WCT Digital Show Program | BLAK: Iconic Canadian Women in Music (2023/24 Season)

Enjoy the Show!

Presenting Partner

Ron & Rae Fawcett k e l s ong ro up.c om

BLAK: ICONIC CANADIAN WOMEN IN MUSIC Created and Performed by KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS

CREATIVE TEAM KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS

Creator & Performer

JEN LEWIN

Musical Director, Piano & Backing Vocals

GINGER CHEN PIMENTEL

Bass

SUSANA WILLIAMS

Drums, Percussion & Back Vocals

Approximately 2 hours, including one 20 minute intermission

WCT is proud to tell our stories in the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory within the traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation.

Western Canada Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and engages professional artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the terms of the jointly negotiated Canadian Theatre Agreement.

GUEST SERVICES The wearing of masks is currently optional.

For Assistance and Accessibility: Both the Pavilion and Sagebrush Theatres are wheelchair accessible and equipped with wheelchair-seating locations.

In consideration of your fellow audience members’ comfort and enjoyment, we ask the following: Electronic Devices: Please turn off all cellular phones and watch alarms prior to the show. Due to copyright regulations, the use of cameras and other video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

Late Arrival and Re-admission: If you arrive after a performance has begun or leave the auditorium during the performance, we will make every effort to seat you at an appropriate interval in the program. Please be advised that this may not be the seat you are ticketed for, depending on its location in the theatre.

Scent-free Facilities: Please arrive perfume/cologne-free.

Children: WCT productions, unless they are identified as family friendly, are not suitable for children or babes in arms. For more information, please visit the FAQs on wctlive.ca.

Programme Producer: Western Canada Theatre • wctlive.ca • 250-372-3216 Printer: Wayside Press • waysideco.ca • 250-372-3373 Box Office: Kamloops Live! Box Office • kamloopslive.ca • 250-374-5483

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! PRESENTING PARTNER

TITLE SPONSOR

GOVERNMENT FUNDERS

SEASON SPONSORS

BLAK SHOW SPONSOR

Dr. Elspeth M. McDougall

FOUNDATIONS

Foundation

OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR

PIZZA PRE-SHOW SPONSOR

SPECIAL THANKS

Kamloops Symphony presents…

LIGHT THE NIGHT

A SYMPHONIC GRAPHIC NOVEL SAGEBRUSH THEATRE:

March 9, 2024 Saturday • 7:30pm

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CHOOSE MATINEE SPONSOR

WELCOME! Music is powerfully evocative of time, place, and emotion. Sometimes we’ll hear a song that stirs a sense memory of something in our own past, perhaps attached to a visceral sense of emotional recall. Sometimes we’ll get drawn into a lilting melody that paints a vivid image of a piece of history about which we have no personal experience, but feel we know something about because of the sound of the era.

Each song you’ll hear in this performance is a play in itself, taking us on a journey of discovery.

And like all great theatre, the songs run a gamut from those that are thought-provoking and emotionally provocative to those that are fun and entertaining.

Music is also a wonderful tool to demonstrate the evolution of culture. And in this case, it is the contribution made by Black Canadian musicians, composers, performers, and other cultural figures that we celebrate and honour through this performance. There is a phenomenally rich cultural history of Black Canadians that has been underappreciated or misunderstood over the history of Canada. We are fortunate to work with a multi-talented creator-performer who brings her own sense of the stories to life with an astonishing versatility in performance styles and genres.

My great joy in working in theatre is in learning about a history or lived experience that has not had its due in the forefront of our minds. The evolution of Black Canadian culture, and the oft-unheralded contributions of so many musical and cultural pioneers, is to be celebrated.

We are appreciative of the work of Krystle and her team in bringing us this gift.

Enjoy,

James MacDonald, Artistic Director

UP NEXT

TICKETS AND DETAILS AT wctlive.ca

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

INNER ELDER

April 04 to 20, 2024 SAGEBRUSH THEATRE

April 23 to 27, 2024 PAVILION THEATRE

A GLOBAL ROCK OPERA PHENOMENON

A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH REAL-LIFE MEMORIES

CREATOR’S NOTES

by Krystle Dos Santos

BLAK was a show I developed a few years ago for the Citadel Theatre under the guidance of James MacDonald! I highlighted [BLAK] stories—past, present, and future. The phonetic spelling of the title suggests a deeper defining of the word and its connotations. If you read through the many meanings of the word Black, so many of them have a negative context. I wanted to re-define the word, and its context to people and culture, with a positive, enlightened meaning. This show is part of what I consider a series of shows under the title, BLAK—this particular version, highlighting Canadian Women in Music and Arts.

