IGNITE THE ARTS
WRISTBAND WEEKEND
MARCH 29th - 31st, 2024
PENTICTON ART GALLERY • ELK’S HALL • DREAM CAFÉ • CANNERY BREWING • BRIT BAR • TEMPEST THEATRE • HIGHWAY 97 BREWING •
SLACKWATER BREWING • LEGACY DEN • SS SICAMOUS • PENTICTON PEACH • BE HIVE YOGA STUDIO • LEIR HOUSE
In a nutshell, the following is what you can expect:
Starting on Friday, March 29 and running till Sunday, March 31 the Ignite Festival Weekend is three days of non-stop music, performance, art, and workshops running in nine venues in downtown Penticton including the Elks Hall, Dream Café, Tempest Theatre, BritBar, Legacy Den, Highway 97 Brewery, Cannery Brewing, Cleland Theatre, the SS Sicamous, and the Penticton Art Gallery.
With over 70 musical and performing acts to choose from, festivalgoers can cruise between venues and experience incredible music and art, while soaking up the vibrant community atmosphere of downtown Penticton. The festival's lineup features something for everyone, from folk to electronic to spoken word and hip hop, as well as live theatre, dance, clowns, workshops, exhibitions, and a good dose of programming for kids and music to get you dancing.
- JUMP TO -
Friday, March 29th
PARADE FOR NO REASON
Friday March 29th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM - STARTS AND ENDS AT ELKS HALL
FREE TO ATTEND FOR ALL! INVITE YOUR FRIENDS! JOIN IN!
Experience the warmth of Ignite The Arts at the Parade For No Reason! Hosted by Yanti, we get kicked off with a traditional welcome from 3 Jack generation Hand Drummers and then a downtown march led by Balkan Shmalkan and Geoff Orr's Puppet Brigade. Participants of all ages (including costumed weenie dogs!) join in the festive atmosphere, with a brief stop near the Penticton Art Gallery for a quick dance break. Enjoy the free performance from Al Simmons show at the Elks Lodge as we arrive back, or just hang around... we promise more suprises!
Saturday,
March 30th
Saturday Workshops (A-Z)
But is it Music? Panel Discussion
Panel discussion with performers and composers focusing on a wide variety of topics such as trends in new music, the validity of abstract music and generative, modular music making and the implications of AI.
Sat, Mar. 30 3:00 - 3:45 pm @ Legacy Den
Charlie Materi - Mental Health & Expressive Arts
Hosted by Charlie Materi, The mental health circle is an inclusive space to connect and share about what mental wellness means from the different perspectives of the group. We ask questions and discuss to connect with resources, each other and to reduce stigma and isolation.
Sat, Mar. 30 1:30 - 2:30 pm @ Penticton Art Gallery
(GENERAL PUBLIC FREE TO ATTEND!)
Danielle Savage and J Daniel Cramer - Intro to Electronic Music
Learn about Electronic Music creation through its early beginnings right up to modern modular instruments, generative systems, and computer programming environments.
Sat, Mar. 30 12:00 - 12:45 pm @ Legacy Den
DJ Thistle - Turntablism Workshop
This workshop is designed to display the art of turntabilism and highlight how the turntable has impacted modern music. Attendees will have a hands-on opportunity to use analog DJ equipment.
Sat, Mar. 30 1:30 - 3:00 pm @ Britbar (L.E.D. Stage)
Donnalee Davidson - Contact Dance and Prop Flow
Come together with us to explore movement in a whole new way! We will be experimenting with contact dancing and flow props like staff, poi and hula hoops, Suitable for all levels this freestyle workshop is the perfect place to try a new toy or simple sync into movement
with others.
Sat, Mar. 30 1:30 - 3:00 pm @ The BEHive Yoga Studio
Dr. Shawn Pinchbeck - Life of Sound
Meet international Sound Artist and university lecturer Dr Shawn Pinchbeck to learn about Sound Art as he shares his wisdom on installation design and audio engineering. Participants will also learn about joining him at a Residency in Viljandi Estonia.
Sat, Mar. 30 4:00 - 4:45 pm @ Legacy Den
Heidi Chan - From Cliks to Subotnicks: Modular Workshop
Meet Heidi Chan, modular artist and multi-instrumentalist and university lecturer in this engaging workshop about modern composing, her involvement in republishing one of electronic music’s most important texts, and her recent concert with one of histories most famous electronic musicians.
