Art After Dark: Cirque!
Explore Fernie's vibrant visual and performance art scene through the lens of one of Fernie's most unique historical events - the arrival of the Texas Bill and his three ring circus in 1911. This spectacle-for-the-senses cultural experience features special performances by the Circus Insommiacs and magician Dr. Van Hooligan, cocktail mastery by the Fernie Distillery, culinary artistry by Fernie's celebrity chef, Barrie Elliott, and live music at each of the evening's five venues.
CIRCUS INSOMMIACS | Circus Insomniacs are a dynamic performance troupe offering a visceral experience through ritualistic dance, awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics and powerful fire choreography. The relationship between music and movement influences their unique storytelling into universal means of communication. Their mission is to encourage playfulness and inspire people to find their own strengths. By exposing crowds to the interactive capacity of performance, they strive to create a public appreciation of the performing arts.
DR. VAN HOOLIGAN | After a journey that took him to the far reaches of the world, he finally understood how the magic really worked, Dr Von Houligan has been bringing this knowledge to his show and has been entertaining folks all over the world. From Paris to Las Vegas to New Zealand, Dr Von Houligan has been bringing joy and amazement to the world since ’07. He has a unique style that hails from the 1920’s, with a dash of flamboyancy. He lives from his steamer trunks that he takes everywhere with him, so he always has his props with him and is ready to raise a show at the drop of a hat.
BARRIE ELLIOT | Growing up in her family’s health food store and restaurant in rural Nova Scotia, Barrie spent her early years rolling cinnamon buns and stocking shelves. Completing her apprenticeship hours at a catering company in Vancouver affirmed her love for the diverse restaurant and catering industry. Soon after, Barrie attained her Red Seal Chef Certification in Culinary Arts and made her way to the quaint mountain town of Fernie. Over the past 10 years Barrie has run kitchens, consulted on menus and started her own successful catering company. 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 in Fernie. Together with Lacey Wilson, Barrie is excited to create beautiful food for Fernie Catering Co, a bespoke catering company whose food philosophy is deeply rooted in seasonality and sustainability. Barrie and Lacey do their very best to utilize local, fresh, in season ingredients where possible.
FERNIE DISTILLERS | Fernie Distillers is driven by passion. They use proven age-old techniques and the best quality ingredients to produce spirits we can be proud of. Their product line will start with No 9 Mine Vodka, Fernie Fog Liqueur and will grow to include a variety of infusions, unique barrel-aged and seasonal batches. Located in Historic Downtown Fernie, Fernie Distillers faces the railroad track where the original pioneering prospectors and miners disembarked ready to begin their new lives. Close your eyes and take a sip of one of their hand-crafted spirits, listen for the whistle of the train on the tracks and transport yourself back to those bygone days in our lounge.
Advance tickets only, $70; tickets are available online and at the Fernie Museum. 19+ event. Includes food presentations and 5 craft drinks, followed by a cash bar for additional beverages at the final art party venue.