bcm.87 by BC Musician Magazine

CONTENTS July-August 2011, Issue 87 Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cover Inspiration: Herald Nix & woodcut printmaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BY RICHARD CHAPMAN

What colour are the blues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BY BARBARA BRUEDERLIN

From doodles to music videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 BY HILARY GRIST

Fear & lattes in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 BY NIK GREEN

Art and the body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 BY SHANE HUMBER

Artist as musician, and vice versa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 BY JANET ROGERS

On being a writer, artist, musician, poet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 BY CHRIS BOSE

Improvising in the garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 BY MAE MOORE

SFU Special Collections: Punk! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 BY ERIC SWANICK

Supernatural: Punk! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 BY RICHARD CHAPMAN

ISSN 1918 -560x 87

BC Musician Magazine is published by Patanga Steamship Co. PO Box 1150 Peachland, BC V0H 1X0 604.999.4141 www.bcmusicianmag.com info@bcmusicianmag.com Publisher, Editor Leanne Nash lvnash@bcmusicianmag.com Associate Editor Christina Zaenker zippy@bcmusicianmag.com Associate Publisher, Editor Paul Crawford paul@bcmusicianmag.com

Addendum to our Festival Listings from issue 86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45

Managing Editor Michele Morrow michele@bcmusicianmag.com

Special thanks to Richard Chapman for designing the Artist Profile pages, the Herald Nix cover and Woodcuts pages, and the SFU Punk Collection pages in this issue.

Advertising & Marketing Representatives Carla Stephenson carla@bcmusicianmag.com

20 profiles of 20 artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-43

Thank you to Chris Cran for sharing images of his Herald Nix woodcuts.

Would you give some thought to subscribing to BC Musician Magazine? Maybe it’s easier if you don’t think of it as a subscription, but rather a membership, or merely a nice thing to do to help support us. Somehow we keep this endeavour going on a primarily volunteer basis. Lots of organizations do that, but unlike lots of organizations we do not get grants nor donations nor sponsorships. Just $30 a year helps us cover the cost of printing, mailing, shipping (boxes of magazines are heavy!), distribution (gas isn’t getting any cheaper) and paying the contributors, most of whom are musicians (read: not very rich). We’ve got a handy PayPal link at www.bcmusicianmag.com to make it easy.

Christina Zaenker zippy@bcmusicianmag.com Michele Morrow michele@bcmusicianmag.com

Design Shawn Wernig No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Canada Post Agreement 41440066

Thanks for thinking about it. But mostly, thanks for reading BC Musician!

The opinions expressed within these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect BC Musician Magazine or its affiliates. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.

ISSN 1918-560X

CONTRIBUTORS Eric Swanick

Janet Rogers Janet is a Mohawk/Tuscarora writer from the Six Nations band in southern Ontario. She was born in Vancouver British Columbia and has been living on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish people (Victoria, British Columbia) since 1994. Janet works in the genres of poetry, short ﬁction, science ﬁction, play writing, spoken word performance poetry, video poetry and recorded poems with music. Janet hosts Vancouver Island’s only native radio program on CFUV 101.9fm in Victoria called “Native Waves Radio” and is host of a native music column, Tribal Clefs on CBC Radio One’s program, All Points West in BC every Tuesday.

Nik Green is a 33-year-old ﬁlm nut with a varied past. He has been an entrepreneur for the majority of his working life. As the CEO and founder of Global Authority Media, Nik produced Common Grounds, a documentary series on the independent café industry in Canada. His background as a reporter has factored into his ﬁlmmaking process heavily. Richard Chapman has worked with

a wide variety of great Canadian artists for nearly three decades - from the Rheostatics and Herald Nix to Moose Records and The Pointed Sticks. Currently he conducts the Northern Electric collective www. northern-electric.ca.

is Head of Special Collections,Simon Fraser University Library.He collects BC materials for SFU.

Barbara Bruederlin is a freelance writer

in Calgary. She is trying to single-handedly save the arts community in Canada by promoting struggling musicians and theatre troupes. Her reviews are regularly linked on the press pages of the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Sage Theatre. Barbara also maintains an insanely popular blog, Bad Tempered Zombie. Her writing has been published in Prairie Fire Magazine, Swerve Magazine, Kitschykoo! Subcultural Magazine, and Alberta Views Magazine.

Shane Humber is a guitarist, bassist, drummer, vocalist and songwriter from Campbell River, BC. Born in Newfoundland, he grew up on Vancouver Island. Shane has been playing music almost all of his life, and feels passionately enough about it to have music notes tattooed onto his ears. His music of choice is Punk Rock and Death Metal, but he prides himself on being able to “sit through almost anything.” Shane also draws and would like to learn how to tattoo.

BC Musician | July - August 2011

Mae Moore writes songs that evoke connection to place and to the personal. She has been writing for over thirty-five years, and her songs have been heard in major movie soundtracks, hit television shows and all over the radio. With two Juno nominations, two Socan awards and many chart successes, Mae has forged a career that has found her sharing stages with John Hiatt, Marianne Faithfull, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Richard Thompson and other folk/rock luminaries.

Chris Bose is a writer, multi-disciplinary artist, musician and filmmaker, who has read and performed at universities, theatres and coffeehouses at all points from Victoria to Montreal as well as at the BC Festival of the Arts as a literary delegate to the Talking Stick Aboriginal Arts Festival in Vancouver and the Word on the Street Festival in Toronto.

Hilary Grist is an artpop-torch-folk songstress living in Vancouver. Her songs have been featured on CBC, mainstream and campus radio, Showcase TV and the iTunes Indie Spotlight. Hilary is also well known for her hand drawn music videos which have had over 20,000 views online.

what colour are the blues? By Barb Bruederlin The blues are actually orange. At least that’s how they appear to my friend Sean Wraight, a music aficionado and walking sonic library, who just happens to have a neurological oddity of which I am rather jealous. Sean sees colour when he hears sound, a condition called synesthesia. Synesthesia is the result of some sort of neural cross-wiring, where activation of one sense causes simultaneous activation of an unrelated sense. The number five might be green, the letter K could taste like eggs, and Wednesday may be a grouchy but trustworthy male. Dozens of forms of synesthesia have been documented, the most common being grapheme (letter and number)/colour and sound/colour. There is likely a genetic component to synesthesia, as it does run in families. We might all possess some capacity for synesthesia, though, which could explain why Roxy Music makes me imagine a shimmering silver screen or why The Knife conjures up big fat green raindrops. True synesthetes, however, have extraordinarily precise sound/colour associations and, unlike us normals, are highly consistent in their reporting over time. It’s why Sean always sees the same vivid blue-green ribbons of colour accompanying one song and intense bright royal blue strands that ebb and flow with the melody of another. Music is an escape, not only to a sonic landscape, but to a brightly hued one. Although he experiences sound/colour synesthesia constantly, Sean doesn’t necessarily perceive it constantly. “I think

of synesthesia as like wearing a pair of glasses,” he clarifies, “One is not aware of their presence unless something about the condition is different, for instance if a lens is dirty. The hum of the overworked computer fan beside me is decidedly purple-mauve to be exact. I notice it because it stands out as something different.” Like most synesthetes, Sean grew up with no idea that there was anything unique about his ability to see sound. He assumed everybody perceived sound the same way he did and were equally entertained by the distracting colours. “It was only when I would remark that ‘that song is yellow’ or ‘that dog’s bark is green’ and a round of blank stares or shaking heads ensued did I realize something was a little different with me,” he recalls. Not surprisingly, with the extra cognitive input they possess, synesthetes tend to have freakishly accurate recall, which is probably why nobody will play Trivial Pursuit with Sean anymore. The Russian neurologist Aleksandr Luria once described a synesthete in whom all five senses were linked, resulting in a mnemonic ability that left audiences slack-jawed. Synesthesia may result from a genetic mutation that causes dense neural connections to form among sensory processing brain regions. A limited number of crossed links forming in the brains of normal people may allow us to create metaphors; in synesthetes the greater density of crossed wires could explain increased creativity in general. Synesthesia is often used for creative expression, even among non-synesthetes.

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BC Musician | July - August 2011

Brian Eno uses a marriage of ever-evolving colour patterns and ambient music in his 77 Million Paintings installation. Alexander Scriabin wrote compositions that were undoubtedly influenced by his attempt to meld the senses. Although it’s doubtful that he experienced synesthesia, he created a system linking musical keys with colours and designed a specialized organ, which projected coloured light. In what would have been a far superior precursor to a Pink Floyd laser show at the planetarium, Scriabin dreamed of orchestrating a week-long concert in the Himalayan foothills, featuring music, dance, coloured fireworks and broadcasted fragrances, which sadly was never realized. It’s a puzzle that a synesthete like Sean Wraight can appreciate. “Colour changes or differences seem to manifest themselves based on the complexity of the sound that I am hearing,” he explains. “A car alarm could elicit the same colour as an old Leadbelly standard. Some classical music can elicit more unusual and often more vibrant colour combinations.” In addition to the complexity of the tonal harmonies affecting his perception of the colour of music, Sean also notices changes to the colour ribbons if the conditions of hearing the music changes, if the music becomes louder, for example. The blues, though, will always remain orange. “I suspect that had Albert King lamented that he ‘had a case of the oranges’,” Sean quips, “the artistic intent might have been mistaken.”

Introducing

Notes from the Courtyard

Spend an afternoon at Elephant Island Winery under the canopy of trees in the Courtyard with a picnic lunch, extraordinary wines, and music from a variety of musicians from BC and beyond. July 2 Sincerely, Someone sincerelysomeone.com Liam Kidner and DeAnna Maggie form the roots of this folk duo from the Okanagan. July 10 Fish & Bird fishandbird.ca Formed in Victoria in 2006 as an acoustic duo, comprised of Taylor Ashton (banjo, guitar, vocals) and Adam Iredale-Gray (fiddle), Fish & Bird have evolved into a five-piece indie-folk powerhouse.

July 16 CrossBow myspace.com/zippycello neilburnett.com Christina Zaenker has performed with Kevin Kane, The Grapes of Wrath, Craig Werth, and Corwin Fox to name a few. Neil Burnett is a multiinstrumentalist but most frequently performs with his Cithara Nova Harp. He was a Juno-nominated member of The Paperboys. Together they perform as CrossBow. July 24 Danielle Savage myspace.com/daniellesavagemusic Danielle performs alone and also with other nearby musicians (Lee Holland, Ryan Schick, Darren Filipenko, Tom Goodwin). Self-described as Folk Rock / Melodramatic Popular Song and other...

August 7 Courtney Wing www.courtneywing.com Multi-instrumentalist Wing is backed by a supporting cast comprising musicians who’ve played with Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Bell Orchestre, Arcade Fire, Amon Tobin, and the 10-piece opera collective Liederwolfe. Together, this dynamic group contributes to Wing’s neo-folk compositions with symphonic textures so rich they melt even the most bitter-struck hearts.

August 20 David Newberry davidnewberry.ca David Newberry sings folk songs with rock sensibilities. Or is it the other way around? His simple songs capture insights into the complex contemporary social world.

August 27 Glenna Garramone glennagarramone.com What happens when you meld a classically trained pianist and vocalist, a bi-lingual songwriter, a poet, a August 13 guitarist, and a tap dancer into one CrossBow person on stage? You might witness an Christina Zaenker and Neil Burnett return to Penticton and Naramata. If approximation of Glenna Garramone’s you missed them in July, here’s another live show. chance to to enjoy ethereal harmonies September 3 - Neil Crowe and rollicking ballads. neilcrowe.com Photographer, artist, musician Neil Crowe hails from Barrie, ON, and brings his driving acoustic rhythms with him.

All performances 2:30 - 4 pm & are FREE

2730 Aikens Loop, Naramata, BC | www.elephantislandwine.com | 250.496.5522 elephant island winery @elephantislwine

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July - August 2011

from doodles to music videos How did you do that??

A Speakeasy vibe where the Gin is Cold and the Jazz is Hot! For club info, or to book a band for your fabulous event: fabulousPR@gmail.com • 250-763-6141• jazzcafekelowna.com

By Hilary Grist Many curious people have been asking me that question since I released my last 3 hand-drawn/stop-time/animated music videos on YouTube... I’ve made cartoons for as long as I can remember. Yes, I was that kid in class who’s binder was covered in scribbles and doodles. I used to imagine that I’d grow up to be the next Charles Schulz and not much has changed since then. I’m still a kid at heart who reads the comics section of the newspaper first and I love how a short cartoon can capture so much in such a succinct way, just like a poem or a song can. I thought I had left my cartoon artist dreams behind in childhood but to my surprise, I’ve re-discovered a way that I can integrate my love of drawing with my even deeper love of music. Now maybe I will become the female singing Charles Schulz! It’s a really exciting time to be a DIY artist. Even 10 years ago I couldn’t have imagined being able to give life to my music in this way because the technology just didn’t exist. With an affordable digital camera and the help of a computer program to render

the photos into video form it’s really easy to make your own stop motion videos now. In about one day you can have your very own drawn/stop-motion video, that is totally free except for a few art supplies, paper, planning, patience and some imagination. Not only is it artistically fulfilling but it’s also been a great way to market my music on-line. Independent blogs like Herohill, Indie Music Filter and CBC Radio 3 have been quick to post my videos and children especially seem to really adore them. This past Christmas and Valentines Day I set up E-Cards on my website that contained my videos so that people could send them to their friends and family. It was so fulfilling to see so many people sharing and enjoying what I made in such a meaningful way. For me, that’s what art and music are all about, touching and connecting people and making them smile. You can watch the videos for ‘Branch’s Arms’, ‘Save You For Last’ and ‘Jolly Old St. Nicholas’ at: http://www.youtube.com/ hilarygrist

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fear & lattes, canada By Nik Green While a recent 15,000 km trek was undertaken for the visual medium, music played a large role in the development of our tv series about the indie coffee scene. The trip itself played out like a band on tour with various stops in cities across Canada made in order to obtain segments for Common Grounds TV. With 12-hour drive days the norm, music kept the vibe going while our on-board espresso machine provided the necessary caffeine boost needed to film such an ambitious schedule. Head banging to Reverend Horton Heat, thumping to primus, grooving to Morphine was all integral to keep us in the space we needed in order to both shoot the show, and survive a 30-day road trip in close quarters that featured more quaking testosterone than a fort mac bar on UFC night. A loaded up Audi left no room for my beloved bass let alone my ampeg setup. As a dodgy bass player at best, I felt a month-long gap in practicing would be detrimental so I made sure to stop into as many Long & McQuade shops as I could to demo basses. The trip essentially began in Halifax after driving out there to begin with. The Celtic music that one would associate with the area was nowhere to be found, only a parade of the top 40 was present on the radio. Montreal was predictably jazzy while being predictably unfriendly. When the music was good though, it was really good. The trip reinforced the long standing association between songs and your mental and physical placement at the time of experiencing them. We tried to recreate that for our audience in post production. We knew we were in the west as soon as we saw a red corvette proudly sporting a Nickelback license plate. This forced us to rely more than ever on the iPod to provide our live soundtrack. Luckily, we had three and a brand new Them Crooked Vultures CD. It’s amazing how one’s musical tastes respond when presented with two other people’s iPod selections. It’s a flea market of music that can go really well, as it did with my co-producer, or wildly wrong as our soon-to-bail cameraman would find out after declaring he “connected” with the lyrical stylings of rapper Nas. For a white slacker comfortably raised in income assisted housing, the comparison in struggle was tenuous at best. It’s likely for the better that he bailed, if his camerawork was anything like his musical tastes, all of our shots would consist of people punching at the lens and the strategic placement of a Lexus sitting on 20’s. The end result is a 20-part web series with a soundtrack that will feature artists from around the world and some local upstarts from Canada as well. While looking for a Sigur Ros-esque band during post production, I had to look no further than my own 19-yearold cousin who embarked on the exact same trip shortly after we returned. Behind Sapphire is an ethereal, tight band, where each member knows their role and utilizes negative space to great effect. For such a young group to know the intricacies of timing and sparse arrangement, it gives us hope in a time of auto tune. Check out our show and his band...be sure to press the like button. It’s what us grass roots, caffeinated creatives run on.

The Revelstoke Arts Council Presents...

MUSIC

IN THE

PLAZA free 6:30-9:30pm

26th June • Caldera and Bon St. Jon 28th July • John Jenkins 27th June • For The Birds 29th July • Wheelhouse 28th June • For The Birds 30th July • Sleeping with Tuesday 29th June • Swing Monkeys 31st July • Blue Scarlett 30th June • Riff And Raff 1ST August • Blackberry Wood 1st July • 4th Street Jazz project 2nd August • Willie Blizzard 2nd July • Matt Duffus 3rd August • The Doer and the Doddler 3rd July • Dianna Braithwaite 4th August • Willie Blizzard 4th July • Bob Rogers 5th August • That Girl and Earl 5th July • Bob Rogersv 6th August • That Girl and Earl 6th July • Maritime Kitchen Party 7th August • Cornstarr 7th July • Cornstarr 8th August • The Rev 8th July • Elvis 9th August • Stratus 9th July • Elvis 10th August • Stratus 10th July • Sister Girl 11th August • The Rev 11th July • Blackberry Wood 12th August • Cats and Fiddle 12th July • Jackie TreeHorn 13th August • Sister Girl 13th July • Ryan Donn 14th August • Broken Down Suitcase 14th July • Faye Blais 15th August • Jesse Dee and Jackie B 15th July • Jeff Queen 16th August • Maritime Kitchen Party 16th July • Jeff Queen 17th August • Gary Kehoe 17th July • Blu Hopkins 18th August • Gary Kehoe 18th July • Jesse Dee and Jackie B 19th August • Cats and Fiddle 19th July • Jenny Whitely 20th August • Pearband 20th July • Behind Sapphire 21st August • Sharon Shook 21st July • The Matinee 22nd August • Appadoo Rai 22nd July • Steve Palmer 23rd August • Gordi Tentrees 23rd July • Steve Palmer 24th August • John Jenkins 24th July • Sharon Shook 25th August • Chris Greve 25th July • Flying Fox and the Hunters and Gatherers 26th August • Broken Down Suitcase 26th July • Mike Alviano 27th August • Turtle Mountain 27th July • Brock Geiger 28th August • Devon Coyote

BC Musician |

July - August 2011

on pins and needles let it bleed By Shane Humber I’ve been playing different instruments for most of my life. Art has stimulated me for just as long. I can still vividly remember the first times I had ever seen tattoos, graffiti, record sleeves and concert posters. Beginning at a very young age I tried to reproduce what would be my own versions of these images I’d see all over the place. Though I was unable to comprehend it at the time, the connection between art and music had already begun to work magic on my young mind. While most kids my age growing up were interested in playing Nintendo and street hockey, I would constantly find myself drawing or playing music instead. To this day I’m still not much of a gamer, and I think that it’s because of the way that art had distracted me from videogames during my childhood. It was the creative arts that caught my attention first, which in retrospect was quite unlikely for someone who could’ve been a poster-child for ADHD. With an attention span of roughly seven seconds, I had still been won over. I must point out, however, that having such a short attention span and not being able to sit still for very long are possibly the two biggest contributors to my musical tastes that still carry on to this day: I like fast, intense, all over the place music. Interestingly enough, I have also always seemed to prefer complicated designs or patterns in artwork, and I definitely have a soft spot for bright, loud colours. I have to say that tattooing is by far my favourite form of visual art. I love the unorthodox methods of tattooing — needles instead of pencils or brushes, and living flesh as opposed to paper or canvas. As a recipient, one must sit and bleed through the process. Yes, tattoos can hurt quite a bit, both during the application and through the healing process. To me it is always worth it — what’s a little bit of pain and blood when in return you get a lifetime of art that goes everywhere with you? To have to suffer a little bit through

the tattooing is like somewhat of a rite of passage, for one must earn the complete piece. I will be turning 29 this summer, and while I have not yet been able to learn how to tattoo, I certainly see myself tattooing in the next years to come. So far there are 6 people wearing my drawings on their skin, and though I did not have the pleasure of applying the tattoos myself, it is still quite satisfying to know that my artwork is a permanent part of a few people’s bodies. As for the tattoos that I personally own, while totally separate from each other and on different parts of my body, there is definitely a theme. At this point I still only have four, but they are all musically inspired. I have three music notes on each ear (yes, my ears), a stratocaster on the back of my right leg, and part of the CD sleeve artwork from the SNFU live album “Let’s Get It Right The First Time” on my left shin. Though it was not necessarily my intention outright to do so, it seems all too fitting that the tattoos I would chose to wear represent music in one way or another. It is only a matter of time before my entire body is plastered with a slurry of artwork, however, the downside is that tattoos are not cheap. This is the only reason my collection is still rather small. My first tattoos were the music notes on my ears. I did those first because they were small, but because of where they were going I knew it would be quite the introduction to becoming a tattoo collector — there are no words to describe how painful it was! I figured that I would try to get the most painful spots out of the way first, but sure enough after two more, I’ve learned that it really doesn’t matter where they go because they’re ALL going to hurt. However if you ask anyone who owns a tattoo, they will tell you that it’s always worth it. I can still remember the very first time I saw a tattoo. I was three, and I was in a grocery store with my Mom. We were in line to pay for our things, and the guy who was in front of us had two full sleeves.

BC Musician | July - August 2011

They began right at the wrists and were full of bright colours. While I didn’t quite understand the whole concept about tattoos right away (obviously), I was instantly envious and I felt ripped off because I didn’t come with any of that insane artwork on my body. That’s how I figured it worked, that you came with them — how else could that have gotten there? No matter what I may be thinking when I sit down in front of a sheet of paper, it always seems to come out looking like a sheet of flash art. A lot of what I draw may not exactly be something I would personally like to have tattooed on myself, but to me it’s still a fun way to create something — “this would look cool wrapped around someone’s shoulder,” “this would make a great neck piece,” or “this would look awesome running down the length of a person’s spine.”

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In all levels of music culture, I continually see the music inspiring and complementing the artwork that adorns the bodies of many fans (and musicians) the world over, myself included. As a matter of fact, all five of us members of Deadkind have tattoos that are in some way, shape or form, however obvious or not, inspired by music. That’s five for five in our little death metal club! Recently I have also been introduced to pyrography. This is just a fancy word for wood burning. Now it seems that every time I find myself at a beach, a garage sale, or even at the dollar store, this newfound canvas is all around me and filling my head with ideas. I think I’ve taken such a swift interest in wood burning because in a way it’s a lot like tattooing. Things must be well thought out and planned before starting out a new project, because burnt wood cannot be erased. Since beginning my new hobby, I’ve already elaborated some projects of burnt wood with paint, something I haven’t really worked with much since being in school. It is quite interesting to me how one kind of art can inspire another like that. Would I have picked up a paintbrush had I not been working on wood burning projects? Probably not. Not everyone is able to turn an idea into reality, but those who can have blessed us with their music, their paintings, their sculptures, their drawings, their poetry — the list goes on and on. I feel that everything artistic is valid, because as people grow, age and change, so do their tastes and preferences. I like to partake in the different kinds of art that I’m interested in because of just that — I’m interested in them. You just can’t help but feel good when someone tells you that they like something you’ve done. Creating things can be very rewarding, and can also be equally therapeutic. Do yourself a favour and create something!

The Peachland View is pleased to support local summer events July 16, 2011 Dancin’ Barefoot in the Park Peachland, BC www.dancinbarefoot.com Featuring 54-40, Wassabi Collective, Kath and the Tomcats, and more. A one-day festival full of dancing, including a teen talent competition.

150 pro athletes competing in 5 different sports: beach volleyball, freestyle mountain biking, FMX, wakeboarding, and basketball.

July 21-August 25, 2011 Summer Cocktail Concert Series www.rotarycentreforthearts.com Free at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna. Performances are on Thursdays 5-7pm. July 21- Chloe, Kyle & Co.; July 28Rhythm & Sound Project; Aug 4 - Windborn; Aug 11 - Rabbit Hole; Aug 18 - Leah West; Aug 25 - Leila Neverland

August 20, 2011 Rally in the Valley www.obcc.ca Held at Heritage Park in Peachland from 10am-2pm, this is an Okanagan Import Auto Show organized by the Okanagan British Car Club. September 10 & 11, 2011 Peachland Fall Fair www.peachland.ca The 92nd annual, held at the Community Centre from 1-8pm and this year’s theme is “Sew it, Grow it & Show it!”

July 28, 2011 October 13-16, 2011 Telus Sunset Concerts at Cedar Creek Pop Okanagan Festival www.cedarcreek.bc.ca www.popokanagan.com Colin James performs in the spectacular New music and technology festival featuring vineyard Pavilion at 6:30pm. Tickets $90 and a 3-night music fest, 9 venues, conferences, a concert dinner is available for $60. visual art exhibitions, fashion shows, local film screenings and even an instrument July 29-31, 2011 petting zoo for the kids! This is a festival for Center of Gravity musicians and artists, industry professionals, www.centerofgravity.ca fans & curators. The COG festival features music on different stages, DJs shows, beverage gardens, bikini contests, after parties each night, and over

