1. Capital Festival
BC Day Celebrations
E v e n t S u m m a r y
Celebrating British Columbia
and Connecting to Community
2. 2 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
This BC Day Event was even better than last year’s when I raved about it.
Please pass on my thanks to the Capital Regional District Arts Committee for
the funding of this innovative festival. Congratulations to John Selkirk and
his whole crew for a fabulous event.
Christopher M. Causton, Mayor, District of Oak Bay
“We appreciate Capital Festival bringing the BC Day Celebration to
Langford and our residents. It will be a great day for entertainment as an
outdoor festival, showcasing Langford and our wonderful new City Center
Stadium. It’s a family day for people to enjoy the music and be able to listen
to the local talent that we have on BC Day.”
Mayor Stewart Young, Mayor, City of Langford
3. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 3
1. Event Description
Hosted in two locations in Victoria, British Columbia, Capital Festival BC Day
Celebrations presented the very best of BC Emerging Artists and talented
musicians from across the Province. Celebrating our rich, cultural and creative
community, our event provided audiences with quality free entertainment on the
BC Day long weekend, throughout Victoria and the Capital Regional District.
Celebration Highlights
• Attendance Estimated at 8,000 People
• 75 BC Performers
• 2 Event Sites– hosted at St. Ann’s Academy and the City Center Park
• Signature Stage Performances
• Juno Award Winning Artists
• BC Emerging Artists
• BC Hall of Fame Artists
• First Nations Artists
• Radio Personalities
• Food Vendors
• Beer Garden
• Interactive sports, fitness, and educational activities
• Children’s Play Zone
• Wheelchair Accessibility
• Cultural and Artistic Diversity
• FREE Admission for All Ages.
• Secure, Clean, and Friendly Environment
More than a dozen community organizations participated in the event:
• 11 Arts and Multicultural Groups
• 4 Community and Service Organizations
• 4 Sports Groups
4. 4 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
“I was delighted with your event. The range of ages at the event did my heart good.
I heard over and over again that people were impressed with the level of talent of the
entertainers. Please pass along my compliments to everyone involved.”
Lynn Hunter, Councillor, City of Victoria
“The Capital Festival BC Day Celebration event is an excellent event for Victoria,
and is quickly becoming an annual anticipated event attracting thousands of locals
and visitors alike. In the inaugural 2009, and 2010 festival, our food & beverage team
served up meals to spectators and I think a lot of people were impressed with the
quality and freshness of our food and how fun the event was.”
Ken Boyd, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
I am quite impressed with John and the work that he has done in developing this
event. This event is a template for ongoing event production in the City.
The framework for the event has all of the building blocks to keep the event moving
forward as an annual happening. Certainly having key sponsors like the PCC and
Coast Capital is a strong indicator that some very bright people recognize the value of
the event for the community.
I am looking forward to Tourism Victoria and other industry based organizations
looking at this event under the light of a ‘tourism’ value added product to business.
I sincerely hope that John’s hard work is rewarded with local recognition of the value
to the downtown businesses and community at large in hosting and supporting
the BC Day Celebration.
Barry Hobbis, Victoria Harbour Ferry
5. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 5
St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt Street, Victoria, B.C.
Surrounded by our Capital City’s natural beauty, St. Ann’s Academy was host to the BC Day
Celebrations. This location connected audiences to our vibrant downtown and historical past,
while showcasing a variety of performances by talented musicians and BC Emerging Artists
throughout the day.
Capital Festival Productions acknowledges the generous support of host sponsor the
Provincial Capital Commission. Capital Festival BC Day weekend proudly acknowledges
Coast Capital Saving’s as our Title Festival Sponsor in addition to providing
“Wally’s World” children’s activity area.
6. 6 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
“What a wonderful BC day for our residents! I appreciated your hard work and creative
energy that brought the music to the people - and what talent we had on the stage! I think
the venue worked well - a beautiful backdrop of treed hills and lake view.”
Lillian Szpak, Langford Council
“We are very proud to be building a community and being part of Langford.
We are very excited about this event. When this (concert) came around we were happy to
be involved and proud to be involved.”
