The Coldsnap Music Festival, taking place in Prince George from Feb. 2 to 10, is offering free-to-attend daytime workshops called IceJams during the annual winter event.
IceJams are free mini-concerts featuring Coldsnap performers offering a wonderful way to get a more low-key experience with the artists as they preview their mainstage performances.
Here is the schedule of IceJams:
Bookworm Boogie goes Feb. 3 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at the Prince George Public Library featuring Will Stroet a nationally recognized educator and former CBC Kids TV star. His high-energy, rock-pop music in English and French is full of witty wordplay and sing-along choruses, inspiring children to be active, creative, caring and community-minded. The event will start with a music-themed book reading.
Northern Beats goes Feb. 3 from noon to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Join celebrated hip-hop artists Sinzere and Mouraine who will share their personal journeys and insights into the world of hip-hop music in Canada. This is a rare opportunity to understand the cultural significance and impact of hip-hop within Canada's diverse music scene. Be a part of this enlightening conversation/performance to celebrate Black History Month.
Celtic Jam goes Feb. 3 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This is a Celtic kitchen party style jam hosted by Inn Echo, Prince Edward Island's premier Celtic fusion band. This casual event invites local musicians and fiddlers from Prince George to blend their tunes with Inn Echo's unique style.
Folk Tales & Fretboards goes Feb. 4 from noon to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This is an intimate workshop with Northern BC's own Big Fancy and Clayton Linthicum of Kacy & Clayton, where they'll trade songs, share insights on various playing styles, and explore the origins of their instruments. With both artists well-versed in the rich histories of country and old-time music, this casual performance promises rich storytelling and skillful playing.
Viva La Musica goes Feb. 4 from 3 to 4:05 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave. Prepare for a musical fiesta as the accomplished faculty of the Prince George Conservatory of Music invites the public to ¡Viva La Musica! This extraordinary concert features piano, guitar, harp, violin, flute, saxophone, and voice and promises to be a vivacious celebration of the diverse music originating from the Spanish-speaking world. This pay-what-you-can event sees proceeds go directly to the Prince George Conservatory of Music.
Together, In Tune goes Feb. 5 from noon to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Ndidi O offers a performance and discussion about the importance of togetherness and kindness. Ndidi O will lead a journey of joyful and comforting melodies, reminding participants of the strength that is in unity and the solace music can bring.
Learning Through Creation goes Feb. 6 from noon to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Discover the story behind Saltwater Hank's new album 'G̱al’üünx wil lu Holtga Liimi' ('Bentwood Box Full of Songs'). Jeremy Pahl, known as Saltwater Hank, will share his journey of reconnection with his ancestral language, Sm'algya̱x, and how it inspired his latest work.
Non-Romantic Love Songs goes Feb. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Artist Kimberley MacGregor performs and discusses the significance of friendship love in music. This casual event encourages audience participation, inviting attendees to share their experiences and favourite songs in an atmosphere celebrating platonic love.
Harmony in the Making goes Feb. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This IceJam is filled with conversation and song as Abigail Lapell, Jeff Stuart, and Lindsay Pratt take participants through their songwriting process, the inspiration they draw from, and how they take an idea for a song all the way through to a finished track. Everyone is welcome.
Beyond Acknowledgement goes Feb. 8 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Explore the true impact and responsibility of land acknowledgements in this interactive workshop. Learn how to transform land acknowledgements from symbolic gestures into steps towards genuine change and support for Indigenous peoples.
For more information visit www.coldsnapfestival.com/
