It is with great sadness that we announce our beloved
NimbleFingers workshops and festival will not be happening in 2024, but will return for 2025
The past few years have brought unprecedented challenges, including the impacts of the pandemic and wildfires, which have profoundly affected our ability to produce a safe and enjoyable event. With three of the last four years cancelled due to events outside of our control, we need a year to recover and regroup.
We want to assure you that NimbleFingers will continue to be a highlight in the bluegrass and old-time music community for many years to come. We are just taking a year to recover, andalso consider new and exciting ways to connect with the community!
August 23 to 25, 2024 ~ Save-the-Date
We are planning to host a gathering around the dates of our usual festival weekend. Details to come! It will not be the usual NF format, but you can be sure we are cooking up something amazing! We hope to see you there.
Jump in and immerse yourself in the bluegrass and old-time music community and create lasting memories at NimbleFingers in 2023! Two workshop weeks to choose from and a great festival experience in the middle. All ages and experience levels are welcome!
NimbleFingers 2023 is shaping up to be an amazing two weeks! With instructors from all across the continent, nightly performances, square dances, an action packed festival day, and much more…bluegrass karaoke, campsite decorating contest, and so much jamming! Did we mention that it’s a mere stone’s throw from the beautiful Shuswap Lake?
NimbleFingers is comprised of two separate weeks of camp-style workshops with a small but mighty festival on the middle weekend. A typical day includes: a morning class, lunchtime activities, afternoon open workshops, an afternoon class, evening performances, square dances and lots of songs and jamming and extra activities.
A highlight of the week is the Wednesday night big hall party and dance, followed on Thursday by the student concert. Week #1 wraps up on Friday morning, and some folks head home, and others stay for the weekend festivities. Friday evening is the Honky Tonk Dinner & Dance, and Saturday is the public festival day. And then it starts all over again for week #2!
There are a variety of accommodation options, from camping to cabanas to lodge rooms. Most people sign up for the meal plan, to leave as much time as possible for music!
Join in the fun for one, or both, workshop weeks! Check out the workshop lineup to choose your class and instructor. There is something for everyone…or if you would like to hangout and enjoy the good times, without the pressure of taking a class, the Picker & Grinner option may be for you!
Originally founded as the British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop, NimbleFingers is now presenting its 34th year!
From the beginning, NimbleFingers has provided an environment rich in musical history and steeped in the acoustic traditions of bluegrass and old-time music. Bringing together people from across BC, western Canada, the U.S., and beyond,
NimbleFingers has built a community that comes together and continues to share this music!
The Sorrento Centre
NimbleFingers happens at the Sorrento Centre, located about 5 hours from Vancouver and 7 hours by car from Calgary. It is a beautiful retreat by the shores of Shuswap Lake. The site contains two lodges plus lots of cabins and campsites. Other facilities include a covered amphitheatre, a private beach, and beautiful trails. The kitchen specializes in delicious, healthy, camp-style meals.
Bursary Program
The NimbleFingers Bursary Program helps people who might not otherwise be able to participate due to financial circumstances. It is funded largely by generous donations from community members who have the capacity to give a little extra.
We know that many members of our community have been impacted financially over the past few years. The cost of the basics have continued to go up and our dollars are not going as far as they used to. While we believe that NimbleFingers offers a very valuable experience, we also understand that the costs can make it prohibitive for some folks.
If you are struggling with the costs of attending NimbleFingers and could use some help, we hope to help offset some of the financial challenges with support from the bursary fund! The fund offers support to a wide range of applicants including NimbleFingers newcomers and those who have been attending for many years, as well as all ages and skill levels.
Bursary applications will open in April. If you would benefit from assistance, check back in April and fill out the bursary application. If you have any questions, email us at bursary@nimblefingers.ca.
If you are able to help support the bursary fund, donations are greatly appreciated! The bursary fund relies on the generosity of those who are able to help others. NimbleFingers also contributes to the bursary fund each year, and we strongly believe this helps us become a more resilient and diverse community. Donations can be made at the time of registration or can be sent at any time throughout the year.