Barbara Jagodics
Barbara Jagodics has been in the performing arts since 2001, her mission is to educate people about First Nations people. “If it makes you laugh, or think, it was worth it!” Currently she is in Summerland Ryga Arts festival events:
Outspoke! Reading her dark comedy "CRACK! Which was inspired by a true story of a man getting help with housing. Some of the questions are real and some are made up. Guess which ones?
Brown Bag Art Social - Interactive Hoop demonstrations with participants. Indigenous hoop dancing is a form of storytelling through dance by creating shapes.
In addition to participating as an actress in Theatre Trails in the play CarboNation.
Barbara Jagodics
Barbara Jagodics has been in the performing arts since 2001, her mission is to educate people about First Nations people. “If it makes you laugh, or think, it was worth it!” Currently she is in Summerland Ryga Arts festival events:
Outspoke! Reading her dark comedy "CRACK! Which was inspired by a true story of a man getting help with housing. Some of the questions are real and some are made up. Guess which ones?
Brown Bag Art Social - Interactive Hoop demonstrations with participants. Indigenous hoop dancing is a form of storytelling through dance by creating shapes.
In addition to participating as an actress in Theatre Trails in the play CarboNation.
Don Gayton
Don Gayton fuses ecology and deeply personal insights, as he portrays his Okanagan Valley homeland—and beyond. Don is the author of several award-winning books of non-fiction, including The Wheatgrass Mechanism, Man Facing West, Landscapes of the Interior, and Okanagan Odyssey. More at www.dongayton.ca
Don Gayton
Don Gayton fuses ecology and deeply personal insights, as he portrays his Okanagan Valley homeland—and beyond. Don is the author of several award-winning books of non-fiction, including The Wheatgrass Mechanism, Man Facing West, Landscapes of the Interior, and Okanagan Odyssey. More at www.dongayton.ca
Faye Arcand
Faye Arcand, raised on the west coast of BC, is the seventh of eight children and has been blessed with and appreciates, an abundance of family and friends. It was her eldest sister who taught her how to read and write at a young age. Lessons took place in the attic with a chalk board and pointer stick. That was the beginning of something special.
Arcand loves participating in writing conferences, festivals, and literary events. She’s currently organizing the Wine Country Writers’ Festival which takes place September 2023, in Penticton.
www.fayeearcand.com
www.wcwfestival.com
Faye Arcand
Faye Arcand, raised on the west coast of BC, is the seventh of eight children and has been blessed with and appreciates, an abundance of family and friends. It was her eldest sister who taught her how to read and write at a young age. Lessons took place in the attic with a chalk board and pointer stick. That was the beginning of something special.
Arcand loves participating in writing conferences, festivals, and literary events. She’s currently organizing the Wine Country Writers’ Festival which takes place September 2023, in Penticton.
www.fayeearcand.com
www.wcwfestival.com
Georgia Goerz
Georgia Goerz is a self-taught artist with a passion for pencil drawings and acrylic paintings. Her paintings and drawings focus on the human mind and figure, while mixing many different themes and genres throughout, including expressionism, realism and art nouveau. She loves to explore new art techniques, and is always looking for new ways to express herself into her art. She currently lives in the great Okanagan but has lived in Edmonton as well, and is excited to continue creating live art.
Georgia Goerz
Georgia Goerz is a self-taught artist with a passion for pencil drawings and acrylic paintings. Her paintings and drawings focus on the human mind and figure, while mixing many different themes and genres throughout, including expressionism, realism and art nouveau. She loves to explore new art techniques, and is always looking for new ways to express herself into her art. She currently lives in the great Okanagan but has lived in Edmonton as well, and is excited to continue creating live art.
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Kym Gouchie
Lheidli T’enneh artist, storyteller, performer, and cultural ambassador Kym Gouchie celebrates the healing power of music and the joyful spirit of childhood that resonates within us all. Her show is a family-oriented experience, featuring heartwarming songs for listeners of all ages from her new album Shun betnats’ujeh (we heal through songs).