Rohan Rupf, Keycrop Consulting, lead consultant for Westhills
We’ve got B.C. talent that is free for the community to enjoy” said John Selkirk, artistic
director for Capital Festival. “The artists are thrilled. It’s a quality stage with quality
musicians that highlight B.C. emerging artists.” “It’s a family festival for all ages.”
“From the musician’s side, they want the opportunity to perform. They say this is
fantastic, they want the exposure,” he said. “What better way to tell their story by
bringing in up-and-coming talent, giving a free festival and great
exposure for the artists?”
Edward Hill, Editor, Goldstream News Gazette
7. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 7
Westhills City Center Park, 1089 Langford Parkway, Langford, B.C.
The Westhills BC Day Celebration was located in view of beautiful Langford Lake, on land
donated to Langford by Westhills Development Corporation. The City Center Park Stadium
hosted the event for the entire Westshore Community. This location connected audiences to
Langford’s Civic pride and rapidly growing business sector, while showcasing a variety of
performances by talented local musicians and BC Emerging Artists throughout the day.
Capital Festival Productions acknowledges the generous support of host sponsor
Westhills Development Corporation.
8. 8 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
Encouraging and
Supporting
BC Emerging Artists
9. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 9
2. Event Objectives
The BC Day Celebrations afford an opportunity for musicians and BC Emerging Artists
to perform on our Signature Stages while providing the community with quality
entertainment through our event sponsorship. Capital Festival Productions creates
positive synergy between the arts and the business sector by:
• Generating fiscal benefit to local businesses.
• Creating a top-of-mind awareness of our event, artist and local businesses
through successful branding.
• Ensuring sponsor satisfaction with high-level exposure from our
marketing strategies.
• Engaging audiences by providing exceptional event locations and
top quality entertainment, food and activities.
Encouraging and supporting
BC Emerging Artists and talented
musicians from across our Province.
10. 10 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
People were absolutely delighted to be at a free festival. They reveled in the deft
mixing of genres and talent on two remarkable stages, well situated for the large
crowd. Yes, it was BC Day! With all BC artists with great diversity, represented by
the likes of Alan Moberg, BC Country Music Hall of Fame inductee for his
extensive repertoire of British Columbia country folk songs. BC Day 2010 also
included First Nations performer, Ed Peekeekoot, a brilliant multi-instrumentalist,
singer-songwriter, storyteller.
The vision of producer John Selkirk has been giving a podium to BC music.
I am in artist management, representing these two entertainers involved in
Capital Festival events and John gave us wonderful stages to showcase their
talents. He really has the vision in highlighting BC talent and helping them
continue professional lives. These “made in BC” festivals will keep Victoria on the
cultural map as a city that cares to show people a good time and is proud to show
off its homegrown talent.
Annie Palovcik, TK Media, Artist Management
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apital Festival
11. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 11
3. Programs and Performers
OUTSIDE MAIN STAGE
St Ann’s Academy BC Day, Aug 2nd
11:00-11:35am BC Accordion Orchestra
12:00-2pm BC Kitchen Party:
Quinn and Qristina Bachand with guests
2:00-2:20pm Karly Summers, Acoustic Soul
2:25-3:15pm Ellisa Hartman, Acoustic Folk Rock
3:20-3:55pm Momentum R &B Band
4:00-4:30pm Alan Moberg, BC Saltwater Cowboy
and Ed Peekeekoot, Aboriginal Musician
4:30-4:55pm Momentum R&B Band
5:00-5:50pm Quoia, Westcoast Groove
6:00-6:40pm Greg Sczebel, 2010 Juno Award Winner
6:40 -6:55pm Karly Summers
7:00-7:45pm Greg Sczebel, 2010 Juno Award Winner
7:55-8:40pm Acres of Lions, Rock
GAZEBO AREA
St Ann’s Academy BC Day, Aug 2nd
10.45-11.30am Aurora Scott of the Dawn
11.45am-12.15pm Sarah Tradewell
1:00-2:15pm Hansel and Gretel production,
Garden and Gazebo area
4:00-5.15 Hansel and Gretel production,
Garden and Gazebo area
6:45-8.00 Cynthia Davis, jazz voice,
Gazebo Garden
CHAPEL AREA
St Ann’s Academy BC Day, Aug 2nd
11:30-12:10am Christian Tatonetti, Sitar
12:15-1:00pm Pablo Diemecke, violin and Tango
ensemble
2:15-2:50pm Balkan Babes
3:00-4:00 Vince Vaccaro, solo acoustic
5.15-6.00 Pablo Diemecke, Violin and Tango
6.00-6.40 Ellisa Hartman, Acoustic Folk Rock
Videotaping and recording of any kind is strictly
prohibited.