This show is all about representation. Selfishly, it’s what I needed when I was young, and I’ve created this show for my younger self; to learn about Canadian Black History, the Black women who were and are a part of my musical influences, and to see, hear, and learn from the shoulders upon which I stand.

A huge thank you to James MacDonald for helping me along the way of this journey to build and grow this show, and always celebrating me just where I am, but gently nudging me forward to new horizons.

KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS Creator & Performer

QUICK-STUDY GUIDE Explore the BLAK Quick-Study Guide for further information and context about the show, useful both to students and general audience.

We believe that when people participate in their community, good things can happen.

Proud to support Western Canada Theatre and the 2023/24 season.

As part of our goal to help people feel a sense of belonging in their communities, TD supports arts and culture events, initiatives, and organizations across North America that amplify diverse voices.

Learn more at td.com/artsandculture

® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.

COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES THE CREATIVE TEAM

KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS - Creator & Performer At WCT: Hey Viola!

Elsewhere: Krystle Dos Santos is a 2x Western Canadian award-winning singer/songwriter and performer. Her award winning self titled album was released in 2008, followed by Fame Fatale in 2011. BLOOM|BURN, her 3rd studio release, awarded her the WCMA for R&B Artist of the Year in 2020. From singing on stage with Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublé to theatre performances on stages all around North America, Dos Santos brings her eclectic style, powerful vocal prowess, and magnetic charm to every performance she delivers. Catch her sharing the story of Canadian civil rights icon Viola Desmond in her original co-creation, Hey Viola!, or with her new country/rock project Orchard Sky in venues across our beautiful country.

JEN LEWIN - Musical Director, Piano & Backing Vocals At WCT: Hey Viola!

Elsewhere: Well-versed in a variety of musical styles, Jen Lewin is a Vancouverbased keyboard player and singer who began her professional career in 2001. Besides her solo/duo/trio work as a frontperson, you may have heard Jen playing keyboards with Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band, or with her 9-piece project Deep Cutzzz, among others.

Jen previously had the privilege of performing with Krystle Dos Santos in Hey Viola! and is delighted to be back at WCT.

Proud to Support Western Canada Theatre

ᑕᑯᒃᓴᐅᔪᒻᒪᕆᒃ

DOUBLE VISION

Jessie Oonark, Janet Kigusiuq, and Victoria Mamnguqsualuk

January 20 to April 6, 2024 Curated by Candice Hopkins in partnership with the Toronto Biennial of Art, with project advisor Krista Ulujuk Zawadski.

This exhibition is organized and circulated by the Textile Museum of Canada with the support of the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Jessie Oonark, Untitled (Beautiful Woman), c. 1972–1973, wool felt appliqué and cotton embroidery thread on wool duffel, 125.5 x 84 cm, Government of Nunavut Fine Art Collection, On long-term loan to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2.76.2, Public Trustee for Nunavut, Estate of Jessie Oonark

GINGER CHEN PIMENTEL - Bass At WCT: Debut Elsewhere: Ginger Chen Pimentel is a bass player hailing from Vancouver, BC. Specializing in both session work and live performances, Ginger captivates listeners with rhythmic finesse and undeniable talent on the bass. Her musical journey has taken her across North America and Europe, where she has opened for renowned artists including Dua Lipa, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Imagine Dragons at international music festivals. Ginger seamlessly engages with artists in a myriad of genres such as pop, soul, funk, rock, country, and beyond. Notably, Ginger has collaborated with multiple Juno-nominated artists including Amanda Sum and Rare Americans, showcasing her ability to blend into diverse musical landscapes.

SUSANA WILLIAMS - Drums, Percussion & Back Vocals At WCT: Debut Elsewhere: Susana Williams’ musical journey began at the age of thirteen in a Venezuelan garage. By fifteen, her charisma and talent had propelled her to the forefront of Caracas’ nightlife, where she delivered a unique blend of Latin and Anglo pop/rock, sharing stages with renowned Latin artists Frank Quintero, Kiara, and Guaco. Since immigrating to Canada, she has graced stages at prestigious events such as the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Victoria Jazz Festival, alongside acclaimed artists including Arturo Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, Johnny Rivera, Adonis Puente, and Alex Cuba. She released her debut album “Latin Roots” in 2004, following it up with “Dejame Contarte” (EP, 2020), “We’re a Memory” (2021) and “To Be Honest” (2024). A multi-instrumentalist, she regularly performs as a solo artist and with the legendary Latin band Rumba Calzada and the Susana Williams Latin Jazz Quartet. She regularly lends her composing talents to film and TV projects.

ART24015

Fish On !