Sat, Mar. 30 5:00 - 5:45 pm @ Legacy Den
JGirl - Women in the Industry
Join the conversation with JGirl and guests about ways to uplift womxn* in the male dominated electronic music industry.
Sat, Mar. 30 3:00 - 3:30 pm @ Britbar (L.E.D. Stage)
Kat Single-Dain - Swing Dance Workshop
"Swing Out: The Essential Principles of Partnered Dance" is a beginner-friendly class led by Kat, blending joyous Swing Dance with contemporary dance knowledge to explore deeper connections in partnering, welcoming all to join and promising a "swing" in their step.
Sat, Mar. 30 4:30 - 5:30 pm @ Elks Hall Upstairs (Warryn Berry Stage)
Kristal Jem & Mikenna Hope - Hula Hoop Dancing
Learn the art of hula hoop dancing with Kristal Jem and Mikenna Hope, as they guide you through mesmerizing movements and creative choreography, transforming your hoops into vibrant extensions of your expression.
Sat, Mar. 30 12:30 - 2:00pm @ Britbar (L.E.D. Stage)
Lady of the Mist & Quantum Twitch - De-Mystifying DJing
Get hands-on experience or watch a demonstration using various decks and have any questions answered by the facilitators, LADY of the MIST & Quantum Twitch. Perfect for beginners or those looking to expand their skills, come with an open mind and get ready to have fun!
Sat, Mar. 30 12:00 - 1:30 pm @ Britbar (L.E.D. Stage)
Nayana Fielkov - Fools Proof Clowning Workshop
This workshop offers an opportunity to enhance personal presence both on stage and in everyday life through experiential games and exercises focused on cultivating curiosity, exploring emotional range, and practicing openness. Suitable for performers and non-performers alike, it aims to build sensory awareness and encourage the joy of being present in the moment, taught in English with Gibberish subtitles.
Sat, Mar. 30 11:30 - 12:30 pm @ Elks Hall Upstairs (Warryn Berry Stage)
Saul Squakin - Men's Sweat Workshop
Saul Squakin, a syilx man from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, shares his personal account of the Sweat ceremony's significance at The Men’s Sweat Workshop. As a hunter and participant in the Sweat, Saul discusses the ceremony's elements, its role in his journey to wellness, and its connection to family, community, traditional healing and self-health.
Sat, Mar. 30 11:00 - 12:00 pm @ Penticton Art Gallery
(GENERAL PUBLIC FREE TO ATTEND!)
Tempest Theatre - One Minute Play Workshop
In this dynamic workshop, participants will delve into the craft of crafting 1-minute plays, igniting creativity and honing storytelling skills for performances...on the same day!
Sat, Mar. 30 11:00 - 1:00 pm @ Tempest Theatre
3 Jack Generation Hand Drummers - Beading Workshop
Join the 3 Jack Generation Hand Drummers in a traditional beading workshop. All ages welcome!
Sat, Mar. 30 12:00 - 1:30 pm @ Penticton Art Gallery
(GENERAL PUBLIC FREE TO ATTEND!)
The Cavernous - Synth Petting Zoo!
Join The Cavernous for the Electronic Petting Zoo! This hands-on workshop is perfect for anyone curious about synthesizers, eff ects pedals, loopers, and more. Led by the live electronic duo, The Cavernous, you will have the chance to experiment with cutting-edge technology and learn about the possibilities and limitations of each instrument. Rumour has it we've got some strange and wonderful goodies this year! Bring Headphones!
Sat, Mar. 30 1:00 - 2:45 pm @ Legacy Den
Tom Leveen - How to Write AWESOME Dialogue
Learn how to write convincing dialogue with published author, Tom Leveen! What you learn in this class can be applied to a variety of genres such as fiction, film and theatre.
*Sat, Mar. 30 1:00 - 2:30 pm @ Leir House Cultural Centre (220 Manor Park Ave)
*Separate Tickets: FREE to Wristband Holders $30 for Non-Pass Holders by registration: pentictonartscouncil.com
Tom Leveen - Publishing & Marketing
Discover the secrets of sharing your writing with the world. Led by Tom Leveen, an award-winning novelist and Bram Stoker Award finalist, offering insights into both traditional and indie publishing routes, drawing from over twenty years of experience in live theatre and in the publishing industry.