.
12. 12 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
OUTSIDE MAIN STAGE
11:00-11:55am Alma De Espana
12:00-12:25pm Alan Moberg and Ed Peekeekoot
12:30-1:20pm Greg Sczebel-2010 Juno Award Winner
1:30-2:40pm The “Midnights” featuring
guest singer, April Gislason
2:45-3:25pm Luke and Tess Pretty
3:30-4:00pm Xanthic Blue
4:00-4:30pm Caroline Spence
4:30- 5:05pm Char
5:10-7:00pm David Gogo--Feature Artist
7:00-7:55pm Aurora Scott of the Dawn
Videotaping and recording of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Turf Field
# 2
Bleacher Seating
M
ainStage
Washrooms
13. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 13
Performers
I believe that John’s “vision” of highlighting British Columbia and British Columbia tal-
ent is crucial in helping emerging artists reach their artistic and professional goals. These
“Made in BC” festivals will keep Victoria on the cultural map as a city that cares to sup-
port and nurture its home-grown talent.
Qristina & Quinn Bachand
2009 Nominee – Young Performer of the Year
Canadian Folk Music Awards
“Thanks so much for having Greg and the guys. They all had a blast playing here
in Victoria and Langford.”
Jerry Sczebel, Manager for Greg Sczebel
14. 14 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
We hope to continue our relationship as sponsors of your great events.
Thanks!
Samantha Toms | Promotions Coordinator | 107.3 KOOL FM, CHUM Radio
Thanks for the invitation for Shaw to be connected to your
ambitious Festival. I certainly applaud your efforts!
Daphne Goode| SHAW TV
Victoria, Salt Spring and Pender Islands - Channel 11 |Shaw Communications Inc.
15. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 15
4. Marketing
Capital Festival Productions launched an integrated marketing and promotional
campaign of the BC Day Celebration that delivered a quality event through successful
branding and sponsor satisfaction. We successfully managed and coordinated all
marketing and media communications.
Marketing Initiatives:
• Effective media release delivery
• Artist interviews coordinated prior to the event
• Top-of-mind awareness, successful branding and social networking.
• Corporate logo placement on event posters, flyers, programs and website.
• Sponsor recognition on the program guide
• Print media design of posters, flyers, and billboards
• Website developed and updated as main information portal
• Organized radio and television interviews to launch event
Media Coverage:
• ‘A’ Channel
• CFAX 1070
• Zone FM
• 100.3 the Q
• CHEK news
• Shaw TV
• CBC
• Victoria and Oak Bay News
• Monday Magazine
• Black Press and Goldstream Gazette
• City of Victoria: Vibe Magazine
• Boulevard Magazine
• Harbour Living
• Victoria Times Colonist
16. 16 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
As a representative of Tom Lee Music here in Victoria, I am pleased to have been a part
of the Capital Festival Event and sponsoring both the BC Day Celebration and the
Capital Festival Christmas concert series. Our contribution provided sound equipment
and expertise, and hopefully the beginning of a long partnership of supporting Capital
Festival Productions vision, benefiting local musicians. We will continue to support in
any way we can in the future as these events fit our ideals of “Bringing Music to the
Community’.
Keith Gallant, Education/Institution Services
Tom Lee Music Co. Ltd.
Bringing Music
to the
Community
17. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 17
5. Stakeholders, Partners and Sponsors
Capital Festival Productions guaranteed stakeholder satisfaction with top-level
exposure they received from our marketing initiatives surrounding the BC Day
Celebrations.
The Provincial Capital Commission and Westhills Development Corporation as
Signature Host Sponsors. Additional funding support from the City of Victoria,
City of Langford, CRD, and local businesses was essential in making this year’s
BC Day Celebrations a success.
Capital Festival Productions is a leader in the coordination of local partnerships,
fund raising, promotional campaigns and outreach to the community. The goal of
creating a successful festival model where both the arts and business sectors can
mutually benefit is what we strive to achieve with all our events.
We acknowledge the following BC Day Celebration corporate leaders:
Stakeholders Partnerships Sponsorship
Signature Host Sponsors
Provincial Capital Commission
Westhills Development
City of Victoria
City of Langford
Capital Regional District
Media partners
Title Sponsors
Provincial Capital Commission
Coast Capital Savings
Westhills Development
Event Sponsors
Tom Lee Music
Maxxam Insurance
Garside Signs
Vancouver Island Brewery
Performance Sponsors
Marriott Hotel
18. 18 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
I just wanted to thank you for having us at the Capital Festival BC Day Celebration.
It was a great success and we look forward to the opportunity of working with you
again next year!
Claire Jean | Community Outreach Representative, Corporate Affairs, BC Hydro
“Thank you, thank you! What a fabulous event you so generously provided to the
City of Victoria. My husband and I spent almost the entire day at St. Ann’s Academy
soaking up the music, the sun and the ambience. We look forward to taking part in
this very special event again next year!”
Karen & Scott Green, Humboldt Valley Residents
WCS Web Conferencing Solutions is pleased to partner with Capital Festival Produc-
tions to develop comprehensive live broadcast and on-demand presentation of concert
events. We believe a combination of our technical expertise combined with the artistic
vision of Capital Festival will benefit the local community and the Province.
Eric Zhelka, Managing Director, WCS Web Conferencing Solutions
19. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 19
6. Community Support
Capital Festival Productions recognizes the importance in developing relationships
within the community from the perspective of overall involvement.
The BC Day Celebration contributed to the cultural development and tourism of our
community while fullfilling an important role in its annual portfolio of leisure activities.
Some examples where the Capital Festival BC Day Celebration successfully integrated
the support of the community into the event are;
Community Support Examples:
• Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour’s – Fire and Water restaurant operated
as primary food supplier to the event.
• Vancouver Island Brewery provided the beverage and beer garden.
• The Children’s area was presented and facilitated by Coast Capital Savings,
Island Savings and the Pacific Institute of Sports Excellence.
• Interactive sports, fitness displays and educational activities were provided
by local businesses such as BC Hydro PowerSmart and the
BC Maritme Museum.
We believe in supporting BC Emerging Artists and cultural associations within our
community. Inviting the very best talent from across BC to our Signature Stages
adds to positive community turnout and support of our vibrant city.
20. 20 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
“The Capital Festival’s work in procuring sponsors, media attention and performers from
around BC paid off. The ambience provided the perfect musical backdrop for live music
and each performance was met with standing ovations. Naturally we attended this event
and to our utter amazement when we arrived, the grounds of St. Ann’s Academy and the
Chapel were absolutely filled to capacity of very happy people enjoying all the wonderful
performances. In addition there were various vendors offering BC and local merchandise
for sale and the provision of food and beverages provided by key local businesses was
greatly appreciated.”
Mr. Sandy Henderson, Manager, Development Services, Victoria Conservatory of Music
&
Mrs. Ingrid L. Henderson, Piano Faculty, Victoria Conservatory of Music
21. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 21
7. Audience
Capital Festival BC Day Celebration featured musical genres appealing to all age
groups. Capital Festival Productions made full accessibility to all members of the public
a key consideration throughout the planning of this event.
Public satisfaction and enthusiasm was evident as the event offered something for
everyone to appreciate and enjoy. Audience attendance increased by over 20 percent
from last year. A large majority of our audience comprised of couples, aged 25–54 years
with children, or retired couples and individuals from varying socioeconomic and
cultural backgrounds.
