Alter Arts Society proudly presents this special edition of the Out There Art Festival
November 9-10, 2024
Workshops | Art | Live Music | Storytelling & More
Oaklands Community Centre
Free Entry - Donations to Alter Arts Society
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A Cozy Queer Affair - A Fall Pride Festival
Join us for A Cozy Queer Affair, a special edition of the Out There Art Festival, an interactive and community art festival hosted by Alter Arts Society since 2020!
As the days grow cooler, gather with us on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Oaklands Community Centre, for an all-ages, accessible festival featuring acoustic music 🎶, storytelling 🎙️, art workshops 🧑🎨🎨, and a cozy tea lounge ☕️
Saturday Nov. 9, 2024 — 11:00am to 11:30pm
Doors open at 11am
Live acoustic performances:
- Noon: The Frolickers
- 1pm: "Q" Brooke Bachand & Charlie Gannon
- 2 pm: Ellen Trottier
- 3 pm: Ghostly Hounds (solo)
Workshops:
- 11:30 pm to 1:30 pm: Fall-themed Face Painting with
Anne-Sophie & Soléa - 2 pm to 4 pm: Drop-in Leaf Lantern Making with Soléa
Storytelling Stage:
- artists tba
4:00-6:30pm: Queer Community Dinner (full) & Nourishment Break
We are pausing at 4 pm to set up for the Queer Community Dinner, hosted by the Oaklands Community Center and prepared by by chef Laura and volunteers. (Dinner is full - no more spots available; GF & DF options TBA) - suggested donation: $5-$10
- 5 pm: doors open for dinner guests.
- 5:30 pm: Dinner is served
- Doors open at 5:00pm, dinner is served at 5:30pm*
FOOD TRUCK:
🥙 Greek on the Street will be on site with delicious meals for purchase, all day Saturday and Sunday. GF, vegan, and vegetarian options are available.
Cozy Queer Soirée:
- 6:30 to 7:30 pm- Efrévescent (https://soundcloud.com/efrevescent)
- 7:30 to 8 pm ❤️🔥 Fire Show (artists tba)
- 8:00 to 9 pm - Ghobi (https://www.mixcloud.com/ghobi-music/)
- 9:00 to 10 pm - Khan (https://soundcloud.com/khan)
- 10:00 to 11 pm - Anchorhill (http://anchorhill.bandcamp.com)
We will wrap up the evening after Anchorhill's set!
____________________________________________Sunday Nov. 10, 2024 11:00am to 5:00pm
Doors open at 11am
Live acoustic performances:
- Noon: The Wild Drift
- 1 pm: Safiya Labelle
- 2 pm: Shorefox
- 2:30 pm: Fiddling Fin
- 3 pm: Sara Rose
Workshop:
2 pm - 4p m: Magic Potion making with Renn
Storytelling Stage:
Saturday November 9th
12:00 pm: Land Acknowledgement & MCD’s Opening
12:15 pm: Jane Bee12:30: Asha Khan
12:45: Shae
1:00 pm: Sylvester Stalletto’s Drag Story Hour
2:00pm: Holly
2:30 pm: Raven
3:00 pm: Animikii
3:30 pm: Neko Smart
Sunday November 10th
12:00 pm: Land Acknowledgement & MCD’s Opening
12:15 pm: John Rockford
12:45 pm: Saffiyah
1:30 pm: Sami
1:45 pm: Cedar
2:00 pm: Haley V
2:30 pm: Applecat
3:00 pm: Persi Flage’s Drag Story Hour
The event will end after Sara Rose's performance at 4pm.
DAY 1 Performers
Saturday November 9
The Frolickers - 12 pm
The Frolickers have been tickling the ears of Victoria's listeners since twenty tickity two. A soup of folk, soul, funk and love they bring joy everywhere they go and spread it with whoever is close enough to hear it.
"Q" Brooke Bachand & Charlie Gannon - 1 pm
Two-time Irish Music Award-winning nonbinary West Coast artist 'Q' (they/them), formerly known as Qristina Bachand, is a seasoned performer known for their dynamic fiddle playing and captivating vocals. With a contagious passion for Folk and Celtic music, Q brings spirited performances filled with fiddle tunes, storytelling, and song.
A former teen fiddle star with their brother Quinn, Q has embraced their nonbinary identity and now performs soulful, socially inspired folk songs in the spirit of Phil Ochs and Dick Gaughan, accompanied by energetic fiddle tunes that heal and inspire.
For this performance, Q will be joined by acclaimed guitarist Charlie Gannon, a versatile Victoria-based artist known for his technical skill, inventive harmonies, and sensitivity across styles from Celtic to Rock.
Together, their sets promise to inspire, move, and invite audiences to clap and dance along—a must-see for Folk and Celtic music lovers!