BC Musician |

July - August 2011

artist as musician and vice versa By Janet Rogers Vice-Versa couldn’t be more apropos. My vices are the arts, and my arts have taken the form of verse. As well as being the Indian BC Musician contributor, I have a whole other life as a spoken word/ performance/recording artist. My latest CD “Got Your Back” done in collaboration with Mohawk poet Alex Jacobs, will have just dropped by the time this article hits the (e)streets. Got Your Back features live and studio poetry recordings with music produced in Santa Fe New Mexico. Artwork by poet Alex Jacobs graces the front cover of our CD and it is where we took the title for the poetry collection from. But I digress. Yes, most native artists are multi-faceted practitioners. I am no exception, keeping at least 4 or 5 creative balls in the air at all times. In the winter of 2009, however, I regretfully yet decidedly put one of my art practices down to focus on my writing. The results have been text book, while making room for one discipline, the opportunities within the other discipline increased exponentially. I used to paint, I used to make drums, I used to make prints, I used to love my artsy-crafty sessions and I miss having time to work on these things. Painting seems to be the lover I miss the most. In fact, on the long, three-day drive back from the southwest this May, I made a mental commitment to myself to paint again. This kind of self-resolve is where it begins. I have sold all my paints and would have to re-stock my brushes. As for ideas and inspiration? I have no fear. My personal philosophy is: The muse is always listening. Speak your intentions and the avenues seem to magically open. You have to

take the steps mind you, and do the work. But never doubt the power of intention and commitment – in all aspects of life. I learned to make drums while working with a school district on Vancouver Island, a job I absolutely hated every minute of every day. As in any failed relationship there is always something salvageable from the experience. Mine was the ability to make drums and that ability helped me make a living when I divorced the job. I loved handling the hide. I found I had a natural ability and instinct with it. I knew how to divide a deer hide efficiently to get the most drums out of it. I knew which thickness of skins would make the best sounding drums, etc. Making drums is a meditation. It grounded me. And when done right, you have a fabulous musical instrument to use in prayer, meditation, ceremonies, drum circles and sports events. My painting found its way onto the drums and soon people were commissioning certain designs. And let’s face it, in this beautiful province, and especially on Vancouver Island, where I have been a fortunate guest since 1994, the male carver gets all the accolades and recognition. Quick, name 5 female native artists who equal the notoriety of say, Robert Davidson or Richard Hunt? Nevertheless, public validation of the arts, or lack there of, does not lessen the special-ness of hand made creations. In fact, other women really appreciated being able to purchase a drum made by a woman. The drum, after all, is female in nature and shape and is

BC Musician | July - August 2011

connected to the roundness of earth and moon and the expectant belly of a woman. So there. Today, my poetry enjoys living within songs. And yes, I have credits as a lyricist on a recording done with a talented cellist Dawn Avery on her CD “Our Fires.” However, the recordings I’m referring to are more my spoken word recordings. As such, I have the pleasure of collaborating with very talented music makers on the native scene such as: Kirstie Lane Sinclair, Ostwelve, madeskimo, Cris Derksen, Swil Kanim, DJ Duran Flint, and others. And in many recorded instances you can still hear my drums played in the background. An elder from my reserve, Jan Longboat, said this: “Once you become aware, you can’t become unaware.” In reference to the drum, once you pick it up, you can’t not have it as part of your life. There is awareness in the drum you can’t find in other instruments. As such, my writing is very rhythmic and works well with strong beats. Now if I can only find a way to paint and do all these things at the same time. Well, I’m sure I’ll get (back) there when the time is right, or rather when I make time to get there. Until then, I encourage the population to support the artist and local artists, both musicians and artists. Kahlil Gibran wrote; “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” This applies to all the arts. Music is paintings in notes, and paintings are musical experiences on canvas. Everything is everything – creative.

July-August Music on Main - Main Street West, Radium Hot Springs. Live local bands every Thursday and Saturday night from 7 to 9 p.m.

July 2nd-September 3rd Edgewater Legion sponsors an open market every Saturday from 10 a.m. Phone 250-347-9550. July 4th - 9th Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships. Visit www. kiotac.ca. July 5th-6th Charlie Osterloh Memorial Senior Men’s Open golf tournament at Radium Resort golf course. Phone 250-347-6200, or visit www.radiumresort.com. July 10th Parent Child Golf tournament at Radium Resort golf course. Phone 250-3476266, or visit www.radiumresort.com.

July 23rd Valley Appreciation Day. Pancake breakfast and live entertainment, downtown Invermere. Visit www.columbiavalleysummerlude.com .

Lake Windermere Regatta. A sandcastle and boat building contest, sailing and swimming races, and other land and water based activities. Phone 250-3426898, or visit www.columbiavalleysummerlude.com.

August 12 - 13, 2011

Mission Raceway Park, Mission, BC FEATURING:

Travis Tritt • Sawyer Brown • Lonestar Julian Austin • Chad Bromley • Fera Emily Taylor Adams • Rick Tippe Kenny Hess and many more...

July-August Market on Main, Main Street West at the Radium Plaza. Farmer and Craft market takes place every Friday night 4 to 8 p.m.

July 22nd Bull Riding in the Rockies. Dinner, auction, bull riding and dance on the corner of 13th Street and 4th Avenue, Invermere. Phone 250-342-6908, or visit www.columbiavalleysummerlude. com.

MUS

N E W S PA P E R

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is pleased to support local summer events

r e v i R ’ n i RockIC FESTIVAL

July 28th-31st Canada Cup Finals for Downhill and Cross-country biking at Panorama Mountain Village. Phone 250-342-6941, or visit www.skipanorama.com. July 30th Organic Matter at Effusion Art Gallery, Invermere. A presentation of Glass and Mixed Media. Artist reception 4-7 p.m. Phone 250-341-6877, or visit www.effusionartgallery.com.

July 15th-17th JulyFest in Kimberley featuring the Canadian Bocce Championships, parade, July 31st KidsFest, soccer tournament, volleyball The fourth annual Columbia Valley and tennis tournaments, extreme standTour of the Arts is a self-guided tour up skateboard race and more. Visit featuring local artists in unique settings. www.kimberleyjulyfest.com . Phone 250-342-4423. July 17th-18th Heart of the Rockies Triathlon, an Olympic-distance triathlon in Invermere. Kids of Steel triathlon on Saturday, adult triathlon on Sunday. Visit www.heartoftherockiestri.ca. July 20th-21st PyneStock Concert, two hours of peace and music. Phone 250-342-4423. July 21st-24th National Cycling Championship - Downhill Individual at Panorama Mountain Village. Phone 250-342-6941, or visit www.skipanorama.com. July 22nd-24th Summerlude, a three day sampler of Columbia Valley Summer Fun for everyone. Phone 250-342-4423 or visit www. columbiavalleysummerlude.com. July 22nd-28th Cameron Bird and David Langevin Exhibition at the Artym Gallery, Invermere. Phone 250-342-7566, or visit www. artymgallery.com.

July 31st Verge For Youth Golf Tournament at The Ridge at Copper Point. Fundraiser for youth in need within the Columbia Valley. Single, double or foursome play with a shotgun start. Phone 250-3421702 or 250-347-9942, or visit www. vergeforyouth.ca. August 6th The 35th Lakeside Event, Invermere. Dozens of hang gliders and paragliders take off from Mount Swansea and land at James Chabot beach. Phone 403678-7839, or visit www.lakesideevent. com. August 8th Pro-Am golf tournament at Radium Resort golf course. Phone 250-347-6200, or visit www.radiumresort.com. August 12th-18th Angela Morgan solo exhibition at the Artym Gallery in Invermere. Opening reception will be held on Friday, August 12th from 6-9 p.m. Phone 250-3427566, or visit www.artymgallery.com.

TICKETS:

www.rockinriver.com BC Lower Mainland

outlets

BC Musician |

July - August 2011

on being a ... MERRITT HERALD By Chris Bose On being a Canadian writer, or artist, or filmmaker, or musician? It’s about being able to create the words, or images, or music in your head. Doing it without distractions and for a living is nice, but definitely not without it’s challenges. You gotta be able to survive on a feast and famine, or boom and bust lifestyle if that’s what you really want to do. On how I came to be a multi-disciplinary artist is easy to explain; in a smaller town in the interior of BC, you have to diversify to get gigs, do workshops, present yours skills at a conference, to make the cash you need to create the things you are passionate about doing. Plus, I get bored really easy, so playing guitar, lead to writing poetry and short stories, drawing lead to painting, lead to photography, which in turn lead to filmmaking. So, really, guitar was my “gateway” drug to the reality I’m living today. Ha ha! I’ve been doing this for so long, it’s kind of hard to imagine doing anything else, back in the last century, I was playing in bands, touring across Canada, and in my time off working crappy jobs in the dishpit of various restaurants, or silkscreening at a shop somewhere with other musicians and artists. I also made poetry and music zines with a variety of friends, and I remember staying up all night swilling coffee at the Halston Diner and clipping up magazines with friends, pasting together haphazard zines then sneaking into the local Shaw TVoffices to totally abuse the photocopier to crank out a hundred music zines while we were supposed to be writing scripts for our music video show. Good times, but zines are a dying project, fewer and fewer are doing them, and most people don’t even know what the hell they are! Anyways, making zines lead to selfpublishing poetry, which I started doing around 20 years ago with a volume of poetry I did called “Dime Store Indians and Other Tales.” This book is still around, though I no longer have any copies, I still get to sign them now and then at readings, which always surprises

