What's Up in Wells

A Bloody Good Bash
2023-09-16 17:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Troll Ski Resort, Barkerville Hwy 27 E., BC, Canada

Trivia Night: the Wells of Knowledge
2023-09-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-08-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-08-13 19:00 - 21:00 | The Wells Hotel, 2341 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Join us for weekly trivia hosted by local writer, actor, and generally entertaining guy, Ryan Schmitt.

End of Season Block Party
2023-09-10 15:00 - 22:00 | BC
We’re excited to celebrate a fantastic visitor season and thank all the workers who’ve made it possible by closing down Pooley Street in front of the Hotel and setting up for a community block party to coincide with Barkerville Historic Town & Park’s last operating day of the season.
Island Mountain Arts, Sunset Theatre, Morsels Moveable Feast, and The Wells Hotel will be coming up with some creative contributions to the event, and we hope you might too! Got some yard games you could bring? A propane fire pit? Want to play a little music or host and activity? Please do! Send me or the Hotel a message if you’ve got something you’d like to contribute.
This is an all-ages event, and all are welcome. Open alcohol is not permitted in the street or park but the Wells Hotel and Sunset Theatre bars will be open for service in their licensed areas

Jake's Gift
2023-09-08 20:00 - 21:30 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Jake’s Gift returns to the Sunset Theatre stage this summer on Saturday, July 15th and Friday, September 8th. This multi-award winning play is written and performed by Julia Mackey and Directed by Dirk Van Stralen. It was one of three plays to come out of our inaugural Exploration Series in 2006.
Synopsis:
Jake’s Gift is a surprisingly funny drama about a Canadian WW2 veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
While revisiting the shores of Juno beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village. Isabelle’s inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts – most notably the war-time death of his eldest brother, Chester, a once promising young musician.
At its heart, Jake’s Gift is about the legacy of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier’s grave.
Written & Performed by Julia Mackey
Directed by Dirk Van Stralen
www.jakesgift.com
The show is 1 Act and runs 65 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets are $20 for Adults, $18 for Sunset Theatre Members and $10 for Teens and Kids. The play is recommended for Ages 10 +

Rock Talks with Last Ditch Mining
2023-09-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-08-20 18:00 - 19:00 | The Wells Hotel, 2341 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Join local miner and and geological enthusiastic Ian Douglas of Last Ditch Mining for a show and tell of rock samples and old stories from the region’s vast geological territory. Every second Sunday, 6pm – 7pm in the Wells Hotel Lounge. Admission by donation. Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
July 16th, July 30th, August 13, August 27
Learn more about Last Ditch Mining at lastditchmining.ca

Artist Bookmaking with Cat Sivertsen
2023-09-02 10:00 - 14:00 | BC
September 2nd, 2023
10 a.m – 2 p.m
Ages 13+
Register by August 19th.
Pay what you can + Mandatory $15.00 Materials Fee (suggested $35.00 total)
An artist’s book is a book created by an artist and not a biography of an artist. It is experimental in media and could tell a story or maybe not, it is always beautiful, unique, and relevant to the maker and, of course, the reader.
workshop in connection to IMA’s exhibition of Cat’s work ‘Sensibilities of Place’. This workshop is about how to create an artist’s book using a variety of materials and framed within the notion of ‘sensibilities of place’ – your place.
The workshop begins at the hardest part and that is… getting started! The focus of this workshop is to learn how to dispel that creative tension by tapping into some of Cat’s ‘tricks of the trade’ based on accessible materials being used in magical ways: drawing, printmaking, collage, and simple writing processes. The goal is to get marks onto the paper thus helping you realize your story. Yes, you will take home an artist’s book that expresses your sense of place, and you will also take away a bevy of tricks to fuel your creative endeavours at home.
Join Cat for an enjoyable morning of material exploration, a bit of storytelling, and lots of laughter through creativity. All materials are included and pre-registration is required as seats are limited. No experience necessary – bring a picnic lunch and an open heart to play.

Exhibit Opening: Sensibilities of Place
2023-08-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Sensibilities of Place is a conversation between self and place. An exploration of relationships between the environment, systems, people, and those houses within. Conversations that connect the material with the abstract, and the observed and the direct. The work manifest through bearing witness and being witnessed. These notions culminate physically in text and textiles. The installation is an invitation to meander.
The artist will be in Wells creating site specific components prior to the opening on August 31st.

