2024 Festival Day
FESTIVAL DAY 2024
2024 Special Feature & Opening Act
Leo D.E Johnson & Band
Leo D.E Johnson aka Boy Leo (Him/Them) is a Trans masc, non-binary, Black Scotian rock n' roll artist whose music encompasses a unique blend of soulful soundscapes and heartfelt lyricism. Drawing on his personal experiences and culture for lyrical inspiration, Johnson crafts thought-provoking songs that explore identity and belonging, creating an emotional sonic experience unlike any other. Their work celebrates the power of connection, inspiring listeners to think differently about themselves and their place in the world. With a passion for pushing boundaries musically and conceptually, Leo’s lyrics are as ambitious as they are thoughtful – and his live performances are nothing short of spectacular. Find them Leo D E Johnson on Spotify. Sit back and enjoy the reflection!
Haley Regan
Haley Regan is an Indigenous artist from the Penticton Indian Band in British Columbia. She started exploring her artistic capabilities at a young age under the mentorship of Indigenous artist and Grandmother, Phyllis Isaac. She completed high school a year early in 2014 to attend Langara College for Political Science and International relations. Haley studied one semester at Langara College before enrolling in the Blanche Macdonald Global Makeup Artistry Program in 2015. After having a successful career in Vancouver’s makeup artistry scene for 5 years utilizing her talents in live theatre, fashion, and high end retail, she returned home to the Okanagan in 2021. Haley then started the journey to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the En’owkin Centre and the University of British Columbia to complete her degree. She teaches a variety of Indigenous arts workshops throughout the Okanagan and is always actively seeking new opportunities that she can partner with youth on. Most recently Haley has taken on the role of the Penticton and District Community Arts Council’s new Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator.
1150am-12pm
Madeline Terbasket
12:45-1:30pm
Madeline Terbasket (pronouns: they/them) is a two-spirit performing artist. They are proudly syilx, Ho-chunk, and Anishinaabe. They grew up in the beautiful Similkameen Valley and now live in Penticton. Madeline Terbasket is reimagining traditional stories with their physical comedy, queerness, and vulnerability.
Leo D.E Johnson aka Boy Leo (Him/Them) is a Trans masc, non-binary, Black Scotian rock n' roll artist whose music encompasses a unique blend of soulful soundscapes and heartfelt lyricism. Drawing on his personal experiences and culture for lyrical inspiration, Johnson crafts thought-provoking songs that explore identity and belonging, creating an emotional sonic experience unlike any other. Their work celebrates the power of connection, inspiring listeners to think differently about themselves and their place in the world. With a passion for pushing boundaries musically and conceptually, Leo’s lyrics are as ambitious as they are thoughtful – and his live performances are nothing short of spectacular. Find them Leo D E Johnson on Spotify. Sit back and enjoy the reflection!
12:00pm-12:45pm
Leo D.E Johnson & Band
William
William has been a performer all his life and dance has always held a special place for him. Western dance trained, his recent work includes choreographer for Station2Station, performed at the Revolver Festival in Vancouver, as well as creating the videos and sound effects for the production. When he discovered raqs sharqi (dance of the east) it opened his eyes to a whole new approach to movement and led him to study with many great Egyptian teachers including Mahmoud Reda in Cairo.
140-155pm
Toddy
There are seemingly endless possibilities to self-expression, and Toddy is out there breaking new ground. A Vancouver-based comedian and trained opera singer, Toddy found recognition by winning Season 1 of OutTV’s Call Me Mother, being a vocal soloist in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in the “Symphony of Terrors!”, and performing at festivals around North America. With a winning combination of drag, standup comedy, opera, classical and popmusic, Toddy (she/they) is redefining the very idea of pop stardom on their debut album ‘Always’.
155-225
Keisha (Penticton, BC) is a passionate & powerful performance artist, instructor and choreographer. Her graceful, earthy and organic dance style is highlighted by her contagious joy and love for the dance. Keisha is known and complimented for her informed teaching practices and enticing stage presence.
As Founder & Artistic Director of popular SWANA & Fusion Dance Company: Boundless Belly Dance and with 19 years in the Southwest Asian & North African Dance Community, Keisha has created a number of programs within her company to advocate for LGBTQ2S+ & Black, Indigenous & Racialized folks. She believes deeply that art can change the world, specifically through dance.
1:30-1:40pm
Keisha McLean
Yanti
For two decades, Yanti has performed locally in many different combos and venues. From Jazz Standards at weddings or retirement homes to rock ballads for fundraisers, either live or karaoke, Yanti has a diverse range of vocal talents. Yanti performs regularly with local jazz band Sax Among Friends, The Justin Glibbery Quintet, Crawford & Crossley Quartet and the SoCo Blues Crew.
Yanti Sharples is a wise soul with a powerful love for life whose lifelong aspiration has been to build strength, hope and community through the shared human experience of music. Through writing, singing, playing instruments and teaching Yanti shares her unique frequency with her fans and students. Yanti believes that the vibrations we emit from our bodies are the best medicine for what ails us. She aims to keep encouraging positive change in her environment by leading by example, as she is driven to make a difference in the world.
Yanti plays the ukulele, cello and shaker. She is a seasoned karaoke host and bartender!
Yanti is grateful to create on the beautiful unceded lands of the Okanagan Sylix people.
