We are ready. We are set. Let’s go!
Cultivate Performing and Arts Festival begins on Saturday, July 1st through Sunday, July 9th and there are a lot of excited ticket holders ready to enjoy nine days of arts and culture.
The Gabriola Arts Council is proud to present a festival that reflects the essence of Gabriola.
This year you will find programming at a variety of venues around the island over nine days. From tap dance to Baroque, World Music to Punk Space Disco, local theatre to international presenters. The focus is inclusivity and diversity, something for everyone on the Isle of the Arts.
Buy tickets online, or at the door of the venue (for shows not already sold out). Some venues it will only be cash, others we can accept credit and debit.
There is something for everyone
So many shows! Kids shows. Matinees. Theatre. Culture. Arts. Music.
If you aren’t familiar with the festival line up, you can read all about this year’s line up here. Some from here, some from away, some you know and some to try. See the full schedule of shows Below are just a few glimpses at what’s on the schedule.
A journey into Indigenous story telling with a hint of history
Dave Bodaly and Celestine Alek will guide you on a journey, as members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, during Snuneymuxw Stories – the rhythm of words, on July 3rd.
Not just tap dancing, but tap artistry
Watch an incredible tap dance performance by Vancouver Tap Dance Society with internationally renowned dancers, held with audience seated in the round, so you can see their moves.
Tap Artistry is an ensemble created by passionate tap dancers who collectively create, explore and build community through tap dance.
Local Favourite Paul Gellman band
Paul Gellman and some fabulous players are ready to put on a top notch show. He’s bringing together a full band for the show – featuring mostly original music.
Acclaimed local singer/songwriter Tina Jones
We can’t say enough about the Tina Jones Quintet, local talent & internationally recognized with big city chops. Tina plays banjo, trumpet and flugelhorn, her main vehicles for songwriting, and is joined by her quintet of players on piano, acoustic bass, guitar, pedal steel and drums.
Jazz
Graham Villette and Organized Crime bring the jazz in an award winning way in an intimate setting on a hot summer night.
If you like to dance to music…
Join us at the Community Hall for the Royal Cajun Band. Cajun music is music to dance to, music that makes you feel good and let go and have yourself a time. A perfect afternoon activity for families (youth 15 and under fly free), and Gabriolans of all ages.
Storytelling Workshop
If you are looking to hone your storytelling skills, take The Flame workshop with Deborah Williams. This workshop will help you record your story for your own enjoyment, to prepare a manuscript, or share with others at a reading. A gourmet lunch will be provided for participants.
If you know someone who really wants to go to a show, but cannot afford the ticket call 250-247-7409 during regular business hours (weekdays 10 to 4) and we’ll help them out. No forms, no questionnaire, just a phone call.
Something you should know about the festival…we don’t make any money. All of this preparation and effort is about spreading grant money around to performers, contract workers, local businesses and services. A few people donate and that helps us out, but this is not about making money, this is about making memories and enjoying arts and culture in our own back yard.
When you support the festival, you are actually supporting the artists and that is what GAC is all about, supporting artists and engaging community in the arts.
Much love,
your friends at GAC
