Storytelling with Debra Sparrow

Debra Sparrow will share stories and art from her life as a Musqueam artist. Debra was born and raised on the Musqueam Indian Reserve, part of the traditional territories of the Musqueam people, in Vancouver, British Columbia. She credits her grandfather, Ed Sparrow, who lived to be 100 years old and remembered the forcible removal of the Musqueam people from Stanley Park, with giving her "300 years of stories" that grounded her in her heritage and enabled her to hear the voices of her ancestors.

All Ages

12:10 - 12:40 pm at Living Room Story Theatre

Stories & Songs with Erin Palm

Cozy and comfortable in the Story Nook, Erin Palm will be reading their favourite children’s books and singing children’s songs, a combination sweet serenade and captivating story time for young ears.

Erin is a recipient of the Sydney Risk Award for Performing. A professional actor, singer and mermaid, Erin is a graduate of both Studio 58 and Cap University Musical Theatre Program, and has been performing for more than a decade in Vancouver.

Recommended Ages: 5-12

12:50 - 1:20 pm and 3:10 - 4:20 pm in the Story Nook

Shuffling with Gabriella

Shuffling is a footwork dance that originated from the electronic dance music scene in the 1980s. Shuffle has evolved because of its popularity on the internet and it is now being recognized worldwide as a casual and professional dance form. In the workshop, you will see a small performance from The Shuffle Space. You will also learn one foundational shuffle move: the running man.

Recommended Ages: 5-12

1:15 - 1:45 pm at The Rumpus Room

Double Book Reading

Join an interactive double book reading inspired by Asian Canadian heritage! With sing-along parts, look and find puzzles, and movement games, everybody is welcome to dive into music, literacy, and imagination! In one story, a child admires the changing seasons throughout the year and contrasts it with the unchanging love experienced through the relationships in her life. In another tale, a young boy recalls the loss of a loved one and learns a new way to honour their memory while moving forward.  Featuring text by four-time Juno-nominated Ginalina and illustrations by internationally honoured artists Khoa Le and Paige Jung.

Recommended Ages: 0-10

11:15 am - 12:00 pm at The Living Room Story Theatre

Go Taiko

Richmond’s Go Taiko will wake up the festival with the power of their drums. Go Taiko and Taiko 55 share Japanese culture through the power of the taiko drums! Go Taiko is only the second youth Taiko group in the Lower Mainland. Taiko 55 is an energetic group of older adult women. Together, they are the only intergenerational Taiko group in BC.

All Ages

10:00 - 10:30 am at The Plaza

Chinese New Year Lion Dance

Established in 1939, the Hon Hsing Athletic Club of Vancouver is the Lower Mainland's premiere Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe dedicated to passing on Chinese culture and traditions to the next generation of Canadian youth.

All Ages

4:30 - 4:45 pm at The Plaza

Paul Silveria & the Crankie Box

Join old-time banjo player Paul Silveria for a mix of original and traditional songs about plants and animals. Families will sing along, dance along, and enjoy an old fashioned moving picture device from before television called a "Crankie."

Paul is a banjo player who has spent 20 years developing his repertoire of folk songs, instrumentals, and vintage-styled originals along with the stories behind the music and other interactive elements.

All Ages

3:50 - 4:20 pm at the Living Room Story Theatre

Fangfei Guzheng

The Guzheng, a product of traditional Chinese culture, is one of the most popular Chinese musical instruments. Ms. Fangfei has been learning it since childhood, blending contemporary and traditional elements in her music.

Jenny Zhang is a Richmond-based Guzheng teacher and performer based in Vancouver Canada, dedicated to sharing the beauty of traditional Chinese music and culture.

All Ages

1:25 - 1:55 pm at the Living Room Story Theatre

Ukulele & Storytelling with Jill Raymond

Jill Raymond is a multi-faceted creator hailing from the shores of the north-east of England. Accompanied by her trusty ukulele, Jill will be performing a brand new show created specifically for the festival, weaving stories and songs as she invites contemplation on identity, community, purpose and belonging.

All Ages

2:00 - 2:45 pm at the Story Nook

Roving Performance 12:30 - 4:00 pm

Songs & Stories with Taka Lee

Taka Lee will be sharing songs and stories reflective of Japanese-Canadian and West Coast history and culture in his signature traditional Japanese garb, with ukulele, shamisen and vocals in English and Japanese. 

Recommended Ages: 4+

2:30 - 3:00 pm at the Living Room Story Theatre

The Wild Moccasin Dancers

After presenting a performance in the Plaza from 1:30 to 2:10 pm, weather permitting, the Wild Moccasin Dancers will lead us in a workshop with drumming and dancing in the Rumpus Room from 3:00 - 3:40 pm, where they will share dance movements, rhythms, and the opportunity to drum on a large pow-wow drum.

The Wild Moccasin Dancers are an intertribal dance collective that live, work and dance on the Unceded Coast Salish Territories. The artists involved have been sharing their gifts for most of their lives, and express these gifts through songs, dances, and story telling.

All Ages

1:30 - 2:00 pm at The Plaza & 3:00 - 3:40 pm at The Rumpus Room

Drumming Workshop with Rhythm Resource

Drum up a storm with Rhythm Resource! Celebrate diversity, unity & community together on this Family Day, in an immersive, FUN hands-on Afro-Peruvian drumming workshop for all ages.

The "Cajon" is a versatile percussion instrument, originating in Peru and this workshop is the perfect introduction for all ages. Release your Rhythm in this energetic, tapping, clapping, drumming experience. Drop in & out or stay & play for the full time.

All Ages

12:00 - 1:00 pm , 2:00 - 2:45 pm at The Rumpus Room

DJ Dance Party with the RYMP

Opening the Rumpus Room for a day of loud fun, commotion, music and dancing, the staff and youth of the resident Youth Media Program invite you to join us for an open dance floor with dance tunes spun by the Disc Jockeys of the future.

Recommended Ages: 3+

11:30 am - 12:00 pm at The Rumpus Room

The Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra

Opening the festival from the upper level of the Richmond Art Centre’s Rotunda, the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra (RDYO) is presenting a selection of classical music performed by the talented youth of Richmond/Delta, conducted by Jonathan Der.

All Ages

10:30 - 11:10 am at the Rotunda

Bhangra Dance with Sandip

Join Sandip for a drop-in bhangra workshop: arrive on time to learn a whole dance sequence! Bhangra is an energetic, folk dance and music form that originated from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Today, it’s the newest dance, music, and fitness phenomenon spreading all over the world.

Recommended Ages: 6-13

3:45 - 4:15 pm at The Rumpus Room