Please visit www.yanti.ca for details on upcoming performances.
225-255
Ella Lamoureux
Ella Lamoureux is a Two-Spirit drag artist from the Yukon, who has significantly contributed to the growth of the drag scene in Kelowna. She identifies as a member of the Kaska Dena First Nation and uses her platform to represent and advocate for Two-Spirit individuals. Ella has been a drag entertainer for over a decade, participating in various drag events and competitions. Notably, she was a contestant on the first season of "Call Me Mother," a Canadian drag reality show. Ella has also been a mentor to other drag performers, fostering a sense of community and support within the drag scene. Her work extends beyond performance, as she hosts a podcast named "Dénht’ā," where she shares stories and experiences of Indigenous folks from various First Nations, aiming to create a platform for their voices to be heard. Ella's work and presence in the drag community have been instrumental in raising awareness and understanding of Two-Spirit identities and Indigenous cultures
255-310pm
Shayna Jones
Shayna Jones (she/her) is an award winning actor, a playwright, a folklorist, and a multi-disciplinary spoken word artist specializing in the traditional oral storytelling of African and Afro-Diasporic lore.
As a professionally trained performer, vocalist, and fine mover, Shayna has crafted performances for countless audiences across Canada featuring Afro-centric Folk History, Folklore and Contemporary Experience. Learn more about Shayna and her work at: www.wearestoryfolk.com
310-330
Round Table with Returning Artists
Join Pride Arts Festival returning Artists Leo D.E Johnson, Kinfolk Nation, and Fight or Flea for an enticing and captivating round table. Learn about their processes, hear their collaborations, and lose yourself in the perfect Pride Arts sound.
330-415
DJ Daisy
Hailing from the heart of the Okanagan, First Nations DJ Daisy Bliss is a sonic alchemist, blending the raw energy of hip hop, the euphoric pulse of house, and the relentless drive of drum and bass into a high-frequency elixir. Her music is a journey, a pulsating tapestry that moves bodies and uplifts souls. With a deep connection to her roots and a passion for pushing boundaries, Daisy Bliss is more than just a DJ; she's a spiritual guide, inviting listeners into a world of rhythm and resonance.
415-445
Leah started at the age of two in Calgary. She fell in love with ballet early on and didn’t branch to other genres until she was around ten years old and fell in love with all forms of dance. Leah choreographed a solo for a fellow dancer at the tender age of thirteen and knew immediately that she wanted to become a teacher. Leah began her teaching career as a Junior Teacher in Fort McMurray at the age of fifteen and worked her way through to level 8 Al Gilbert Tap, Cecchetti Junior Ballet Graded Teacher course and completed close to fifteen different teacher training workshops as in Edmonton, Calgary, Arizona, California, New York and online. Leah opened her own studio in 2012 (as The Dance Studio Oliver) and still has a huge passion for passing her knowledge on, even as she continues to learn, to future generations. “I believe all it takes to be a “dancer” is a love for moving to music and the willingness to give it all you got in every class”
445-5
Leah, Rise Dance Academy
After a successful summer of touring BC, Kansas-Lee is home again for a few performances in the Okanagan, before setting off to the UK and Europe for the winter. Her new album is more than a collection of songs, it’s a mirror of our own stories, the strength that resides within us, a call to embrace our vulnerability, and a reminder of the importance of movement. Her music drifts towards a soulful, modern folk sound, with a powerful voice and lyrics that permeate the senses.
5-530
Kansas Lee
“Last night I dreamt about taking over the world with the Kinfolk Nation. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s the best dream I’ve had in a while.” We are Kinfolk Nation, free like the Negmawon and guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu. Kinfolk Nation is an artist coalition documenting the experiences and stories of contemporary Africans/ Caribbeans/ Spirits, and the kindred spirits they cross paths with. We are building a nation, people! We are building a nation.
Everybody is welcome but only if you have love.
530-6
Lady Dia and Trophy of Kinfolk Nation
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Taylor Williams (they/them) is an American-Canadian Poet, born in Los Angeles California. Their poems stem from complex relations of loved ones struggling with addiction, finding and recovering from love, and finding oneself. The journey is bittersweet, but promising. Taylor currently resides in British Columbia, Canada, always writing, and redefining their world.
6-630
Taylor Williams
Fight or Flea is a bisexual folk-punk musician from Penticton, British Columbia. He has been performing for 5 years and has written songs about love, mental health, apostasy, and sexuality. He blends folksy guitar and raspy vocals to create an original sound. You can find his single, "Getting Better" on all streaming services, and follow him on instagram @fightorfleamusic.
630-715
Fight or Flea - Closing Act
We acknowledge that the Pride Arts Festival takes place on the stolen, traditional ancestral territory of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation. Syilx Okanagan People have lived, gathered, occupied, traded, built sustainable economies and responsibly managed this territory since the beginning of people on this land. The Pride Arts Festival is hosted in what is now known as Osoyoos, derived from the word sw̓iw̓s (pronounced "soo-yoos") meaning "narrowing of the waters" in the local Okanagan/Nsyilxcən (n̓səl̓xcin̓, n̓syilxčn̓) language. sw̓iw̓s (Osoyoos) is within the Osoyoos Indian Band’s area of leadership and business responsibility that extends from the South Okanagan into the Boundary and Kootenay regions.