With her traditional hand drum, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice, and authentic storytelling, Kym Gouchie gives us the gamut, from catchy melodies that inspire playful moments to gentle lullabies that soothe the soul.
Kym is dedicated to preserving Indigenous traditions – her life and work are deeply rooted in cultural meaning and importance – and while she tickles her audience, she also instills in them an appreciation for her ancestral learnings and languages. A devoted mother and grandmother, she is a pillar of her ever-expanding global community, guiding others toward healing and reconciliation through her artistry. She unites diverse audiences in celebration of Indigenous heritage.
"When Kym performs, her audience is immediately engaged by her genuine love for people, song, and culture. She has the rare gift of being able to connect with children and adults alike through her storytelling lyrics and her mesmerizing voice."
- Julie Fisher, BC School District 57 teacher
Kym Gouchie
Lheidli T’enneh artist, storyteller, performer, and cultural ambassador Kym Gouchie celebrates the healing power of music and the joyful spirit of childhood that resonates within us all. Her show is a family-oriented experience, featuring heartwarming songs for listeners of all ages from her new album Shun betnats’ujeh (we heal through songs).
With her traditional hand drum, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice, and authentic storytelling, Kym Gouchie gives us the gamut, from catchy melodies that inspire playful moments to gentle lullabies that soothe the soul.
Kym is dedicated to preserving Indigenous traditions – her life and work are deeply rooted in cultural meaning and importance – and while she tickles her audience, she also instills in them an appreciation for her ancestral learnings and languages. A devoted mother and grandmother, she is a pillar of her ever-expanding global community, guiding others toward healing and reconciliation through her artistry. She unites diverse audiences in celebration of Indigenous heritage.
"When Kym performs, her audience is immediately engaged by her genuine love for people, song, and culture. She has the rare gift of being able to connect with children and adults alike through her storytelling lyrics and her mesmerizing voice."
- Julie Fisher, BC School District 57 teacher
Natalie Hobbs
Natalie Hobbs earned a dance diploma from MacEwan University in 2002 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Simon Fraser University in 2004. She has choreographed for professional venues in Vancouver, the BC Interior and Newfoundland and worked as a dance teacher in several professional studios. Natalie has been teaching and performing swing dance for over nine years and has attended numerous swing dance workshops, lectures, and community events. In 2021 she completed the Lindy Hop Teacher's Academy online with Asa and Daniel Heedman. She began teaching in Kelowna (Okanagan Swing Dance) in the Fall, 2022.
Natalie Hobbs
Natalie Hobbs earned a dance diploma from MacEwan University in 2002 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Simon Fraser University in 2004. She has choreographed for professional venues in Vancouver, the BC Interior and Newfoundland and worked as a dance teacher in several professional studios. Natalie has been teaching and performing swing dance for over nine years and has attended numerous swing dance workshops, lectures, and community events. In 2021 she completed the Lindy Hop Teacher's Academy online with Asa and Daniel Heedman. She began teaching in Kelowna (Okanagan Swing Dance) in the Fall, 2022.
Roark Critchlow
Roark was born in Calgary in the 60's. He moved to Summerland at 15 and eventually attended Uvic where he fed his passion for acting in the Theatre Department. He performed on stage around Canada for a few years and then found himself in the vanguard of the fledgling Vancouver tv scene.
He comported himself well, then moved to Los Angeles where, after braving the inclement weather and some not too little time, he landed the role of Dr. Mike on Days of Our Lives. Since leaving that erstwhile institution, he has played in everything from feature films to tv movies to series regular roles ( Pretty Little Liars, V) and guest spots on over 10 television shows.
This musical/poetical collaboration with Sergei represents a new format for Roark and he is very excited about it.
Roark Critchlow
Roark was born in Calgary in the 60's. He moved to Summerland at 15 and eventually attended Uvic where he fed his passion for acting in the Theatre Department. He performed on stage around Canada for a few years and then found himself in the vanguard of the fledgling Vancouver tv scene.
He comported himself well, then moved to Los Angeles where, after braving the inclement weather and some not too little time, he landed the role of Dr. Mike on Days of Our Lives. Since leaving that erstwhile institution, he has played in everything from feature films to tv movies to series regular roles ( Pretty Little Liars, V) and guest spots on over 10 television shows.