Courtin vs. Keaton
2023-08-27 20:00 - 21:30, 2023-08-26 20:00 - 21:30 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Patrick Courtin performs original piano accompaniment live to three Buster Keaton short films (The Scarecrow, Cops and One Week).
Interspersed between the films, Patrick delivers a brief but captivating history about this 100-year-old art form and about the man himself, Buster Keaton!
This is a wonderful film/concert hybrid that the whole family will enjoy.
Tickets:
$20 Adults
$18 Sunset Members
$10 Teens/Kids
Box Office and fully licensed concession Opens at 7:30PM. Showtime is at 8PM.
First Act (@ 50 min.)
The Scarecrow (1920) & Cops (1922)
Intermission (15 min.)
2nd Act: (@35 minutes)
One Week (1920)

Naomi Kavka and Ian Skorscha in concert
2023-08-23 20:00 - 21:30 | SARRAS, 2338 Bowman Cres, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
SARRAS IN WELLS will present our final concert of the 2023 SARRAS SUMMER SERIES. Having performed to huge acclaim at the M.O.M. Festival this past weekend Naomi Kavka https://naomikavka.com/ will be sharing her glorious talent with us. She will be joined by Argentinian singer/songwriter Ian Skorscha. If you weren’t able to get out to a music festival to see some great music here is your chance to get a taste of the amazing talent touring BC this summer. Please join us for for what will be a magnificent evening of music.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
7:30 doors, 8:00 music. Admission by donation
Ian Skorscha – https://youtu.be/XA3dTVmYZhE
Naomi Kavka “Don’t Know/Been Told” (live at the CICK Train Car) https://youtu.be/fJg3LoHqgNs?si=wriv35uAFg4fjoA3 via @YouTube

Climatography with Alison Beaumont
2023-08-22 - 2023-08-25 | BC
Climatography w/Alison Beaumont
Dates: August 22nd – 24th
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Duration 3 days (BBQ one evening)
Age: 15+
Equipment: No previous experience with using photography is needed, participants will use their own camera phone, digital camera or d-SLR. Technical assistance will be provided as needed. Some basic digital cameras will be available for participants who may not have access to a camera.
Cost: $180.00 ($150.00 Early Bird to August 8th)
20% off for IMA Members. Payment Plans and Scholarships are available
Overnight accommodation options are available for added fees. Message residence@imarts.com for more details.

"Shutterbugs" Kids Nature Camp with Alison Beaumont
2023-08-22 - 2023-08-23 | BC
Participants will experiment in a variety of ways to discover new possibilities and perspectives. Using Photography to create works of art that influence and are influenced by the world around us. Engaging in creative expression and experiences to expand people’s sense of identity and community with multidisciplinary artist Alison Beaumont.
Cameras provided.
This camp will run from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm on Tuesday August 22nd
The one-day camp welcomes ages 6 – 13 to participate to explore photography
The one-day program is valued at $15.
Pay what you can options are also available.

Harp School Potluck and Cèilidh
2023-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Wells Community Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Get ready for a celebration of community and an opportunity to hear a bit more from the Harp School.
On Thursday August 17th in the Wells Community Hall at 6:00pm come on over for Potluck and Cèilidh! We’re looking forward to gathering together!

Ghostly Hounds and the Dang Package
2023-08-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Get ready for a local concert with amazing music by Ghostly Hounds and The Dang Package.
On Wednesday August 16th, 2023 located at the Sunset Theatre, Wells, BC. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm.
Get your tickets in advance here:
https://support-imarts.com/tickets-registration/houndsandpackage?fbclid=IwAR29o-1qwO0PKf-OpmTP6jVyHB9cAO8y5p2ko1C4YlcTj1EF2YkiOorTVmU
Thank you to the Province of BC, Creative BC, and Canada Council for supporting our live event programming.
The Dang Package is credited as your cool Aunt’s favourite band 🙂
During the great isolation, through chemical and electronic alchemy, The Dang Package discovered a mutual affection for the unknown, the spectacle of space travel, the anomaly between sound and contentment; and all which eternally bind them.
Ghostly Hounds is the folk project of Francesca Mirai, singer-songwriter and banjo player based out of S,DÁYES/ Pender Island, BC. With a background in classical, jazz and punk, Francesca has become known for their unique vocals. They captivate their audience with a clear, soaring range, powerful projection and just the right amount of grit, coalescing elegantly with traditional and modern banjo instrumentals. Formed in Tiohtià:ke/ Montréal and often on the road, Ghostly Hounds has toured this project all over the country delivering hundreds of performances from coast-to-coast.
Francesca’s deeply personal song writing, with focus on themes of love and grief, has evoked adoration from listeners across Canada and the United States. Their skill as a songwriter, the intimacy and vulnerability of their songs, and their original and soulful arrangements have earned Ghostly Hounds enduring and enthusiastic support from their fans. Ghostly Hounds’ sophomore album, In The Rubble, released September 10th 2022.