• Attendance estimated over 8,000 people throughout the day
• Over 75 performers on our Signature Stages
23. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 23
8. Volunteer Component
An important aspect to the success of the BC Day Celebration was it’s volunteer
component. We thank our many returning members, and the additional number of
people offering help at our event this year.
Volunteers were organized into five distinct groups:
• Public Relations: greetings at entrance areas, program distribution and
information for wheelchair access and washroom facilities
• Security: Crowd control, site security, and safety, parking attendants
• Information: Information kiosks, first aid, artisans’ areas, plus some
custodial duties
• Activities: Kid’s Zone and activity areas, and assistance with seniors’ needs
• Production: Stagehands, production crew and assistants, site setup,
and break down
Volunteers’ roles and responsibilities were fulfilled with a friendly disposition and a
willingness to help attendees -- including delivering event information throughout
the day.
24. 24 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
“Thank you so much for including us in the St. Ann’s festivities. It was a great
experience and I think generated more awareness for the maritime museum.”
Sadie Evans, Museum Assistant, The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
“As always it was great fun working with you the 2nd annual event, and look forward to
the possibility of continuing with our partnership on a long-term basis.”
Ken Boyd | Director of Marketing & Sales
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
Thanks very much for allowing us to be a part of the BC Day Capital Festival(s). I think
you have once again managed to put on a great show and with the press I saw have no
doubt you will continue to build these events!
Rob Ringma | Sales & Marketing Manager
Vancouver Island Brewery
25. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 25
9. Impact
Victoria is proud of its heritage and culture that is supported by the private sector.
The BC Day Celebrations provided a wonderful free weekend event, full of cultural
diversity that engaged audiences and businesses alike.
Economic stimulus was provided to the local community through our BC Day
Celebrations. Our festival invigorated local businesses, brought in tourists, and fostered
a sense of excitement and accomplishment among the community.
Businesses and Community Associations
• Provincial Capital Commission
• Westhills Development Corporation
• Coast Capital Savings
• Island Savings
• City of Victoria
• City of Langford
• CRD
• Youth Embassadors Volunteer Program
• Volunteer Victoria
• St. Ann’s Historical Society
• The Polish Association of Greater Victoria
• The Royal Scottish Regiment
• Marriott Hotel
• Shaw Communications
• Maritime Museum
• BC Hydro
• Downtown Victoria Business Association
• Tourism Victoria
• Print, Radio and Television Media Partners
• Shaw Cable
• Société Francophone de Victoria
• Tom Lee Music
• Island Displays
• Garside Signs and Displays
30. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 31
Artists at the Heart of Festival’s Success
by Melissa Peters, Public Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
September 2, 2010
Sarah Pelzer (Hansel) and Sahara Sloan (Gretel).
John Selkirk knows what matters in the arts – artists.
“To be successful you have to bring recognition to the artists and offer talented performers to the
audience,” explains the president and artistic director of Capital Festival Productions.
Putting artists first has paid off for Selkirk. Only in its second year, Capital Festival Productions
doubled the size of their annual BC Day Celebrations, with festivals in Victoria and Langford.
With record crowds in 2010, there are plans to expand the festival to Nanaimo and Sidney next year.
The BC Day Celebrations featured 10 hours of performances from more than 100 B.C. musicians and
artisans on three stages, including Juno award-winner pop artist Greg Sczebel, rock ‘n’ roller Xanthic
Blue and blues guitarist David Gogo.
And it was all free!
31. 32 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
Growing partnerships and opportunity benefit top B.C. talent
So how has Selkirk managed to build a successful and growing business that provides quality
entertainment for free and still pay all his participating artists?
“Well, I really believe in collaboration,” says Selkirk. “It’s something we’re trying to embrace – bringing
in sponsors, developing relationships, finding ways to get corporate sponsors. We work for mutual
benefit.”
The production model that Capital Festival uses is built on positive partnerships with progressive
corporations and local communities who understand, embrace and celebrate the arts.
For example, securing the sponsorship of Westhills Land Corp. in Langford allowed the festival
to expand to a new community this year.
