Calgary Folk Fest Preview: July 23-26

Set for another weekend of live tunes, CFUR's Music Department is packing up its festiFolkFest Logoval attire (i.e. tie-dye scarves, cowboy boots and a Camelbak) and heading down to the 36th annual Calgary Folk Music Festival, which runs July 23-26. If you've never been, Calgary's folk fest takes place on an island park in the downtown called Prince's Island. Festival-goers stay for the day and the keeners (called tarpies) line up bright and early each morning with their maximum 6' x 8' tarps to grab a much-desired spot in front of the mainstage. Tarpies at Calgary Folk FestAs well as a mainstage (obviously), festival amenities include six workshop stages, food trucks (including mini-donuts), a beer garden serving Calgary's own Big Rock on tap, an artisan marketplace, a bike parking lot, and approximately 12,000 friends to party with.

The lineup is fabulous this year, taking a bluegrass/country/roots edge. Here is a list of CFUR's must-see artists. See if you can match them with the one-word descriptions on the right.

 

Artists


  1. 1. Petunia and the Vipers                                                                      Legend
  2. 2. The Wooden Sky                                                                                  Plucking
  3. 3. Kid Koala                                                                                                   Calgary's-own
  4. 4. Father John Misty                                                                                Wacky
  5. 5. Pharis and Jason Romero                                                                Saxophone
  6. 6. Dragon Fli Empire                                                                               Kazoo
  7. 7. Socalled                                                                                                     Grammy
  8. 8. Colin Stetson                                                                                         Canadiana
  9. 9. Esperanza Spalding presents Emily's D+Evolution         Scratch
  10. 10. Buffy Sainte-Marie                                                                             Hazy

 

 

Workshops


1. Old-Fashioned, New-Fangled: Seems like a wild mix, but oh man, this workshop could be legendary. Dragon Fli Empire, Leftover Cuties, Petunia and the Vipers, Kid Koala.

2. Provincial Boundaries: I'm guessing this is because the artists are all from different provinces? EMBASSYLIGHTS, Hawksley Workman, Frazey Ford, Jenn Grant.

3. Strung Along: Strings of many shapes and sizes. Pharis and Jason Romero, EMBASSYLIGHTS, The Crooked Brothers, SÖNDÖRGO.

4. The Girls Next Door: Pretty self-explanatory, a girls-only jam :) Sera Cahoone, Jenn Grant, Leftover Cuties, Scarlett Jane.

 

Some friends are volunteering there this year, so if I'm lucky, I will tag along as their guest to the famed volunteer after-parties held every night after the site closes. One of my most memorable festival moments was seeing C.R. Avery's volunteer after-party back in 2011. In the "quiet" room, C.R. Avery had none of that and got everyone up dancing and crowd-surfing and rocking out into the wee hours while the sound guy slept, zonked out in his chair. Epic night. Time for a repeat.

 

Article by Alycia Mutual

Honey!CFUR Exclusive interview with underground bunny rocker

After many weeks of late night bartering which included exchanges of rare 78's, cardboard boxes, and exorbitant amounts of carrot soup, my orange tinged fingers were able to sit down with" Honey Bunny", the elusive creative genius behind the best pop-up barn dances and noise hop basement parties in the north. 20150612_224830

"Honey bunny" is a manic multi-instrumentalist, playing with bands that emerge for one night only and disband instantly. HB often leaves immediately after shows, preferring a night of burrowing to social contact.

In a rare act of social gesturing, or simply because my carrot soup had ginger in it, Honey Bunny agreed to an interview. This is it.

Jill Wagg: Honey, thanks for sitting with me. Yes go ahead, you can nibble on my laptop. Anyways, lets just get this out of the way. Your hair. Speak to that.

Honey Bunny: I knew that was coming (chuckle). Well most people like to think I was influenced by Mike Score and A Flock of Seagulls. But I wasn't even born then. I just had a crazy night one time, in Vanderhoof I think. Ya, Vanderhoof, after a insane math-rock set. I just wanted to burrow. I burrowed so hard I clawed my way into a family of marmots. Those kids know how to party. They had never seen blonde fur before and were stoked. We drank willow root sap and chewed dandelion all night. There was some wrestling. One guy ended up with a pretty hilarious beet juice tattoo of his wife on his hind quarters . When I left the party and finally surfaced around dawn in Burns Lake, my hair just kind of stayed up. It stuck. Nothing else to it.

flockseagulls

JW: Well it looks great. Tell us about your influences, you are known for your appreciation and talent for a variety of genres.

