ISF2024: The Last Prayer Bead: Poetry, Story and Song

"Mr. Flowers seamlessly blends the rich rhythms of the blues and a Deep South patois in a lyrical, literate style." - THE NEW YORK TIMES

Come and gather beneath the vast summer sky for an enchanting evening where poetry, story and song will bring us into the power of the present moment. As we sit, facing the twilight over picturesque False Creek, you’ll experience an astonishing tapestry woven from words and melodies.

We are honoured to welcome back Arthur ‘Rickydoc’ Flowers, the great griot and hoodoo mystic. Known as a sage of stories, Arthur channels the deep-rooted tradition of West African griots through his blues-infused storytelling. His narratives resonate with the mystic axis of a mala turning through fingers, each bead unravelling a myth and serving as a wayfinder through the dark perils of our times.

The night will feature a medley of celebrated musicians and poets, including Governor General’s Literary Award winner Cecily Nicholson alongside violinist and vocalist Sejal, writer and poet Hari Alluri paired with Juno award-winning Gordon Grdina on oud and Dayne Ogilvie Prize winner Jillian Christmas, as well as a solo performance by Jody Okabe.

Witness the magic unfold as dusk settles, and bask in the paradox of endings/new beginnings.

This event is curated by Ruby Singh.

The Last Prayer Bead: Poetry, Story and Song Accessibility Information

ISF2024 Accessibility Information

This is an all-ages event.

Music Series Partner: Creative BC

Festival Supporting Partners: Granville Island, Hari Sharma Foundation

Community Cultural Partner: Massy Voices

Indian Summer Festival is made possible thanks to the wonderful support of:

FAQs

Which type of ticket should I purchase?

All ISF2024 events offer subsidized tickets for individuals facing financial barriers in accessing arts programming (subject to availability).

Ask yourself:

• Are you and your family homeowners or landowners?
• Have you attended private education, or have an advanced degree?
• Can you easily access and afford healthcare services?
• Do you have no debt and/or have disposable income?

If your answers were all ‘Yes’ please consider the Pay It Forward Admission price point. This allows us to offer our subsidized tickets to audience members in need.

Your answers were mostly ‘Yes’ or evenly split - we suggest the General Admission price point.

If your answers were majority or all ‘No’, we suggest the Subsidized Admission price point (subject to availability and offered across all of our ticketed events).

(thanks to Meenakshi Das of Data is for Everyone for the sliding scale framework)

Are there service fees on top of the ticket price?

Our listed ticket prices will be subject to GST and Eventbrite service fees.

Do I need a ticket to attend this event if I make a donation?

Yes! Please purchase a ticket if you wish to attend this event. You may add a donation to your order if you wish to support Indian Summer Arts Society further. Donations alone do not grant admission, however, donations of $25+ qualify for membership and a charitable tax receipt which will be issued in January following the calendar year in which your donation was made.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

This is an all-ages event. Attendees of any age require a ticket.

Is there reserved seating?

Bring a mat, blanket, folding chair or seating surface of your choice - wheelchair accessible seating can be arranged.

Will there be tickets available at the door?

While there may be some tickets available at the door, we recommend buying in advance as many events do sell out. Tickets will be sold at the door while supplies last, available for purchase by debit or credit card. Door sales open 1 hour prior to the event start time.