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Arts and music at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Week one events bring mountain culture off the slopes and into gallery events, clubs and outdoor plazas
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State of The ART Dozens of artists take part in 'getting the art on' during the World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Photo BY Mike Crane/Tourism Whistler

It's no secret that skiers and snowboarders are inspired when they cruise down Whistler and Blackcomb runs. The beauty of the region, the air, the sweetness of the day out — it makes people embrace life.

Many want to sing, take photos, make films and capture the essence of their experience on the slopes in art.

The World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) has had a close relationship with the mountain cultural, musical and artistic experience from its early days.

Here are some of the arts and entertainment events planned for the first week of the festival, from April 11 to 17.  Tickets can be purchased online at wssf.com.

The last weekend of the festival will be profiled in the April 17 issue of Pique.

Outdoor music series

The Outdoor Music Series, the free concerts performed daily in Skier's Plaza during WSSF, will bring 22 acts to Whistler Village this year, from April 11 to 20.

Performers include De La Soul, Cut Chemist, The Glitch Mob and The Original Wailers.

More information about the bands and when they perform can be found on page 86.

Skullcandy State of the ART (SOTA)

Dozens of invited artists are on show at an exhibition of gritty and thought provoking work at the Whistler Conference Centre, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Also open on gala evenings.

This year, Skullcandy has come on board as sponsor for WSSF's visual arts extravaganza, State of the ART, which runs for the full 10 days of the festival.

"We're super exited, there's lots and lots of great stuff happening this year," says organizer Kevani Macdonald. "It's going to be a busy festival. Art is a really important part of the culture. Skiing, snowboarding, that whole kind of street culture is defined by the need to create an individual identity and ways to express yourself. Art is all about that."

There many ways to "get your ART on" during WSSF, with events all over Whistler:

Graffiti Battle: A digital graffiti competition hosted by Tangible Interaction of Vancouver takes place from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the Opening Party, on Friday, April 11 (see below). Whistler artist Kups will be doing a display of his spray painted work on snow before Big Air in Skier's Plaza on April 19. And much more!

Sounds Good: There are 25 pairs of custom-painted Skullcandy Crusher headphones from SOTA artists for sale by silent auction. All proceeds go to Zero Ceiling, a local charity that supports at-risk youth.

Wander with Purpose: Four local photographers go on unique journeys with their work. Images available by silent auction to support Zero Ceiling. Sponsored by TOMS.

State of the ART Youth Gallery: For the first time at WSSF, the work of up-and-coming young talent from Whistler.

Creation Station: Live artists at work daily in public, directly inside front door at the Whistler Conference Centre, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Take it Home: Buy a piece of original art from over 50 featured artists.

Online store: The entire SOTA exhibition is available online at artstore.wssf.com.

Skullcandy State of the ART — Opening Party

A free event taking place on Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. at the Whistler Conference Centre. Followed by a Live Art After-Party from 10 p.m. until late at Garfinkel's.

Whistler artist Vanessa Stark will create an interactive 3-D art installation for Prior skis earlier in the evening, while Stan Matwychuk and Shanna Duncan collaborate as the DJs spin at Garf's.

For more information on State of the ART, visit www.wssf/event/state-art.

 Bud Light Freeride Club Series

The beats will be thrown down every night during WSSF at clubs all over Whistler, with a live bands and DJs keeping the party going until late. All performances start at 9 p.m.

Line-up includes Foxy Moron at Citta's (Friday, April 11), Longstride at Tapley's (Sunday, April 13), Ed Solo at the GLC (Monday, April 14), Praiz/Emotionz/Jon Holisko at Garfinkel's (Tuesday, April 15), Planet Smashers at Moe Joe's (Wednesday, April 16), Shapeshifter at The Longhorn (Thursday, April 17), Silent Disco at the GLC (Friday, April 18), and The Original Wailers at Buffalo Bill's (Sunday, April 20).

The Mountain Multiplicity Show

Eight unique presentations by great storytellers, a multi-media event that premiered in 2013, looking at world record freediving, Haitian voodoo with Wade Davis of National Geographic magazine, and tales from Squamish to Siberia. Hosted by Feet Banks.

This fundraiser for the Spearhead Huts Committee takes place at The Whistler Conference Centre on Sunday, April 13, starting at 8 p.m. An after-party the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) starts at 10:30 p.m., with live music by the Sociables.

Olympus 72hr Filmmaker Showdown

Creativity and chaos reigns as teams compete to create the best three-to-five minute short film within a 100km radius of Whistler within 72 hours. Best of Show will take home $10,000. It takes place on Tuesday, April 15 at 8 p.m. at the Whistler Conference Centre. The show is sold out, but the films can be seen at The Filmmaker 2nd Cuts screening on Wednesday, April 16 from noon to 3 p.m., also at the conference centre.

Encore is the same show but the audience decides who takes home prizes! It takes place on Friday, April 18, at the Whistler Conference Centre at 8 p.m.

Intersection

Action sport filmmaking is pushed to its limits, with seven days to shoot, edit and produce a five-to-seven minute ski or snowboard short film. Six teams compete this year for the $10,000 first prize. It takes place on Wednesday, April 16, at the Whistler Conference Centre at 8 p.m.

The Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown

The show is sold out, but ticketholders have the chance to see the best in the world. Five international action sports photographers compete for $16,000 in cash prizes. It takes place on Thursday, April 17, at the Whistler Conference Centre at 8 p.m.

 

For information on arts and entertainment events in the final weekend of The World Ski and Snowboard Festival, see the April 17 issue of Pique Newsmagazine or visit www.wssf.com.