Opening Night : Wednesday, September 18
Welcome Event
Time: 6:00pm
Anona Kampe sets the tone with a heartfelt traditional welcome, paving the way for a melodic journey by the Shae Ryga trio, featuring George Ryga's grandson. As the evening unfolds, Harold Rhenisch captivates the audience with poignant excerpts from his poem "We are George Ryga," while Emilia Symington-Fedy skillfully guides the event as the emcee. The atmosphere brims with artistic fervor as Frantic and BusStopGirl take the stage, weaving powerful spoken word performances and soul-stirring music inspired by the profound legacy of George Ryga and the messages embedded within his writings.
The evening will include snacks, and beer and wine will be available for purchase (19+). This event is sponsored by Giant's Head Brewing!
Day 1: Thursday, September 19
Emelia Symington-Fedy
Author Reading/Workshop
Time: 10:00am
Scared to tell the whole truth? Is it even your truth to tell? Emelia had to grapple with these questions in her memoir ’Skid Dogs' and she surprised herself. Sometimes telling the truth isn’t the smartest choice. There’s an even braver option. A Q&A and writing workshop about brutal honesty, responsibility and conscience when telling your story.
Bringing the Salmon Home Film
Screening and Q&A With Salmon Warriors
Time: 2:00pm
The mighty Columbia River was once the source of the world’s greatest salmon runs. But massive dams have blocked salmon from returning to the vast headwaters of the upper Columbia River in Canada for 85 years. Bringing the Salmon Home shares the story of the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Nations who uphold their sacred responsibility to reintroduce the salmon here. In this short documentary film, first person stories combine with vivid landscape and underwater footage, and archival film, to tell the long-hidden story of these Salmon People. Bringing the Salmon Home representatives, including youth Salmon Warriors, will be on hand for audience discussion.
This is a drop-in event and is free to the public. No pre-registration is required.
Harold Rhenisch
Book Launch for Salmon Shanties
Time: 4:00pm
Come join us in celebrating the publication of Harold Rhenisch’s Salmon Shanties at the gorgeous Pamplemousses Jus Natural Winery, hosted by Ryga Arts Festival and the University of Regina Press. Harold Rhenisch will be reading from his latest collection of poems, The Salmon Shanties: A Cascadian Song Cycle, that “pair” with the terroir and the Pamplemousse Jus wines. Enjoy delicious wine and get your copy of The Salmon Shanties signed by the author!
The Ballad of George Boivin
Followed by Community Chat About Aging in The Preforming Arts
Time: 7:00pm
At 77, Georges Boivin decides to “give the dice a roll.” Georges just lost his wife, the “centre of his universe.” But there is life after 70, and it must continue even after great loss. With his three friends, all older than he, he sets out on a cross-country road trip from Québec to Vancouver, in search of his first love who he hasn’t seen in 50 years.
This one man play will be followed by an informal community discussion after about aging in the performing arts.
Day 2: Friday, September 20
Aging in the Arts
Time: 10:00am
Please join us for this open community event to discuss the concerns around aging as an artist, and to brainstorm ways to assist, mitigate issues and still be an active artist in your older years. We will be joined by a panel that includes Donna Wong-Juliani, Julia Mackey, Dirk VanStralen, Betty-Ann Xenis and others. Introduction by Peter Hay.
Anona Kampe
Storytelling "Coyote"
Time: 3:30pm
Join Anona as she takes you on an entertaining and interactive journey by sharing traditional syilx Okanagan stories called captíkʷł (chap-teek). The syilx Okanagan people spread knowledge through an oral history spanning thousands of years. She will introduce you to the characters, explaining why they are significant and share traditional teachings within the story. Participants can expect an engaging session. Available stories to choose from are; The Four Food Chiefs - How Food Was Given, Turtle Races Eagle, How Names Were Given, Chipmunk & Owl Woman, Ant & the Boulder, Coyote & Buffalo or Coyote & Eagle.
Pre-registration required as there is a limit of 10 participants.
Run, Salmon, Run
A Brown Bag Art Social
Time: 4:00pm
Drop by the Summerland Branch library now for a brown bag full of crafty things to create a piece of art based around the theme of Salmon. Then bring your art back to show it off on the 20th! Georgia Geortz will be joining us again this year to do a live salmon-themed drawing while we hang out and look at everyone's creations. Please only take a bag if you plan on coming back with your art or sending us a photo of it. No pre-registration required.
Kym Gouchie Duo
Performance
Time: 7:00pm
With her traditional hand drum, ukulele, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice and authentic storytelling, Kym Gouchie takes us with her on a cultural journey rich with ancestral memories and melodies that inspire the child in all of us. This show is playful, educational and engaging! This event is sponsored by Tin Whistle Brewing.
Day 3: Saturday, September 21
Kym Gouchie
The Stories Behind the Songs Q&A
Time: 10:00 am
Join us for an intimate gathering where Kym will discuss the motivations, meanings and memories behind her songs. Following an evening performance, this morning workshop will be a small gathering, with Q&A opportunities.
Theatre Trail
10 Minute Play Contest
Time: 1:00pm
Join us for Theatre Trail, a unique event featuring live theatre performances at different locations around the city. At each stop, enjoy performances while exploring hidden gems. Tickets will grant you access to all plays. Please use the links below to purchase tickets for your preferred location.
Jake's Gift
Time: 7:00pm
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Join us for this multi-award-winning, one-woman performance of Jake's Gift, the story of a WWII veteran's reluctant return to Normandy to find the grave of his eldest brother. Written by and starring Julia Mackey. Performance will be followed by a Q&A and the opportunity to share your relevant stories. This event is sponsored by Cannery Brewing.
Day 4: Sunday, September 22
Hootenanny
In honour of Dick Clements
Time: 2:00 pm
Drop in and join us for our final event of the 2024 festival - our sing-a-long Hootenanny with Dona Smithson who will perform a number of songs for us to sing and play along with. Bring an instrument or just yourself. Songbooks will be available. Please note: the venue has been changed to Detonate Brewery.
This is a drop-in event and is free to the public. No pre-registration is required.
