Tabitha Wheeler (left) and business partner Abigail Coombs
In our first interview, I introduced you to Tabitha Wheeler — filmmaker, visionary, and founder of Wheelhouse Motion Pictures. Today we’re back for part two of our three-part conversation, and this time the spotlight is on her latest endeavor: Share The Stoke — an immersive film and music festival that brings together community, creativity, and celebration. It’s all about celebrating what you love, and you’re invited. In this interview, I sit down with Tabitha to talk about her upcoming event and invite you — our community — to share in the joy of being together, passing inspiration on to the next generation, and remembering why art, music, and film matter.
Tabitha, welcome back to LocalsGuide! I’m super excited to learn all about “Share the Stoke!”
Yes, thank you! I want to give a big thanks to everyone who read the interview, reached out, and have already purchased tickets to “Share the Stoke!”
To begin with, your event is called “Share The Stoke.” Please tell us about the big vision behind this upcoming immersive film and music event.”
During Mt. Ashland’s 60th season, Wheelhouse Motion Pictures interviewed Director of Snowsports and lifelong skiing legend Bill Hernon, along with his son Lyric Sylvan – a phenomenal freestyle skier and beloved instructor on Mt. A – for our documentary Mt. Ashland: More than a Mountain. Bill says iconically in the film “that’s the stoke, when you’re good at something and you get to pass it on,” which quickly became the main theme of the story. So, it was only fitting for us to expand the premiere of our documentary into an opportunity to share our “stoke” with the community we love. There will be live music by Danielle Kelly Soul Project and Eight Dollar Mountain, complimentary beer and wine tastings provided by Weisinger Family Winery and Common Block Brewing, food for purchase from Nomad’s Kitchen, and a huge giveaway after the premiere thanks to the generosity of Travel Ashland, Mountain Provisions, POSH Organics, Mt. Hood Roasters, Sunday Afternoons, Luno, and more! We will even have some lift ticket vouchers from Mt. Ashland to give away for their 25/26 season. Come join us! We would love to see you there!
Your event is really about sharing what you love and passing it on to the next generation — and for you, that’s filmmaking, music, and celebration. Please say more.
Yes. I’ve always been a passionate person, and I’ve come to believe that now, more than ever, it’s important to be “stoked” about what you’re doing and to share that energy with others. Enthusiasm and passion are what carry us through the hardest times. That’s what keeps hope alive and reminds us of the light at the end of the tunnel.
Whether it’s challenges at work, struggles with loved ones, moments of self-doubt, or something even bigger, keeping your eyes on that end goal – the thing that lights you up inside – gives you the strength to keep moving forward, even when you’re tired. To me, the “stoke” is an all-encompassing enthusiasm, and it’s contagious. As Bill explained to me during his documentary interview, you can be stoked about anything in life. It’s always inspiring to see people in their element, and I believe that passion and excitement can spread through a community, helping us celebrate our talents, embrace our differences, and focus on what connects us. That’s what makes us kinder, more understanding, and more excited to live life to the fullest.
This is super inspiring! How does community building tie into your work in the film industry?
It starts with how well you take care of your team. I’ve stood on sets where everything feels electric and thought to myself, “this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” But I’ve also been on sets where I’ve felt the opposite; people worn down by the 12+ hour days, unacknowledged, and under-supported. In entertainment especially, it’s easy to exploit the dreamers. That’s never how I want to “roll” (film pun). Film is deeply collaborative: finding people who believe in the same culture of kindness, excitement, and care, and keeping that alive through every stage, is how we build a real community. Lifting people up first lifts the project up with them, and that’s the same energy we are carrying with us for our upcoming event!
The event will be November 7th and 8th at the Ashland Armory. Each evening has its own mix of live music, dancing, and fun. Please tell us more!
I’d love to! On Friday night, soul, funk, and R&B powerhouse Danielle Kelly Soul Project will bring the house down with a set guaranteed to get you on the dance floor. Then on Saturday, the legendary bluegrass quintet Eight Dollar Mountain will keep the energy high with fast, foot-stompin’ tunes! Enjoy complimentary wine and beer tastings provided by Weisinger Family Winery and Common Block Brewing, grab some delicious food from Nomad’s kitchen, and then settle in for the premiere of Mt. Ashland: More than a Mountain.
Amazing food and beverages, a night full of dancing, and one awesome film!
Exactly! It’s a night that means so much to me and to everyone involved. The night starts with music, dancing, food and beverages, games, and then a special announcement from Wheelhouse followed by the premiere of Mt. Ashland: More than a Mountain. Then we are going to end the night with a huge giveaway! A ticket purchase is an automatic entry. It’s going to be so much fun, and everyday I get more and more excited!
Share The Stoke is supported by many great local sponsors. Can you tell us about a few of them?
We’d like to give a huge shoutout to Southern Oregon Subaru, Ashland Ace Hardware, and DeAnna and Dyan with John L. Scott Real Estate for proudly sponsoring “Share the Stoke.” These businesses took a chance on us, and because of their support we’re able to make this the best event possible. Thank you Randy, Kate and Jill, and DeAnna and Dyan for being some of the most welcoming, genuine people you’ll ever meet. I’m beyond grateful for their belief in what we’re building. Their support not only fuels this event but also helps set the tone for what community collaboration can look like!
Tell us more about the dream and inspiration behind creating this event.
Mt. Ashland: More than a Mountain recognizes the generations of people that have grown up skiing and riding Mt. Ashland’s slopes, and many will recognize the familiar faces and voices featured in the film. When I started showing the documentary to test audiences, I knew the story needed to be celebrated with those same people. For me personally, I am also excited to have the chance to recognize the hard work of Megan Menne, Nathanael Lathrop, and Abigail Coombs, who make up the volunteer team that brought this documentary to life. We had a lot of laughs, face-plants, and 3:00 AM Snowcat adventures that I will never forget!
Sounds amazing! Tickets are on sale now, correct?
Yes! We’ve already sold over 100 tickets, so get yours now before we sell out! Early Bird tickets are only available until October 10th on www.watchwheelhouse.com.
Is this a kid-friendly event?
Absolutely. We will have all kinds of games and prizes for everyone including some geared towards kids and families.
In putting together such a big event, what have you enjoyed the most?
By far, my favorite part has been all of the people I’ve met throughout this process, and especially reconnecting with people that I met up on the mountain! It has been super rewarding to watch people’s reaction to the trailer of our documentary, and see their eyes light up when we talk about all of the talent performing at the event. Share the Stoke really is going to be something special, and I can’t wait to see everyone there.
Tabitha, thanks so much for the amazing work you’re doing, and thank you to all the sponsors who have helped bring this dream to life.
Thank you again Shields! I really appreciate all of your help and dedication to Ashland!
Get Tickets Today: www.WatchWheelhouse.com