A recovering economy means that while Westhills is building a 6,000 unit LEED-certified
neighbourhood, they are also working with arts organizations like Capital Festival Productions to
create cultural and recreational opportunities for community residents.
For John Selkirk, working in partnership means more artists get more opportunities. “I can’t tell you how
many artists from all over the province are calling me now, asking to be included,” he says. And maybe
that’s because, as a musician himself, Selkirk remains focused on providing opportunities for talented,
emerging artists and promoting Victoria as a cultural destination.
“We’re really pleased with the response to this year’s celebrations, and we’re already working on next
year’s line-up,” says Selkirk.
One thing’s for sure – Capital Festival Productions will continue to bring artists and audiences together.
32. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 33
Capital Festival Doubles the Fun But It’s Still Free
By Grania Litwin, Times Colonist July 29, 2010
PREVIEW
What: B.C. Day festivals
Where: St. Ann’s Academy
in Victoria and
City Centre Park in Langford
When: 11 a.m. to dusk Monday
Admission: Free
Last year’s Capital Festival was a big success, and this year it will be double the fun on B.C. Day. And
once again, it’s all free.
“We have expanded to two locations this year,” said John Selkirk of Capital Festival Productions, who
noted last year’s inaugural event attracted about 8,000 people.
The musical event -- from 11 a.m. until dusk -- takes place again at St. Ann’s Academy thanks to the
Provincial Capital Commission, and at City Centre Park, 1089 Langford Parkway, with sponsorship by
the developers of Westhills.
The lineup features about 50 performers at each site, ranging from flamenco dancers, rock ‘n’ roll bands,
and tango string quartets to the pop music of Juno award winner Greg Sczebel.
Sczebel’s jazzy, funky soul sound has gained him international recognition. He has performed on stages
with David Foster, Michael Bublé and Colin James, and was grand prize winner in the John Lennon
songwriting contest. He was voted best emerging artist by the Shai Awards, won song of the year for
Love Is the Anchor from GMA Canada Covenant Awards and was described by Soul Shine Magazine
as “truly flooring to witness in person.”
“This festival will showcase many super-talented emerging B.C. artists,” said Selkirk, who believes the
event will also set a new level of arts commitment in a time of funding cutbacks. Headliners include B.C.
33. 34 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
Hall of Fame country artist Alan Moberg, First Nations performer Ed Peekeekoot, rock ‘n’ roller Xanthic
Blue and blues guitarist David Gogo. Selkirk has also added a family segment, a mini-performance of
the opera Hansel and Gretel (see story below).
“I can’t tell you how many artists from all over the province are calling me now asking to be included,”
said Selkirk, who added none are volunteering. All are being paid and most are aged 11 to 24.
“Emerging artists are looking for stages to perform on and I think this could become a major,
high-quality annual cultural event.” Selkirk notes the idea is already spreading.
34. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 35
12. Future Vision
Capital Festival Productions have positioned our BC Day Celebrations as a continuing
contribution to the Province. Our organization has demonstrated consistent delivery
of our events while encouraging businesses to partner, collaborate, and invest in
our vision.
Capital Festival BC Day Celebrations are dependent on memorable performances.
Our ability to engage local partners will ensure the festival’s success on an
annual basis.
Showcasing and providing opportunities for talented musicians and BC Emerging Artists
is our key mandate. Our events embrace diversity, vitality and sustainability.
The Capital Festival BC Day Celebration is becoming a cherished community tradition
that is enjoyed by all.
Capital Festival Productions Initiatives
Capital Festival Productions has developed, organized and presented many arts and
culture events in Victoria. We are committed in our dedication to supporting young
artists, singers and performers including young classical musicians in pursuit of their
goals. The formation of our BC Emerging Artist Achievement Award Program is just
one of our new initiatives to support young talent in this Province.
The Capital Festival Orchestra Society is a non-profit organization whose mission
involves providing programs, events and services that serve the growing and changing
needs and wants of our community, with an emphasis on talented BC Artists.
