By Mike Redfern

‘On the cusp of modern and traditional music‘ is how the Breakwater band from Nelson describes itself.

This relatively new grouping of musicians plays Celtic, classical, jazz, world and popular crossover music, including remixes of movie and TV soundtracks, in an entertaining and energetic way and, according to the Nelson Star, “has developed a reputation for entertaining audience beyond expectation.”

Breakwater (pictured above) is coming to the Kimberley Kaleidoscope Festival for an acoustic concert at Studio 64 on Thursday, August 11, beginning at 8 p.m. This is the band’s second appearance at this venue, having impressed audiences here and in Cranbrook during the band’s spring tour of the Kootenays in March.

Jeff Faragher, well known as a classical cellist who is a soloist, conductor, and musical director of the Symphony of the Kootenays, assembled this group of talented musicians which includes Aurora Smith from Kaslo on fiddle and vocals, and Rob Fahie, originally from Ottawa and now living in Nelson, on upright bass, with Nelson percussionist Ben Johnson joining the band on tour. While Faragher’s impressive CV includes jazz and classical performances across North America and Europe, Aurora Smith’s excellent reputation as a classical violinist and old tyme fiddler has been made close to home. Rob Fahie, however, has played jazz and classical upright bass internationally, appearing at some of North America’s most prestigious jazz clubs and at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Centre while Ben Johnson has performed as guitarist and percussionist at local festivals including Starbelly Jam and Kaslo Jazz Fest.

It should be a lively, danceable concert Thursday night. Bar service will be available. Tickets are $20 adult, $15 youth 18 and under, available at Centre 64 (250-427-4919) or at eastkootenay.snapd.com.

Music will not be the only thing happening at the Kaleidoscope festival this Thursday. Calgary artist Todd Lachance will be conducting the first day of a plein air painting workshop in the St. Mary Valley. This ‘Figure in Landscape’ workshop will include four painting sessions over two days with a model outdoors, participants working in the medium of their choice. There is still space available for a few more registrants, from beginners to established artists. The workshop fee is $140 + GST for adults, $140 with no GST for youth 18 and under. To register and for timetable and supplies list, contact Centre 64 at 250-427-4919 or email [email protected].

Following Friday’s morning and afternoon plein air ‘Figure in Landscape’ painting workshop sessions, Centre 64 will host the 13th annual Arts on the Edge gala reception, starting at 7 p.m. in the evening.

This stylish event features awards to the creators of winning artworks in the adjudicated exhibitions for emerging and established artists, the piano-stylings of Sharla Smith on the grand piano, a silent auction that includes flights to Calgary and Vancouver among the items up for bid, and the usual delicious complementary appetizers and no host bar.

While exhibiting artists are invited to this event as guests of Kimberley Arts Council, members of the public can obtain tickets, $15 adults, $10 youth 18 and under, $5 children 12 and under, from Centre 64 (250-427-4919) or at eastkootenay.snapd.com.

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