Greetings! It’s been a busy busy summer!
I apologize for being a couple of days later than usual with the newsletter. The last few weeks have been awash with events in Smithers and a couple of days of respite were required!
The first week of August held the annual Smithers Youth Guitar Camp, which brings together a slew of local artists to mentor young people from the Valley and beyond in the ways of music, making a band, and songwriting. Instructors this year included many friends to Understory Records, including Oscar Carlick (aka Puddy Waters), Brennan McKinnon (of Floating Bears, the Infirmary), Marie Perry (aka Mip of Mip power Trio), Ezra Beaton, Ben Brooks (of Urchin) Jenny Lester, Jon Bjorgan, and me, Naomi Kavka. Guitar Camp is my favourite week of the year. I am always blown away by the commitment, creativity, and camaraderie of everyone involved in the camp, especially the kids. Highlights included a workshop on safe moshing, Ben’s group’s rendition of Kashmir, and Jon’s giant guitar that he propped up to welcome campers as they arrived. I am endlessly proud of everyone involved. It’s amazing that something like this can happen in this small place.
Smithers Youth Guitar Camp is put on every year with an immense amount of love, care, and very limited funding. The Bulkley Valley Folk Music Association helps to put it on, and Fruin, the camp director, does an amazing job working with what we have. If this sounds like something you would like to support or be a part of, reach out to see how you can be involved!
This last weekend was the annual CICK Deskfest, which took place over two days and two venues. Friday night was on deck, just outside the iconic CICK traincar. Performers included Smithers’ own North of Nowhere and Your Favourite Band, plus our very own Puddy Waters and PG’s Crones. Puddy Waters stole the show with a six piece band, and his incredible stage presence. Michelle and James of North of Nowhere (pictured below) had just spent the week at Smithers Adult Guitar Camp, and put on a beautiful performance.
Saturday night was off deck at our favourite watering hole Smithers Brewing Company. Crones opened the night, followed by my new favourite Prince George band Tarantula Hawk. Pitted’s Justin Gendreau drums for this group, and is joined on guitar by Nathan Kelly of Crones, and Ian who’s last name I don’t remember on bass. These guys write and perform excellent sludgy doomy metal, and it is a really refreshing to hear this kind of music executed so well up here. 10/10 do recommend. I was there taking photos for CICK. Here’s one of my favourites, with a background cameo by Pam enjoying Tarauntula Hawk’s set.
CICK is such an important part of our community, and it was lovely to see so many people out enjoying the event. If you haven’t already, become a CICK member and help keep public independent radio thriving in our Valley!
In other news, we’ve continued quietly making plans for our next compilation. You can look forward to updates on that in the coming months!
Forest Floor Update:
It’s the last yawns of summer, and the chanterelles and hedgehogs are popping off. If you’re new to mushroom picking, find a friend who can show you the ropes and then enjoy the umami bounty that is the summer’s transition into fall. Get out in the woods while it’s still summer!
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