Chautauqua Opening Gala

Join members of the Ktunaxa Nation, the City of Fernie and the festival organizing committee in kicking off Fernie's premier cultural festival with culinary artistry by Fernie's celebrity chef, Barrie Elliott, and live entertainment by Red Girl and Hark Raving Sirens. Exhibiting artist Peggy Black will be in attendance.
All welcome. Cash Bar.

RED GIRL | Musical married couple Anie & Michael Hepher are a creative tour-de-force playing a variety of instruments including ukulele, banjo, mandolin and guitar. Red Girl’s music is a light shade of bluegrass with visible folk roots showing about homegrown life, family, fields, ponies and railroads.

HARK RAVING SIRENS | Hark Raving Sirens are an all female vocal trio performing a repertoire of cleverly crafted covers that draw from classics including The Andrews Sisters, Ray Charles and the Carter Family, to more contemporary artists such as First Aid Kit and The Lumineers. Rearranging vocal melodies from both modern and vintage tunes into breathtaking harmonies that often take on a jazz and swing feel, these women are sure to have something for everyone.

CHEF BARRIE ELLIOT | After growing up and working n her family’s health food store and restaurant in rural Nova Scotia, at 17, Barrie headed west and spent time working the kitchens in isolated fishing camps on the West Coast and backcountry lodges in the Rocky Mountains. She completed her apprenticeship in Vancouver and attained her Red Seal Chef Certification in Culinary Arts before making her way to Fernie, where she has spent the past 10 years running kitchens and consulting on menus. Fortune favours the brave, and in 2015 Barrie competed on the popular national Food Network TV show “Chopped Canada.” Winning her episode helped her launch her dreams of starting her own business, Fenrie Catering Co. in Fernie together with business partner, Lacey Wilson. Their food philosophy is deeply rooted in seasonality and sustainability, utilizing the very best local, fresh, in-season ingredients whenever possible.