Harp School Concert
2023-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Island Mountain Arts presents a concert with the 2023 Harp School Instructors Stephanie Claussen and Sharlene Wallace.

7:00 pm at the Sunset Theatre. Entrance free for Harp Students, Pay what you can (suggested $10.00) for everyone else!

2023 Harp School Coffee House
2023-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Hello coming up this August 14th, 2023 bring your talents to this evening of performance and coffee!
In conjunction with the 2023 Harp School, Island Mountain Arts opens its doors to the local community to showcase a variety of singing, poem reading, or instrument playing. As well as get the opportunity to hear some of the Harp School participants.
Located at the IMA gallery, starting at 6:00 pm. Coffee, Tea and Cake provided!
Hope to see you there!

37th Annual Harp and Cello School
2023-08-14 - 2023-08-19 | BC
August 14th – 18th || In Wells, BC!
Early-bird registration opens Friday, March 24th, 2023 at 10:00 AM
EARLY BIRD (To June 15th, 2023)
$107.25 Deposit + GST | Balance Due June 15th, 2023
OR
$429.00 Registration + GST | Full Course
After June 15th
124.75 Deposit + GST | Balance Due August 11th, 2023
OR
$499.00 Registration + GST | Full Course
Registration does not include travel, meals or accommodations.
Scholarships and Bursaries are available for the cost of the program. Find out more by visiting www.imarts.com/scholarships-bursaries
YOUR TEACHERS
Seumas Gagne – Intermediate Harp
Sharlene Wallace – Intermediate Harp
Stephanie Claussen – Advanced Harp
Morag Northey – All Levels Cello
Marilyn Rummel – Afternoon Ensemble
Your weekly schedule will include a Welcome Reception / BBQ on the evening of August 13th.
You’ll have morning classes every day with your chosen instructor, afternoon special interest classes, and an ensemble class with Marilyn Rummel.
Evenings include coffee houses, a Cèilidh, and instructors concerts, with Wednesday off to explore this beautiful corner of the Cariboo!
Teacher participation and evening concerts are made possible through support from the Canada Council four the Arts, Canadian Heritage and the Province of BC

The Fugitives
2023-08-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
The Fugitives are an acoustic folk-roots group headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod. They’re joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters). Over their first five albums, they’ve amassed a JUNO nomination, numerous CFMA and WCMA nominations, and toured extensively through Canada, Europe, and the UK. Performance highlights include most major Canadian folk festivals, a slot at Glastonbury, and a tour opening for Buffy Sainte-Marie. In 2020, the band created “Ridge”, a WW1-centered theatre show, which was named a Globe & Mail “Top Arts Pick of the Year”, and has toured to over 30 theatres across Canada. The band has earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows, brimming with complex harmonies, infectious storytelling and top-notch musicianship. As the CBC has it: “This show is simply brilliant.”
“The four part vocals are sensational…each of these Fugitives has the talent, voice and charisma to front their own band.” — Edmonton Sun
“Despite their all-acoustic lineup, the Fugitives bring enough energy to the stage to light up a small city… The East Van quartet conjures up a sound that’s like the missing link between Leonard Cohen, the Pogues, and the immortal Shorty Shitstain.” — Georgia Straight

Leaf No Trace: Overnight Kids Nature Camp
2023-08-10 - 2023-08-13 | BC
The plants that surround us are full of possibilities; they can be food, building materials, habitats, dyes, decorations, and more. But with the guidance of multidisciplinary artist Isaac Forsland, this course will explore the chemical possibilities of plants and their processing powers. From cyanotype printing to foraging materials for eco-developing, the plants we pass every day will be transformed into tools for creating an image. On an overnight hike to Groundhog Mountain, participants will spend an evening in the forest, photographing the trip, and developing 35mm film along the way, for a complete journey in and with the forest.
This Camp will run from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm for the first two days with the overnight occurring on the 3rd day of the camp.
This program costs $60 valued at $20 per day.
Nature Camp Packing List
Overnight Hike Packing List

