The Festival continues to expand.

• A new category of "String Orchestras" is scheduled for Monday, April 8 at Nexus starting at 6 PM.

• Choirs, a favourite with the audience, perform Monday, April 15: school choirs in the morning and community youth and adult choirs in the evening.

• Don't miss the piano ensembles Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. The music department of School District #83 enthusiastically supports the Festival and has entered 14 school bands. All bands perform at Pleasant Valley Secondary School in Armstrong.

Acclaimed professional musicians adjudicate every performance, coach and inspire excellence. Their biographies and festival programs are available online at ShuswapFestival.com.

Everyone is welcome to the adjudicated sessions and to the Gala concert.

Tickets available at Shuswap Clothing and Pink Cherry

PLEASE NOTE: this show takes place on FRIDAY, a departure from the regular Thursday schedule.

Triology is a supergroup of award-winning Canadian jazz musicians, with Jodi Proznick on bass, Miles Black on piano and Bill Coon on guitar. The trio was formed in 2008 and fashioned after the great early jazz trios of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson. All three members have won numerous accolades over the years, including JUNO nominations, National Jazz Awards, Galaxie Rising Star Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards. They have shared the stage with jazz stars such as Lewis Nash, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Ed Thigpen, Clark Terry, Max Roach and Harry "Sweets" Edison.

Triology will be performing wonderful impromptu arrangements of classic standards and original tunes. Set aside the date in your calendar — this show is not to be missed!

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This group is continuing with the goal of exploring what it means to 'include all parts of the self' when sharing in community and to create a safe and meaningingful place to do that.

This group invites people to share as much/as little as one wishes, with the agreement we are not there to 'fix' each other. The act of listening and speaking in this way can create a valuable experience to learn more about ourselves and each other and to establish a sense of community. We begin each session with a short meditation to support our time together.

Individuals who feel inspired to share and/or have an idea to lead the group from time to time are encouraged to step forward. I will facilitate, but having the group 'lead itself' is the overall intention.

I look forward to having you join this group. BY DONATION

Please contact Michael Cruickshanks to register or if you have questions:  mjcruickshanks@gmail.com 

This week, we are pleased to present guitarist Gabriel Vizcaino and his quintet. A newcomer to Salmon Arm, Gabriel is a highly skilled jazz musician who has added his name to the growing roster of great players choosing to make BC’s southern interior their new home.

Born in Quito Ecuador, Gabriel never picked up a guitar until he was 17. After learning his favorite rock songs, he started playing with a couple of bands, got hooked, and decided to pursue a music career! After obtaining his music degree at Universidad de los Hemisferios in Ecuador, Gabriel earned a diploma in Jazz Studies at the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona Spain, catching a serious interest in jazz after attending master classes with jazz legends like Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Peter Bernstein and Jorge Rossy. In 2016 Gabriel moved to Canada and has been actively involved with the musical scene performing for a number of shows in PEI and BC.

Gabriel brings together a highly talented group of local and regional musicians for this performance, including Craig Thomson (tenor and soprano sax), Spencer Dean (keyboard), Jake McIntyre-Paul (electric bass) and Will Friesen (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

AURA Chamber Choir is pleased to present J.S. Bach's The Passion according to St. John on the 300th Anniversary of its first performance. Featuring celebrated tenor, Benjamin Butterfield as "The Evangelist", this work is a haunting and dramatic musical depiction of the Passion of Christ, as told in the Gospel of John, but sung in English so modern audiences can appreciate the story.

Join AURA Chamber Choir, Conductor Dr. Terry Pitt-Brooke and Organist Marjorie Close in celebrating AURA's 45th Anniversary Gala Event with orchestra and vocal soloists.

Sandy Cameron and his Shuhorns band are back! Those familiar with our local music scene are already well acquainted with Sandy’s impressive expertise on a range of woodwind instruments. The Shuhorns band represents Sandy’s enthusiasm for larger ensembles and, if past shows are any indication, promises to deliver another exciting performance.

This show features trumpeter Nick Dyson, who is supplying the arrangements and taking the reigns as band leader. Nick has travelled the world as lead trumpeter and musical director aboard many cruise ships. In 2008, he settled in Ottawa where he established a teaching studio and founded the Capital Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has worked with numerous musical legends and played with the National Arts Centre Orchestra Pops, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Symphonique de Gatineau, Capital Brassworks, and in a number of pit orchestras. Currently, he is an in-demand private instructor in trumpet, harmony and improvisation, and also an active clinician, adjudicator and guest soloist. When not performing, directing, or recording, Nick can be found teaching students of all ages and backgrounds from his recently relocated home studio in Kamloops.

Other musicians in the group include a who’s who of regional horn and rhythm section players: Sandy Cameron (saxophone & clarinet), Chris Startup (saxophone), Mike Scharffe (baritone sax), Liam Nadurak (trumpet), Bob Rogers (trombone), Jim Johnson (piano), Dan Smith (guitar), Jake McIntyre-Paul (bass) and Gareth Seys (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This week, we are very fortunate to have booked legendary Vancouver saxophonist and flautist Tom Keenlyside and his quartet for an evening at the Nexus stage. Tom’s quartet includes Neil Fraser (guitar), Shelby Wahl (guitar) and Jake McIntyre-Paul (bass).

Keenlyside’s musical career has spanned six decades, featuring performances and recordings throughout North America and Europe. His saxophone and flute playing have been featured with a wide variety of groups at many major festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival. He has performed with many of the biggest names in the music business: Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme and Tom Jones. In November 2006, Tom was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.

“Tom Keenlyside is one of Canada’s foremost musicians. His musicality transcends categories.” Paul Horn

“Keenlyside has a lush, warm sound, a fleet technique and a complete command of the expressive devices available to the flute.” Cadence Magazine, New York

"The flute is a very difficult instrument to matriculate in the world of jazz... Tom Keenlyside is one of a few to do it successfully." Hubert Laws

“Jazz flutist and saxophonist Tom Keenlyside has seen international success, done sessions for pop stars, and now runs his own label. His passion for his music permeates his performances.” Jim Dupuis-Earshot Magazine

“…a subtle and masterful flutist.” Winnipeg Free Press

“Tom’s work on flute is masterful, inventive and lyrical” TV Week

“Keenlyside is a musician’s musician” Red Robinson

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

In honour of International Women’s Day, this unique audiovisual experience will bring you close to often overlooked Alma Mahler, Gustav Mahler’s talented wife. Illustrations by Pauline Stive stitched together as a symphonic narrative by Catherine Varvaro, will guide you through the defining moments of this incredible woman, who sacrificed her career for the benefit of her husband’s

FEATURING

Dina Gilbert, conductor
Heidi Muendel, soprano
Pauline Sive, illustrations

PROGRAMME

Alma Mahler: Bei dir ist es traut / Die stille Stadt (arr. Kelly-Marie Murphy)
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (red. by Klaus Simon)

This group is being created to explore techniques, meditation and sharing around the theme of 'becoming a full human being' and/or 'inviting in all parts of ourselves'. The material we'll be discussing and experiencing  will use buddhist ideas such as impermanence, the nature of our minds/thoughts and learning to notice our body and sensations in a new way.  

We will create a safe space to share as much/as little as one wishes, with the agreement we are not there to 'fix' each other.  The act of listening and speaking in this way can create a valuable experience to learn more about ourselves and each other and to establish a sense of community.

I look forward to having you join this group. BY DONATION

Please contact Michael Cruickshnaks to register or if you have questions:  mjcruickshanks@gmail.com  250-644-9620

Under the guidance of the new director, Zachary Power.

Zach had big shoes to fill when he took on a choir that had known only one artistic director, Steve Guidone. The choir is immensely grateful for and impressed by Zach’s knowledge of choral singing, his mature conducting talent and his good sense of humour.

Jim Johnston once again has graced us with his deep love of music and talent at the keyboard.

In keeping with the choir’s vision to sing with excellence across a variety of genres, this concert will a feature:

✴ a song of love from Haida Gwaii

✴ an appeal to our higher selves inspired by the mystical poet, Hildegard von Bingen

✴ a knee slapping, foot stomping homage to Old Grandma

✴ a Maritime favourite, Away From The Roll of The Sea

and much more.

Joining us on two of the pieces will be the newly formed Shuswap Youth Choir also directed by Zachary Power.

We really do look forward to singing for you in a special musical afternoon on March 3rd, 2:30 pm at Nexus in Salmon Arm or on March 9th at 7pm, St Mary’s Church Sorrento.

Admission to both concerts is by donation at the door.

A few years ago, our faith community and neighbours showed incredible generosity by opening their hearts, wallets, and dedicating time and talents to sponsor a Syrian refugee family, integrating them into our community. The family has since become cherished friends to many around Salmon Arm.

Recently, we learned of their younger sister's family… refugees facing perilous conditions in Turkey. Without hesitation, local folks rallied once more. Thanks to our community's unwavering dedication, perseverance, and generosity, we anticipate welcoming the young family in June.

To support this move, the Syrian family and friends are organizing a complete Syrian dinner event, featuring appetizers, soup, main course, and dessert. We encourage you to purchase a ticket or two and join us for a delightful meal and spend an evening with friends. Tickets are only $50 per person.

Proceeds from ticket sales will contribute to assisting the refugee family. With only 80 tickets available, act quickly to secure yours. Please see Debbie at church or call 250-832-3860 during the week to purchase tickets. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

The Rolling Deep is… Jake MacIntyre-Paul (guitar), Colin Spence (keyboards), Dan Smith (bass) and Brian Pratt-Johnson (drums).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This group is being created to explore techniques, meditation and sharing around the theme of 'becoming a full human being' and/or 'inviting in all parts of ourselves'. The material we'll be discussing and experiencing  will use buddhist ideas such as impermanence, the nature of our minds/thoughts and learning to notice our body and sensations in a new way.  

We will create a safe space to share as much/as little as one wishes, with the agreement we are not there to 'fix' each other.  The act of listening and speaking in this way can create a valuable experience to learn more about ourselves and each other and to establish a sense of community.

I look forward to having you join this group. BY DONATION

Please contact Michael Cruickshnaks to register or if you have questions:  mjcruickshanks@gmail.com  250-644-9620

Gathering for Peace in Gaza

Please join us on Sunday, February 25th from 2 PM – 4 PM in the hall at First United Church, 450 Okanagan Ave, S.E. in Salmon Arm for an afternoon of information sharing, music, food and a fund-raising event to support the people of Gaza.

• We plan to build community in our common concern for the suffering of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza. 

• To share reliable information and spiritual reflection

• To fund-raise for organizations that are helping with humanitarian relief in Gaza 

Guest speaker: Dr. Warren Bell

For further information contact Rev. Juanita Austin at revjuanita@gmail.com or call 250-515-0210

This event is supported by KAIROS – an Ecumenical Peace and Justice group and CJPME – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East.

This group is being created to explore techniques, meditation and sharing around the theme of 'becoming a full human being' and/or 'inviting in all parts of ourselves'. The material we'll be discussing and experiencing  will use buddhist ideas such as impermanence, the nature of our minds/thoughts and learning to notice our body and sensations in a new way.  

We will create a safe space to share as much/as little as one wishes, with the agreement we are not there to 'fix' each other.  The act of listening and speaking in this way can create a valuable experience to learn more about ourselves and each other and to establish a sense of community.

I look forward to having you join this group. BY DONATION

Please contact Michael Cruickshnaks to register or if you have questions:  mjcruickshanks@gmail.com  250-644-9620

This week, Montreal-based vocalist Sienna Dahlen and Vancouver guitarist Bill Coon will perform together as a duo on the Nexus stage. Although they currently reside at opposite ends of the country, the duo melds as though they have been performing together day in and day out for years. In 2020 they decided to embark on the creation of a predominantly jazz ballads album to pay homage to the enigmatic journey of their collective inspiration. Embracing both the unexpected and well-charted musical paths, they engaged in a deliberate and harmonious dance through time, supporting and leading each other. The outcome of this exploration is their album "Balladextrous", which will form the centrepiece of this week’s performance.

A Juno award-winning performer, Dahlen has toured extensively in Canada, Europe, and the United States, as well as Mexico and South America. With six albums highlighting her original jazz and folk compositions, she has not only led and collaborated on various national and international projects but has also made notable appearances as a guest vocalist on multiple recordings. She is also a dedicated educator, teaching jazz voice and directing small ensembles at the post-secondary level. She has taught at McGill and Concordia University in Montreal, while also conducting voice clinics and songwriting masterclasses globally. Highlights include engagements at the Konsort Music Academy in Moscow, Kiev National University, and the Performance House Jazz Camp in Silkeborg, Denmark.

Vancouver-based Bill Coon is a Juno nominee, as well winner of 'Guitarist of the Year' at the 2009 National Jazz Awards. With over thirty years of professional experience, Coon has collaborated with numerous jazz luminaries and boasts an impressive discography of over 50 recordings. As a sought-after composer and arranger, he has received commissions from esteemed orchestras worldwide. Currently, Coon imparts his expertise as a faculty member at Capilano University, covering composition, arranging, jazz history, and, of course, jazz guitar.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

This group is being created to explore techniques, meditation and sharing around the theme of 'becoming a full human being' and/or 'inviting in all parts of ourselves'. The material we'll be discussing and experiencing  will use buddhist ideas such as impermanence, the nature of our minds/thoughts and learning to notice our body and sensations in a new way.  

We will create a safe space to share as much/as little as one wishes, with the agreement we are not there to 'fix' each other.  The act of listening and speaking in this way can create a valuable experience to learn more about ourselves and each other and to establish a sense of community.

I look forward to having you join this group. BY DONATION

Please contact Michael Cruickshnaks to register or if you have questions:  mjcruickshanks@gmail.com  250-644-9620

Virtuosity shows up in many forms in this evocative concert featuring the dazzling violinist Lara St. John. Music from the film The Red Violin is paired with Shchedrin’s stunning reinterpretation of classic tunes from Bizet's forever-loved Carmen.

FEATURING

Dina Gilbert, conductor
Lara St. John, violin

PROGRAMME

Rodion Shchedrin: Carmen Suite
Milica Paranosic: Roma Suite
John Corigliano: Red Violin Suite

We are excited to welcome Sherri Fowler for a special church service on Sunday February 11th at 10AM. Please join us and stay for refreshments and fellowship afterwards. Can't make it?  We stream on our youtube channel too.

A little background: in December 2013, a resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly, proclaiming the period from 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent, with the theme "People of African descent" recognition, justice, and development.

Annually during Black History Month in February, the United Church of Canada has embraced this proclamation. As the current year marks the tenth and final year of the decade, Sherri Fowler, who is of African descent, has dedicated herself to offering special services during their regular ministry to support this movement.

The foundation of Sunday’s service will be laid through the powerful and soulful music of the peoples of Africa. As this marks the concluding year, a condensed overview version of seven years of presentations will be presented, encompassing seldom known and well-known histories, progression, struggles, and accomplishments of African peoples in Canada.

Support for the presentation will come from the First United Church’s choir and African rhythm instruments. It is a time for celebration in grateful praise, a moment to sing from the heart, and a genuine opportunity to honor the peoples of African descent as an integral part of God's family.

This group is being created to explore techniques, meditation and sharing around the theme of 'becoming a full human being' and/or 'inviting in all parts of ourselves'. The material we'll be discussing and experiencing  will use buddhist ideas such as impermanence, the nature of our minds/thoughts and learning to notice our body and sensations in a new way.  

We will create a safe space to share as much/as little as one wishes, with the agreement we are not there to 'fix' each other.  The act of listening and speaking in this way can create a valuable experience to learn more about ourselves and each other and to establish a sense of community.

I look forward to having you join this group. BY DONATION

Please contact Michael Cruickshnaks to register or if you have questions:  mjcruickshanks@gmail.com  250-644-9620

Christmas holidays have come and gone, and the New Year is here: It's time to start thinking about some FUN for February!  

We are still looking for more acts for our February Follies variety show. Music, dance, comedy, story-telling, spoken word... Let us know what you've got!

Save the date: Friday, February 2 evening. Entry will be by donation, with proceeds going towards maintaining the Nexus.

Contact Jean MacLennan divabean@shaw.ca or Laurie Page lauriejeanpage@gmail.com 

Takes place in the Village Hall at First Community

Walk the Labyrinth with Jenny

Geared towards children aged 7 and above, this event invites young people to experience serene, meditative moments while walking a candle-lit labyrinth. Feel a sense of community, and delight in the ambiance of candlelight, music and stories. Acquire practical tools and techniques for cultivating stillness, peace, and reflection. Share some light in the midst of winter without religious undertones. 

maximum 12  - pre-register mary@firstcommunity.ca

The Bob Rogers band is comprised of some of the finest players from throughout the interior. Led by Vernon-based trombonist Bob Rogers, the band plays a mix of original material and original takes on jazz standards. The members of the band have a wealth of experience playing in a wide variety of bands throughout the province and you will hear all of those influences here. From funk to blues, swing to Latin, and even some horn infused rock and roll thrown in for good measure, this band plays music that you don't need to be a jazz musician or aficionado to enjoy. Guaranteed to get you fingers snapping and your toes tapping, and dancing is encouraged.

The Bob Rogers Band is:

Bob Rogers - trombone (Vernon)
Chris Petterson - saxophone (Salmon Arm)
Jordan Dick - guitar (Salmon Arm)
Colin Spence - keyboards (Salmon Arm)
Shannon Sternloff - bass (Revelstoke)
Trevor Wallach - drums (Revelstoke)

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

Takes place in the Village Hall at First Community

Walk the Labyrinth with Jenny (4-8)

A labyrinth-walk tailored for children aged 4 to 8, this activity offers a tranquil, softly-lit labyrinth walk for younger children. Wear comfy clothes, and if you like, bring a stuffy. Embrace the magic of finding light in winter (without any religious content). Kids will learn tools and techniques for stillness and reflection in an age-appropriate manner. Foster a sense of community, and let the little ones enjoy music and stories in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

maximum 10 kids - pre-register mary@firstcommunity.ca

TRADBURNER is an instrumental trio comprised of bass, drums and sax. Drawing influence from psychedelic rock, hip-hop, and fusion, this band of jazz school graduates released their self-titled debut album on November 25, 2022.

The group takes an improvisational approach to composition, finding sounds by way of play. Pulling intricate drum grooves, heavy bass lines and high-energy melodies from writing sessions, the band has developed a distinctive catalogue. Performances weave continuously through their songs, often extending and developing themes to make way for explosive improvisation and interplay.

The trio includes Cole Smith (bass), Will Friesen (drums) , and Zach Griffin (sax and keyboard).

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm

Music by Scriabin, Liszt and Chopin

Admission by Donation - All proceeds will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank