89 Years of Great Memories
KITSILANO SHOWBOAT
Performers
Friday, June 21 (National Indigenous Peoples Day)
Opening Remarks – Barry Leinbach, President of the Kitsilano Showboat Society
Steven Seegerts
We open our National Indigenous People Day with the Urban Aboriginal Drum Circle. Steven Seegerts will incorporate traditional ways of being with his faith by leading a drum circle in the practice of smudging while offering prayers. Much like the Old Testament commandment to burn incense as a way of symbolizing the people’s prayers rising to God, Steven burns the four sacred medicines: Sage, Tobacco, Cedar, and Sweetgrass as a physical expression of prayer and peacemaking
Katisha Paul
Katisha Paul, Kwikws Liisáos (Little Angel) is from the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) and Lil’wat First Nations. Katisha was a big hit last year with her dance style and storytelling. She graduated in 2017 from JN Burnett Secondary School and is now attending Thompson Rivers University. Listening to the words of her cultural leaders, such as her grandparents, has given rise to her own voice in the communities she has lived in, being an advocate for youth voice and teaching wherever she can.
Saturday, June 22
Vancouver School of Highland Dance
A Showboat favourite, the Vancouver School of Highland Dance will be performing a variety of traditional dances, as well as original choreography. Their core values are Celebration, Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Positivity, and Fun. They are passionate about performance and hope you enjoy their dancers, who range from 3 years old to adults!
Chris Ronald
Since emigrating from his native England in 2002, Chris Ronald has earned a place as one of Canada’s finest singer-songwriters creating and performing Contemporary Folk music. Nominated “Songwriter of the Year” by the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Ronald’s stand-out signature sound is steeped in his British background, poetic lyrics, and a buttery fusion of Roots and Americana.
Sunday, June 23
Kitsilano High School Band
The band will perform with a variety of ensembles from the School playing all types of music. From a selection of “Fireworks Music” by Handel, to Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man, we hope there will be something for everyone. Recently they played at the VSO’s Day of music, in addition to their Fine Arts Night and End of Year Concert.
Dress in your Kitsie colours and be ready to sing “HailKitsilano” at the top of your lungs
HailKitsilano! Hail Gold and Blue!
Sing we thy praises; All of us to thee are true.
HailKitsilano! We shout to the sky…
…Honour and Glory then to Kitsilano High!
Thursday, June 27
Hiba’s Henna Art
Come to the Showboat Hostess table at the top of stands and get a natural henna temporary tattoo. Henna Art is a traditional method that has been passed as a folkloric form of art to share blessings. It is a dye made from the plant of henna which is then used to draw on the body as a temporary tattoo.
Vancouver Performing Stars
Says Founder Katy Schroeder: “We are a performing arts training company who offers training in theatre, music and dance to over 1,000 children a week at various centres across Vancouver. This year they have produced three musical productions, won numerous awards including the Studio Spirit Award at Summit Dance and are thrilled to be performing once again at the Kitsilano Showboat.”
The Bright Sunset Chinese Dance Group
A dance performance presenting various styles of ethnic, classical, and folk dances of China.The costumes are authentic, colourful and beautiful. Their goals are to share the variety of Chinese culture as a means of expressing their identity with the community they live in, and to encourage older adults to stay healthy, fit, and active.
Friday, June 28
Capoeira Aché Brasil
Capoeira Aché Brasil will present an exciting Brazilian cultural experience by offering a potpourri of dance, Batucada, and Capoeira. A Brazilian Batucada is a type of samba percussion ensemble. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of rhythmic dance, breathtaking acrobatics, and self-defence techniques supported by intense music.
Bollywood Ladies
Karima Essa, a three-time Canadian National Dance champion, leads the Showboat’s Bollywood dancers. A charismatic performer, choreographer, and instructor, she dazzles audiences across Canada at festivals, theatres, and schools. In 2014, her love for Bollywood took her to Mumbai, India, as a two-time finalist on Omni TV’s reality show, Bollywood Star. With style, grace and a flair for the dramatic, she has been captivating adult and young audiences for decades. Today, we bring to you a selection of Bollywood dances choreographed by Karima and performed by our very own ladies from the Kitsilano Community!
Saturday, June 29
Aliza Arts Association
Another Showboat favourite, Aliza Arts Association / Aliza Dance Troupe is a voluntary organization organized by professional and amateur performing art lovers in Greater Vancouver. Founder Baby Aliza subscribes to the tenet of “Serving the Community, Giving Back to Society, and Focusing on Participation”. Aliza Arts will feature singing, dancing, music and a few surprises. Through the years they have received many awards from community organizations.
Sunday, June 30
Tummy Rubber Band
Five experienced musicians with many decades of performing recently joined forces to rejuvenate the Jazz standards from the golden age of American music. The result is a fresh approach to familiar songs that will have you singing and humming for days afterwards. Bring your dance shoes to make this night memorable.
Why the name of the band? The addition of a new puppy that enjoys having its tummy rubbed is the answer!
