Dave Barber and is group from Penticton will be among the performers at the first-ever Digital Currents showcase in Salmon Arm Dec. 2. (submitted photo)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Dec. 2

New digital concert series showcases new artists

Nov 26, 2023 | 10:00 AM

Five emerging B.C. artists will have the chance to shine online and in person at the first-ever Digital Currents showcase.

A free, all-ages concert on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Song Sparrow Hall in Salmon Arm will allow music fans across the region to get a sneak peek of the talent behind the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society’s (SAFMS) new virtual concert series.

“When we set out to launch Digital Currents, we wanted to enrich the cultural fabric of our community, both in Salmon Arm and B.C. as a whole,” Kevin Tobin, artistic director, SAFMS, said. “These five artists are prime examples of the innovation and creativity of musicians in our province. We’re so excited to work with them and help share their music with the world.”

Organized by the SAFMS with the support of the BC Arts Council and the Province of British Columbia, the new series saw applications from musicians of all ages and genres and all corners of the province.

In the end, five were chosen to perform in Digital Currents:

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• Brass Camel, Vancouver
• Claire Coupland Duo, Victoria
• Dave Barber Trio, Penticton
• Heather Gemmell, Kimberley
• Rebecca Sichon Duo, Kelowna

The artists will spend two days at Song Sparrow Hall recording 45-minute segments with a professional camera and sound recording crew before the live showcase on Dec. 2. The series, which will be beamed into houses and onto screens in the new year, will also feature documentary-style interviews with the performers.

When Rebecca Sichon first heard about Digital Currents through a friend, the Kelowna-based R&B and pop singer with roots in soul and jazz loved the idea of the live-recorded set and showcase.

“We’ll be playing a wide range of my original material, from songs of love to songs about mental health,” said Sichon, who will be joined on stage by someone playing the Cajon, a Peruvian percussion instrument. “I’ll be playing the keys and guitar and am very much looking forward to being a part of this project.”

Rebecca Sichon of Kelowna (submitted photo)

Dave Barber is also looking forward to meeting other talented B.C. musicians and connecting with new fans. Comprised of Dave on guitar, Kirby Barber on bass and Michael Treadway on drums, the Penticton-based Dave Barber Trio brings a set list of originals and their own folk and jazz-fuelled classic covers.

“I saw an ad and thought it seemed like a cool opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting more like-minded artists who are also involved in the program,” Barber said. “I’m very grateful to have been chosen.”

Digital Currents will set the stage for the society’s 32nd annual ROOTS and BLUES Festival. Early-bird tickets to the July 26-28 festival go on sale Dec. 5.

For more information about Digital Currents or ROOTSandBLUES, visit the SAFMS online at rootsandblues.ca or call 250-833-4096.