me. Lately I’ve been running into people who have old cassette demos of long forgotten bands and telling me they’re still digging the tunes, ha ha! Crazy!? The world of self-publishing back in the last century was really seen as a “vanity” thing, people thought back then that if you had to or wanted to publish your own poetry or stories, it was because your work was “Sub-Par” to the industry standard. Now having had two books published professionally with 2 different publishers, I realize things have changed and self-publishing is not necessarily viewed that way. The publishing world is agonizingly slow to get a book out, for example, my last book of poetry “Stone the Crow” (Kegedonce Press) took one year to be released from acceptance to release in the world. This experience is valuable though, because you work with a professional editor, mine was Joanne Arnotte, an awesome poet herself, as well as marketing people, and this kind of venture enables you to tour nationally, usually in style like a jet, big hotels and a strange assortment of venues. AND actually get paid to read your own material. Geez, I tell ya, it’s a rough life. But, back in the day, I was publishing a book every six months or so, for a total of five or six books, booking my own reading tours in the interior and lower mainland, AND talking to independent bookstores to stock copies of my book. Not too mention creating actually creating the books on crappy computers, or by hand with x-acto knives and gluesticks, making the promo posters and material, sending copies to zines for review and finding places to crash during the tour, and this was pre-internet! Sadly, over the years and multiple moves in my life, I’ve lost every last shred of these archaic cultural goodies, but they surface every now and then, sort of a voice from the past that finally reaches the present, reminding me of what once happened in my life, and how long it took to get here today, and to not take it for granted.

BC Musician | July - August 2011

The Merrit Herald is pleased to support summer events in the beautiful Nicola Valley

July 7 - 10, 2011 The first - Merritt Mountainfest 4 unforgettable Days and Nights Visit www.mountainfest.com GREAT CANADIAN BIKE RALLY Merritt is revving up the engines, polishing the chrome, filling the fuel tanks and getting ready to ride into four full days of excitement that will blow your tailpipes off. For the first time, the City of Merritt will be hosting the Great Canadian Bike Rally from July 14-17. Merritt’s downtown core will be transformed into an open-air street market for motorbikes. Besides poker rides and other sports competitions, guests can enjoy outdoor concerts and beer gardens. So mark your calendars for this Canadian motorcycle event of the year. Entertainment headliners: Colin James, Trooper and Chilliwack. Merritt’s 100th Anniversary April 1, 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of Merritt’s inauguration as a municipality. From July 27 to August 1, celebrations will spread throughout the city, complete with food, music, dancing and displays. Visit Merritt and join in the fun. See www.merritt.ca for more info.

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improvising in the garden By Mae Moore I have been an organic gardener for most of my life, initially turning to this occupation in an attempt to become ‘self sufficient’. A fervent ‘back-to-the-lander’ in the post hippie days of the 70’s, I divided my hours between playing music, tending the garden and wondering how I could make enough money to buy that piece of land somewhere, someday. I have learned a lot from these crop failures, surprise volunteer squashes and random weeds. That is, there is something beautiful that happens when you plant a seed, whether actual or metaphorical. Food just naturally tastes better when you nurture that plant along from seedling to plate. You have a connection with it that is far more wholesome than it’s purchased counterpart. The same could be said of making your own music, and especially writing your own songs from that initial kernel of inspiration. I know that for me, songwriting is my manna and has soothed this soul through trials and troubles, like a favoured comfort food. This past spring, the weather wasn’t warming the soil. Everything was late. The peppers stood like tired participants in a parade that has been delayed. I tried to cheer them on with the help of some classical music, courtesy of CBC, sounding tinny and coming from my solar powered transistor. Suddenly the news comes on and it isn’t good. Flooding, forest fires, gas and wheat prices going through the roof. I shut the radio off and wonder how close we are to being able to feed ourselves for a year. A yellow finch lands on a nearby dogwood and lifts my mood. Nature is perfect. I listen to the songbird’s clear tone and perfect pitch. i try and emulate the same song, improvising and feeling a bit self-conscious. Imitation is a form of flattery, some say, but the lesson that I am left with is to sing my own song in my own voice. She flies off and I retreat into the house for tea and time in the studio. I am nearly finished painting a large commission and the hue of that finch’s wing is just the colour that I need to highlight a section of the canvas. Gifts are present everywhere if we are able to appreciate, even the small ones.The rush of the raven wing as she flies over the garden, is the tempo of the heartbeat of the earth... steady, cautious,and sometimes provides a rhythm for a new song. To say that gardening influences my art and music, or even the other way around, wouldn’t be entirely correct. Everything is connected and for me, springs from the same source. Inspiration is in the everyday, the colour of the water reflecting the sky, the laughter emanating from the neighbour’s yard, the stillness in the evening twilight. Everything feeds the creative if we stay open, tend our gardens and improvise through life. If you are a songwriter, your ability to bring people together through your music, is a time-honoured activity and one that you can take with you through your travels and daily pursuits. If you are new to songwriting and haven’t opened that part of who you are yet, today is a good day to plant that seed and cultivate that garden.

Join Mae Moore a t H o l ly h o c k !

If you have n’t experien world-renow ced a works ned Hollyho hop at ck on Cortes the time. It Island, now ’s an intimat is e, environmen inspriring, t, from the invigoratin air to the se g woodland pa a, the garden ths. The com s to the araderie th the like-min at develops ded people with in your grou forever. An p will be w d you will ea ith you t some of th e m ost memor meals of yo able ur life!

Sept 4-8 Mae Moore (peren nial West Coa singer/songw st favourite riter) guides Th e Path of The Songwriter Mae’s friend and re gular music al collabora ill also be co tor, nducting a workshop later in Sept ember.

Marc Atkins on, w

Sept 25-29 M arc Atkinson (Juno nominat ed roots and guitar/mando jazz lin wizard) te aches Guitar & Man dolin Acoustic Inspiration Visit www.h ollyhock .ca for ever ything you need to know .

Learn

Explore

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Enjoy music programs with: • Ysaye Barnwell • Su Hart & Martin Cradick • Gordy & Zoe Ryan • Silvia Nakkach • Shivon Robinsong • Mae Moore • Russill Paul • Marc Atkinson • Rhiannon

hollyhock cortes island, bc

Free catalogue 800.933.6339 hollyhock.ca

BC Musician |

July - August 2011

H olly H ock qu a rter pa g e bc M u sicia n

The Oliver Chronicle is pleased to support summer events in the South Okanagan July and August, 2011 Music in the Park: Local musicians perform in a series of outdoor concerts with a wide variety of music. Concerts are every Thursday evening in the park behind Oliver’s Visitor Centre with a start time of 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Bring a lawnchair and blanket if desired. July 8th to 16th, 2011 The Summer Okanagan Wine Festival Will bring you the the almost excruciatingly gorgeous summer experience: outdoor wine tastings with more bold flavoured wines than you could ever desire; summer wine and cheese beach parties; road bike race tailgate parties in vineyard settings; the visceral sound of Spoken Word poetry matched with equally feisty wines. We could go on, but with over 30 eclectic events over 10 days at the height of summer’s beauty in her own territory, you might find it a bit, um, inebriating. The table is set, the wine is decanted, and summer is waiting for you

July 10th, 2011 - Desert Half Iron Triathlon - Osoyoos, BC. Outback Events is proud to present the 7th Annual Desert Half Iron Triathlon and we are looking forward to welcoming back those who have raced with us before and those who will be first time racers with us. The Desert Half is located in Osoyoos, BC, home of Canada’s only true desert, where the race has steadily been gaining recognition as “Canada’s Toughest Half Iron”

July 16th, 2011 Oliver Sunshine Festival and Parade. Here in Oliver we believe that a perfect summer day is a great reason to have a party. Start with a hearty pancake breakfast at the community centre then head to the parade on Main Street and the community water fight to follow with entertainment and music in the park. Family friendly.

sic compilation album, Spotlight ‘86), bassist Doug Elliott and drummer Paul Brennan. The band members claim the name came when Brennan asked Drake, in a town somewhere on the BC coast, “What are the odds of us ever escaping bullshit gigs like this?” August 28th, 2011 - Subaru Ironman - Penticton to Osoyoos, BC. I cant seem to find ANY info on this at all.....

July 23rd, 2011 Tinhorn Creek Concert Series presents “The Matinee”. Concert start at 7 pm, bring a cushion or blanket. Music to drink to. Music to dance to. Music to sit on the porch and ponder. The roots-rock sounds of The Matinée evoke memories of family camping trips, men with guitars around the campfire belting out tunes of broken things & the open road…rising tempos bring the faithful to their feet, clapping & dancing until someone throws an aerosol can on the fire & everything explode. August 27th, 2011 Tinhorn Creek Concert Series presents “The Odds”. Concert starts at 7 pm, bring a cushion or blanket. The Odds are a Canadian alternative rock band. The band’s power pop style has been frequently compared to that of contemporaries such as Squeeze, Elvis Costello, Weezer, Tom Petty, Sloan, The Clash, and XTC. The band was formed in 1987 in Vancouver, BC consisting of vocalist-guitarists Craig Northey and Steven Drake (both of whom had led different bands appearing on a Vancouver mu-

The Oliver Community Arts Council presents Music in the Park Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. July 7 - August 25 Oliver Visitor Centre Riverside Patio (Rain Venue: Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 34274 - 95th St.) Suggested minimum donation: $3 Dessert Vendor on site! Buy a tasty treat! July 7: Nankama Drum and Dance: toe-tapping West African rhythms July 14: Lou Lou and the Scrappers: hits from the 30s and 40s July 21: Long John Baldy: rock and alternative music July 28: Shindigger Rick Wood: classic rock ‘n’ roll August 4: The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific: big band, swing, dixie, and show tunes August 11: Gospel Night: joyful inspirational music August 18: Ingrid Schellenberg on Harp: Celtic, classical and popular music August 25: Jazz Out West: light jazz and favourite standards

Kamloops This Week is pleased to support local summer events July 29-31, 2011 Kamloopa Pow Wow www.tourismkamloops.com One of the largest celebrations of First Nations’s culture and heritage in Western Canada. The Kamloopa Pow Wow is held at the Secwepemc Pow Wow Grounds along the South Thompson River. $10/day or $20/weekend. For info call 250-828-9782.

July & August 2011 Music in the Park www.tourismkamloops.com Each evening between 7-8:30pm at the Rotary Bandshell in Riverside Park you will find FREE musical entertainment by local, national and international musicians. Bring a picnic dinner and lawn games! There is a playground and splash park nearby for the kiddies! Weather permitting. July 29-Sept 5, 2011 The North Shore Artwalk www.kamloopsarts.com/events Artwalk’s purpose is to provide an opporutnity to develop a partnership between local businesses, their customers, visitors & the Kamloops creative community. Take in the art and shop a little in the wonderful North Shore businesses. Artwalk begins at Wilson House Gallery. July 20-August 24, 2011 Interior Savings Moonlight Movie Night www.b100.ca Held at Riverside Park every Wednesday night at dusk, the Moonlight Movie Night has a giant inflatable movie screen and an amazing sound system. There will be games, snacks, face painting and fun! Admission is by donation and proceeds support the Boys & Girls Club of Kamloops.

July 20-August 6, 2011 X Fest 2011 www.projectxtheatre.ca A fast-paced hysterical evening featuring The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr(Abridged) and the family-focused show “Munsch Ado About Nothing” where Shakespeare and 2 of his most well-known actors, Kempe & Burbage, re-enact 5 stories from children’s author Robert Munsch. Held at Prince Charles Park. Single Adult ticket $20, student/senior $17, 12 + under $10. There are also family tickets available. August 6-13th, 2011 Nightly Arts Festival www.kamloopsarts.com The Nightly Arts Festival is the visual arts component of the cultural aspect of the Summer Games and is held throughout the Summer Games, at Heritage House in Riverside Park from 4-8pm. Organized by the Kamloops Arts Council, the Arts Festival features an evening art show and sale, arts demonstrations and workshops, live entertainment and interactive displays! Open to everyone and FREE! July 30 & 31, 2011 Alpine Blossom Festival www.sunpeaksresort.com The Alpine Blossom Festival takes place at Sun Peaks Resort where the Indian Paintbrush, Tiger Lilies, Fireweed and more are blossoming in the Alpine. In the village there will be magician Clinton Gray, face painters, Fire Department display, a climbing wall, Uncle Chris the Clown, lively musical performances and fun for all ages!

BC Musician | July - August 2011

August 5 & 6, 2011 Hot Nite in the City www.hotniteinthecity.com A Free event where 13 city blocks are closed off to allow Street rods, Customs, American muscle, Sports-compact, British & European, Collector, Vintage, Bikes & Race competition vehicles and Highway tractors to line the streets for the annual Hot Nite in the City Show ‘n’ Shine. There will be 2 stages of great entertainment on Saturday featuring Matt Stanley and the Decoys, Black Dog Blue, Blues Brothers Too and Sonic Sound & Light Inc (DJ). August 6 & 7, 2011 MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS www.sunpeaksresort.com The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra (KSO) play to guests at Sun Peaks resort. All are welcome! August 12-14, 2011 Retro Rock Concert Weekend www.sunpeaksresort.com All are welcome at Sun Peaks resort for live tribute bands on stage all weekend. These are FREE concerts and feature the following tribute artists: AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Led Zepplin, ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones & The Tragically Hip. September 17, 2011 Children’s Art Festival www.kamloopsarts.com/events A fun-filled, creative day of artistic, musical and theatrical activities. This is a FREE event and includes creative workshops such as mask-making, clayworks, theatre games, rhythm drumming, belly dancing and watercolour painting. There will also be childoriented performances by music, dance and theatre groups.

The Valley Sentinel is pleased to support summer events in the Robson Valley

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The Packing House Friday Night Summer Concert Series:

July 2 34th Annual Dunster Ice Cream Social Dunster Community Hall – Dunster B.C. People province-wide including visiting dignitaries like Solicitor General, Shirley Bond, attend this annual fundraising event. Socializing is just the icing on the cake during in event where for just a small fee one can consume as much ice cream and homemade baked goods as a stomach can handle. It is “society endorsed gluttony” with music and socializing. July 29th at 6 pm Robson Valley Fighting Championship Canoe Valley Recreation Centre Valemount B.C. Presented by Valemount Mixed Martial Arts An exciting evening of ultimate fighting that includes a concession, vendors and hard-core demonstrations of martial arts skill. July 30 - July 31 Northwest Mud Bog Canoe Mountain Rodeo Grounds Valemount B.C. Come feel the noise as big machines with powerful engines and big tires spit mud trying to blast their way through a deep muddy pit while reaching speeds of up to 200 km per hour for 60 metres.

August 19th - August 21st Robson Valley Music Festival Festival Grounds – Dunster B.C. Over 25 Artists performing over three days, including: OKA, Digging Roots, NAMGAR, Maria In The Shower, Kinnie Starr, Headwater, Mamaguroove, Sasha Lewis, Los Gringos Salvajes, Saritah and On The House. Camping available on the festival grounds. Attendance is limited.

July 15 • Colin Bullock July 22 • Linda McRae July 29 • Allen & Alexander August 5 • Paul Filek August 12 • TBA August 19 - 21 • Desert Daze Festival August 26 • Steph Macpherson Located in downtown Spences Bridge just off the #8 and #1 Highways on Riverview Avenue Monthly music dinner shows ◆ Contact us to book your show! 3705 Riverview Ave, Spences Bridge, BC (250) 458-2256 ◆ steverice53@msn.com

July 9 and July 10 Canoe Mountain Rodeo Canoe Mountain Rodeo Grounds – Valemount B.C. Just minutes from Valemount the Canoe Mountain Rodeo includes live music, heavy horse pulls, packhorse races, food vendors, retail vendors, children’s activities, and two days of classic rodeo events. Visitors to the rodeo can camp at the Canoe River Campground, which is adjacent to the event. September 10 Mount Robson Marathon Mount Robson Park Information Centre In the shadow of the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, 100 top athletes from around the country will participate in both a full marathon and a half marathon through the most spectacular scenery in the country. The event is in celebration of 100 years of adventure in BC Parks and includes a pancake breakfast, family activities, nature walks and kids events.

The Local is pleased to support summer events on the Sunshine Coast July 23 & 24, 2011 Gibsons Sea Cavalcade www.seacavalcade.ca The Gibsons Sea Cavalcade is fun for the whole family and features logger sports, a parade, free outdoor performances, kids’ day fun, a salmon bbq, a street dance and fireworks. August 4-7, 2011 Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts www.writersfestival.ca Canada’s longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers. The festival features established literary stars and exciting new voices for reading, speeches, and socializing in Rockwood’s heritage gardens. August 19-21, 2011 Pender Harbour Chamber Music Festival www.penderharbourmusic.ca An exciting weekend filled with an eclectic selection of chamber music held in Madeira Park. Lineup features violinist James Ehnes, guitarist Daniel Bolshoy, cellist Emmanuell Bergeron, the Borealis String Quartet and pianist/Artistic Director Alexander Tselyakov. Tickets: $30/concert, students (18 + under) $15/concert.