Metro Swing Band
Representing some of the cream of the Lower Mainland jazz musicians, the Metro Swing Band has entertained audiences in seniors homes and community centres for many years. The band will perform standards from the American Song Book, as well an exciting blend of dance tunes that will get the heart singing and the feet tapping.
Monday, July 1 (Canada Day)
Meike Juergens
Bring all the neighbours kids as Meike will lead the children in games, activities and just plan fun.
Story Time with Barry
Our president Barry Leinbach is back with original stories that the children help to develop, allowing their imaginations to create the story line and the characters. Barry will put it all together in a fun, entertaining activity for the whole family.
Music with Marnie
Get ready to jump in puddles and swing like monkeys with West Coast Families Reader’s Choice GOLD Winner for Best Children’s Performer Marnie Grey. Described as “One of the best performers of her generation” by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Marnie will be sure to captivate your child and have them moving and grooving to songs from her 4 Award Winning Albums. Each song tells a story and has an action, keeping children focused and physical and having fun the whole show.
Viktor Barkar Puppet Theater
The Vancouver Puppet Theatre performs an interactive puppet musical that will capture the childrens imagination and transport them back in time. Viktor will amaze the children as he brings his puppets to life with stories.
Freddy Fudpucker Marching Band
This is a marching band with a difference! Highly colourful, very mobile, and great entertainment for all ages. Follow them as they march through the Beach area celebrating Canada Day
The Quarter Pounder Quartet
The Quarter Pounder Quartet is a Vancouver Jazz quartet formed over the love of overindulgent solos, cheeseburgers and Jazz. Made up of 4 high school musicians, they will leave you with a warm skip in your heart only jazz can bring.
Joyce Murray MP
Our special guest at Canada Day at the Showboat is our local MP Joyce Murray, who represents the Riding of Vancouver Quadra.
South Van Big Band
The South Van Big Band has a broad spectrum of musical taste ranging across blues, Latin jazz, funk, swing, bebop and contemporary styles. They’ve performed several times at Kitsilano Showboat, and look forward to coming back in style for this special day! Bring your dancing shoes and be ready to relive the great tunes of the swing and contemporary eras.
Friday, July 5
Royal City Concert Band
The Royal City Concert Band has existed for over 35 years. While based in New Westminster, the members come from throughout the Lower Mainland region. Under the direction of Music Director Kris Covlin, they will perform popular and classic repertoire as well as contemporary music to give audiences an appreciation of newer arrangements and composers.
West Vancouver Concert Band
Now in his 22nd year as conductor, Tak Maeda leads the band in a wide variety of music, from jazz to show to classical, with all stops in-between – you’d best buckle up and get ready for an exciting musical ride. Says Tak: Our mission is to provide an opportunity for adult amateur musicians to play, practice and perform in a friendly and supportive environment.
Saturday, July 6
The Band of the 15th Field Regiment
With a history dating back over a hundred years the Royal Canadian Artillery Band is a vibrant wind ensemble playing a wide variety of music. As well as performing throughout British Columbia they have played in the United States, Germany, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands, and are back once again at the Kitsilano Showboat.
Purple Dragon Martial Arts
Purple Dragon International Academy of Martial Arts was founded in Trinidad & Tobago in 1970. They have been teaching in the Kitsilano community for over 22 years under Shihan Amber Murphy-Smith, with members from age 2-70+. Purple Dragon locally has won many World Championships, Best of Vancouver awards for consecutive years, and inductions in the International Martial Arts Hall of Fames. Get ready for a night of high action / high energy martial arts performance.
Sunday, July 7
The Company Kids – Orange County Song & Dance
The Company Kids from Orange County Song & Dance Company have travelled all the way from Huntington Beach, California! Directed by Linda Hoppus, OCSD has been in business for 40 years teaching all forms of dance and voice. The Company Kids have performed in special events for Disneyland, D23, the Rose Parade, Knott’s Berry Farm and on tour all over the world. We are very fortunate to showcase their appearance here at the Kitsilano Showboat!
Sangre Morena Latin Music
Romance, passion and lively rhythms – Sangre Morena is a musical duo that performs music from Mexico, Latin America, and Spain. They bring the most beloved Spanish-language songs to life with beautiful, passionate singing and the fiery sounds of the Flamenco Guitar.
Friday, July 12
Rock Paper Moon
For over a decade they have been entertaining young and old with rock, country, folk, and jazz standards at public and private functions. A regular at the Showboat, they invite you to enjoy their three-part harmonies and instrumental melange of guitars, bass, keyboards, mandolin and harmonica.
Dunvegan Dance Academy
Based in Maple Ridge, the Dunvegan Dance Academy will be featuring 55 dancers between the ages of 2 and 30. Tonight’s program is titled “Ceilidh 2024”, and is a celebration of their 2023-2024 season. The dancers and teachers – and their bagpiper Kevin – have prepared a variety of traditional highland dances, as well as some modern choreography.
Saturday, July 13
Halau Kia’i O Ka Hula
Also known as Josie de Baat’s Polynesian Dance Studio, Halau Kia’i O Ka Hula has performed at the Kitsilano Showboat for 40-plus years, featuring dances from Hawai’i, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Enjoy watching graceful Hawaiian hands telling a story, fast moving hips of Tahiti and the skill of twirling poi balls from New Zealand.
