In the last of this season’s Come to the Concert classes, we explore two contrasting works: the challenging Symphony No.1 of Gustav Mahler of 1889 and Sherwood Legend by Canadian composer Elizabeth Raum. Mahler’s symphony has acquired the nickname “Titanic,” a name which certainly describes the task facing listeners of this complex work, who must find a shape for the experiences of the hero of this musical adventure. A similar rewarding but less daunting task faces listeners to Raum’s Sherwood Legend, whose more accessible hero is “Swashbuckling,” ”Pensive,” and an “Unabashed Scoundrel” more in the manner of movie heroes of the recent past.

The Kamloops Freemasons will present a history of the establishment of the Masonic in Kamloops since 1886. They will highlight the Masons’s role in the growth of Kamloops and the contributions of some of their prominent leaders. You may well recognize some of the names of schools, buildings, land features and streets which were named after prominent people who were also Free Masons. Afterwards the presenters will conduct a short tour showcasing the Masonic Lodge facility.

KALS Invites you to the KALS Volunteer Appreciation Social and Presentation of the Margaret Cleaveley Award.

Wednesday May 20, 2026, 2pm – 3:30pm, Kamloops Sports Council, 1550 Island Parkway Drive, Kamloops.

Food, Friends, Door Prizes and Music by Jeremy Kneeshaw!

Free to attend for current members. Please register for the event here. Deadline to register is May 15, 2026

Session 1: May 21st at the Kamloops Sports Council.  Introduction to the Venables Valley and Mantra Music Event: Join us for an introductory event that will delve into the details of the beautiful Hare Krishna community in Venables Valley. This session is a prerequisite for anyone interested in registering to visit the valley on May 28th. The event will feature a presentation about the community, accompanied by live, traditional, meditational music. This will provide a unique opportunity to experience the culture and spirituality of the Hare Krishna community.
Session 2:  May 28th A trip to the Hare Krushna community.  Tour to Venables Valley: Exploring the Hare Krishna Village, also known as Saranagati Village. The name “Saranagati” means surrender to the Lord, and the approximately 30-35 families residing there live by the principle of surrendering the results of their actions to the service of Lord Krishna The village features a stunning temple, a goshala (a shelter for protected and worshiped cows), and a school that is aligned with the BC school district and also teaches according to the ancient traditions of India. Remarkably, the entire community lives off the grid, without access to gas or water lines. Some families have been residing here for over 45 years. Many community members also engage in small-scale farming, growing their own basic produce. We have had some success with growing wheat and look forward to expanding our efforts in the future. The community is known for its simple, vibrant, and colorful culture. Regular programs and gatherings are organized, attracting many visitors who come to witness the community’s warmth and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to Venables Valley and sharing the beauty of our community. Lunch will be provided.

We will tour lower and middle grasslands in the Ashcroft area looking at native and seeded grasslands, wildfire recovery, invasive plants and grazing use. Led by Mike Dedels, Executive Director of the GCC (Grasslands Conservation Council). We will arrange carpooling from Kenna Cartwright Park parking just east of the prison. Please dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes and bring enough food and drink for the day.

Join award winning journalist, Mehdi Hasan, as he sits down with the Guardian’s Arwa Mahdawi to discuss the current seismic changes in geopolitics, the alarming rise of populism and nationalism, and it’s global implications.  They will be answering questions.  This will be a London based livestream event so please arrive on time and feel free to bring a lunch.

On this field trip, we will briefly review the different types of land conservation mechanisms in BC and then go for a short walk on NCC’s Lac du Bois Conservation Area to review of some of NCC’s more recent land management projects on the property. We will go for a meander and find a nice spot to have lunch and answer any questions participants have about NCC and the things we see that day.