Sat, Mar. 30 3:00 - 4:30 pm @ Leir House Cultural Centre (220 Manor Park Ave)
*Separate Tickets: FREE to Wristband Holders $30 for Non-Pass Holders by registration: pentictonartscouncil.com
Sunday,
March 31st
Sunday Workshops (A-Z)
Presenters Mixer
Presenters are cordially invited to join our festival as part of an industry initiative on Sunday morning, fostering networking opportunities with fellow presenters and artists to enrich and fortify our cultural ecosystem.
Sun, Mar. 31 10:00 - 11:45 am @ Dream Cafe
Renite Manisha Gosal - Poetry Workshop
This workshop includes a brief lecture on poetic forms, and multi-part writing exercises. Participants will have the opportunity to share their work in a supportive environment, with a focus on poetry as a tool for healing. This workshop will be trauma-informed, providing a safe and nurturing space for all attendees.
Sun, Mar. 31 2:00 - 4:00 pm @ Penticton Art Gallery
(GENERAL PUBLIC FREE TO ATTEND!)
SOS PRIDE - Trans Day of Visibility Paint Your Pride Brunch & Social
Join SOS Pride for an art-filled brunch and social to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility! Special guests from our Trans community will be joining us to share their own personal stories and experiences living as their authentic selves. All materials and food will be provided. Donations are gratefully accepted to help assist us with the cost of this event. ASL interpretation will also be provided.
Sun, Mar. 31 11:00 - 1:30 pm @ Penticton Art Gallery
(GENERAL PUBLIC FREE TO ATTEND BY REGISTRATION!) Visit sospride.ca to register.
In the Round sessions feature collaborative music jams between different artists and acts with vague themes, resulting in fun, fresh, and incredible performances!
Hip Hop Hype Up!
Join Hazy Made & Strain K w/Unknown Persona, DJ Ginja & other guests for some amazing Hip Hop.
Fri. Mar 29, 7:30 - 9:30 pm @ BritBar (L.E.D. Stage)
Adult Songwriting Camp Showcase
Featuring the participants of the PAMDA Songwriting Boot Camp with Selina Martin and Don Kerr.
Fri. Mar 29, 8:30 - 10:00 pm @ Dream Cafe
Kids Songwriting Showcase
Featuring the participants of the 3rd Annual PAMDA Youth Songwriting Camp with Corwin Fox, Kia Kadiri and Tereza Tomek.
Sat. Mar 30, 11:00 - 12:45 pm @ Dream Cafe
Mental Health Songs with Naomi Shore
Join Naomi Shore, Corwin Fox and friends, for a Mental Breakdown in the Round! If you don't laugh, you'll cry! Come hear some of our most vulnerable songwriters share how they have used the craft of songwriting to process their own mental health struggles and heal themselves.
Sat. Mar 30, 3:00 - 4:00 pm @ Cannery Brewing
Hip Hop(ish!)
Join incredible Hip Hop artists Kia Kadiri, Mikenna Hope, Frantic and other guests as they share their rhymes.
Sat. Mar 30, 3:30 - 5:00 pm @ BritBar (L.E.D. Stage)
Okanagan Songwriters In the Round
Host Daryl Oneill introduces a beautiful bunch of Okanagan songwriters including Ernest Anyway, Natalie Lynn, Sandra Kunz, Lee Anthony, Andy Fisher and Jodel Music Woman.
Sat. Mar 30, 5:00 - 6:45 pm @ Downstairs Elks Hall
Super Space Out Jam
Join the artists of the Experimental-Electroacoustic Stage at Legacy Den for a jam. If you like a surprising mix of expressive abstract sound, noise, and weird generative/rhythmic stuff come join in!
Sat. Mar 30, 11:00 - 11:45 pm @ Legacy Den
Bluegrass/Old Time Open Jam - Everyone Welcome
Feat: Jeff Andrew and whoever shows up!
Sun. Mar 31, 12:00 - 1:45 pm @ Downstairs Elks Hall
Indigenous Voices In the Round
Musicians, storytellers, writers and artists who are revitalizing their indigenous languages through their art. Feat: Host Dr. Suzanne Steele
Sun. Mar 31, 12:00 - 12:45 pm @ Dream Cafe
Poetry In the Round
Join host Taylor Williams for a poetry open mic.
Sun. Mar 31, 4:30 - 5:15 pm @ Highway 97 Brewing