First Wave of Artists For Ignite The Arts
The Ignite the Arts Festival, presented under the umbrella of the Penticton Art Gallery, is back for its 4th annual celebration of creativity, community, and culture in Penticton, BC!
This year, the festival will feature three days of non-stop music, art, performances, and workshops across ten vibrant venues in downtown Penticton from March 28 to March 30, 2025.
Festivalgoers can look forward to an eclectic lineup of over 50 musical and performing acts, spanning genres from folk and electronic to spoken word, hip hop, world roots and more. With live theatre, dance, exhibitions, and a range of family-friendly programming, Ignite truly offers something for everyone. Experience Penticton’s dynamic community atmosphere as you explore each unique venue and immerse yourself in the excitement of this music and art filled event.
Ignite Weekend Passes are now on sale for $125 (plus service fees). Adult Weekend Passes include a $15 voucher that can be used at the festival for artist and festival merchandise or food and beverage at participating Ignite Venues. Youth (13 – 18) are $25 and kids 12 and under are free.
Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the artists on the Ignite Weekend Lineup…more to come
Shirley Gnome (http://www.shirleygnome.com): A Juno-nominated cabaret-comedy-clown chanteuse from Vancouver, BC, Shirley blends satirical country, rock, and folk songs with dark pop parodies. Known for her clever, subversive lyrics and captivating vocals, she has garnered rave reviews and awards across five countries. Shirley has performed at notable festivals like The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Philadelphia Folk Festival, and Just For Laughs Vancouver. Her album Decoxification was nominated for a Juno Award in 2021, and her latest album, Live, Bare, and Natural, is set to release on March 27th.
Golden Raisins: A collaboration rooted in history that goes back centuries, Golden Raisins is the brainchild of Bansuri player Gandhaar Amin (https://www.gandhaaramin.com) and Setar player Mehdi Rostami (https://www.mehdirostami.ca). Their music is improvised at its heart, borrowing from the rich melodic vocabulary of Indian classical music and the expressive presentation style of Iranian music. Golden Raisins takes listeners on a journey around the Eastern world, showcasing the similarities of improvisational music across cultures.
Charles Ross (http://charlesstuartross.com) : A Canadian actor and playwright, Charles has carved out a unique niche as a professional geek, entertaining audiences worldwide with his inventive solo shows. Best known for his “trilogy of trilogies,” including One Man Star Wars, One Man Lord of the Rings, and One Man Dark Knight: A Batman Parody, Charles has been delighting fans since 2002 with his high-energy performances that celebrate iconic pop culture franchises.
Chloe Davidson (https://chloedavidsonmusic.com): As one of Canada’s premier violinists, Chloe pairs musical virtuosity and human vulnerability with stunning grace. Her ethereal debut LP, Your Turn to Go, released in 2022, introduced her original music to the streaming world, confirming her as a timeless and deeply meaningful artist. Chloe’s collaborative efforts, both in her bluegrass group ‘Under the Rocks’ and in her session work, have established her as one of British Columbia’s most accomplished musicians.
Balkan Shmalkan (https://balkanshmalkan.ca): East Vancouver’s sweet dance party orchestra, Balkan Shmalkan delivers funky brass dance beats rooted in the living aural traditions of the Roma and Klezmorim of Eastern Europe. Their performances are a global music experience with a local attitude, guaranteed to get audiences moving. Ignite is excited to welcome them back to lead the Parade for No Reason, which kicks off the Festival Weekend on Friday, March 28!
Ellorie McKnight (https://www.elloriemcknight.com): A bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based out of Whitehorse, Yukon, Ellorie’s songs are shaped by delicate vocals and lyrics painting thoughtful reflections of both the individual and collective human experience. Her performances, whether solo or with a full band, evoke deep emotion and contemplation about relationships, modernity, and what comes next.
Richard Garvey Trio (https://richardgarvey.ca): A guitar-strumming, banjo-plucking, and sing-along-starting performer and community organizer, Richard’s award-winning songs explore the highs and lows of love, injustice, and the marbled mess of the human condition. Whether playing to a living room or an amphitheater, he brings clever songs and a sly sense of humor to inspire solidarity, hope, and change.
Melawmen Collective (https://www.melawmen.ca): The Melawmen Collective is a contemporary Indigenous fusion band from Ashcroft, British Columbia. Their music blends hip hop, rock, and folk elements, featuring rich harmonies and meaningful lyrics. The group comprises Meeka Morgan (vocals), Rob Hall (vocals, guitar), Geo Ignace (vocals), and Kiva Morgan-Hall (vocals). “Melawmen” means “medicine” in the Secwepemc language, reflecting their mission to heal and connect through music. Their new album comes out this year.
The Ignite the Arts Festival Weekend (March 28-30) follows on the heels of Ignite Community Week (March 21 – 27, 2025), which features events, exhibitions, workshops and a town wide ArtWalk in partnership with other local community organizations and businesses. In this way, Ignite spans over 10 days attracting locals and out of town visitors to Penticton during Spring Break.
Parade For No Reason!
All are welcome to join in the Parade for No Reason at 6pm on Friday, March 28. Meeting at the Elks Hall, this non-motorized walk kicks off with 3 Jack Generation Drummers, followed by the giant brass band Balkan Shmalkan who lead the crowd through downtown Penticton passing by the venues of the festival. Bring your noisemakers and dress up however you like. The Parade is free to everyone!