HB: I grew up listening to classic rock. You know my mom was really into Jefferson Airplane. I'll never forget that bass. White Rabbit was my mom's anthem growing up, you know when rabbits were finally surfacing in the music scene. Whenever I went to bed, all I could hear was Grace Slick's voice. I thought, hey, that'd be cool to do one day.

Then I got into some indie stuff in my early 20's. I went to the Academy of Rodent and Critter Arts down south. It introduced me to so many new people and music. I was a huge fan of Neutral Milk Hotel, what Jeff Magnum was doing at the time was unlike anything I heard.  Then I met a really great friend of mine, Flop. Flop loved hip hop. We hopped all night to Dead Prez, a new dance was even created that night on campus called herpppin. It was kind of weird.

 

living legends

My mind was blown when I heard "White Rabbit" mixed into these beats. Living Legends, Rabbit Hole. Changed my life to hear such an influential song so fresh.I thought, if these guys can mix genres, I can too. So I bought an electric guitar. I learned how to play "Snake" by Frightened Rabbit, some indie folk about lost love or a really great pet, I still don't know. Anyways, after learning that song I never looked back. Then I started playing root rock and it just came together.

frightened

JW: Wow what a story.

HB: Ya.

JW: Ok well I don't want to keep you much longer. Who are you diggin right now?

HB: Probably the coolest most unique sound I've heard in a while is Old Time Honey, from Montreal. Jugs and crackely sounding things, waltzy folk and a hint of gospel. Strong vocals. A guy named Speedy. I've always had good times with guys named Speedy. They'll be at some pub or something, Nancy O's . I would go but I got a good burrow route picked out.

JW: Awesome. Well thanks so much Honey Bunny.

HB: Party On.

That was an interview with underground bunny rocker Honey Bunny. To see Honey's favourite new band, Old Time Honey, catch them on July 27th from 8-11 at Nancy O's in Prince George.

old time honey

 

 

 

Pretty Fly Weekend at Arts on the Fly

Arts on the Fly 2015 -CampCFUR's Music Department took the backroads through valleys and ranchlands down to Horsefly, BC last weekend for the 10th annual Arts on the Fly Festival. Though the campground was full, we lucked in and set up camp in a nearby field surrounded by ripe saskatoons, which provided an added boost of antioxidants each morning. Yum!

Arts on the Fly 2015 -Pharis and Jason Romero

On Friday at sunset, we watched the Little Horsefly Country Band jam out with Horsefly residents Pharis and Jason Romero (who are known not only for making custom banjos but also for their kick-ass string plucking). They were joined on stage by silhouetted Horsefly neighbours bear, moose, crow, goat, rabbit, and wolf.

Arts on the Fly 2015 -Miss Quincy and the Showdown

Miss Quincy andArts on the Fly 2015 -Miss Quincy solo the Showdown took the stage  next and, as usual, wowed the crowd with their raunchy blues and mesmerizing stage presence. The show ended and the crowd definitely wanted  more.

Luckily, they had two more shows on the 'Tweener stage (a.k.a "in between" acts) the next day: a solo act from Miss Quincy highlighting her country and bluegrass roots from up in the Peace, and another act late Saturday night that drew just as much crowd as the mainstage.

Arts on the Fly 2015 -EntengadosHeadlining Friday night were fiesta band Entangados. On the Canadian festival circuit this summer all the way from Argentina, they donned clown suits and bounced on stage with their groovy mix of ska, rock, and cuarteto.Arts on the Fly 2015 -Horsefly River

Saturday was a scorcher. 35C and sunny/smoky. We started the morning with a refreshing swim in nearby Horsefly Lake and quickly realized that between acts, most of the festival-goers would be found cooling down in the Horsefly River. Secretly, we wished the acoustic stage would wander down to the shore and play for us while we basked in the river.Arts on the Fly 2015 -Doug Koyama

Another tactic to stay cool included finding whatever shade is available. Experimental artist and festival MC Doug Koyama did just this, choosing a nice, contemplative spot next to the mainstage where this introspective sign helped us remember which direction is "sky" and which direction is "earth." In case we get dehydrated, start seeing mirages and lose track of time and space.Arts on the Fly 2015 -FestivalgoersArts on the Fly 2015 -Lexi Marie

Mid-day, Lexi Marie of Lillooet, BC took the stage and roused the crowd with her powerful vocals and soulful folk. The audience listened thoughtfully to her stories of adversity, resilience and strength.

