House parties, coffeehouses, restaurants, festivals, the local theatre, the streets, the Farmers' Market, a recently restored Anglican Church – the oldest building in town – and even a daycare in Telkwa. All are popular and frequent venues for live music in Smithers.
Famous Smithers Musicians
Musicians and music lovers congregate in this small town, including several famous artists: Alex Puentes, a Canadian Juno-award winner originally from Cuba, Jenny Lester from the Hungry Hill band, roots singer Mark Perry and others.
These and about 50 more local groups, plus hundreds of fans keep the music scene swinging year-round while various out-of-town acts also travel through town regularly.
Musical performances in town range from classical to blues to rock, roots, folk, reggae, punk and celtic. You name it and it's likely that a Smithereen plays it.
Festivals and Events
Several music festivals take place in the Bulkley Valley and are a pretty big draw for visitors. For instance, the Midsummer Music Festival, a three-day long annual festival that began more than 25 years ago, usually happens at the end of June. It hosts approximately 70 acts including a few headliners and many supporting, regional bands. The festival is a relaxed and fun, family-oriented affair.
For information on shows and musical workshops, which also happen frequently in town, visitors can ask at the Smithers Music Centre and Mountain Eagle Books, two shops in the downtown core.
Dance, Drama and Art
Other than music, Smithers offers several other artsy entertainment choices such as local and travelling dance and drama productions. The art gallery in the Central Park Building on the corner of Highway 16 and Main Street is also worth a visit. The art shows there feature talented regional artists and change monthly.