersive drumming event, for the whole community, at the Kootenay Gallery of Art History & Science, Castlegar.
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 Kootenay Gallery of Art History & Science for hosting and the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for their support.

QUILOMBERA – Afrocolombian Ensemble
2025-07-17 20:30 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Carribean Sound Explosion!

Opening Ceremony **July 19 **for 'Window to the Past' Japanese Canadians in Sandon
2025-07-18 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | Sandon Museum, Slocan Star Street, Sandon, V0G 1S0
You’re invited!
On behalf of the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, the Sandon Historical
Society is honoured to invite you to the opening ceremony for our new
permanent exhibit entitled â€œWindow to the Past â€“ Japanese Canadians in
Sandonâ€.
The event will be held from 2 pm on Saturday, July 19, at the Burns
building adjacent to the Sandon Historical Society Museum in Sandon, BC,
on unceded Sinixt territory.
A storefront exhibit on the history of Nikkei interned in Sandon from
1942-1944, â€œWindow to the Pastâ€ will be displayed all year round in
the windows of the newly refurbished Burns replica building.
The interpretive panels feature stories of Sandonâ€™s Japanese Canadian
residents, sharing the history of their displacement from the West Coast
and the establishment of community life in Sandon before their eventual
departure.
The exhibit began with a project proposal from the Sandon Historical
Society and was subsequently made possible with guidance and funding from
the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. After a welcome from the Sinixt
First Nation, representatives of both societies will speak briefly during
the ceremony, and we will recognize some of those dedicated folks â€“ from
Vancouver to Toronto â€“ who were involved in bringing this important
exhibit to fruition.
The event will be accessible with parking coordinated at the site with a
drop-off area, and there will be some covered seating available. We will
be offering light refreshments at the event and free museum admission all
day.
If you have any questions about the event or the exhibit itself, please
feel free to contact us at
SandonMuseum@netidea.com<mailto:SandonMuseum@netidea.com>.
We hope to see you in Sandon!
https://facebook.com/events/s/window-to-the-past-japanese-ca/1668424183869059/

Nelson Museum Archive and Gallery Tour
2025-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Join CBAL Nelson for a tour the Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery!
We will have a guided tour of the Museum’s permanent exhibits as well as the galleries to learn about the diverse history of the Nelson area.
Please plan to meet at 10am at the Museum entrance on Vernon St.
This event is open to all, no registration required.

Starbelly Jam Music Festival
2025-07-18 17:00 - 2025-07-20 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Crawford Bay
NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL…

Starbelly Jam is a special festival; great entertainment, great food, great people, lots of happy kids and room to play — we’ve deliberately steered the festival away from getting too big or becoming too crowded; this festival’s success is all about the celebration of life through music, friendship and having a fun time for all in a safe and secure environment.

Opening Reception: kt̓kmin uɬ c̓ik̓ʷm (mark and make light)
2025-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Join us at our Opening Reception for kt̓kmin uɬ c̓ik̓ʷm (mark and make light), an exhibition by artists Manuel Axel-Strain and Kalli Van Stone, on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Oxygen Art Centre.

The artists, Manny + Kalli, will be in attendance and we’re very excited to share the new body of work they develop while in residence from July 14 to July 18, 2025. Light refreshments will be provided and the event is free to attend.

More information about the artists and the project can be found here.

Please contact info[at]oxygenartcentre[dot]org with any questions about the event, access to the facility, or for more information about the project.

DARING GREATLY
2025-07-18 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
DARING GREATLY is a harmony-driven rock band originally from Calgary, Alberta, now based in Southern California. Blending classic 70s rock with modern soul, folk, and country influences, the band is known for their powerful three-part vocal harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and energetic live shows.

Shred Kelly w/ Honeybear
2025-07-18 22:00 - 2025-07-19 02:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Flying Steamshovel Inn & Gastropub, 2003 2nd Ave, Rossland, BC, V0G1Y0, Canada
Emerging from the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, Shred Kelly is a powerhouse band that seamlessly blends elements of alternative, folk, and rock music.
With a captivating live act that leaves audiences in awe, they have become a mainstay in the Canadian music scene, but it’s not just their energetic performances that set them apart—Shred Kelly’s heartfelt songwriting strikes a chord with listeners, connecting deeply as each band member brings their eclectic musical influences to the table, shaping the group’s unique musical direction.

Doors @ 9Show @ 10First 50 Tickets $25All Others $3019+

Cafe Langham: Experiences of an Internment Camp Teacher
2025-07-19 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
Join us at The Langham Gallery for a special presentation by curator Susan Yatabe as she discusses the exhibit “Experiences of an Internment Camp Teacher.”
Discover the incredible story of Kazuko Shinobu, a Nisei teacher who, at just 18, educated Japanese Canadian children while interned in Kaslo.
This powerful exhibit shares her journey through historical photos, student artwork, and four generations of her family’s personal correspondence.
This is a FREE Cafe Langham presentation!