Ellen Trottier - 2pm
Ellen Trottier writes neo-laurel canyonesque bops and lullabies to soothe anthropocene angst. Ellen is emerging from many years of folding and unfolding the question “what does it mean to make art and love each other in a heavy world?”That question and a handful more have coloured her soon to be released debut album, created in collaboration with David Parry (Loving).
Ghostly Hounds (solo) - 3pm
Ghostly Hounds is the haunting folk project of Francesca Mirai, singer-songwriter-banjo player based in the Lekwungen territory colonially known as Victoria, BC.
Drawing inspiration from many genres, Francesca has become known for their unique vocals.
They captivate audiences with a clear, soaring range, powerful projection, and just the right amount of grit, coalescing elegantly with traditional and modern banjo instrumentals.
Efrévescent 6:30-7:30pm
The name bubbling to the tip of everybody’s lips - Efrévescent. Whether you’re looking for boots & cats in your garage, decadent downtempo or a global fusion of bass brilliance, this iconic & ethereal curator will weave, wiggle, and wrangle you into the dance of your dreams. Inspired by a wide array of musical influences from dancehall to disco, groove to global underground, and hip-hop to house, the Efrévescent experience aims to leave everyone feeling sourced & resourced. Expect intelligent lyrics, intentional rhythms, live saxophone, and a soul-clapping good time.
🔥 Fire show 7:30pm
Adrian will be our MC for the evening and we are ecstatic to showcase the art and skills of Jet Black, Planet Janet, Adrian, Alyse, and Avi!
Ghobi 8pm
Ghobi (for now) is a DJ local to Vancouver Island who has been steeped in musical expression since childhood. Growing up on a small gulf island surrounded by folk music, while also being a big nerd, he emerged from the woodwork as a DJ with a love for EDM infused with nostalgia and unexpected melodic elements. Downtempo and sunshine vibes are a common theme throughout his sets, but his music is less easily described by genre. He weaves a diverse palette of worldly, organic, and acoustic sounds through most of his mixes, and on occasion dips into indulgent referential samples and remixes.
Top Pick: Snake Tamer Beats - Sunday @ Lampchanted Forest Stage, Otherworld 2022
This set is a prime example of the organic world fusion edm that is Ghobi’s main sound. It sits around the ~120bpm range.
Halftime/DnB: Trainspotting - Equinox Set @ Jordan River, 2024
Something different, a fun and eclectic mix dipping into halftime and DnB to celebrate some favorite tracks that friends have shared with him over the years.See less
Khan 9pm
Khan is a seasoned DJ with decades of experience behind the decks, known for his
unique sonic identity that seamlessly blends Middle Eastern melodies with a diverse
spectrum of House and Bass genres. From the pulsating depths of Deep Dubstep to
the infectious grooves of Trance, Progressive, Funky, Deep, and Bass House, his sets
are a testament to his wide-ranging musical expertise.
What truly sets Khan apart is the intricate infusion of organic Middle Eastern
elements, juxtaposed with the raw machine energy of electronic music. This energetic
contrast spins a captivating sound narrative, moving from profound soulfulness to
grooves that compel dancers to surrender entirely to the rhythm.
Inspired by boundary-pushing artists like Sasha, John Digweed, and Widdler, Khan
has graced prestigious events such as Shambhala, Electric Love, and Astral harvest.
He's held residencies with collectives like Beheshto Productions and Area709,
showcasing his ability to ignite dance floors with diverse and captivating soundscapes.
With a musical journey woven with cultural threads, Khan invites listeners to lose
themselves in an immersive auditory experience where the organic and the electronic
dance in harmony. His performances have earned him recognition and praise from fans
and industry peers alike.Anchorhill 10pm
Inspired by lush west coast scenery, and influenced by modern bass, folk, and world fusion, he skillfully combines concert flute and handpan with his live sets, weaving a diverse storyline rich with passion and emotion. Anchor Hill has performed internationally at festivals such as Envision, Symbiosis, Enchanted Forest, Hadra Trance Festival, and Shambhala. He's graced stages alongside An-ten-nae, Deya Dova, Kalya Scintilla, Drumspyder, Saqi, Josh Teed, Nibana, David Starfire, AtYyA, Applecat, Bumble, Saturna, and many others!
DAY 2 PERFORMERS
Sunday November 10
The Wild Drift - Noon
The Wild Drift is a trio of singer-songwriters from Victoria, BC. Weaving together folky guitar riffs and vocal harmonies, they will take you on a musical journey. There’s bound to be both soulful crooning, and the occasional rap verse, as two of the members are also hip hop artists in other local bands (grapefruit is impossible, and the Miles Skye Club). Also, they’ve got sing along songs and love to encourage audience participation, so buckle up!