This musical/poetical collaboration with Sergei represents a new format for Roark and he is very excited about it.
Rolly Grimm
I'm Rolly Grimm, often introduced as a Cowboy Poet. Well, I've got to let you know that I'm not really a cowboy and I'm not really a poet. The poems - well, I don't write them, I just recite them. In fact, a more accurate introduction would be: Rolly- the Retired Old Fart who likes to memorize Cowboy and Other Poems and share them with captive audiences- like you! I am a retired Environmental Protection Officer that is currently living in and loving the beautiful Okanagan.
Rolly Grimm
I'm Rolly Grimm, often introduced as a Cowboy Poet. Well, I've got to let you know that I'm not really a cowboy and I'm not really a poet. The poems - well, I don't write them, I just recite them. In fact, a more accurate introduction would be: Rolly- the Retired Old Fart who likes to memorize Cowboy and Other Poems and share them with captive audiences- like you! I am a retired Environmental Protection Officer that is currently living in and loving the beautiful Okanagan.
Roman Bloom
Roman is 15 years old. He writes poetry, stories and music. In his poems, he writes about confusing emotions that you don't even understand, yourself.
Roman Bloom
Roman is 15 years old. He writes poetry, stories and music. In his poems, he writes about confusing emotions that you don't even understand, yourself.
Sergei Ryga
Sergei noticed the piano in a back room of the Ryga house at age 13. Though the instrument had been there his whole life, it had been invisible to him until that age. Self-taught, Sergei found his passion composing songs, and learning to play the Beatles (Let It Be was the first song he learned). Eventually he began to sing.
Fifteen years later he entered university as a voice major followed by a colourful 25 year career as a high school music teacher.
Looking at retirement, Sergei loves the opportunity to be involved in all things creative and musical.
Composing for Rygafest ticks many boxes for him - getting to team up with brother, Campbell, childhood friends, Roark and Cameron and former student, Dan.
Sergei Ryga
Sergei noticed the piano in a back room of the Ryga house at age 13. Though the instrument had been there his whole life, it had been invisible to him until that age. Self-taught, Sergei found his passion composing songs, and learning to play the Beatles (Let It Be was the first song he learned). Eventually he began to sing.
Fifteen years later he entered university as a voice major followed by a colourful 25 year career as a high school music teacher.
Looking at retirement, Sergei loves the opportunity to be involved in all things creative and musical.
Composing for Rygafest ticks many boxes for him - getting to team up with brother, Campbell, childhood friends, Roark and Cameron and former student, Dan.
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Tarcila Neves
A mixed Afro-Indigenous Portuguese woman and an emerging artist, I grew up in the vibrant Gueto district of Rio de Janeiro, where art has always been my solace and my passion. From a young age, I immersed myself in fine arts studies.
After graduating in Industrial Design, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. I worked in different fields, saving every penny to pursue my dream of studying digital art in Toronto and concept art in Vancouver.
I'm passionate about making art accessible to all. I specialize in creating augmented reality experiences accompanied by audio descriptions, aiming to make art accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments.
In 2024, I achieved a significant milestone: my first selection for an immersive installation at the Port of Oak Bay. It was deeply meaningful as my dad, who passed away earlier this year, was my constant source of support and inspiration.
Tarcila Neves
A mixed Afro-Indigenous Portuguese woman and an emerging artist, I grew up in the vibrant Gueto district of Rio de Janeiro, where art has always been my solace and my passion. From a young age, I immersed myself in fine arts studies.
After graduating in Industrial Design, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. I worked in different fields, saving every penny to pursue my dream of studying digital art in Toronto and concept art in Vancouver.
I'm passionate about making art accessible to all. I specialize in creating augmented reality experiences accompanied by audio descriptions, aiming to make art accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments.
In 2024, I achieved a significant milestone: my first selection for an immersive installation at the Port of Oak Bay. It was deeply meaningful as my dad, who passed away earlier this year, was my constant source of support and inspiration.