Creative Currents

Arts and theatre from around the region

Art Attack in Spences Bridge

A new cultural phenomenon has taken root in Spences Bridge. Those folks who participated in its inception are calling it an Art Attack. An Art Attack engages self-chosen members of the community in a spontaneous act of co-creative artistic expression.

This growing group is looking to make this a multi-media celebration. Musicians, photographers, videographers, poets – you name it. The pooling of many talents is the name of the game and then see what creatively happens.

The first Art Attack was a mural painting that occurred at Jean Burgess’ home on her birthday (also Father’s Day) and it resulted in the creation of a mural on the doors of her garage.

Later in the day, in sharing the experience with the Monkeys at their Nicola Valley Bistro, it was decided that another ‘Art Attack’ would take place at the Bistro the following Sunday morning.

This was the second Art Attack and the intention is to keep ‘em happening every Sunday morning. If you would like to join in, you are always welcome. We have lots of free paint to work with, compliments of the Paint Drop Depot in Ashcroft.

Special thanks to Paul Miller for creating a great Art Attack sign. Watch for it at an Art Attack location near you sometime soon! If you are interested in joining the next ‘Art Attack’ in Spences Bridge call Dwayne and Teresa (250) 458-2548. (The Rattler ~ Dwayne O’Rourke; story.)

Jamin’ at The Riv

The River Inn Pub hosts a ‘Jam Night’ on Friday, July 8 starting at 8 pm. Everyone is welcome. Singers, Musicians, bring an instrument, borrow ours. Listeners – just sit and enjoy the sounds. The Jam is every two weeks. For more info (250) 453-9124.

Dana-Marie Battagalia July 13

Under the Gazebo on Wednesday, July 13 is Vancouver based indie singer-songwriters Dana-Marie Battagalia with tour mates, Sound Refuge. Dana-Marie has a captivating pop vocal style that will rip your heart out and gently sew it back in.

The traveling tour mates are on a Western Canadian Tour in support of Battaglia’s debut album produced by John MacArthur Ellis (Doc Walker, Dan Mangan, Jeremy Fisher, The Be Good Tanyas, Barney Bentall) recorded right here in Ashcroft last year.

Since being selected to inspire Olympic athletes in private concerts with her soul baring performances and entertaining on site at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Dana-Marie Battaglia developed an International fan base and caught the attention of European radio. Over the past few years, while methodically working on her official debut album, she has made headlines by performing international anthems in multiple languages, taking the stage at festivals, entertaining crowds of thousands, and sharing the bill with several Juno Award winners.

On this tour Battaglia will be on acoustic guitar and piano, accompanied by Tim Bartsch on cello and Tanya Maria on background vocals, piano and synth. Markus Michelucci of Sound Refuge will be traveling alongside.

Sound Refuge’s sound is primarily folk reaching into the rock genre, resembling The Weakerthans, Joel Plaskett, Sam Roberts Band, or Sufjan Stevens. The song, Vancouver’s On Fire, from his debut album Umbrellas In Winter, has been featured on CBC radio and has found its way onto a number of university and internet radio stations. The album is available on iTunes and at independent records stores in Vancouver.

More Music in the Park

Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society continues to offer music throughout the summer. On July 27 don’t miss, Linda McRae . From Dear John to John Deere. Linda plays old time country roots music and is one of  the best claw hammer banjo pickers around.

On Aug. 10, The Masonettes. This local Ashcroft duo of Leslie Alexander and Llynn Kellman offer up some sweet harmonies and a laid back ukulele strummin’ style with a country flair.

The Summer Season Finale is on Aug. 24 with the Bargain Basement Band. Grab your dancin’ shoes and join in on the fun, the local boys are at it again. From old time Rockin’ Roll to the sounds of the 70’s, the Bargain Basement Band will take us into the sunset. Bring your favourite lounge chair or a blanket. Concession and public washrooms will be available. Pass-that-hat donations encouraged. Come early – the park fills up fast!

Winding Rivers would also like to thank, Jo Boxwell for donating her time and expertise in creating radio ads that have aired on the local Cache Creek/Ashcroft radio station. Thank you to everyone, for supporting our efforts to bring a little music for your soul. www.windingriversarts.ca

A backpack and two guitars

It takes a certain amount of courage to pack a backpack and two guitars, travel across the globe to a country where you know but one person and peruse your music career, but that is exactly what Colin Bullock has done.

Since landing on Canadian Soil 18 months ago from his home in Australia, Bullock has been turning heads and tuning ears ever since, opening for acts such as INXS, Xavier Rudd, Metric, Ash Grunwald and securing many gigs of his own in venues throughout Canada. This young singer/songwritter has developed a loyal and strong following in his new home city of Vancouver and now looks to branch out and sprout new leaves throughout North America.

Often referred to as the perfect mix between James Taylor and John Mayer, Colin best describes his music as Aussie flavored Indie-pop music. A constant touring schedule and residency gigs has polished his live act greatly and now with the addition of some great young musicians this act is something we’ll be hearing lots about in the near future.

Colin plays a dinner show at the Packing House in Spences Bridge on Friday, July 15 from 5:30-10:30 pm. Call to reserve the first of the Summer Music Series dinner Shows at (250) 458-2256.

Movie Night Under the Stars in Lytton

Lytton First Nation Soc. Dev. will be having “Movie Night Under the Stars” for the community at the Lytton Elementary School field on Tuesdays and Thursday nights soon. Remember to bring your chairs, blankets and bug spray. Watch for posters and updates.

If anyone wants to give us a helping hand it would be greatly appreciated. Areas to help out are in: screen setup, sound system setup and disassembly after the show’s over, and if anyone has a source of power that they can utilize ie. generator, extension cords etc that’d be great. Any family movie suggestions? To help out or for more info call; (250) 455-2304.

 

Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal

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