August 1 is First Saturday in Kimberley, the First Saturday that has traditionally been designated as Arts and Culture. Prior to the birth of the Kaleidoscope Festival, the Arts on the Edge Festival followed.
In any event, this First Saturday kicks off a week long celebration of Kimberley’s very vibrant arts and culture scene. First Saturday begins with the Dusty Downhill, a 10 K race — or 14 if you’d like to run up the ski hill first — from the top of Northstar Mountain to the Platzl. You can still sign up for this race at dustydownhill.ca
Performing in the Platzl on Saturday will be Mac Ramsey, Tamara Sontag, John Gerlitz, the GBGB’s, (Garry Jacklin, Grady and Barry Pasiechynk) and Tom Bungay. The Sound Principles barbershop quartet will be roaming the Platzl throughout the afternoon.
Just outside the Kimberley Library, Andrew Plait will perform a children’s concert from 2 to 3 p.m.. There will be two mini Da Vinci workshops for youth over 10 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The artist’s demo will feature Rene Farwig. High tea will be served at Chateau Kimberley from noon to 3 p.m.
The Kimberley Elks Club will host a barbecue at the outdoor concert venue by Centre 64 at 5:30 p.m.
At 6 it’s time for the free concert. It begins with In Pursuit featuring Fraser Armstrong at 6 p.m. and then at 7 p.m. Dark Fire Cloud and the Lightening Band take the stage. Dance along to swamp music, otherwise known as Zydeco, the Creole music of Louisiana.
“The concert is free and everyone of all ages is welcome,” said the Arts Council’s Carol Fergus.
The Arts Council is grateful to the Columbia Basin Trust for sponsoring the concert.
That’s First Saturday, and the weather forecast is for sun so come out and enjoy.
As for the Kaleidoscope Fest, the goal is to have arts and culture events all week long, trying to incorporate as many different art forms as possible. It certainly appears they have met that goal.
“Mike Redfern has developed more arts events throughout the week,” Fergus said. “There’s something different every day.”
Sunday, August 2
La Cafamore Trio plays works by women composers; Tea from 2:30 p.m., concert starting at 3 pm. Studio 64, Concert tickets $15.
“La Cafamore has appeared locally and we are hoping it will appeal to those who enjoyed Symphony on the Mountain,” Redfern said. “It will be an elegant, refined event.”
Monday, August 3
Scaramouche Jones, The Life & Death of a Tragic Clown, a play by Justin Butcher, performed by Michael Graham in the Theatre at Centre 64, 7:30 pm. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
“We are hoping the clown piece will attract adults and those who like to see good acting,” Redfern said. “It’s not for kids, but apparently this man is quite well known for this piece.”
Tuesday, August 4
Arts on the Edge Adjudicated Exhibitions, for established and emerging artists in the Gallery at Centre 64, free admission, open 1—5 p.m.
Da - VIN - Ci
A paint & sip participation event in Studio 64, 7 pm. Paint your own Monet’s Waterlilies led by artist Helen Robertson.Tickets $25
“The Da-VI-Ci is fully subscribed,” Redfern said. “In fact we’ve opened it up to 30 available spots interest has been so high.”
Wednesday, August 5
Prose, Poetry & Provolone in Studio 64 at 7:30 p.m. Italian bistro-style spoken word & music with Harp Pixie. Tickets $12 (including 1 glass of wine)
“Harp Pixie is the main performer,” Redfern said. “There will be half a dozen local performers as well, plus Italian wines and snacks.”
Thursday, August 6
Festival Foolin’ in the Theatre at Centre 64, 7 p.m. with comedy conjuror Clinton W. Gray. Tickets $10 adults, $5 children.
This is an event Redfern believes parents and their children will particularly enjoy.
“This chap likes to invite children up to the stage to assist the performance. The guy is apparently a very popular conjuror.”
Friday, August 7
Arts on the Edge gala reception, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Centre 64 studio and gallery. Tickets $15 adult, $10 youth, $5 child.
“The gala is the same as it has been the past 11 years,” said Redfern. “Entries have been flowing in this week and we have a trio of high calibre Creston artists who will adjudicate, two of whom have exhibited here before.”
Saturday, August 8
Children’s Festival in the Platzl, 10 am - noon with music and comedy by Matt Duffus. Free Admission.
Youth Festival at Centre 64 outdoor concert stage 2 - 4 p.m. with concert by Shane Phillip & drumming demo by John Siega. Free admission.
Saturday Night Outdoor Concert at Centre 64 outdoor concert stage 7—9:30 p.m. with Vancouver Blues Funk Band Brickhouse