Joe Charron (right) at the Ashcroft Fall Fair, performs with guest Wahl (left).

Joe Charron (right) at the Ashcroft Fall Fair, performs with guest Wahl (left).

Creative Current – Watch for artists painting

Nadine Davenport's bi-monthly column of arts, music and theatre in the Ashcroft area.

Ashcroft Plein Air Paint-out this week

The third annual Ashcroft Plein Air Paint-out began earlier this week and goes until Thursday. Many artists from around the region will in our community to paint in the surrounding outdoor beauty, and once again Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society is delighted to host the event.

“En plein air,” is French for “in open air” a type of art style used to describe the act of painting outdoors. The Society looks forward to welcoming those from near and far to celebrate the beauty of what is often described as a “stunning and unique landscape” where inspiring views and vistas abound. Artists of all levels of experience are welcome. Once again, the focus will be on gathering like minds to enjoy the sheer pleasure of painting. There will be plenty of opportunities to paint as well as gatherings for meals and conversation.

In keeping with Ashcroft’s community brand “Wellness Awaits You’, the organizers believe creative expression is also a part of a healthy lifestyle. They are trying something a little different this year by holding the event in the Fall, as opposed to Spring. The thought was to allow artists to view the Autumn colours and hues unique to our landscape. September weather is, we hope, a little more inviting than last year’s cold and rainy May!

After two full days of glorious painting, all Painters, Organizers and any curious Community members are most welcome to attend a Celebration of event for ‘Artists Choice’ at St Albans Hall on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 6:30-8:30pm. There will be a Display & Sale of the freshly painted works.

If you would like more information on this event you can email them at ashcroftpleinair@gmail.com call at 250-453-0073 or visit the website canadianpleinairpainting.com

Handbell Choir  looking for spares

Desert Bells Handbell choir is looking for backup ringers. Previous musical experience is helpful. Age 10 to senior. Rehearsals on Wednesdays in Cache Creek (required). Call Carmen 250 457-1250.

Bluenose Pickers Oct 1st at UniTea

UniTea Tea Room invites you to another special evening of acoustic live music. Number two of the many musical events to be held at Ashcroft’s newest hangout and tea room, this unplugged show will feature the Bluenose Pickers (Jude Pelley and Darren Arsenault).

These two have been pickin’ and grinnin’ together for more than 20 years. With elements of bluegrass, celtic, swing, jazz, and blues, they create a rich and unique sound that’s full of energy. Accomplished string players, they switch back and forth between guitars, mandolins, and banjos, playing original songs mixed with classic cover tunes, and peppered with inspired improvisational solos.

Based in Nova Scotia, they are on tour across Canada from coast to coast in the Fall 0f 2014. www.bluenocepickers.ca

Enjoy some outstanding live music on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Doors at 6:30pm – shows starts at 7:30pm – at UniTea Tea Room, where Community Comes Together (#100-210 Railway Ave in downtown Ashcroft). Tickets at the door or reserve your by calling (250) 453-9345 – limited to the first 30 people only.

UniTea Tea Room expanding hours for Games Night & Music Jam

UniTea Tea Room will be expanding their hours to include a Community Tuesday Night Games Night and Local Music Jam. Beginning next week (Tues., Sept. 23) come on down to play! They have dominos, monopoly, chess, checkers, cards, crib and lots of fun and simple games for kids of all ages! Bring down the whole family, challenge your neighbours to some fun! Lots of toys as well. A small participation  donation is encouraged.

Both nights run from 6:30-9:30pm. The Jam Nights will be a fun all inclusive night of song sharing. Bring your guitars, shakers and song books. They’ll have lots of great organic tea and coffee on the brew and tea-infused cookies made by the Ashcroft Bakery. Check them out on Facebook or www.uniteatearoom.ca . Or call (250) 453-9345.

UniTea will also be changing from summer hours to a winter schedule – now opening on Mondays and closed on Sundays. Their new hours are: Monday – Friday 9am – 5:30pm, Tues and Thurs 6:30–9:30pm for Games & Jams, Saturdays from 10am – 4pm and Closed on Sundays.

Nadine Davenport

Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal