A rooftop concert, artists' presentations and a live mural jam session are among the activities going on this weekend during Squamish's participation in the inaugural nationwide initiative, Culture Days.
From Friday to Sunday (Sept. 24 to 26), Canadians across the country will discover their community's vibrant arts and culture scene during the first annual Culture Days event.
With more than 4,500 family-friendly activities offered by thousands of individual artists, groups and organizations in every province and territory, Culture Days 2010 is being billed as the biggest event of its kind in Canadian history.
Squamish will be among those communities, thanks to local artistic hub Homebase Studios, which is organizing a block party at their Second Avenue location.
"We're aiming to represent the neighbourhood identity through creativity," said Homebase Studios business manager Stan Matwychuk. "And it falls in line with the cross Canada concept of celebrating arts and culture."
He said motivation for the block party came from one's personal notion of ideal living.
"If I could live one day in my ideal community what would it be?" he said. "The block party idea is strewn from there - people are most exhilarated and exuberant when we are celebrating life."
Matwychuks said the event could also help flesh out a vision for the Oceanfront lands since the block party will be held on its borders.
"With the Squamish waterfront area having identity issues, I think we could paint a brief portrait of what might be possible down here at the studio through our creative lives."
The block party will commence with an accoustic rooftop performance by Kaylee Johnston, a singer-songwriter from Vancouver who is described "as passionate as she is talented."
Her music is uplifting, edgy and empowering and the passion she exudes leaves anyone listening with goose bumps and wanting more.
An art show reflecting a day in the life of Squamish artists will follow Johnston's performance.
Saturday is an opportunity for any artists looking to showcase and promote their artistic talents to the community to display and explain their work.
Throughout the day, several local artists will be painting the surrounding fences and sides of buildings while open jam sessions are taking place and everyone is invited to enjoy beer and a barbecue.
Sunday night there will be a closing rooftop soiree hosted by DJ Praiz. This talented turntableist, originally from Montreal, incorporates hip-hop, drum n' bass, rock electro and funk in all his musical beats.
Matwychuk has his fingers crossed for a weekend of good weather, but "if the sun doesn't co-operate, we'll just have to accommodate and move the concerts into the studio."
He hopes Culture Days in Squamish and across the country will generate interest in the local arts and culture scenes and continue as an annual event.
"If all goes well, I hope this event will continue to grow and get bigger and better year after year."