We formed the Capital Arts Guild to offer artists an opportunity to register in our
programs. Younger artists will experience a connection to the arts through our
Kids in Music Program and it’s future summer camp activities.
Our events embrace diversity, vitality
and sustainability.
35. 36 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
March 17, 2010
Honourable Kevin Krueger
Minister of Tourism
Culture and the Arts
Dear Hon. Krueger:
As you are aware, last December 24th the first “Celebration of Kindness” was held in Victoria.
Although a first initiative, this joint endeavour proved to be a key Christmas event for the
Mustard Seed patrons, volunteers and staff. This event allowed The Mustard Seed Ministry and
Food Bank families, along with a number of associate organizations an opportunity to mingle,
enjoy a professional presentation and to experience the spirit of Christmas together. Associ-
ate organizations included, but were not limited to: Blanchard Community Centre, James Bay
Community Centre, Single Parent Resource Centre, and the Songhees Band Office.
Having experienced this event and the outcomes, please be assured that this experience was a
most welcome gift.
We extend a warm thank-you to the organizers [Capital Festival Productions] of this very
special free event. I would hope and pray that support for this “Celebration of Kindness” will
continue.
Yours sincerely,
Brent A. Palmer
Director of Food Bank and Special Events/ Mustard Seed/Victoria BC
Founding Member/Vice President Food Banks BC
Member Council Food Banks Canada/Member Board of Directors Food Banks Canada
36. CAPITAL FESTIVAL BC DAY CELEBRATIONS | 37
Capital Festival Productions
Artistic Director
John Selkirk
John Selkirk is recognized as a talented and creative performing arts marketing professional
and has worked as a Musical Consultant in the City of Victoria. He has a keen
interest and entrepreneurial talent in the administration and marketing of the performing arts,
and has collaborated with many local and Canadian ensembles, bringing to audiences stirring
and thoughtful programming. John also created the BC Day Celebration at St. Ann’s Academy,
an outdoor summer weekend music festival in Victoria, BC which combines youth programs
with fabulous, family-friendly concerts and cultural events.
In 2003, John brought back the critically-acclaimed Cathedral Summer Festival, held at Christ
Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC. As Executive Director, John was responsible to oversee all
operations, including programming, contracting and scheduling and develop new sponsorship
and funding initiatives’.
As Artistic Director and founder of Capital Festival Productions, John recognizes the talents
of many different instrumentalists to form specific ensembles including full Orchestra for many
concert events.
These new programming initiatives recognizing many younger talented BC performers has
created a tremendous resurgence of new support and year-round awareness of Capital
Festival concert events throughout the Capital Regional District.
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apital Festival
37. 38 | 2010 EVENT SUMMARY
As with so many Canadian musicians, John is also an alumnus of the National Youth
Orchestra and was a full scholarship recipient spanning 5 summer seasons. John studied at
The Banff School of Fine Arts with support from Canada Council and was subsequently invited
back on invitation by Brass Faculty Director Armando Ghitalla to perform as a member of the
Faculty Brass Ensemble. John’s first experience working in an orchestra began at the
age of 16 with the Toronto Symphony and has since performed with many orchestras and
musical ensembles from across Canada. Formal music training on the Trumpet began with
Fred Mills of the Canadian Brass and was followed by his performance degree from the Uni-
versity of Toronto.
Upon graduation John was invited on full scholarship by trumpet professor Vincent Cichowicz
to continue post-graduate studies at Northwestern University in Chicago. During his time in
Chicago John was selected from extensive auditions to become a full scholarship member of
the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for two full season’s and additional training from Adolf Herseth
of the Chicago Symphony. In 1983, John was awarded the position of Principal Trumpet in the
Victoria Symphony at age 21 and has been a member for over 25 years while calling Victoria,
his home.
Encouraging and
Supporting
BC Emerging Artists
38. Celebrating British Columbia and
Connecting to our Community
Capital Festival Productions
2407 Estevan Avenue | Victoria, B.C. | V8R 2S4
phone: 250.589.9710
email: jselkirk@capitalfestival.com
www.capitalfestival.com
disclaimer:
This information is intended only for the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information.
Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.
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apital Festival