2025 Festival Workshops

Saturday 12:30-1pm (Starbelly Stage)
Cherie Luke (Inismi) & Nikita Rain

Cherie Luke, also known as Inismi—Ktunaxa for “Rainbow”—is from the community of Yaqan Nukiy. Raised in the traditions of her people, Cherie carries cultural knowledge passed down through generations since time immemorial. She serves as a Council Member for her Nation and is dedicated to supporting and upholding Ktunaxa cultural traditions across her traditional territory.

Nikita Rain was born and raised in Nelson, BC. She is Secwepemc and Dakelh, and a proud member of the Xat’sull First Nation, with additional Danish, Italian, Irish, French, and Scottish ancestry. Nikita has been pow wow dancing since the age of 8, participating in ceremonies, workshops, and community events. She began as a fancy shawl dancer and now dances in the jingle dress style. Reconnecting with her roots through dance, Nikita loves to share her culture and passion with others.

Sunday 4:30-4:45 pm

Led by Samba Lago Profundo, the East Shore’s vibrant community samba group founded by Ben Johnson in 2011 with support from In the Sticks. This isn’t just a parade—it’s an invitation to play! Let your imagination soar, tap into your inner artist, and be part of the magic.

Saturday 10-11AM (Community Corner)

This accessible yoga workshop is your ultimate “wake up call” to greet the day, blending invigorating movement with mindful breathing techniques. No yoga experience necessary! This all-levels class is perfect for festival goers of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Bring your yoga mat.

Sat. & Sun. 10am – 12pm
(Under the Cedars near Community Corner)

An inclusive song circle for all skill levels. Bring your ukulele and a favourite song to share!

Saturday 1-2 pm (Community Corner)

Join master musicians Lester Quitzau and Sandro Dominelli for a dynamic workshop on slide guitar and musical improvisation. Explore techniques, tunings, and the art of creative collaboration through music, stories, and live demonstration. All levels welcome!

Sunday 5:15-6:15 pm (Workshop Tent)

Come learn a few basic steps of the Jingle Dress and Fancy Shawl dances. All learning levels are welcome! Bring a shawl, small blanket, or scarf if you have one.

Saturday 7- 8:15 pm (Workshop Tent)

Got something interesting to say in under 3 minutes? All and any kind of poetry are welcome in this contest. $100 cash for first prize! Consolation prizes for runners up. Judged by fellow poets and lyricists. Freestyle event to follow. For ages 16+

Saturday 11pm – 1am (Community Corner)

A late-night round table of hot club jazz, country swing, & jump blues featuring an all-star cast of Starbelly Jam artists.

Sunday 12:30-1:30pm (Community Corner)

Lisi Sommer is a dynamic vocalist and improvisation leader with roots in jazz, folk, blues, and Balkan music. A long-time member of The GADJO Collective and Edmonton’s V.I.N.E Choir, she brings warmth and joy to her workshops, guiding participants to explore their voices and the freedom of vocal improvisation.

Saturday 3-4 pm (Community Corner)

Led by Laurel Minnes of powerhouse vocal group Minuscule, this interactive workshop taps into the magic of collective singing. We’ll explore a bit of music theory, build rich three-part chords together, and bring it all to life with a couple of songs. Come raise your voice in a choral collective!

Saturday 5-6 pm (Workshop Tent)

Find yourself a dance partner, and come on down to the workshop tent for a swingin’ good time with your instructors, Joy & Steven! Over 60 minutes, you’ll learn the basic steps of 6-count Lindy Hop, along with a couple cool moves to keep you jumpin’ and jivin’ all weekend long. workshop.

Saturday 6-7 pm (Community Corner)

Heath Carra reads from his novel-in-progress, The Missing Lynx — a witty peek into the lives of three unforgettable felines: a cat burglar, a stray police cat, and a bobcat mobster. Expect clever wordplay, funny voices, and plenty of laughs.

Sunday 12-1 pm (Workshop Tent)

Ready to recharge your dancing bod? This workshop is designed to give your legs, glutes, and core the TLC they deserve after a night of epic festival moves. No yoga experience necessary! This all-levels class is perfect for festival goers of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Bring your yoga mat.

Sunday 3-3:45 pm (Community Corner)

Join Washboard Queen Norah Spades of The Vaudevillian for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn rhythms, techniques, and a party trick you won’t forget! Laughter and washboards guaranteed.

Sunday 5:15-6:15 pm (Community Corner)

Ever wanted to write a song but didn’t know where to start? Join Ian Little for a fun, collaborative session where you’ll explore the songwriting process from scratch—using just your voice, a few instruments, and some shared inspiration.

Bring a notebook, an instrument if you play one, and get ready to create something magical.

Ian is a seasoned songwriter and performer now based in Erfurt, Germany, with over 20 years of experience and deep roots in the East Shore.