Wax Mannequin + The Brain Porter at Sarras
2023-08-09 20:00 - 22:00 | SARRAS, 2338 Bowman Cres, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Wax Mannequin
www.waxmannequin.com
A mainstay act of the Artswells festival, WM makes his triumphant return to Wells. Scrappy prog oddness, distressed folk, absurdist stadium metal from Hamilton, Ontario.
The Brain Porter
www.thebrainporter.com
Electro-Swamp-Thrash-Folk –The Brain Porter’s got a vibe. The kind of vibe that makes you laugh during a congregated moment of silence. The kind of vibe that makes a misfit fit, and a grandma scared

Prom, A Midsummer Night's Dream
2023-08-06 22:00 - 23:30 | Wells Community Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Island Mountain Arts is delighted to announce our upcoming event, “Prom: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Get ready for a night filled with enchantment, as we invite you to join us in costume, take a picture at the photo booth, dance to live bands, and participate in our exciting superlatives voting. Mark your calendars!
📅 Date: August 6th, 2023
🕒 Time: 8PM – Midnight
📍 Location: Wells Community Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC V0K 2R0
👗 Come in Costume:
It’s Prom baby! Dust off that prom dress you have waiting patiently at the back of your closet! Think flowing gowns, floral crowns, and earthy color palettes.
🎶 Captivating Live Bands:
We are thrilled to announce that we have an incredible lineup of bands. Get ready to dance, sing along, and be swept away by Sarah Osborne, Post-Modern Connection, and FRANKIIE.
We are excited to announce the presence of food trucks, including the renowned Morsels Movable Feast. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delectable array of culinary delights!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Get your tickets here: https://islandmountainarts.tickit.ca/events/20180
Spread the word among your friends! Together, let’s create a buzz and make this event one to remember! For any inquiries or further information, please contact us at: sarah@imarts.com

Karaoke Night
2023-08-05 21:00 - 2023-08-06 02:00 | Jack O’ Club Restaurant & Pub, 12383 Hwy 27 E., Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Every Saturday from 9 pm to 2 am

Madeline Tasquin
2023-08-05 21:00 - 22:30, 2023-08-04 21:00 - 22:30 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
A 1-human musical cabaret of piano, ukulele, guitar, synth and voice, with occasional help from the others in the room (that’s you).
Madeline explores everything from social media to time travel to love to spiritual illness to addiction to ecology to gold mining, delivering it all with humour, vulnerability, musical eclecticism & a seasoned stage presence that will disarm even the stiffest show-goer.
“A creative tour-de-force.”
–San Francisco Chronicle Datebook

Field Zoology 101
2023-08-05 19:30 - 20:30, 2023-08-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
RETURNING HIT! “HILARIOUS!” – Georgia Straight. “RAUCOUSLY FUNNY!” – Showbill Magazine. From Producer Mike Delamont comes award winning comedian Shawn O’Hara’s Field Zoology 101! In this introductory course Field Zoologist Brad Gooseberry shares a lifetime of “knowledge” and “experience,” teaching you to thrive and survive in the harrowing and hilarious world of field zoology. Winner of Best Comedy at Victoria Fringe 2016.
About the artist/company
Shawn O’Hara started stand-up comedy in Victoria in 2012, and has performed at JFL NorthWest and the Rifflandia Music Festival. Since 2016 he has performed in award-winning Fringe shows Field Zoology 101 and Fake Ghost Tours.
Credits
Shawn O’Hara – Writer/performer
Jessica Tai – Production Manager
Mike Delamont – Producer

SpeakEasy Sunset Cabaret!
2023-08-03 20:00 - 23:30 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
We kick off our 2nd Annual SpeakEasy Festival with our always popular Sunset Cabaret. An evening of song and sketch comedy, all written and performed by local actors and musicians, and visiting artists for the SpeakEasy Festival.
Showtime starts at 8PM – 2 acts @ 45 minutes each then we end the evening with a late night SpeakEasy Party….but don’t tell anyone…..shhhhh Speak….easy……
