British Columbia Canada Blog

 Wondering what is Performing Arts BC? Well, it’s an association of 34 BC Regional Festivals which was established in 1964. It’s interesting to know that over 80,000 young musicians, dancers and speech artists, ranging in age from 3 to 60 plus, participate annually in these regional festivals.  Adjudicators at the Regional Festivals recommend outstanding performing artists from each age category and discipline to compete in the provincial competition, held in a different city annually.

This year this annual provincial competition called Performing Arts BC will be held in Kamloops, British Columbia from June 5th to 9th, 2011. Join us along with other music enthusiasts to discover local talent. 

We highly recommend making accommodation arrangements in advance. To make your travel arrangements, visit:  Kamloops Lodging and book today!

BC’s summer wouldn’t be exciting without these interesting summer festivals which are held in the month of July in various cities of British Columbia. We would highly recommend attending some of these summer festivals, if you can to get true taste of BC’s culture and to make your 2010 summer special. You can also plan a summer weekend getaway and have fun at these BC events.

4th Annual North Vancouver Party-at-the-Pier : Celebrating the North Shore’s maritime community, featuring marine-themed activities, displays, entertainment and the Seaspan Tugboat Ballet. - Foot of Lonsdale and the adjacent piers, North Vancouver - July 17 and 18

More info: www.lowerlonsdalebusinessassociation.com

Nanaimo Marine Festival : Features the world-famous Bathtub Race. - Nanaimo Harbour, Nanaimo, B.C. - July 22-25 - Free entrance

More info: www.bath-tubbing.com

23rd Annual Mission Folk Music Festival : Diverse and eclectic lineup of music from across Canada and around the world. - Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission, B.C - July 23-25

More info: www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca

6th Annual Bonfire Music Festival : A three-day, hassle-free, art-infused weekend of exceptional music, camping and fun. - The Moon Farm, 9506 Pemberton Portage Rd., Birken, B.C. - July 23-25

More info: www.bonfirefestival.com

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest : Family oriented, and agriculturally educational annual event.  Maple ridge, BC- July 24 and 25 

More info: www.mrpmcountryfest.com

Caribbean Days Festival : A weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer. - Waterfront Park, North Vancouver - July 24 and 25

More info: www.caribbeandays.ca

6th Annual Honeybee Festival : Celebrates honeybees and our community with a host of amazing exhibits and fun activities. - Honeybee Centre, 176th St. and Fraser Hwy., Surrey, BC- July 24 and 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. - Free,

More info:  www.honeybeecentre.com

Vancouver Early Music Festival : This early-music festival celebrates 40 years with a concert series dedicated to Monteverdi. - UBC Campus - July 25-Aug. 14

More info: www.earlymusic.bc.ca

Kamloops PowWow : One of the largest celebrations of First Nations’ culture in Western Canada. - Kamloops, B.C.-July 30-Aug. 1

More info: www.tourismkamloops.com

Komasket Music Festival : Okanagan’s cultural family music celebration features music and dance by more than 150 performers. - Komaskey Park, Vernon, B.C-July 30-Aug. 1

Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival : A great variety and lineup of groups performing on the unique floating stage that rests just offshore the sandy beach of Kootenay Lake. - Kaslo, B.C - July 30-Aug. 1

More info: www.kaslojazzfest.com

Centre of Gravity Festival : Concert series, DJ and fashion shows, after parties and over 150 pro athletes competing in six different sports. - City Park, Kelowna, B.C - July 30-Aug. 1

More info: www.centerofgravity.ca

The Filberg Festival : More than 120 artisans, great food and lively entertainment for all ages. - Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, Comox, B.C - July 30-Aug. 2 

More info: www.filbergfestival.com

Spirit of the Sea Festival : Weekend full of free fun, including a children’s carnival and parade, beach games and races, fireworks and continuous live entertainment.  White Rock, B.C - July 30-Aug. 2

More info: www.spiritofthesea.ca

20th Annual Harmony Arts Festival : Brings programs, events and concerts along the West Vancouver’s waterfront– all free of charge. July 30-Aug. 8 

More info: www.harmonyarts.net

7th Annual Vancouver Dyke March and Festival: Afternoon of celebration, music and fun. - March from McSpadden Park to Victoria Park, Commercial Drive area - July 31, march at 12 p.m., festival at 1 p.m. 

More info: www.vancouverdykemarch.com

Tsawwassen Sun Festival : Features a parade, children’s midway, antique fair, marketplace, slow pitch tournament, BMX air show, main stage entertainment, fireworks and food. - Winskill Park, Tsawwassen - July 31-Aug. 2

More info: www.sunfestival.ca

Here in British Columbia, we appreciate good music and thoroughly enjoy it especially with friends and family. No doubt, we have several interesting music festivals and events  in the province throughout the year.

‘Music & Friends’ is one such exciting, annual, family-friendly event founded by the North Pacific Music Festival Society in 2005 which captures and compliments the spirit of Northwest British Columbia. In 2010, this BC music festival will be celebrated on July 16-17th in Terrace, BC at the Terrace-Kitimat Regional Airport lands.

Although the goal of the festival is to provide exposure to BC artists from the North Pacific region and to provide them a chance to develop their musical skills through performance and public appearance, it has hosted musical acts from all over Canada and the United States.

As per organizers:

Over the years the natural beauty of the festival backdrop has captivated thousands of regional and international visitors. The sights and sounds of the festival are complimented by the regional flair that the various vendors provide. Offering a wide range of ethnic goodies, the scrumptious offerings of the numerous food merchants feed the senses. Festival goers can also shop for one of a kind crafts and handmade souveneirs courtesy of the local sellers.

