May 7
2014 Cariboo Idols named
After a one year hiatus, the idols were back auditioning at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre in 100 Mile House, May 1-4
“There are a lot of new faces this year, and some of the older ones who have been in it before. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a lot of work, I know that much,” predicted organizer Rob Fry.
The 2014 Cariboo Idols included: Alyssa Lindberg, Stephen Perry, Britta Westerager, Tanya Guenther, Miranda Pettit, Kira Saenger, Jillian Thompson, Niki Watson, Tyrell Norton and Ella May.
May 14
Wine, cheese, ‘huge’ vendor turnout at Women’s Fair
The Cariboo Women’s Fair was just getting started when a belly dancer stepped off the stage and shook and swayed her way past tables where dozens of ladies sat and applauded while eating cheese and drinking wine.
The inaugural event, organized by Canlan Ice Sports at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on May 9-10, featured close to 50 vendors advertising a variety of goods and services, all with women’s interests in mind.
May 21
Spring Sing delivers variety
The Eclectica Community Choir held a Spring Sing event on May 10, which included performances by the Ogden Sisters, Silk, Curtis Wolfe and Front Porch, a bluegrass group that opened the show.
“[Front Porch] set a very relaxed and joyful mood for the concert,” director Marilyn Buyar said, adding the concert was great and saw a good number in attendance.
Nearly $1,500 went to the 100 Mile & District General Hospital Auxiliary and the Mill Site Lodge/Fischer Place Auxiliary.
May 28
CCR tribute draws lively crowd
A classic rock band was revived in 100 Mile House, and a local family program was set to benefit.
Chicago-based Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band – Creedence Revived – played to a couple hundred spectators at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on May 18.
After seeking public input on what local organization might benefit from the show, the Hunnies decided on donating half the net proceeds to the Kindergym.
June 4
Abstract work on display
The work of Quesnel painters Christa Krisman and Megan Long was on display at Parkside Art Gallery until June 24.
The pair of Cariboo artists, who first met at an acrylic painting workshop about four years ago, collaborated for a show in 100 Mile House, called “Reveries,” which featured abstract acrylic paintings.June 11
Artist embraces new form
Gordon Spare created some impressive art with a new style.
The longtime 108 Mile Ranch resident started borrowing some of the artistic stylings of the Haida people of northwestern British Columbia, and a body of that acrylic work was on display at Showcase Gallery for the month of June.
June 18
District supporting local art
Local artists had a new place to hang their work as the District of 100 Mile House requested Parkside Art Gallery’s assistance in decorating its newly painted office on Birch Avenue.
District chief administrative officer Roy Scott says the back wall, which was just blank before, is a good place to feature local artists.
“We think this an excellent opportunity to support the local art community…. It’s good advertising.”
June 25
New actors on the scene
More than 40 people showed up for the “Play in a Day” workshop organized by the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society and Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society at Martin Exeter Hall in 100 Mile House on June 14.
The workshop was a fun introduction to theatre.
The participants – a mix of experienced and beginning community theatre actors and directors – broke off into small groups for the day and rehearsed short one-act comedic plays, which they performed at the end of the workshop.
July 2
Pinkett captures changing scenes
Forest Grove resident Neil Pinkett had about 30 works of oil and acyclic paintings on display at Parkside Art Gallery in July.
The show was called “Appear and Disappear” and featured subject matter of a temporary nature. Think autumn leaves, reflections in water, clouds, and things constantly on the move.
“It’s all changing, all the time,” Pinkett explained. “To me, the thing is following the path and seeing where it leads.”
July 9
Fresh sounds
The South Cariboo Farmers’ Market saw a number of great music acts throughout the summer, including local violinist Emma Donnelly, and the band Bob Westfall and the Moonlight Poets, on July 4.
Westfall, a folk and country singer-songwriter, was touring the Cariboo to promote his new album, titled The Green Lake Album.
July 16
Making a connection
Local mezzo-soprano Ingrid Mapson has been engaging audiences for years.
She performs around the province with orchestras, big bands and small bands. Mapson said she’d like to perform a new show in the near future for a South Cariboo audience.
July 23
Hootstock set to rock this weekend
Hootstock had something for everyone as 40 acts were set to take the stage for the three-day music festival at the Old Bradley Creek Schoolhouse near Forest Grove, July 25-27.
Organizers Steve and Astrid Roy were “super-stoked” about this year’s lineup.
“I can’t wait,” Steve said. “It’s a real community event.”
July 30
Juno Award-winning folk singer’s concert set for 100 Mile
Three-time Juno Award-winner David Francey was set to perform at Martin Exeter Hall on Aug. 20.
The singer-songwriter, one Canada’s most revered folk artists, is the “genuine article,” said Len Aune, a member of local bluegrass group Front Porch. Aune and his wife Cathryn organized the show.
“There’s nothing Hollywood about David Francey. He’s a down-to-earth guy who sings down-to-earth songs on Canadian topics.”
Aug. 6
‘Magic of Light’ artwork on display
The work of two dozen local artists was on display at Parkside Art Gallery as part of the Cariboo Artists’ Guild’s (CAG) 34th Annual Fine Art Show and Sale, which ran until Sept. 6.
This year’s theme was “Magic of Light.”
CAG Show and Sale organizers lauded the hard work of dedicated members and volunteers in hanging the numerous pieces of artwork and putting the show together for its opening reception on July 25.
Aug. 13
Finding the edge
Local artist Tom Godin had a number of paintings on display at Showcase Gallery in 100 Mile House.
In the summertime, he house-sits for friends in Buffalo Creek, an area from which he derives inspiration for his paintings, depicting livestock and green and bright outdoor scenes.
Godin is vice-president of the Cariboo Artists’ Guild (CAG), a local group that supports artists and promotes arts and culture in the Cariboo.
Aug. 20
Popular acts taking Garlic Fest stage
The 15th anniversary celebration of the South Cariboo Garlic Festival was set for Aug. 23-24.
The entertainment lineup was set as well. The hugely popular Elvis (Steve Elliott), as well as musical groups Point Blank and the Amber Brown Band; singers Emaline Delapaix and Candace Copley; and family entertainer Mat Duffus, were taking the stage.
Aug. 27
Art Tour to benefit local health care
The South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF) was getting set to host its Second Annual Studio 2 Studio Art Tour on Sept. 13.
The self-guided tour of 108 Mile Ranch artists’ homes was to benefit local health-care facilities.
The event is a creative way to raise funds and the inaugural went really well last fall.
“There was a lot of good feedback [from last year],” said SCHF public relations co-ordinator Brenda Devine. “People can’t believe what kind of quality stuff we have here.”