BC Musician |

August 21, 2011 Creek Daze Roberts Creek This quirky festival features a higgledypiggledy parade, live music, a talent show, craft fair, the legendary Mr. Roberts Creek contest, food and frivolity. September 16-18, 2011 Pender Harbour Jazz Festival www.penderharbourmusic.ca/jazz A mix of jazz styles on offer including 40s swing, Gypsy, fusion, straight up, Dixieland, Afro Cuban and more. Most events are free (only 4 are ticketed) and are held all around Pender Harbour. Featuring: Don Stewart & Orchestra, Amanda Tossoff Quintet, Fathead, Doc Finger with Tom Keenlyside & Friends, The Bradley McGillivray Band, Van Django, and The Oscar Hicks Sextet. October 17-23, 2011 Sechelt Festival of the Arts www.secheltfestivalofthearts.com The 8th annual festival will focus on supporting local artists in all genres and features the Raven’s Cry Theatre Showcase, a juried art show, a workshop series (free), the Sunshine Coast Art Centre Series (free concerts) and Art in the Streets.

July - August 2011

The Northeast News is pleased to support summer events throughout the North Rolla, BC

Paddle for the Peace More than 300 paddlers in 146 boats rowed through the Peace River Valley to the community of Old Fort, just below the proposed Site C dam. This year even more people are expected to make the four-hour journey in celebration of the river on July 9. Visit www. paddleforthepeace.ca

Sweetwater 905 Arts Festival Join the Mattsons at their pastoral home for a celebration of music, poetry, visual and performance art from Sept. 2 to 4. It began in 1997 and moved to the Mattson’s ranch in 2005. Their farm is located just over two kilometres west of Rolla. Gates open at 2 p.m. on Sept. 3 and the show begins at 4 That NEAT Thing p.m. The festival runs all day on Sept. 4 and Join the Northern Environmental Action ends at 5 p.m. on Sept 5. Check out www. Team on Saturday, July 16 as they take over sweetwater905.ca or call 250-759-4527 for the green space between the Shared Church more information and a list of performers. and Patch Java – 10364 100 Street. Live The event has a wide range of kid-friendly music, tips on recycling, being green and activities. Tickets are $50 in advance for more. Contact NEAT for more info at 250the weekend and $60 at the gate. The daily 785-6328 or visit www.neat.ca rate is $40. Doig River Rodeo Taylor, BC Grab your cowboy hat and join the Doig First This year, Taylor was home to CBC’s Village Nation in their annual rodeo on Saturday, on a Diet. Its also home to the 39th AnJuly 23. This event has been a growing nual Gold Panning Championships Watch tourist attraction, and the Doig Nation says it top-level gold panners from all over the brings thousands of people to their reserve country battle it out on July 30 and 31. This every year. Relax at the campgrounds and fun-packed weekend at Peace Island Park grab a bite to eat at the concession area afincluded metal detecting, bannock baking ter the round-up. Visit www.doigriverfn.com and an arts and crafts fair. Chow-down at the steak barbecue and the pancake break- Campfire Cowboy Hoedown Fundraiser fast to keep your energy high. Visit www. Yee-haw! Local country talent featuring districtoftaylor.com for more information. Brain Salmond and Tom Cole will be at the North Pine Fairgrounds from July 22 to July Tumbler Ridge, BC 24. Gates open at 3 p.m. This is a family event, so bring your tent or camper for a Grizzfest - July 29 to 31 fun weekend of country music, dancing The annual outdoor music festival takes and roasting marshmallows. There will be place on the August long weekend in the a pancake breakfast each morning and a Tumbler Ridge Secondary School field. special dinner on Saturday evening. Performers this year include classic rockers April Wine and Kim Mitchell, and contemFamily Fun in the Sun Week porary acts like Fefe Dobson and One More Special events happening from August 17 – Girl. The festivities kick-off on July 29 at 7 August 21. Events include a Play in the Park, p.m. with a battle of the bands, and new this Movie in the Park, Garage Sale, Scavenger year, a vocalist competition, with winners Hunt and more. Contact 250-787-5780 or to be announced later in the weekend. visit www.fortstjohn.ca Besides the great music, there will also be a horseshoe tourney, children’s games and Dawson Creek, BC face-painting and a number of vendors on 2011 Summer Cruise - July 8, 9, 10 site. You are encouraged to go online www. The event begins with a cruise night on July grizfest.com or phone 250-242-4246 for 8 at 6 p.m. at the Co-Op Mall parking lot. more information. The following day is a Treasure Hunt Poker Rally and some special events for registered 2011 Emperor’s Challenge - Aug. 6 participants. The weekend is capped off on Described as the “toughest and most beauti- July 10 with one of the biggest “show and ful half-marathon,” the Emperor’s Challenge shines” in the North, with well over 250 is a 20-kilometre race against time across rides expected to fill the downtown area Babcock Mountain. The circuit is designed from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with awards for all comers, and medals are awarded in presentations to follow. For more information different age categories for those who finish or to register to take part in the event, go with the best times. If you’re up for the chal- online to www.summercruise.ca or contact lenge, go online to www.emperorschallenge. Danny Schilds at 250-782-5804 or at com to register and get all the race details, dschilds@telus.net. or contact race director Doug Foerster at 250-242-5870. The race has been capped 19th Annual Tea and Garden Tour - July at 800 total participants and that capacity is 31 already almost half met, so participants are The Dawson and District Horticultural encouraged to register early. Society will host its annual Tour and Tea, a self-guided tour of some of the most beautiFort St. John, BC ful gardens residents have to offer. The tour Strawberry Jam commences from the Art Gallery at 10 a.m. The first Tuesday of each month, the Lido at a cost of about $4. Plants and gardening Theatre welcomes all ages to their music items can be purchased along the tour, jam. Free entry, all ages welcome and local and a refreshing tea break can be enjoyed talent is always needed. This event is for the throughout the day at a designated host whole family. Call the Lido Theatre at 250garden. For more information, 785-3011 or visit www.thelido.ca

BC Musician | July - August 2011

is pleased to support local summer events Rockin’ Rivers Resort at Salmon Valley, just 20 minutes north of Prince George, is hosting eight bands of varying metal artists from across Canada on July 9 beginning at 1 pm. Tickets are $40 for a day pass with camping overnight onsite or $35 for a day pass only. Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Civic Plaza, has a summer art club for children who are aged five to 12. The week long art classes give youngsters a summer filled with creative fun. They can explore exciting themes, experiment with awesome art materials and watch their ideas take shape as works of art. The gallery’s Summer Art Club hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon or 1 to 3 p.m. Schedule for Week 1: July 25 to 29, Week 2, August 2 to 5, Week 3, August 8 to 12, Week 4, August 15 to 19. To register phone 250-614-7800 or write art@tworiversgallery.ca. B.C. Provincial Square Dance Festival, July 7-9, Columbus Centre and Ro-a-Dome. Dancers from around the province come to the city to allemande and do-si-do. For more information, go to www.northerntwisters.ca. World Baseball Challenge, July 8-19, Citizen Field. Teams from the United States, Cuba, Japan, China, Chinese Taipei, Canada and the Bahamas go up against each other in this competition which takes place every two years. For more information, go to worldbaseball.ca.

– whose singing voices blend like butter in two, three, four and five part harmonies. The June Bugs play Artspace above Books and Company on Thursday, July 21. Tickets are available at Books and Company on Third Ave. Huble Homestead Historic Site is hosting a Pioneer Kids Day Camp August 20. Children aged even to 10 will step back in time into the life of a pioneer child for a day that includes dressing in costume, performing homestead tasks, making a pioneer lunch and having fun the old fashioned way. Hands on and interactive, the camp is limited to 20 children. Huble’s also open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come out for the Dog Expo July 10, Kidz Carnival July 17, Homestead Days July 31 and August 1. Huble Homestead is located 40 km north of Prince George on Mitchell Road. Call 250-564-7033 for more information. Prince George Exhibition, Aug. 10-14, Exhibition Grounds. It’s the 99th annual Prince George Exhibition, and it promises to be fun for the whole family. Last year, more than 44,000 people came to the fair. This year, will you be one of them? For more information, go to pg-x.com.

The June Bugs will be in Prince George July 21 The mega talented multiinstrumentalist group plays Artspace on Thursday, July 21. From upbeat gospels and saucy bluegrass to traditional folk and thoughtful originals, their music reflects a “a shared passion for the pure, heart-piercing magic of acoustic music and the marvel of well-blended vocal harmonies.” The group consists of five women – Renay Eng-Fisher, Audrey Guagliano, Sue Anne Borer, Christie Simmons and Tasha Zboya

Send us Festival photos! Take a picture of you or your friends holding a copy of BC Musician Magazine at a summer festival. We’ll put it in next year’s Ultimate Summer Festival Guide. send to info@bcmusicianmag.com PO Box 1150, Peachland, BC V0H 1X0.