Also, the festival organizers continue to dedicate profits each year to a charity of choice. So, if you haven’t been to ‘Music and Friends’ before, then make plans to check it out this BC music festival in 2010 and enjoy!

Related links:

Plan your BC trip today with BC Travel Guide

We, British Columbians love country music and welcome good country singers with open arms. Country singers like Alan Jackson ( American country artist who has sold over 50 million records) are popular not only in United States but also in British Columbia. Alan Jackson will be on Canadian Tour in November and will be performing at various locations throughout BC.

Check out the list below to see Alan Jackson’s performances in British Columbia:

November 2009
13 – Abbotsford, British Columbia – Entertainment and Sports Centre
14 – Penticton, British Columbia – South Okanagan Events Centre
15 – Kamloops, British Columbia – Interior Savings Centre
16 – Prince George, British Columbia – CN Center
17 – Dawson Creek, British Columbia – EnCana Event Centre

For more information, visit: Alan Jackson

Vancouver never gets boring. There is always something exciting to look forward to. For instance, next week Vancouver is hosting ‘Canadian Country Music Awards 2009.’ Canadian Country music awards are scheduled to be held on Sept 13th 2009 at General Motors Place in downtown Vancouver and will be hosted by Jason Priestley. The awards will be aired live at 8.00 pm on CBC television.

 The Canadian Country Music Association will be in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia from September 10 -13 for four days of networking, artist showcases, workshops and of course for the Canadian Country Music Awards. Various events which will be taking place during the Country Music week include:  The New Artist Showcase, The Gospel Showcase, The Songwriters’ Cafe and my personal favourite the kickoff party. The kickoff party is scheduled for Thursday, Sept 10th at the Vancouver Aquarium where in people can meet other professionals in the music industry and develop business relationships.  Another must see event during Country Music Week is Fanfest which is free and will be held on Saturday, Sept 12th from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm on the 700 block of Granville between Georgia and Robson.

It’s going to be an exciting week of wonderful music in Vancouver during Canadian Country Music Awards 2009. The ticket prices for various events vary from $55 to $125 and can be bought at ticketmaster. Are you ready for the country music week? 

Related Links:

Accommodation in Vancouver

Canadian Country Music Awards

August Long Weekend (This year from August 1st-3rd 2009) is probably one of the busiest weekends in British Columbia. If you are a tourist, visiting British Columbia, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

The reason it’s so busy because it’s summer, it’s beautiful here in BC and everyone loves to hang out with their friends and family, secondly students all over the world have holidays and ofcourse it’s the tourist season as well. During August Long Weekend, BC residents indulge in variety of activities. They love going for camping, hiking, white water rafting, Kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, playing summer sports like beach volleyball, wake boarding etc. There are tons of festivals happening that weekend as well.

Check out what’s going on this August Long weekend (August 1st-3rd 2009) across British columbia

Bonfire Music Festival (from July 31st to August 2nd 2009) at Lions Park Fairgrounds -Kleindale, BC on the Sunshine Coast. Bonfire is a uniquely British Columbian festival experience. Music fans from all over Western Canada and the United States  converge during Bonfire Music Festival to experience a magical getaway of music, camping, fine food, art, fresh water swimming & celebration on BC’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. There are variety of musicians which appeal to a broad range of the Roots, Groove, Jazz, Funk & Folk audience who are known to appreciate the outdoor festival experience.

Kaslo Jazz Festival: Imagine Beautiful mountains, small village and a floating Stage- Welcome to Kaslo Jazz Festival. This year during August Long weekend, BC residents will celebrate 18th annual Kaslo Jazz summer music festival. The tickets can be bought by calling : 250-353-7548. Check out: KasloJazzfest.com for more information.

5th annual Wild BC Day long weekend family fun campout will also happen this August 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This year, the campout will be at Whitecap Campground in Seton Portage - one hour northeast of Pemberton, BC. The Wilderness Committee is inviting all of their friends to come camping in an endangered wilderness area which is spotted owl forest habitat located Northeast of Pemberton, BC in part of the St’át’imc traditional territory. You can join wilderness committee for a long weekend with a guided nature hike, swimming in Seton Lake, and learning about our campaigns to save Canada’s endangered spotted owls, to protect old-growth forests and help support healthy communities.

Please call Andrew or Stephanie at 604-683-8220 or email andrew@wildernesscommittee.org

Salmon Arm, British columbia is hosting Shushwap Adult Soccer Long weekend tournament. Although the registration is closed now but you can go and watch some great soccer.  For more information, visit: BC soccer website.

Hope you will enjoy your August Long weekend 2009.

Attention Jazz lovers! The hottest summer festival of Victoria, British Columbia - The Jazz Festival is just around the corner. Enjoy ten sizzling days and nights of cool Jazz during Victoria JazzFest scheduled from  June 26th to July 5th 2009. Victoria Jazz Festival is one of the premiere Jazz festivals of summer and highlights of 2009 include Michael Kaeshammer,  the David Sanborn Group, Al Di Meola and many others.the David rn Group, Al Di Meola and many others talented Jazz artists. You can buy ticket packages through Victoria Jazz Society by calling 250-388-4423.

The Ticketed Venues/ Cover Charge Venues during Victoria Jazz Fest include: ROYAL THEATRE, ALIX GOOLDEN PERFORMANCE HALL, VICTORIA EVENT CENTRE, OPEN SPACE, CENTENNIAL SQUARE, ELEMENT NIGHTCLUB, VISTA 18, FIRE and WATER LOUNGE, THE PACIFIC RESTAURANT and HERMANN’S JAZZ CLUB.

For accommodation during the festival, check out:

Victoria Bed and Breakfast

Victoria Resorts and Lodges