Safiya Labelle - 1pm
Safiya Labelle is a multi-instrumental local artist & musician deeply inspired by the wild waters and rich landscapes of the coast she calls home. She will be offering a solo set of original folk style songs with guitar and warm ambient vocals.
Shorefox - 2pm
Shorefox tells tales of redemption, love, and resilience.
From the depths of depression to the heights of creative triumph, their music reflects the struggles of everyday life in a performance that has been called tender and raw, sometimes explosive but always relatable.
Shorefox's songs blend the intimacy of folk, the energy of rock, and the poetry of a cowboy.
Fiddling Finn - 2:30pm
Fiddling Finn (they/them) is a professional fiddler, singer and banjo player living on the territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ people, colonially known as Victoria BC. Finn’s songwriting draws on the darkness and light of human experience; a soaring vocal line over a resonant violin phrase , a heartfelt song, intricate and intimate. Finn also delves into traditional folk material - bringing a fresh interpretation of songs from many different places. From the Appalachian mountains to Quebec, to melodic Irish and Scottish tunes, they cover wide musical ground with articulate playing. Finn also performs frequently in Canada and the U.S. with their band Clanna Morna.
Sara Rose - 3pm
Sara Rose (they/them) is a queer, neurodivergent songwriter who weaves together their values of authentic expression, kindness, and community with their love for humans and the spiritual esse of the natural world. Opening hearts and massaging souls since 2010, Sara Rose delivers a mesmerizing performance, tugging at your heartstrings with their meandering melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. Combined with the clarity of their voice and groovy guitar arrangement, their presence will take you on an unforgettable, emotional journey.
Originally hailing from Timmins, ON, this queer, neurodivergent, Franco-Ontarian singer-songwriter is currently working on new recordings, in their current home on Lekwungen territory (colonially known as Victoria, BC), set to be released in early 2025.
The Storytelling Stage!
Over the past couple of weeks we have pulled in a variety of poets, story tellers, and drag artists to share the gift of the spoken word with us at A Cozy Queer Affair presented by Alter Arts Society
Check out our lineup of orators young and old, those that are new to performing and those that are seasoned vets to the stage. Cozy up on the couch with a hot cup of apple cider with us while we enjoy a story or two.
* This is a working schedule and it may change, we will have a whiteboard with the schedule available on site and we will update the event page accordingly with schedule changes.
Saturday November 9th
12:00pm: Land Acknowledgement & MCD’s Opening
12:15pm: Jane Bee
12:30: Asha Khan
12:45: Shae
1:00pm: Sylvester Stalletto’s Drag Story Hour
2:00pm: Holly
2:30pm: Raven
3:00pm: Animikii3:30pm: Neko Smart
Sunday November 10th
12:00pm: Land Acknowledgement & MCD’s Opening
12:15pm: John Rockford
12:45pm: Saffiyah
1:30pm: Sami
1:45pm: Cedar
2:00pm: Haley V
2:30pm: Applecat
3:00pm: Persi Flage’s Drag Story Hour
Thank you so much to MCD for organizing our story and poetry stage. We appreciate all the time and energy you have put into curating such a fantastic lineup of artists.Persi Flage
Persi Flage is a drag king from Victoria's Staches and Lashes Collective - a group of drag artists who put on productions for and with kids and youth, including Story Time's A Drag
Sylvester Stalleto
Performing Drag Story House at 1pm on Sat November 9
This Drag King needs no introduction. With roots in Latin America, this artist infuses the love of his culture into his drag and the West Coast has fallen head over stilettos for him!
Emerging into the scene on Lekwungen Land only 2 years ago, he's made quite the name for himself and hit milestones such as debuting in Vancouver, producing his own drag competition Knock: Battle to the Belt and establishing himself as a great host, great performer, and even greater king of your dreams.
He shows off his stellar stage presence, amazing tricks, impeccable fashion sense and most importantly - his heart. Please welcome The Chilean Stallion, Sylvester Stalletto!
Animikii Ishkode
Animikii Ishkode is a Kitchissippi Thunder being who has been an expressive artist, creator, writer, poet, and storyteller since they can remember.
They grew up on Manitoulin Island (which derives from the Ojibway word Manitou or Spirit), and were first published in 2005 with their poem ‘Step by Step’. In addition to their lived experience facing intersecting oppressions, Animikii has been involved in protests, vigils, ceremonies, blockades, and rallies since they were a child.
Further, they have their Bachelors Degree in Social Work, and spent ten years working with diverse populations in various contexts. Now residing in the territory of the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, Animiki’s mission in sharing their written word is illuminating truth, building capacity for discomfort, and creating new ways to relate, connect, and build community while turning their pain into empowerment. Their work is inspired by justice, standing in integrity, and the peace they find in connecting with nature, and Gitchi Manitou.