F i s h on F i v e Br as s Q u i n t e t Sounds from the renaissance, opera, ragtime, jazz and even the Beattles.

Sa t u rda y - 7: 30pm M a rch 16, 2024 K a m loop s U n it ed C h u r ch

I n fo r m a t io n a n d t ick et s a va ila ble a t ch a m ber m u s icia n s o fk a m lo o p s . o r g or a t t h e door

Jonathan McCormick Author of Women Sleuths, Enjoying Fashion, Cuisine & Jazz, While Investigating International Crime Visit jonathanmccormick.com for novel synopsis, character intros & interactive forum 100% of Royalties Donated to Women’s Centres

Enjoy The Show 101-286 ST PAUL ST. KAMLOOPS, BC V2C6G4 (250)374-2441

INFO@NICOLAEYECARE.COM

NICOLAEYECARE.COM

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Western Canada Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following government agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals for their generous contributions through sponsorships and/or charitable donations. We thank everyone who plays their important part in helping us to bring the highest quality of work to the broadest possible audience.

Listings based on annual contributions, July 01, 2022 to February 21, 2024.

FUNDERS The City of Kamloops Canada Council for the Arts Government of Canada The Province of BC BC Arts Council FOUNDATIONS BC Interior Community Foundation Vancouver Foundation Dr. Elspeth M. McDougall Foundation PRESENTING PARTNER Kelson Group, Ron and Rae Fawcett TITLE SPONSOR Sandman Hotel Group SEASON SPONSORS Castanet CFJC TV Home Hardware Kamloops This Week Stone Hazell & Company TD Bank Group Wayside MEDIA SPONSORS 98.3 CIFM B-100 Radio NL OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS Black Salt Catering Privato Vineyard & Winery Woodward Cider Co. Kamloops Insurance Celista Estate Winery Cloverdale Paint SHOW SPONSORS British Columbia Lottery Corporation Chinook Scaffold Systems Ltd Highland Valley Copper / Teck ideaLEVER KPMG New Gold TNRD Watson Engineering Ltd. ACCOMMODATION SPONSOR Scott’s Inn PAY-WHAT-YOU-CHOOSE MATINEE SPONSOR Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel PIZZA PRE-SHOW SPONSOR Domino’s Pizza

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S. Cookie Reimer Jeanne (Norma) Rodrigue Terry & Susanne Rogers Paul Ross Ron & June Routledge Lynn Rutherford Denis & Niki Scallon Tricia L. Sellmer Jo-Anne Kobayashi and Don Shaw Ethel Sheremeta Don & Sandy Staff Sean Sutherland Shirley Sze & Peter Schwirtz Dr. Jennifer Takahashi Nicole Tougas Niki & Steve Remesz Diane Mary Webb Barb & Mike Webber Dave & Maryanne Whiting Sally and Bob Zryd BENEFACTORS: $100-$199 Anonymous (3) Marilyn Allison Bryan Ardiel & Noëlle Lamoureux Joan Bernard Pamela Bradley Mike and Kristen Brown Norm & Heidi Bryson Jon & Irene Buckle Sue Buzash Patrick & Jeanne Callahan Sandra Ceccon Margaret Chrumka Bill & Evey Chursky

Luciana Comparelli Jean Crowe Jeff Cummings Donna M. Daines Beth Dye David Edamura Marvyn Fitzpatrick James H. Fulton Gillian Gaiser David W. Gilmour Annette Glover Ina & David Gory Joy Gothard Elsie Griffiths Cathy Hall-Patch Helena Hasler Janice & Blaine Hawkins Kathleen Virginia Haywood-Farmer Ronald Heslip Kats & June Kitamura Caroline Jane Laitinen: in Memory of Peter Baron Beverly Martin Robert & Marian McLaren Dorothy McLellan Myrna McLeod Doris McNutt Lori Melnychuk Daniel Mills Beth & Jeff Morgan Mona & Chris Marlene Murray Nu Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Daniela O’Fee Ron & Louise Oyler Edna Marie Park

Sheila Park Chris Pincott: In Honour of Karla Pincott Bruce & Debbie Reeds Jeff and Nicole Reynolds Jay Rilkoff Joan Roberts Donna Sharpe Karen Siggers Kathy Sinclair Manju Singh Shirley Sze Colleen Joan Tabata Dawne Taylor: In Memory of Peter Baron Laurie Ternier Glenna Tomlins Lynne Totten Judith Treherne Marilyn Triggs Cheryl Tuira Sabrina Weeks Lois M & R. David Williams CONTRIBUTORS: $25-$99 Anonymous (4) Karen Albiston Esther Anderson Jean Baron: In Memory of Peter Baron - You Are Missed!

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Congratulations on anoer great production!

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