The Collective Magazines

ES:MO at River City Stage
1970-01-01 19:30 - 2026-06-13 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Rivercity Stage, 1080 Hemlock St, Campbell River, BC, V9W 3E4, Canada
ES:MO is Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti, two imaginative genre-defying musicians who create music that is uniquely their own. ES:MO fuses a love of songwriting with the inventive musicianship they’re known for as perennial Juno Award nominees (19 JUNO nominations between the two!) and veterans of the Toronto music scene.
Michael Occhipinti’s huge palette of sounds and versatile skills has made him one of Canada’s most admired guitarists. He leads jazz orchestras, plays afro-pop, R&B, funk, and Sicilian folk music, and does it all with finesse, curiosity, and virtuosity. He’s played with Bruce Cockburn, Bill Frisell, Trey Anastasio, Laila Biali, Andrea Bocelli, the Toronto Symphoni and many more.
Elizabeth Shepherd is a classically trained pianist who turned to jazz through her love of old-school hip-hop. She’s been hailed as “wholly unique and unclassifiable,” a “jazz virtuoso with a pop sensibility” blaring the boundaries between jazz, R&B, pop and hip-hop. Her soulful and ethereal voice and keyboard work stunned listeners on ES:MO’s debut album The Weight of Hope, which received a JUNO nomination in 2022. The album was built around the duo’s unique interpretations of songs by Stevie Wonder, Bruce Cockburn, Jackie Shane, Nick Drake and others.
The second ES:MO album SUNSHINE IN MY BONES which comes out just before this tour is a celebration of the duo’s own compositions built on hours of jam sessions, found sounds such as washing machines, improvised voice and guitar loops, and the magical connection Elizabeth and Michael have when they create music together. Their thoughtful songs explore everything from war crimes to cruise ship class warfare, love among tulips, and the need for human connection. On the recording they’re joined by guest drummers Larnell Lewis, Jinu Isac, Tony Ferraro, and Marito Marques. For this west coast tour they’ll be joined by Tony Ferraro on drums and Derek Fillippo on bass.
The Highway 19 Concert Series is supported by the Province of BC through BC Arts Council and BC Live, and the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage.
General admission tickets are $30 with a limited number available for $20 to be accessible for those with limited income. Youth tickets are only $5.
For tickets and info visit TIDEMARKTHEATRE.COM

Miners Memorial Weekend
2026-06-11 - 2026-06-15 | Village of Cumberland
Celebrate the 40th annual Miners Memorial Weekend with the Cumberland Museum and pay tribute to workers from Cumberland and around the world who lost their lives in unsafe working conditions. Learn about the history of the Cumberland Mines and the lives lost in the quest for coal.
In celebration of this milestone year the weekend will offer music, food, tours, and storytelling.
For a schedule and more information visit MINERSMEMORIAL.CA.
MINE RESCUE TEAM. C175-008. PHOTO COURTESY OF CUMBERLAND MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Denman Island Home and Garden Tour
2026-06-13 09:30 - 2026-06-14 16:00 | Denman Island, British Columbia, V0R 1T0, Canada
Explore the hidden gems of this Salish Sea paradise. 11 islanders and 4 community landmarks open their garden gates and front doors for a rare peek into island creativity, craftsmanship, plant wisdom, and love of beauty.
If you love gardens, design, and art, if you are fascinated with island lifestyles, if you want to see sustainability in action, or if you are looking for a memorable day or weekend trip, this tour will make you happy.
All proceeds go to the Denman Conservancy Association, a Registered Charity which, with the support of the Home and Garden Tour, has protected over 800 acres of Denman Island.
For Tickets and Information visit DENMANCONSERVANCY.ORG/TOUR/.

Check out our article from Comox Valley Collective Vol. 45, on the Home & Garden Tour.

Creative Spaces Garden and Studios Tour
2026-06-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Cortes Island Museum, 957 Beasley Road, Masons Landing, BC, V0P 1K0, Canada
The Cortes Island Museum sponsors this unique tour of creative spaces on Cortes each year on a Saturday in June or July. It always has a great variety of special places to stimulate your senses. Tickets include a map and descriptions of places on the tour, and they are available for purchase in late May at Cortes stores, Friday Markets at Manson’s Hall and the Museum. Refreshments are available in the Museum’s Heritage Garden.
The tour is an important fundraiser for the Cortes Island Museum and supports Public Education, Outreach, and Archive Programs.
If you are interested in showing your garden or your art at the tour, call the Museum at 250-935-6340 or email cimas@cortesmuseum.com.
COVER PHOTO – SEASCAPE GARDENS, BY MARTHA ABELSON

Transformations on the Shore
2026-06-24 - 2026-07-28 | Frank James Park, 2084 S Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC, V9W 1C1, Canada
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Transformations on the Shore, the driftwood carving competition that has been seen by thousands. Visitors and local residents love to watch the carvers at work and enjoy the carvings that are left along the Sea Walk and throughout the City of Campbell River.
50/50 Raffle tickets are now available for purchase. Only 2500 printed! You can get them from various businesses in Willow Point or from any member of the Board,
Brought to you by the Campbell River Shoreline Arts Society.

