In my last couple of columns, I’ve talked about the Marginal Arts Festival, a new performing arts festival that’s taking place here in Summerland.
The festival, which takes place Aug. 23 to Sept. 3, is a celebration of the legacy of George Ryga and, along with the excellent workshop series I talked about previously, there is also an excellent performance series.
The performances start on Sept. 1, with OutSpoken! an evening of spoken word, poetry and storytelling all set to music.
This is the third time we’ve been lucky enough to have an event like this in town this year, and if there’s any truth in that old saying about the third time being the charm, this show is going to be fantastic.
The following day is a tribute to George Ryga featuring song, dance, musical performances and spoken word all designed to encourage you to Quit Your Day Job and follow your passions.
On the final day of the festival is an excellent pair of concerts.
The first is six hours of great music featuring a wide variety of local performers and, best of all, it’s free. This is the perfect chance to see those local acts you’ve been meaning to check out.
Wrapping up the festival is a special concert featuring Campbell Ryga, a Juno award-winning saxophonist and George Ryga’s son. Ryga’s other son Sergei is also performing in the festival as part of his Blue City Trio. It’s certainly a night not to be missed.
For more information, go to marginalarts.ca
If you’re out and about in Summerland before then, the Summerland Art Walk runs the entire month of August.
During the Art Walk, local businesses are featuring art from local artists in their windows and stores around Summerland.
The Art Walk is a self-guided tour around town to the various businesses hosting the artwork with the help of an Art Walk map and signs that are posted on participating businesses.
This year, participants can also collect stamps as they go through the Art Walk and, once 10 stamps have been collected and the card is dropped off at the Arts Centre or other participating locations, you are entered into a draw.
The Art Walk is a great way to check out the work of some of the many wonderful artists who live here in Summerland, along with a great opportunity to visit a local shop or 10.
I’ve caught myself stopping to check out the art more than a few times already as I’ve been wandering around town.
More information about the Art Walk can be found at summerlandarts.com/events/art-walk.
Douglas Paton is a Summerland writer and musician. If you know of a local arts and culture event, contact him at dgpaton80@gmail.com.