Outspoken!: Thursday, September 5
Pre-festival Event
Event time: 6pm
Join us for our always popular, always sold out spoken word night featuring emerging and long-standing poets, spoken word artists and authors. Enjoy some delicious Summergate Wine and come for dinner from Mike's food truck. Please note the change in start time from previous years. Bring a lawn chair if you do not want to sit on the picnic tables.
Hope to see you there!
Swing Dance: Friday, September 13
Pre-festival Event
Join us for an unforgettable evening of swing dancing, featuring the renowned South Okanagan Big Band. The event includes a complimentary dance lesson by the talented Natalie Hobbs. This event is proudly co-sponsored by the Ryga Arts Festival, the Summerland Community Centre, and the Summerland Fall Fair. While the dance lesson is free, pre-registration is required. We are thrilled to have Detonate Brewing as our official brewery sponsor and Summerland Heritage Cidery as our official cidery sponsor.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Opening Night Celebration: Wednesday, September 18
Welcome Event
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 Home The Salmon
Screening and Q&A With Salmon Warriors
Time: 2:00pm
Harold Rhenisch
Book Launch for Salmon Shanties
Time: 4:00pm
Please join us in welcoming back award-winning author, Harold Rhenisch. Harold will be introducing and reading from his new book Salmon Shanties.
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
Anona Kampe
Storytelling "Coyote"
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.
Kym Gouchie Duo
Performance
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
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.
Jake's Gift
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
