We’re less than two months away from the 15th edition of Bass Coast and yet we’re still being treated to loads of epic announcements. The latest in these announcements contains a packed day-by-day performance artist lineup of multi-talented artists ranging from circus to burlesque.
Let’s go over the massive list of performers below: some are new to the boutique arts and music festival and others are familiar faces that are synonymous with past years of the festival.
Photo Credit: Banana Cam Photo (https://www.bananacamphoto.com/)
Six performance artists kicking things off Bass Coast’s Friday performances
Acromed, based out of Nelson, uses circus and movement art as a part of their performance. Dancing in Circles, based out of Toronto, is a professional aerialist and acrobat. She’s performed alongside celebrities like Snoop Dogg and for companies like Paramount+, NYX Cosmetics, and more.
If you’re from the Vancouver area and have caught shows at the Red Room, you may recognize Elektr. It’s hard to say exactly what type of performance we’ll see from her at Bass Coast. She’s multi-talented with a range of flow, fire, and aerial performances.
Fly by Night are a trio composed of Mackenzie Rose, Ally Bat, and Petunia Rae. Their performances have brought to a wide array of events, from tattoo conventions to internationally acclaimed events. Exciting to see what these aerialists bring to the stage. Kintsugi Cowgirl, whose name is an homage to the Japanese art of Kintsugi, will be “chassé through the crowd” with flora and jewels. Siren of the Elements is a fan flow artist who has performed at numerous venues from Salt Spring to Vancouver.
Photo Credit: Joffrey Photo (https://www.joffrey.ca/)
Performing artists continue with five artists on Saturday
Erin Breaker is a Cree-Blackfoot native from the Siksika Nation of Treaty 7 who will perform the jingle dress healing dance alongside Handsome Tiger’s Saturday set. K̓esugwilakw is a trained contemporary dancer from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and is also Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw/Musga̱mgw Dzawada̱’enuxw Łingít, in addition to being Magyar and Hungarian. Her Tribal Roots is the name of an artist collective
Lynx Chase is a multitalented performance artist. They have trained in so many things including aerial hoops, silks, contortion, partner acrobatics, belly dance, and Capoeira. Furthermore, they have been active in their craft all over the PNW: definitely a “do not miss” performance act. Omnika in Motion is a performance company based out of Vancouver that features dancers, circus artists, costume designers, and theatre pros.
House of Andromeda is a ballroom community dance group based out of the PNW. Iryss Opal is a performance artist that is brilliant at pole, dance, and comedy. King Dom trained in New York and is now known in the Vancouver burlesque and drag communities. He’s danced around the globe with an extensive background in contemporary dance and ballet. Zynth & Co is a group comprised of over 75 performers, choreographers, and costume designers. We can’t wait to see what this massive group will come up with costume and performance-wise!
Photo Credit: Visceral Photo (https://www.visceralphoto.com/)
Sunday will also feature a special performance artist showcase from the following performance artists.
Crystal Precious, who is also listed as a Main Stage host, was the former GM of Dollhouse Studios (which is no longer running). She has been an iconic mean Sue, MC for Bass Coast’s Main Stage. Additionally, over the Covid pandemic, she assisted with curating the Vancouver Mural Festival. Luna Yen is one part of a duo that also comprises Fei Liu. Luna is a pole dancer and pole dance teacher based out of Victoria, BC. Matthew Bagshaw is circus trained performance artist that will be performing alongside Lorynne Machado.
Dance, theatre, and circus troupe Subscura is returning to Bass Coast. If you attended Bass Coast 2022, you may have seen them doing a roaming performance through the grounds. Virago Nation is the first all-Indigenous burlesque group! Scarlet Delerium is a founding member of the group and also a costume designer for herself and other burlesque people. Another member, Ella Lamoureux, is a makeup artist and founding member of the Kelowna drag scene. The last member listed on Bass Coast’s bios is called Monday Blues. Outside of her contributions to the burlesque group, she makes jewelry through her brand.
Photo Credit: Banana Cam Photo (https://www.bananacamphoto.com/)
Main Stage performance artists have additionally been announced
We couldn’t kick off the Main Stage hosts list without starting with Crystal Precious, who will also be doing her performance on Sunday. MC Dizzy D, or “Dizzy Dlux” as he is alternatively known, is a crowd favorite for the hype. Sparkle Plenty is an Indigiqueer “glamedian” that is a member of the group Virago Nation, who will be performing on Sunday.
The 15th edition of Bass Coast Music Festival takes place this summer from July 7 to the 10th in Merritt, BC. Tickets sold out ahead of the festival’s full lineup release. If you still want to attend, why not get involved? Volunteer applications for the festival are still open.
Which performance artist are you most excited to see at Bass Coast Music and Arts Festival 2023? Let us know in the comments and on our socials. Hope to see you there!
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