The Point Artist-Run Centre (PARC) Pop-Up Performance Bike Ride serves as an appetizer for the upcoming Flag Stop Theatre and Arts Festival, but it also promises to be enjoyable in its own right.
Described by PARC artistic director Stephen Vogler as "a fun crossover between recreation and arts", this ride takes participants on a leisurely jaunt along the Valley Trail. Along the way, they'll encounter artists like Gary Wayne Peterson, ALGN Whistler Dance, Kathryn Daniels and Carla Fuhre, Jaxon Mishaw and Papa Josh Trio.
First up, Peterson sets the mood at 4 p.m. in Florence Petersen Park. Originating from the 'Namgis First Nation, Peterson started a band at 20 years of age and has since opened for the likes of George Leech, Murray Porter, Bill Henderson, the Black Crows, Gene Simmons and more. Having encountered local icon Kostaman in 2009, he has performed in Whistler for many summers to date.
Peterson, originally from Alert Bay, was also once employed at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria as a carver and ambassador for his Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw culture. There is prestigious lineage on both sides of his family: Dale Peterson Sr. is his father, descended from the two original 'Namgis tribe families, while mother Dorothy nee Alfred is the eldest child of Chief Christopher Alfred Kwakiutl.
"He's got a really big voice," says Vogler about Peterson. "He really does span from blues, folk, funk and reggae, a nice mix of styles, and he just seemed like the right vibe for [Florence Petersen Park]."
Popping up
The ride itself gets underway at 5 p.m. Stevie Bell, a stylish young woman known for her dress-up game, will lead the procession around Alta Lake's north end until Balsam Park, where Amélie Lavoie and ALGN will be set up to perform and give dance lessons. Vogler praises ALGN as "the real deal," and the studio is also going to be part of Flag Stop itself.
Next up, Daniels and Fuhre are on tap to deliver monologues authored by John McGie in front of the heritage log cabins at Rainbow Park. Those familiar with The Chair Series know what to expect.
"[Kathryn and Carla] are two really fine directors and actors from Squamish. Kathryn is actually one of the founders of Between Shifts Theatre and Carla works closely with them as well," explains Vogler. "We've had them direct plays for the Flag Stop Festival for the last five years … [although not] this year. It's really great hearing them get into character. [Monologues] are easy to do on location because the only prop is one chair. It's really good writing—John collaborates with the actors one-on-one, they give him a word and then he writes the piece from that word."
Finally, riders head to the PARC itself where Jaxon Mishaw awaits with more music. He'll be joined by the Papa Josh Trio (guitar player and vocalist Josh Suhrheinrich, bassist Dave McPeak and Jeff Maynard on drums).
"[Jaxon] is a young kid who grew up in Whistler. He took a lot of the band camps with Papa Josh over the years here at the Point … and now you see him out doing gigs, playing for Arts Whistler and busking," Vogler says. "He plays acoustic guitar and has a really nice voice.
"Josh is known around the area and has toured across the United States. His trio are really captivating because they're just so damn good. They have stuff that gets people moving, you know: the funk and pop rock."
Guests unable to attend the ride from start to finish can still drop by the PARC at 6:30 p.m. on July 27 for beverages, a light dinner and entertainment by Mishaw and Papa Josh. Tickets are $10 for the concert only and $20 for the concert and food.
Flag Stop, meanwhile, is scheduled for Aug. 6 to 9 with details forthcoming. Visit thepointartists.com/events for more.
