First Friday Returns! Swil Kanim To Perform at Wildflower!

First Friday with Swil Kanim @ Wildflower

Friday • November 7 • 7–8:30 PM Free Admission  • 5706 4th Ave, Ferndale 

A note from Wildflower's Owner & Funeral Director, Brian Flowers.

Friends, 

One thing you might not know about me—I moonlight as a professional performing storyteller. It’s more of a passion than a profession these days, a rich and satisfying way to participate in community. 

 Nearly 30 years ago, I got my start telling stories at First Fridays with Swil Kanim, an open mic night at the now-legendary Stuart’s Coffee House. Swil Kanim is a generous host, especially for new performers. He is a world-class violinist, storyteller, actor, keynote speaker, author, army veteran, Lummi Tribal member, Seattle Symphony Board Member, and dear friend of mine. He charms, awes, inspires and moves any audience. After Stuart's Coffee House closed Swil Kanim continued hosting First Fridays at a variety of venues around Whatcom County.

And now, after a little hiatus, First Fridays are coming to Wildflower!

Our chapel is a surprisingly perfect space for it: warm, bright, and intimate, with beautiful acoustics. You’ll hear soul-stirring music and stories from Swil Kanim, along with a rich mix of musicians, poets, storytellers, and other artists from across the region. You might even hear a story or two from me! 

 If you’ve never been to Wildflower, this is a wonderful chance to visit. And if you have, I’d love for you to see this new side of what our space can be. Don't worry if you can't make it on November 7. We will do it again the first Friday in December, and January and so on.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Swil Kanim, here's a quick rundown of some of his accomplishments.... Swil Kanim is a classically trained violinist, storyteller, actor, author, and U.S. Army veteran. A board member of the Seattle Symphony, he blends original compositions with powerful personal stories, drawing on his life and Lummi heritage to inspire audiences nationwide.

Swil Kanim is the recipient of the Woodring College Professional Excellence Award, the Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award, and was recognized as a Certified Virtuoso Violinist by the Whatcom Chapter of the Washington Music Educators Association. In 2008, he was honored to perform with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during Seattle’s Seeds of Compassion event.

Through his performances at schools, community gatherings, and national events, Swil Kanim continues to inspire people of all backgrounds to honor their vision and follow their passion.

Learn more at www.swilkanim.com.

As impressive as that is (and it's VERY impressive) it doesn't do justice to the full scope of his incredible career, or the electrifying experience of seeing him perform in person. If you can make it to this performance - please come. Bring friends! This will be a very special evening. As always, hold each other close and cherish each day. With love and gratitude, Brian Flowers Owner, Wildflower Funeral Concepts

Event Details

What: First Friday Concert Series with Swil Kanim When: Friday, November 7, 2025 | 7–8:30 PM Where: Wildflower Funeral Concepts, 5706 4th Ave, Ferndale Admission: Free

About Wildflower Funeral Concepts Wildflower Funeral Concepts is a modern, eco-friendly funeral home serving Whatcom County and beyond. With a focus on community, compassion, and ecological stewardship, Wildflower specializes in green burial, aquamation, terramation, sustainable cremation, and personalized memorial services. Its warm, inviting chapel also hosts educational and cultural events aimed at reimagining how communities gather around life, death, and meaning. Free Swil Kanim Concert at Wildflower Funeral Concepts