05/21/2026
STOLEN FROM THE PAGES OF THE PIQUE:
by David Song
Point Artist-Run Centre fundraiser to feature Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society
The event, dubbed 'Sin and Gin,' is scheduled for May 22 at the PARC itself
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The next Point Artist-Run Centre (PARC) fundraiser is swinging around the corner—pun fully intended.
Kat Single-Dain and Nathan Barrett are headlining an event dubbed "Sin and Gin." Single-Dain will teach an all-levels dance lesson to those in attendance before Barrett and his Brass Tax band light up the venue.
Both artists play instruments (trombone and sousaphone for Single-Dain, trumpet for Barrett) and they'll be joined on stage by guitarist Noah Walker, bassist Patrick Metzger, clarinet man Matt Lam and drummer Sangito Bigelow.
"We had the opportunity to get a great swing band from Vancouver, Brass Tax, along with their swing dance instructors from the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret," says PARC artistic director Stephen Vogler in a press release. "When I dug a little more into the emergence of swing dancing, I discovered it really exploded a hundred years ago in 1926 at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York."
Red Seal Chef Frédéric Royer is on deck to serve an appropriately 1920s-themed four-course dinner, with fine wines, craft beers and specially-curated gin cocktails available as well. Sea to Sky artists and businesses have donated items for the silent auction that remains open through the night of the event.
Single-Dain and Barrett have frequently performed in Whistler, but Friday will mark their first visit to the PARC. They accepted the gig after hearing from Walker, who has previously attended a similar event.
"We love collaborating with all kinds of groups and are no stranger to that," Barrett says. "We also run the Parade of Lost Souls here in Vancouver, which is over 200 artists and dozens of different groups that we work with. We're up for anything, really. Stephen's awesome, the space is awesome, there's nothing not to like.
"All the tunes we're playing are going to be from around, give or take, [the 1920s]. We're really doing only old-timey swing and it's amazing how fun and uplifting this music can be. These are good tunes. They stand up. They withstood the test of time."
Dancing is a commonplace social activity, but it can also generate anxiety for those who are more introverted or relatively shy to physical contact. However, Single-Dain wants to put people's minds at ease.
"I want people to know that the way I teach makes it really easy to grab onto. I've been basically specializing in beginner lessons," she explains. "I love teaching. I think it's a great honour to teach beginners because I want the world to dance more, and this music is great for dance, too. The way I do it is just to make it as easy as walking. We're walking to the music and starting there. I have tricks that I've developed."
Although swing dance can appear bouncy and vibrant, its movements are grounded to the point where Single-Dain compares it to being in a basketball game. This is in contrast to certain other famous styles like tango, which give the impression of flowing smoothly across the floor.
Barrett and Single-Dain both originate from the realm of theatre acting. As professional and personal partners, they're grateful for the chance to do what they love together.
"It means the world to us," remarks Barrett. "We've got our kids hanging around and we've got our babies that we're kind of juggling backstage sometimes, but it's just so beautiful to have a family feel on stage and I think people really find that endearing.
"Also, we have a connection. I've played in a lot of bands with a lot of musicians and playing with your spouse or family is really special. We get a chance to capitalize on that, just make it work and keep working together. It's like the biggest gift ever and music is a spiritual experience too, so it means everything."
Sin and Gin takes place on May 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets including both dancing and dinner are $95 or $80 for PARC members. Dance lessons and festivities only are $45 and $40 for members.
All proceeds will go towards PARC’s Children’s Theatre, Music and Art Camps, and the 15th Annual Flag Stop Theatre & Arts Festival running between Aug. 5 and 8.
"We’re really thankful for the generous support of the community for this event," says PARC operations manager Emma Strong in a release. "Whistler is such a supportive community when it comes to keeping our non-profits thriving."
Visit thepointartists.com/events/sin-gin-swing-dance-for-our-annual-fundraiser to secure your spot.
Get ready to swing back to the Twenties with Vancouver swing band Brass Tax , swing dance lessons by the Dusty Flower Pot Cabaret , a spectacular 4-course dinner by Red Seal Chef Frédéric Royer , silent auction, 50/50, dance prizes and more! Proceeds to The Point’s Children’s Theatre, Music an...