BC Musician |

July - August 2011

We missed some festivals in our May/ June Ultimate Summer Festival Guide. We’ve included them here. To keep up-to-date on all the summer happenings across BC, Alberta, and beyond, visit www.bcmusicianmag.com and click on the link for the May/June issue. We’ll be publishing our annual “Guide to Applying to Festivals” this Nov/Dec. Deadline for details is Oct 20.

Ongoing to August 26, 2011 Music at the Cannery Steveston Village, Richmond, BC July 15th Gerry Layton, July 22nd Folk Thief, July 29th Steve Palmer, August 5th Hang Ten Hangmen, August 12th Live Rust, August 19th Sarah Kennedy, August 26th Willy Blizzard. Fridays 6:30pm, rain or shine. Info: Frankie Neilson (The Beatmerchant Record Store) & Dave McArthur (Steveston Folk Guild) 604-204-0044.

July 16, 2011 Dancin’ Barefoot in the Park Peachland, BC www.dancinbarefoot.com Featuring 54-40, Wassabi Collective, Kath and the Tomcats, and more. A one-day festival full of dancing, including a teen talent competition.

July 22-23, 2011 Creston Valley Festival Creston, BC

www.crestonvalleyfest.com Held at Mt. Park Resort, this year featuring Prism, The Unknown Soldiers (a celebration of The Doors), the Rippin Rattlers, and the 3rd annual Battle of the Bands. Camping available.

July 22-24, 2011 Wild Salmon Music Festival Lumby, BC

www.WildSalmonFest.com

The 2nd Annual Wild Salmon Music Festival aims to raise awareness about local wild salmon. All proceeds go to the Middle Shuswap Wild Salmon Society. Featuring: The Young’Uns, The Universal Juveniles, The Hip Replacements, The Flu, Crossfire, The Mabel Lickers, Gallon’s Corner, Amy Cunningham, Mark Irving and many more! Salmon BBQ Saturday.

Jully 29-31, 2011 Connect Music Festival 60 minutes west of Regina on Hwy 1 www.connectfestival.ca Saskatchewan’s 16th annual electronic & tribal musical festival and campout

The free festival takes place in the Columbia & Keefer Street neighbourhood and offers: an open market, historic walking tours, a kids’ corner, the Youth Talent Showdown and Streetfest where local professional DJs spin the latest tunes.

July 29-August 1, 2011

August 12-14, 2011

Come to the village of Steller’s Grove and immerse yourself in the 16th century for the weekend.

Central Music Festival Red Deer, AB www.centralmusicfest.com Featuring Jesse Dee and Jacquie B, Scott Cook, Odds, David Essig, Jack Semple, and many more.

July 31, 2011

August 12-14, 2011

BC Renaissance Festival Langley, BC

www.bcrenfest.com

Symphony Splash Victoria, BC

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Victoria, BC

Hear the Victoria Symphony Orchestra perform on a floating stage in Inner Harbour. This free concert traditionally ends with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture amidst a dazzling display of fireworks and booming cannons.

The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival takes place in the picturesque Inner Harbour. Featuring: Classical Chinese Tea Garden, the Eye Doting Ceremony, walking tours of Chinatown, Tim Horton Kids’ Tent, Light of Courage Lantern Celebration, non-stop entertainment on the Main Dragon Stage with local talent, Silk Road Tea Breast Cancer Survivors’ Race, Air Band Contest & Dance Party and more!

www.victoriasymphony.ca

August 5-7, 2011 Campbell River Salmon Festival Campbell River, BC

www.crsalmonfestival.com

The 44th annual tribute to forestry and fishing. Events include: “Logger Sports,” the “Summer Salmon Sizzler” with oyster appetizers on Friday and a chef’s salmon competition on Saturday, a children’s area, and outdoor stage.

August 5-7, 2011 Mountain View Music Fest Carstairs, AB

www.victoriadragonboat.com

August 20, 2011 Idlewild MusicFest Cranbrook, BC The 6th annual Idlewild MusicFest takes place at Idlewild Park amphitheatre from 4-9:30pm. A great music fest with an impressive lineup of performers. Gates open at 2:45pm. Info: 250-426-5914.

www.mvmf.ca

August 25-September 4, 2011

The Mountain View Music Fest is the coming together of citizens and rural farm communities to appreciate music, dance, crafts and visual arts of local artists. Festival is by donation.

www.intrepidtheatre.com

August 5 & 6, 2011 Kimberley Music Festival Kimberley, BC

www.kimberleymusicfestival.com The 2nd annual Kimberley Music Festival is a family-oriented events with great entertainment, food and vendors. This year it is a Rock Band Extravaganza, including Canadian icons, Harlequin.

August 6-7, 2011 TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival Vancouver, BC

www.vancouver-chinatown.com

BC Musician | July - August 2011

Victoria Fringe Festival Victoria, BC

Celebrating 25 years. More than 60 international, independent performing companies over11 days and nights of comedy, drama, dance, spoken word and physical theatre. There will be over 400 performances in a dozen venues.

August 26 & 27, 2011 Rock of the Woods Festival Bamberton, BC www.rockofthewoods.com A celebration of community spirit. It is non-profit and 100% off the grid. The musical lineup includes: Plants and Animals, The Mohawk Lodge, Johnny & the Moon, Sunhawk, Midnight Son, Chad Vangaalen, Sun Wizard, Listening Party, Bloody Wilma and The Boom Booms.

September 2-4, 2011 Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival Chilliwack, BC

www.chilliwackartscouncil.com Open Mic, beginner jams, corn shuckin’ contests, free workshops & kids’ activities. Featuring Cedar Hill, Bull Harman & Bull’s Eye, III Generation, Foggy Hogtown Boys, The Earl Brothers, Great Northern Planes and Highrise Lonesome.

September 2-4, 2011 Jazz on the Mountain Whistler, BC

www.whistlerjazz.com. The newest jazz festival in Canada. There will be a Solo Guitar Series at Millennium Place Theatre where jazz guitar masters will perform. Aspiring young guitar students can attend a Jazz Master Class Series. Also an Acoustic Jazz Series (6 concerts including groups from The Cellar jazz club), by donation. A Free Concert Series in Whistler’s Village Square daily at 2pm and 4.30pm.

September 8-18, 2011 Vancouver Fringe Festival Vancouver, BC

www.vancouverfringe.com The Vancouver Fringe Festival is BC’s larg-

est theatre festival and is celebrating 27 years! This year’s festival will feature over 600 performances by more than 80 groups over 11 days. The Vancouver Fringe Festival hosts live music and DJs every night of the Fringe Festival on their free outdoor stage. The stage is located in the green space across from Agro Café, home of the St. Ambroise Fringe Bar at Agro Café (1363 Railspur Alley on Granville Island). Sept 8: DJ Brad Winter; Sept 9: Okapi Muzika; Sept 10: TBA; Sept 11: Creaking Planks; Sept 12: The Ruffled Feathers; Sept 13: Weekend Leisure Karaoke; Sept 14: Maria In The Shower; Sept 15: Kidnap Kids // My Friend Wallis; Sept 16: Mezamazing // DJs Hyenas (of Basketball); Sept 17: DJs Glenn Alderson & Tristan Orchard; Sept 18: DJ Tristan Orchard

September 22-25, 2011 Rifflandia Festival Victoria, BC http://2011.rifflandia.com Rifflandia Festival will once again transform the city of Victoria into one big musical buffet, with over 100 performances on 10 stages, all within walking distance in the city’s beautiful and historic downtown core. In addition to the music, wristband holders are eligible for numer-

ous discounts at some of Victoria’s most popular boutiques and restaurants. Running concurrently to the festival again are numerous sister events, such as Live!Stock, ArtLandia and War Child Lounge.

September 23-25, 2011 Accordion Extravaganza! Edmonton, AB

www.edmontonaccordion.com The Accordion Extravaganza! features a Friday night concert with Len Gadica from Saskatchewan and Anthony Rolando & Valerie Vacco ($18/person), weekend competitions, open stage entertainment, a workshop with Anthony Rolando, a Saturday night dance ($15) and a Trade Show.

October 13-16, 2011 Pop Okanagan Festival Kelowna, BC www.popokanagan.com The BC Interior’s answer to new music and technology festivals. Pop features a 3-night music fest, 9 venues, conferences, visual art exhibitions, fashion shows, local film screenings and even an instrument petting zoo for the kids! This is a festival for musicians and artists, industry professionals, fans & curators.

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BC Musician |

July - August 2011

80 MUSICAL ACTS ON 9 STAGES OVER 4 DAYS IN 2 TOWNS! Plus: Workshops Galore • 12th International One Minute Play Festival • Indie Film Visual Arts • Activities for Kids • Discounted Admission to Barkerville Historic Town Stay for the Weekend and enjoy All Things Art

Earlybird tickets now available: www.artswells.com • 1-800-442-2787 ISLAND MOUNTAIN ARTS