Roving Audience Experience
Presented by: The Rotary Centre for the Arts
Producer: Chelsea Boan-Lewis
The Roving Audience Experience (2022) was a vibrant celebration of art and culture, as the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) took over Kelowna’s Cultural District on September 24th. For the second consecutive year, the RCA united a diverse group of artists, from painters to dancers and poets to buskers, to deliver free performances at various locations throughout downtown Kelowna. The Cultural District buzzed with activity as we showcased the incredible talent within our community.
Aimed to foster a deeper connection between artists and audiences, breaking down barriers and encouraging collaboration across different art forms. The event featured a wide range of performances, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of our region and inviting everyone to experience art in unexpected places. From the captivating melodies of local musicians to the dynamic expressions of street performers, every corner of the Cultural District was alive with creativity.
Classical Infusion
Olivia Walsh, Narumi Higuchi, & Gypsym Rose
Classical music met dance at this spot, with cellist Olivia Walsh and violinist Narumi Higuchi delivering stirring performances. They were joined by FLOW dancers Gypsym Rose and Dani Michelle, whose flowing movements brought the compositions to life and transported audiences to a world of elegance and emotion.
Street Art Culture
Vinnie the Squid, Lucas Joel, &
Manny de Jesus
Here, Vinnie the Squid brought his legendary turntable skills to the stage, mixing a range of genres in an unforgettable set. Lucas Joel’s raw, abstract street art depicted themes of homelessness and addiction, deeply resonating with attendees. Manny de Jesus, a seasoned street-style dancer, added dynamic movement, energizing the space with improvisational flair.
Slam Poetry
The Poetry Elf, NAV, & KEN Shaw
At this hotspot, slam poetry took center stage, with The Poetry Elf, NAV, and Ken Shaw each offering unique spoken word performances. Their powerful words and compelling styles captivated audiences and redefined poetry’s place in public art.
Spanish Culture
Major Mambo &
Tanya Vadurova (Mission Dance)
This vibrant hotspot featured Major Mambo, the Okanagan Valley’s premier Latin ensemble, bringing the rhythms of salsa, mambo, and Latin jazz. Tanya Vadurova’s Mission Dance company added a touch of ballet, flamenco, and modern dance, creating a rich, multicultural experience that honored Spanish and Latin influences.
Indigenous Culture
Dani Lion & Syilx Smokin Braidz
This hotspot showcased Dani Lion, a Secwepemc First Nations artist whose indigi-pop and EDM performances embodied soulful jazz tones mixed with urban trap vibes. She was joined by Syilx Smokin Braidz, whose fashion stylings highlighted Indigenous culture in a modern context, creating a powerful visual and auditory experience.
Kelowna Busker
Michael Stanley Edward Elliott
Rounding out the experience was Michael Stanley Edward Elliott, a dream-pop singer-songwriter and Kelowna’s own celebrated busker. His versatile performance style created a welcoming atmosphere, showing his talent for reading the crowd and adapting his set to suit the mood.
The Roving Audience Experience (2022) solidified my commitment to creating inclusive, community-focused events. This project reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration across diverse artistic disciplines, allowing artists from different backgrounds to share their voices in innovative ways. The success of RAE highlighted the importance of accessibility in the arts and inspired me to continue advocating for cultural representation in all my future endeavors.