Great music and art in the park
Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society, in collaboration with local Ashcroft Artist Pauline Ogilvie, is very pleased to bring you a two day ‘Plein Air - Paint Out’ event in Ashcroft and surrounding area on May 22-23.
Over 25 Artists have been confirmed already, from as far away as Vancouver Island, Kamloops, Barriere, Spences Bridge, Hat Creek and the Shuswap area. Artists are invited to paint works inspired by our many majestic Ashcroft landscapes. The Artists will paint throughout the day on both the 22nd and 23rd, so keep your eyes peeled for artists and easels. Feel free to stop, chat and watch creativity at work.
On May 23, more painting and then all works created during the event will be on display at WRAP Society’s Music In the Park at Heritage Place Park on Railway Ave. Featured that night will be the Canadiana landscape sounds of the Willy Blizzard Trio. A concession will be available with for a snack or late dinner.
Join us and all the event Painters at the Gazebo at Heritage Place Park on Railway Ave. starting at 6 pm on May 23 for a meet and greet the Artists, who will have their works on display, and a ‘wet sale’ will commence throughout the evening. You will also be asked to vote for your favourite pieces: first prize is $200 and second prize is $100. After the event, the event pieces will be displayed at The Sidewalk Gallery in Ashcroft on Railway Ave.
Registration Deadline is today, May 15. For event, billeting or registration information, email windingriversarts@gmail.com or visit www.windingriversart.ca.
Willy Blizzard at next week’s Music In The Park
Ashcroft summers wouldn’t be the same without Music in the Park, brought to you by the folks of Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society. Music in the Park is back for another year of Wednesday night concerts at the Gazebo in Heritage Place Park on Railway Ave. from 7-9:30 pm. Pass the hat donations encouraged.
Our first month of performances continues on Wednesday, May 23 with Country/Folk act Willy Blizzard. The trio performs rootsy originals featuring superb vocal harmonies, upright bass, banjo, acoustic and electric guitars.
Giving a nod back to classic country instrumentation, while tapping into the more contemporary sound of electric, what really sets their repertoire apart is the songwriting. Canadiana at it’s finest. Their latest album, ‘In From the Cold‘, reflects the landscape, the people and the history of Canada and adds just a little more insight into the heart of our country.
That night as mentioned above, Music In the Park shares the Park with the many beautiful paintings that will be on display and for sale as apart of the ‘Plein Air - Paint Out’ Event that runs May 22-23. Should be a great evening of creativity for all.
Music all summer long!
Music In The Park continues on June 13 with our good friend and ex-Ashcroft resident, sideman/producer extraordinaire turned singer-songwriter John Ellis comes to town - with Nadine Davenport singing an opening set. Onstage or in studio, John plays a multitude of instruments including; guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin, and keyboards. John’s versatility in styles from rock to funk to folk to country has made him a favorite with recording artists and audiences alike.
Don’t miss Sabrina Weeks trio on Wednesday, June 27. Sabrina Weeks and Swing Cat Bounce Trio offer up a generous helping of the swinging bouncing boogie blues. The songs are light hearted with a twist of naughty, the melodies are infectious.
On Wednesday, July 11 listen to the Celtic melodies of Littlehouse. They are an acoustic duo based in southwestern Nova Scotia, specializing in original instrumental compositions with a Celtic flavour. Charlie Wilson plays Irish flute and whistles, and Jude Pelley plays guitars, mandolin, and Appalachian dulcimer. Their music is atmospheric; rich and complex, drawing on both traditional and contemporary influences.
Get your dancing shoes on for Jungal on Wednesday, July 25. These gals know how to have fun! These three powerful young women create their own brand of Australian-flavoured indie roots music blended with folk, soul and rock. A great night to party down along with local opening act, the Ghengis Gandhis’ who play a unique sound, grown from the desert, straight into your ears, minds and hearts.
Get your Celtic groove on when Cod Gone Wild come to town on Wednesday, Aug. 15. The group specializes in Maritime folk music with a modern twist - resulting in a rich and transparent ensemble sound that brings fire to some great foot-stomping jigs, reels and ceilidh party music.
Our finale will be a gathering of regional musicians who have formed a band called Mudville. If you remember from last summer - the impressive pipes from young lady named Joy. Well..this night should give a clear indication of how talented this gal actually is - go for it Joy! Mudville will be nailing down everything from Led Zepplin to Amanda Marshall. Should be a fun time!
We hope you enjoy the music all summer long ! Look for posters around town and take home one of the small handouts that will be available at local retailers. Also why not check out www.windingriversarts.ca for info on all the upcoming artists and their music.
Bellydance Gala Event celebrates womens dance
Desert Moon Tribal Bellydance Troupe from the Ashcroft area, lead by Denise Tapia will be hosting a Gala performance on May 26 at the Ashcroft Community Hall at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Admission is by donation.
In addition to our local Ashcroft troupe, the event will feature Samira Belly Dance, Twisted Skirts Tribal, and Arnica Fairbrother Bellydance from Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. The evening will be flavoured with several different styles of Belly Dance including Egyptian, American Tribal Style, Tribal Fusion, and Burlesque Bellydancing.
This is their second annual event. Last year’s performance was by invitation only. This year they have a bigger hall and are inviting the public. So tell your friends, bring the kids, this is going to be a wonderful evening celebrating women’s dance.