Cedar
Cedar is a Stoney Nakota writer and spoken word performer from Treaty 6 Territories. Their distinctive cadence breathes life into poetic stories that distinguish them as an artist with a powerful message —one of resilience, hope and healing.
Asha Khan
Asha Khan is a high-school student, athlete, artist, and writer. She is excited to share her passion for poetry with the community.
Shae
Born a natural story-teller, Shae uses the power in woven word to cast spells into sound. Having truly found their voice while facing the injustices of blockade frontlines, she hopes to inspire others to speak their truths despite hardships of the modern world. Illuminating the dark secrets many would rather shy away from, Shae plants inspiration into the hearts and minds of those who are ready to hear.
John Rockford
John is a wordsmith, a practitioner of ritual arts, and a passionate lover of language. In addition to writing for his own enjoyment and for the pleasure of his muse, John teaches workshops on poetry, tarot and esoteric spirituality, and runs Leveret Press, a boutique publishing imprint and occult bookshop. His first book, The Medicine Woman and the Bard, a psychedelic fable, was published in 2023.
AppleCat
Come one, come all! Your favorite fruity feline is here to share some enchanting tales. Settle in, crisscross applesauce, and let Miss AppleCat transport you to a realm of Myth, Magic, Whimsy, and Fable.
What to expect: Picture if Miss Frizzle and Morticia had an immaculate mythopoetic baby, eager to share stories and poetry that dance between the lines of reality and imagination.
Jane Bee
A multidisciplinary performer and founding member of Levity Stilt Co, Jane is a 3-time member of the Vic Slam Team, and has proudly
represented Victoria at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word in Halifax
Calgary and Victoria.
Jane believes in community, joy, and the power of Art to heal the world.\
Art installations
In addition to two days of live performances taking place at A Cozy Queer Affair presented by Alter Arts Society, we are honored to host a variety of art installations for your viewing pleasure!
- Registroid by Monkey C Interactive
- Whimsy’s Portals by Whitney Duncan
- Aurora by Gabby Odowichuk
- You Are The Spark by Heather Buckley
- Lanterns by Melanie Golder
- Dark Familiar by Melanie Golder
- Metamorphosis by Nelson Smith
- You Are The Spark by Heather Buckley
- Ecosystem Connections by Andrea Fritz
- Her Red Umbrella by Jenn Neilson
- Old Growth Rainbow Connections by Andrea Fritz and Jenn Neilson
Registroid by Monkey C Interactive
"Registroid is a mutant vintage cash register that has been modified into a playable, interactive, electro-house looping machine with satisfyingly chunky buttons and blinking lights. Plus, there's a surprise if you manage to hit just the right buttons. Ch-ching!"
Monkey C Interactive is the interactive work of artists David Parfit and Scott Amos. Whether it’s a strange and whimsical musical instrument like the Bubble Organ, a giant motion-responsive LED cube sculpture, a tech-house-looping mutant cash register, or a 5-story-tall musical stairwell, Monkey C Interactive’s public art installations and interactive sculptures have amused and delighted countless people at festivals and events all over North America. Currently, their work can be found at Monkey C’s Artcade on Fort St in Downtown Victoria.
Whimsy's Portals by Whitney Duncan
"Whimsy's Portals are interactive art installations that can be used for photos and creating memories. "
Whitney Duncan, a spirited artist hailing from the enchanting Shawnigan Lake, has been sprinkling the magic of whimsical art across Vancouver Island for three spellbinding years. Through many different mediums of art but most recently this year through her captivating portal art installations. Whitney elegantly channels raw emotion and boundless creativity. Her art serves as a radiant testament to the transformative power of channeling pain into beauty, echoing her journey of resilience and self-discoveryAurora by Gabby Odowichuk
Aurora inspires audience engagement through the world’s most advanced sound-to-light mapping platform. Bright, efficient RGB LED lights combine with sound-reactive technology to create art out of surrounding sound.
Our patented audio analysis interprets sound in ways that no human or lighting designer can. Audio is analyzed in real-time, inputting distinct features into an AI-based lighting engine. Sounds as distinct as a clap or as subtle as the vibrato of a violin manipulate the lighting scheme to create an emotive, interactive experience.
Gabrielle Odowichuk is an interdisciplinary artist and engineer. She received a Masters degree in Applied Science from UVic in the field of interactive audio technologies. Gabby now works at Limbic Media as an engineer and as the company's primary lighting designer.
Her professional career involved significant overlap with her artistic practice, which centres mainly on the integration of electronics and audio-visual technologies into large scale sculptural lighting-based art installations. She explores many different materials, including paper, plastics, and most recently glass, in an ongoing effort to explore how light interacts with other materials.
Gabby's work is often highly collaborative. She has worked with a large number of artists in both Victoria and Vancouver. Her contributions involve designing complex lighting systems, as well as highly visual artistic aspects such as creating lighting animations and colour palettes.