2026 VANCOUVER ISLAND HERB GATHERING
2026-06-26 08:00 - 2026-06-28 17:00 | Innisfree Farm, 3636 Trent Road, Courtenay, BC, V9N 9R4, Canada
The Vancouver Island Herb Gathering is returning for a weekend of learning, ceremony, and connection at Innisfree Farm & Botanic Garden in Courtenay, BC.
The Vancouver Island Herb Gathering has been running since 2013 biannually on the beautiful botanical sanctuary Innisfree Farm, and attracting plant people from all over Western Canada and the United States.
This year the Herb Gathering will take place from June 26-28, 2026 with a triple keynote lineup unlike any other:

Rosemary Gladstar
David Winston
Nancy Turner

If you’re a Canadian Herb Conference 2025 ticket holder, you’ll receive first access to register for the Gathering before tickets open to the public!
Get your ticket now at herbconference.com.

Check out our article from Comox Valley Collective Vol. 41 on Innisfree Farm & Botanical Garden.

Twelve Hours of Cumberland Bike Race
2026-06-27 08:00 - 20:00 | Cumberland Trail Network, Cumberland, BC, Canada
The classic Twelve Hours of Cumberland (THC) is back! 12 hours of racing from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Race in a teams, in a pair, or race solo. All participants get a BBQ lunch and entry for awesome prizes from the sponsors.
Costumes are encouraged.
Registration closes 10 business days before racing. (no changes after that).
For registration and more information visit UNITEDRIDERSOFCUMBERLAND.COM

Coaltown Throwdown
2026-07-04 08:00 - 20:00 | Gravity MTB, 3274 Third St, Cumberland, Canada
Coaltown Throwdown Women’s Enduro is back for a fifth year of awesome Cumberland singletrack, on-course fun, delicious food, rad music and incredible vibes. This race is open to female-identifying riders of all levels.
Please note you must be a UROC member in order to register for this event.
This year the regular course will include 3 stages of blue square trails, with a shorter youth course, and an extra 4th & 5th stage for the Givers and Experts. There will also be a Joyride category for those who are in it just for the fun and not interested in timed racing – this is where you can ride class 1 e-bikes and ride any stages with your sisters.
The Day will start at Coaltown headquarters at the Gravity MTB Garage, hit the Cumberland trail network, and end with a party at The Gravity MTB Garage.
Categories

Youth – Under 14. You’re fairly new to biking and racing and want to start with a shorter, fun and casual experience. You can comfortably ride ~15-20 km. *Youth may sign up for any category they feel would be appropriate to be in.
Cruiser – You’re newer to mountain biking or don’t feel like pushing a race pace. You are comfortable on blue flow trails. 3 stages. 20 km.
Giver – You’re an intermediate rider that wants to push it on the descents, prefers blue trails and a little black. 4 stages, 25 km.
Joyride – You’re here for the blast – no racing, just riding. Any (non-motorized) craft welcome, including class 1 e-bikes. Ride carefree with your crew. Not on the clock, but you’ll get a Joyride race plate to be the part. Ride any stages with your sisters.
Full Send – You love to go fast and compete. Includes an extra stage that will be black/ double black. 5 stages, 30-35 km.
Full Send Masters – sub category +40years – register for Full Send and we’ll work out the rest.

You must be a UROC member in order to register.
For Registration and more information visit UNITEDRIDERSOFCUMBERLAND.COM

PHOTO BY SARAH KEMPNER

Summer Ramble Festival - Merville
2026-07-10 - 2026-07-11 | Merville Community Hall, 1245 Fenwick Rd, Merville, BC, V0R 2M0, Canada
Presented by Highway 19 Concerts and hosted by J. Plank, the summer festival edition of Ramble at the Merville Hall features two summer nights of music collaboration and community. Inspired by the late, great Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Ramble in Woodstock, NY, each Ramble shines a spotlight on the songs of emerging and established regional talents and guest headliners, all backed by J. Plank and his stellar Vancouver Island house band.
Friday:

Lindi Ortega – guitar, vocals & songs
G. Lee Worden – guitars, keys, vocals & songs
J. Plank – musical director, host, guitars & vocals
Chris Mason – bass, vocals
Dallas Carrie – drums, vocals
Plus guests from the first Ramble songwriting workshop

Saturday:

Brandon Isaak – guitars, vocals & songs
Christy Vanden – guitars, vocals & songs
J. Plank – musical director, host, guitars & vocals
G. Lee Worden – guitars, keys, vocals
Chris Mason – bass, vocals
Dallas Carrie – drums, vocals

The Ramble is a family friendly, licensed event.
Tickets: $35 general admission Friday or Saturday with a $10 discount when you purchase both, $50 limited premium seating for Friday or Saturday, $5 per night for youth (+applicable taxes & fees)
Ramble songwriting workshop with J. Plank and Lindi Ortega July 9-10 includes festival admission. Info and registration at jplankmusic.com/workshops-lessons
For more information and tickets vist TIDEMARKTHEATRE.COM/EVENT/SUMMER-RAMBLE-FESTIVAL
