A Grand Reopening for Carlin Hall
By Jo Boxwell
(L to R): Jane Stephenson, Don Metz and Larry Stephenson of The Stephenson Trio (photo credit Scoop staff)
The best place to experience Shuswap culture during the winter months is at a coffee house. From Celista to Gleneden, musicians and music lovers convene at community halls to enjoy live music and a welcoming atmosphere. The monthly gatherings attract both loyal audiences and performers who are keen to return. The Carlin Hall Coffee House evenings are so popular, advance ticket purchase is recommended to ensure a seat, so it is fitting that following renovations at the hall, the Grand Reopening event was a coffee house.
Carlin Hall was built by community members in 1933. Since then, the hall has been relocated and has seen significant changes. The 2025 updates help accommodate current users of the space, with a beautiful new kitchen and updated washrooms. The building has retained its historic charm while becoming a well-utilized local hub for performing arts.
Grand Reopening
On December 6, 2025, Carlin Hall was filled with community members who came to see the renovations and experience a very special Grand Reopening event. The evening featured performances from four coffee house favourites: Colin Walker, Chris Stevens, The Stephenson Trio and The Metrognomes. Coffee, tea and snacks were available by donation, and the ambient lighting and small table setup made the space feel warm and inviting.
Tori Jewell, a Carlin Hall Community Association board member, was the MC for the night. She referenced her connection to the hall, commenting, “I grew up in this hall when it was across the highway.” When accomplished bluegrass musician, Chris Stevens, took to the stage, he mentioned that his wedding reception was held at the hall at its former location. The strong connections between music and community were a recurring theme. Tori also acknowledged the support of CSRD grant funding and read a message from Area G Director Natalya Melnychuk that stated, “Halls like this one are the backbone of our rural communities.”
Randy Baytaluke performs his original song about the 2023 wildfire with coffee house musicians (L to R): Chris Stevens, Randy Baytaluke, Jake Verburg, James Clark, Larry Stephenson, Don Metz, and Steph Clifford (photo credit: Scoop staff)
Connections CD on display at Acorn Music in Salmon Arm (photo credit Scoop staff)
Strings ruled the night, beginning with Irish singer-songwriter Colin Walker performing on guitar and mandolin, bringing with him his sense of humour. Chris Stevens impressed on the banjo, accompanied by his sister, Brenda, on mandolin, and Diane Jewell, Carlin Hall Community Association Secretary, on upright bass.
Following Chris came the folk melodies of The Stephenson Trio, featuring Larry and Jane Stephenson with Don Metz on upright bass. Jane praised Carlin Hall President Randy Baytaluke’s efforts in spearheading the renovation project, telling the audience, “Randy has been a mega, mega, mega worker.” Anyone who has been following Randy’s regular Scoop column, complete with photo updates, may have already got that impression.
Another talented local trio, The Metrognomes (with singer/guitarist Steph Clifford, guitarist Jake Verburg and mandolin player James Clark), gave a beautifully crafted performance. The evening closed with the 2023 wildfire-inspired song, “Shuswap Strong,” written and performed by Randy Baytaluke, who was accompanied on stage by many of the musicians.
CD Release
The Grand Reopening was also a CD release event for Connections Live at Carlin Hall, with proceeds going to the Shuswap Emergency Preparedness Fund. Producer Larry Stephenson explained that the inspiration behind the CD came out of discussions with the community association board around how to offer support following the 2023 Bush Creek East Wildfire. Artists were recorded live at Carlin Hall coffee houses in 2024, and the album, Larry explained, is “a reflection of the coffee house scene in the Shuswap area.” Larry dedicated hundreds of hours to the production of the CD. Randy commented, “It was a massive effort, with the end result something we are all very, very, proud of.”
The 20 tracks include a mix of original and traditional songs performed by well-known local musicians. The CD artwork was created by North Shuswap artist, Lynn Erin, who also donated prints for the Grand Reopening event’s silent auction.
2025/2026 Season
The 2025/2026 Carlin Hall Coffee House season continues on the first Saturday of every month until June, with feature acts, delicious snacks and 50/50 draws. Performers can reach out in advance to diane@carlinhall.net.
To find out more about Carlin Hall or purchase a CD, visit https://carlinhall.net.
