When

Date:  Friday, February 20, 2026
Start Time:  7:30 pm
Continues until completed.

Where

The Arden Theatre
St. Albert Place
5 St. Anne Street ↗

Accessibility Features:

What's Happening

Goddess of Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIlwaine is a feature documentary about the legendary—and largely forgotten—Canadian singer and musician who fought for her right to play the slide guitar, a male-dominated instrument in a male-dominated world. 

Goddess of Slide is a spirited musical journey of a 75-year-old female slide guitar virtuoso, Ellen McIlwaine, whose unbreakable faith in her talent kept her going. From a world travelling child with missionary parents to a rebellious life in rock and blues, McIlwaine established herself as the goddess of the slide guitar. Her storied road to stardom and long career deserves this spotlight and place in music history. 

In addition to this regional premiere screening, audiences will be treated to a special opening set tribute performance by slide guitarist and singer Rachelle Van Zanten, and a post-screening question and answer session with filmmaker Alfonso Maiorana, moderator Holger Petersen and Rachelle Van Zanten. 

Genre: Documentary/Tribute

Tickets & Information: 
Ticket price includes GST, handling charges and fees.
The Arden Theatre Box Office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and one hour prior to showtime for ticket pickup or purchase. 

Event Contacts