Ho’okani
Ho’okani lays claim to be “Vancouver’s best Hawaiian band.” They play real Hawaiian music, the music Hawaiians play for themselves at farmers markets, hula schools and backyard barbeques. Their music is from the Hawaiian monarchy of the late 1800s, through the golden age of the 1930s and 40s, and the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s, right up to the present.
Sunday, July 14
Delta Concert Band
Now in its 60th year, the Delta Concert bands repertoire includes a wide range of music from popular favourites, to more traditional wind band music. Under the baton of Jim Tempest they also strive to support school band programs by sharing the stage at concerts, coaching band students, and providing an annual bursary to a graduating student of the Delta School District who will be pursuing a degree in either Music or Music Education. To that end, Jim works to encourage the growth of community-based music making through active membership in the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the Canadian Band Association and the British Columbia Band Association.
Friday, July 19
Bram Bratá
Bram Bratá is a steel drum band from the Tri-Cities in Washington state. The band is composed of 30 high school students and generally plays in the Washington/Oregon area. Every year they go on tour to share steel drum music with a wider audience and this year is their second visit to the Showboat stage. You will be amazed at the sound that these young musicians creat on a steel drum. You will simply love the music!
Saturday, July 20 – Fireworks night: Portugal
Showboat will Simulcast the Fireworks Music
Saints and Sinners
Saints and Sinners is a live performance and international recording act. They have opened for international artists including Edgar Winter, Blue Öyster Cult, Jefferson Starship and performed with many other bands. Enjoy a bumper program as we count down to the first of the Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks Nights in Vancouver!
Sunday, July 21
Vancouver Thunderbird Chorus
The Vancouver Thunderbird Chorus had been signing in the A Cappella style for almost 75 years. They enjoy signing upbeat music and giving energetic performances guaranteed to lift your spirits and bring smiles to your face.
Heart and Sole
Under the direction of Shelley Stewart Hunt, Heart and Sole an enthusiastic group of adult tap dancers who love to share the art of tap dancing with our audiences. We have performed at many community events including the PNE, Variety Club, VanCity After Dark, Greek Days on Broadway, and many times at the Kitsilano Showboat. Our goal is to spread joy and for our audiences to leave the show smiling.
Spirit of the South Seas
Hula Hula Na Keiki ‘O’OhanaLokahi – This award-winning group has been around for several generations. Their hundreds of performances include Air Tahiti Nui, many ethnic festivals, Mall openings, Arts Council events and Fundraisers for charities. Their journey through Polynesia is both gentle & fiery, ancient & modern, romantic & naughty. All while promoting cultural awareness & equality for all people. The dancers continue to excite & inspire others in our community hospitals & seniors’ homes with their dedication & volunteerism.
Friday, July 26
Wailele Wai Wai
“A waterfall that flows endlessly” best describes Wailele Wai Wai who have been performing in Vancouver since 2006. Their focus is on the Modern Hawaiian Hula known as Auana that tells a story through hand and arm gestures and rhythmic patterns. They strive to capture the Aloha Spirit and share the love and joy through their performance and presence.
Dante
Dante was born to sing! He grew up to develop his own voice and style which has earned him many accolades over the years – he finished as the top male performer for British Columbia at the World Karaoke Championship 2013. His soulful R&B sound and impeccable range are regularly showcased as a soloist with VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir, a group he feels proud to be a part of.
Minami
A Showboat regular since 2016, Minami is a local singer-songwriter who performs a range of contemporary and modern music. She can be seen playing in many of Vancouver’s favourite coffee houses.
Saturday, July 27 – Fireworks night: United Kingdom
Showboat will Simulcast the Fireworks Music
Cabral’s Fault
A powerhouse Brazilian rock band, they are gearing up to celebrate their fifth anniversary with a bang! Fusing their vibrant culture into rock rhythms, they transform global classics into electrifying performances with the right amount of Brazilian sauce. Join them to sing, dance, and connect — it’s a jubilant Brazilian rock experience!
BRAS
BRAS (from BRA-SIL) brings the heart and soul of Brazilian reggae songs! They deliver the best of reggae, infused with vibrant rhythms and a unique Brazilian twist to engage with all communities. Their music brings positive vibrations, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. Drawing inspiration from Natiruts, Gilberto Gil, Cidade Negra and of course Bob Marley, they channel their timeless messages of love and peace. Join tems and feel the uplifting vibes that BRAS can provide!
Sunday, July 28 – Closing Night Ceremonies
Gary Chalk and the Kits Point Allstars
A talented local favourite from Kitsilano, Gary and the Allstars have been solid supporters of the Showboat for many years. Each of the Allstars is extremely talented in their own right, and have won accolades all over the world. We guarantee you a great night of entertainment to end off the 2024 Kitsilano Showboat season.
Contact Info
Kitsilano Showboat
2300 Cornwall Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604-734-7332
kitsilanoshowboat@hotmail.com
Mailing Address
Box 74526
Vancouver, BC
V6K 4P9
