Immerse Yourself in More Art, Culture and Music Workshops than Ever Before!
Dive into vibrant and diverse cultural experiences at the 2024 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival! This year, we’re thrilled to offer more workshops than ever before, featuring skilled musicians, talented artists, and respected Indigenous cultural leaders.
Our workshops have always been a favourite among attendees, and whether you’re passionate about music, aspiring to be an artist, or eager to explore Indigenous traditions, our expanded line-up is sure to ignite your creativity, foster learning and understanding, and make the 2024 Festival an event you won't forget!
"We want to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and skill levels can explore and enhance their artistic abilities,” says the Festival’s Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Dave Quinn. “By offering workshops led by accomplished artists and musicians, the festival seeks to inspire creativity, champion artistic excellence, and promote cultural diversity.”
In previous years, festival-goers enjoyed a variety of beloved workshops and activities, including "Painting to Music" led by Fraser Valley artist Felicity Holmes, "Make Your Own Musical Instrument" hosted by the Langley Centennial Museum, and Indigenous art-infused button making. The Fort Langley Arts Group (FLAG) offered a captivating live painting demonstration, while Indigenous artist Corey Moras presented an insightful demonstration on Indigenous drum making. We also hosted workshops designed especially for our youngest festival audience, including fun activities like harmonica making and watercolour painting.
We’re now thrilled to unveil an exciting line-up of workshops at the 2024 Festival. Check them out below!
Art Workshops
Summer Florals Watercolour Workshop with Julie Epp
Saturday, July 27 | 12pm
Discover how to sketch and ink a drawing, then bring your masterpiece to life with watercolour techniques! Create quick sketches inspired by beautiful flower bouquets.
Mehndi (Henna Art) Workshop with Baljeet Kaur
Saturday, July 27 | 1pm or 3pm
Sunday, July 28 | 1pm or 3pm
Learn about the magic of henna art with the talented Baljeet! Create your designs on paper and if comfortable, your hands!
Polaroid Landscapes in Watercolour with Julie Epp
Saturday, July 27 | 2pm
Draw inspiration from local scenery and reference images to create a 4”x3” landscape painting to take home! Experiment with watercolor techniques and add your unique touch.
Metallic Objects (Acrylic) with Sichen Grace Chen
Sunday, July 28 | 12pm or 2pm
Gather inspiration from brass jazz instruments and master the step-by-step process of painting metallic objects using acrylics!
Arnie (Lek’hoosh) Leon
Indigenous Workshops
The Heartbeat of Indigenous Culture with Dennis (TsaTsomTun) Leon
Saturday, July 27 | 12pm
Explore the rich musical heritage of the Kwantlen First Nations through storytelling and song with Dennis, cultural teacher and the Keeper of Songs.
Métis Wood Paddle Carving and Painting with Pat Calihou
Saturday, July 27 | 2pm
Participate in a hands-on demonstration of wood paddle carving and painting led by the celebrated Métis artist and carver, Pat Calihou. Explore Métis cultural art forms and techniques firsthand!
Indigenous Flute with Arnie (Lek’hoosh) Leon
Sunday, July 28 | 12pm or 2pm
Discover the traditions and spiritual significance of the sacred flute with Arnie, a member of the Sts’aillers Nation from the Upper Fraser Valley.
The Eagle Dance with Arnie (Lek’hoosh) Leon
Sunday, July 28 | 2pm
Participants in this immersive workshop will gain insight into the spiritual importance of the Eagle Dance, exploring its symbolic meanings and the eagle's revered role as a messenger to the creator.
Hilario Duran
Music Workshops
Drum Workshop with Tony Coleman
Saturday, July 27 | 11am
Discover the rhythms and techniques of jazz drumming with Tony Coleman, a renowned drummer celebrated for his dynamic style and vast drumming experience.
Journeys to the Bandstand, Thirty Jazz Lives in Vancouver Book Talk with Chris Wong
Saturday, July 27 | 12:30pm
Sunday, July 28 | 2:30pm
FREE, No Registration Required
Join Chris as he talks about his journey writing Journeys to the Bandstand. This powerful book reveals the remarkable artists that have helped shape the Vancouver jazz music scene.
Double Bass Workshop with Kodi Hutchinson
Saturday, July 27 | 2pm
Learn foundational and advanced double bass techniques with Kodi Hutchinson, a talented bassist recognized for his impeccable jazz expertise.
Piano Workshop with Hilario Duran
Saturday, July 27 | 3pm
Gain piano techniques and improvisation skills from Hilario Duran, a distinguished jazz pianist known for his creative virtuosic playing.
Vocal Jazz Workshop with Darlene Cooper and Bill Sample
Sunday, July 28 | 1pm
Hone your vocal techniques and performance skills with Darlene Cooper and Bill Sample, seasoned jazz musicians committed to nurturing jazz talent.
History of Jazz Big Bands with John Korsrud
Sunday, July 28 | 3pm
Learn trumpet performance and jazz interpretation from John Korsrud, a distinguished trumpeter celebrated for his expressive playing and teaching expertise.
Register for music workshops here
No matter what brings you to the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, we have workshops to ignite your imagination! Don't forget to check out workshops and activities in the Kidz Zone for your youngest Festival companions!
“These interactive workshops are designed to reflect the festival’s commitment to high-quality, community-oriented arts programming that celebrates both traditional and contemporary artistic practices," says Dave.