Arts on the Fly 2015 -Sam Tudor

Although we were lost on the backroads of the Cariboo-Chilcotin on Friday night and missed festival favourite Sam Tudor's set (come to think of it, we were so lost that we decided to turn around when we passed his remote hometown of Gavin Lake and realized for once and all that we were definitely headed in the wrong direction), we were lucky enough to catch him again on the 'Tweener stage Saturday afternoon. Even more lucky, he played our favourie song, "Modern New Year." We've pretty much been listening to it on repeat here at CFUR for the last month straight.

Arts on the Fly 2015 -Pharis and Jason RomeroArts on the Fly 2015 -Drum and Bell Tower

After the dinner break, the temperature finally cooled enough for Drum and Bell Tower to get everyone up and dancing. Brent Morton's psychedelic folk-rock was the perfect kickstarter to the festival's evening finale. The entire crowd sang along to his anthemic, "Very Star." And that was that, we were swept into the festival's oscillating rhythm.

Arts on the Fly 2015 -Dawn PembertonThe evening continued with a bang, especially when Quesnel's own Bottoms Up Burlesque burst onto the stage, dotting it with layers and layers of shiny outfits and wearing the most creative pasties we've ever seen (i.e flower petals and bananas). To top it all off, they ended the show with a chainsaw spraying glitter. If you ever get a chance to see them, they rock.Arts on the Fly 2015 -Salty J and Co. 'Tweener

Next up was Dawn Pemberton. She had everyone gettin' funky and groovy and her authentic demeanour made us hope she could stay on stage forever and emanate more warmth. We danced and danced and danced. It seemed we couldn't get enough of the 'Tweener stage this weekend because the highlight of the night was Salty Jo and Co.'s bluegrass reunion, which included Sam Tudor, fiddler Tegan Wahlgren, Marin Patenaude, and Brent Morton. They took a rowdy turn back to a 1950s country sound and we all sang along to mischievous tunes of whiskey and cocaine.

Art on the Fly 2015 -Bush Party

When the night ended, we had no energy left for an after-party. Completely ready to hit the sack. This was good timing because some much-needed rain arrived just as we got into our tents and it didn't stop until morning. The party did continue for a large group of 16-21 year-olds who flock in their trucks to Arts on the Fly each year and celebrate with a laser bush party. We never saw them at the festival, but word is they show up every year and party alongside Arts on the Fly partiers. We got along great and had fun sharing the river and sharing tunes. Horsefly's calm, homesteading atmosphere returned Sunday morning when we woke up to deer passing by as we packed up our tents.

Arts on the Fly 2015 -Calm Morning After

Missed Arts on the Fly? You can always catch it next year, or head to one of many festivals around northern BC, like Artswells or Bella Coola Music Festival or Robson Valley Music Festival or Music on the Mountain. Most of the bands who played Arts on the Fly are on the summer circuit so they should be easy to find on stage somewhere. Cheers from CFUR and the next stop for us is Artswells!

Article by Alycia Mutual

Smoke's Rant: New CFL Rules are AWESOME

The CFL came into the new season with a handful of new rules that were meant to inject some more excitement into an already exciting product on the field. The CFL is forever fighting the battle of legitimacy because of our neighbors to the south having a larger than life football entertainment. A new set of rules voted in by the CFL board of governors aim to do just that. If you are not up on the rules; here's a rundown:

1) Holding the five interior players at the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked: What the heck does that mean? Well, it means that the center that snaps the ball, as well as the two players on either side of the center have to stay where they are until the ball is kicked from the punter. CFL vice president of officiating has stated that this rule change gives more time to the punt returner, less "no yards" penalties, and less illegal blocking by the returning team. This new rule is aiming to give the returning team a better chance to make a fantastic run before being mauled by their opponents. Unless your name was Cory Banks, you were not going anywhere after you caught the ball on a punt return last year. Teams were on the returner like white on rice, which made for a much more boring play. Now the field has opened up more for the flashy runners to gain some more yards.

2) Illegal Blocking on the Defense: No longer can the cornerbacks harass the receivers after 5 yards. This rule is for pure entertainment and high scoring affairs. The board of governors found that there was too much grabbing and obstructing from the cornerbacks and safeties against the receivers. After the receivers get past five yards from the line of scrimmage, defenders are not allowed to push, grab, or obstruct the receivers ability to catch the ball. The defender will have to try and knock the ball out of the air or have a brilliantly timed hit that will cause the receiver problems holding onto the ball. This rule was on full display when the B.C Lions took on the Roughriders last Friday at BC Place Stadium. The Roughriders Kevin Glenn was able to complete 23 of 29 passes for 271 yards, but the most impressive part of his play was that he connected with Weston Dressler on numerous occasions including 2 wide open touchdowns that made their opponents defense look completely silly. The Lions QB Travis Lulay did pretty darn good as well with a 77% completion record with an astounding 400 yards passing. Lulay finally found the openings that he had been searching 3 quarters for, as he roared back from a two touchdown deficit to force overtime. All this action would not be possible without the blocking rule change for defense.

3) Longer Field Goals and Short Two-Point converts: This may not seem significant, but it definitely is for a couple reasons. The first reason is that the point after is no longer an after thought. Most of the time, when fans are watching the game, the extra point is so close to the uprights that everyone expects the ball to go through. One of the biggest reasons that people watch sports is because the athletes are challenged on every play or every shift. The board of governors understood this particular problem and decided to bring the extra point back from 5 yards to 25 yards away. As the vice-president of officiating, Johnson, stated, "the likelyhood of the kicker making the point after goes from 99.6% to around 80%" (MontrealGazzette.com). People will now covet the point after as entertaining instead of routine. Second, the reason this rule change is significant is because now there will be more two-point conversions. Last year teams tried a two-point conversion only 30% of the time after a touchdown. Now, the CFL predicts between a 40%-50% likelyhood that teams will go for the extra exciting play instead of kicking it through the uprights.  Much more strategy is being implemented when you have to plan whether you wan to take a chance on another endzone play or kicking the football. Another aspect of this new rule that coaches have to factor in is, the starting point for a two-point convert is now even closer to the endzone. Before, teams would have to start their conversion on the 5 yard line, now they are starting it on the 3 yard line. Johnson stated that they wanted to make the extra point harder and the two-point convert easier to make the more exciting play more appealing to the coaches. This was again in full display at Friday's entertaining match-up between Saskatchewan and B.C. Lions kicker Richie Lionne made , what many thought to be a crucial missed extra point (after the Roughriders completed a couple of two-point converts), before making a clutch 54 yard field goal to push it to overtime. An amazing play made possible by intelligent rule changes by the league.

Unlike rule changes from other leagues that sometimes don't pan out the way the board of governors would like, this has been a breath of fresh air. The fact that we even give a damn about the extra point, is something spectacular. The fact that we get to see more highlight reel plays from our star player, is a sorely missed aspect of the game over the last year. The fact that Travis Lulay hasn't shattered like glass over the first couple of games has been a huge bonus to Lions fans everywhere. I am Smoke Stark and this has been my informative rant on the new CFL rules. Thanks for reading, and, in the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.

Smoke's Rant: Really Racist Teams

Community-Stand-Against-Racism-Sign Now, I have been pissed off a lot with sports politics and general antics that come with some professional sports ie crime in the NFL, crime in the NBA, corruption in soccer, and the white hot lights beaming on Connor McDavid despite not playing an NHL game yet (too much pressure for a young guy); but one issue that has pissed me off for a while is the racist names for some sports teams. I am looking straight at you Washington and Cleveland.

U.S district judge Gerald Bruce Lee decided to uphold a ruling by the Trademark and Registration Board to cancel the trademark on the name "Redskins" due to the fact that it's blatantly racist against Native Americans. Thanks the Gods someone high up in American society has a brain and a more bone in their body. How would Caucasians like it if there was a team called "the crackers" or "the pale people"? It's time for owners of sports teams to get a grip and make sure that their names are culturally sensitive. It's not like anyone is trying to tell them to change it from the Washington robots to something else; YOUR NAME IS OFFENSIVE! Owner Dan Snyder has come out and tried to explain to the media and anyone who cares to listen, that the name is rooted in tradition and historical significance. The tradition he is talking about is the fact that no one has had the brains to change the name. The historical significance is that George Preston Marshall, who founded the team, was known as the biggest racist in the NFL while owning the team. During his tenure as team owner, he refused to sign any African-american players while others were signing and even drafting players in the early 1940's. He tried to play it off saying he wanted to pander to the southern market as a reason for not signing African-Americans; no you're just a terrible person. To have a person with the societal standing of Snyder saying that he respects this tradition, commissioner Roger Goodell needs to give him an ultimatum; either change the name or sell the team. Just from a business standpoint, your brand is being rightfully dragged through the mud. Your sales will plummet because no new fan is going to want to be associated with a racist name. Taking emotion right out of the equation, change the name and while you're at it, grow a heart.

Now, despite Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins are getting all the negative attention, there is a team in baseball that is even worse. Not only does the MLB team from Cleveland have a very racist name "Indians", they also have an even more racist logo. Everyone with half a brain knows that "Indian" is a derogatory name for First Nations and Native American people (despite the Canadian government still using the term in a very significant piece of legislature), not to mention the fact that you are grouping a very proud people in with people of a similar skin color that are halfway across the world (India). Lets now focus on the logo, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? How on earth are people lighting torches outside Larry Dolan's house trying to force him to change both the name and the logo. The logo originates from a caricature of Native American people entitled: Chief Wahoo. A rather alarming business fact is that when the caricature logo was put on to their hats in 1986, the sales went through the roof. Yeah, consider me a little shocked and offended too. At least the Redskins logo is somewhat respectable illustrations of a strong looking Native-American who is ready to kick some ass in battle. The Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL have shown the world how to actually represent the Native-American community with dignity and respect. Their logo is of a proud Blackhawk warrior and is used a symbol of strength throughout the city of Chicago and beyond. In multiple surveys of sports teams logos, the Blackhawks have consistently been voted as having the best logo in North American sports. The one positive aspect of the Cleveland Indians is the fact that Larry Dolan is not as ignorant to societies stance on inappropriate logo's as, since 2014, his team is using a "C" in block lettering as their primary hat logo. Bravo Larry Dolan, now wouldn't it be easy to just either phase the logo out all together or do a re-imagining of the logo?

You must now be thinking, what name should the Redskins use instead? Or, what logo and name should the Cleveland Indians use instead? Well, here is some options:

Options for the Redskins name change:

1) Crows: A fierce and noble tribe of Native Americans all over North America.

If they change the logo, it could be either:

thunderbird-clkr   or     jon-snow-of-night-s-watch-nights-watch-37593290-4912-7360  (Jon Snow in GoT)

2) Change the name and logo all together:

Name: Washington Orcas: Orca's are one of the national animals of Washington and they are pretty violent creatures.

Logo: 585abd5156daedc9943a35cd5be38045   or   how-to-draw-a-orca_1_000000004269_5

 

As for the Cleveland Indians, here are my suggestions for a complete re-branding:

Name #1: The Cleveland Lebrons:

Lebron James is probably the only good thing to happen to this rust-belt city in its history.

 

Logo #1)lebron_awh

 

Name #2: Cleveland Rockers:

Cleveland is home to the Rock-and-Roll hall of fame. Every game could have a upstart band rocking out during the 7th inning stretch.

Logo #2: marilyn_manson_1450905 or      165953761 copy

 

Let me know what you think of the article, name changes, or the logos. My name is Smoke Stark and this has been my rant on two of the most racist teams in sports. Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians YOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY!

 

 

Old Time Honey!

Nancy O's Restaurant  Monday, July 27

8:00pm - 11:00pm

bb3Old Time Honey is organic and raw, taking it back to where good music began by defining their own jug band and cajun sound. Born on the streets of Montreal, in the form of sultry banjo playin' (Aly), one-of-a-kind washboard percussion (Squirrell) and joining them for this tour, Prince George's very own purveyor of musical rapture, Scott Dunbar on the washtub bass! Fans young and old agree, Old Time Honey's soulful singing and danceable rhythms make for a live music experience not soon forgotten. Whether playing a large festival stage or an impromptu street corner, this trio knows how to captivate and animate a crowd. The trail they leave behind of smiles and scuffed dancin' shoes grows larger every day!

 

 

Smoke's Rant: Winners of NHL Free Agency

Christmas comes early in late June and early July as the NHL Entry draft transitions into the Free Agent Frenzy that keeps hockey fans glued to their television, tablets, and phones to see how many changes that their favorite team makes. Fans of the the top teams are hoping that their GM can just keep the team together, while fans of bottom feeders hope that their team gets a shakeup to turn their fortunes around. Since the dust has settled a little bit from all the off-season action, it is my sworn duty to tell you which teams have gotten better and which have gotten worse. Here are the NHL's two biggest Winners of the the off-season so far:

1) Calgary Flames: If the Flames were not already scary enough because of what they did last season, they got even more scary. At the draft, they pulled off the best trade that has been seen in some time trading away a 1st round pick, and two 2nd round picks in exchange for young star defenceman Dougie Hamilton from the Boston Bruins. Some would say all those picks are a steep price for one player, but it was the missing piece to a pretty awesome puzzle in Calgary. When they played against the Ducks in the second round of the playoffs this past season, they were very vulnerable in their own zone and as well as against the transition game. Dougie Hamilton gives the team a young guy that can contribute a little bit offensively, but on the defensive end of the puck, Hamilton is as solid as any young player can be. He always makes the safe play up the board, or makes an outlet pass to let the forwards charge into the oppositions zone with a head of steam. Critics of this addition to the Flames might say that he is not a game changer or that they have never really noticed him as an integral part of the Bruins. THAT"S THE POINT!!! Hamilton will never wow you with making highlight reel goals, he might not even be very noticeable at time, that's because he is doing his job properly. A good defensive d-man is one that nobody notices unless they make a great defensive play or when you look at the score sheet at the end of the game and realize he has a great +/- record. In 2013-14, Hamilton played 64 games, got 23 points and was an astounding +22, one of the best in the NHL. The Flames needed to get a young pillar that they form their defensive core around, they found one of the best young defenceman in the entire league. The Calgary Flames also added some secondary scoring, picking up Michael Frolik from the Jets in the free agency market and locked him up for 5 years. Frolik not only brings you exactly 42 points a season (exact same points that last couple of seasons), he also gives the Flames some much needed Stanley Cup experience, which they will need when they try to make a long run in the playoffs next year.

2) Edmonton Oilers: The Edmonton Oilers are finally moving in the right direction. They went from looking like the goat of the league to a young dragon destined to become a devour-er. The stellar off-season started in April with the luckiest lottery pick in a decade. Facing insurmountable, the Oilers got their name called to pick the 1st overall pick. On June 27th, the Oilers made if official by drafting Connor McDavid, but that was more luck than skill for the Oilers brass. The true work came after the 1st pick when they got Cam Talbot in a trade with the New York Rangers. Now, I am not completely sold on Talbot as a legitimate #1 goaltender. His numbers this past season were great, but he was just covering for an injured Lundquist. Talbot is going to have to face the scrutiny and media that surrounds the Oilers. Next, Peter Chiarelli went into free agency and targeted his team's other weakness by snagging Mark Letestu from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Andrej Sekera from the Kings. Letestu was a solid secondary scoring option for the Jackets with 34 points in 64 games in 2013/14. At only $1.8 mil per year for 3 years, he is low risk good reward. Sekera is the prize signing fore the Oilers, who has very particular stats that interested Chiarelli. When Sekera is on the ice, his team

Teams that were once floundering have now become the envy of most teams with a dominant off-season of change. I am Smoke Stark and this has been my rant on the NHL winners this off-season. I am the best at what I do, but what I do isn't very nice. Thanks for reading Sports Fans!

Summer Festival Guide - north/central BC 2015

OK! It is officially the mid-point of summer. It is officially time to scrunch all 8 months of summer dreaming into the always down to party running around flailing in fields best friends of the year months of July and August. If your winter dreams include big skies accompanied by acoustic guitar, dancing barefoot like a pirate to accordions, eating from food trucks and car trunks, setting up tents at dusk, sipping sweet Wells scotch, and walking beneath big owl heads on stilts, look no further than some of the stunning summer music festivals of northern/central BC. This list is not exhaustive but will get the ball rolling!

Charlie-Brown-Christmas-Peanuts-dance

Midsummer Music Festival – Smithers BC, July 3/4/5

Local favs: Black Spruce Bog, Rachelle Van Zanten, Miss Quincy & The Showdown

From afar: Pick a Piper, Adrian Glynn & Fringe Percussion, Napoleon Skywalker

Website: http://smithersmusicfest.com/

 

Arts on The Fly – Horesfly BC, July 10-11

Home town legends: Pharis & Jason Romero, Bernadette Ducharme, Marin Patenaude, Little Horsefly Country Band

Must see: Sam Tudor, Sober Becky, Blocktreat, Dawn Pemberton, Power Duo

Website: http://artsonthefly.com/

 

Atlin Arts & Music Festival - Atlin BC, July 10th-11

Holy macaroni: Ian Tyson, Death, Dana Sipos, Soda Pony

Visual Art: Jeanine Baker, Emma Barr, Mary Beattie

 

Willow River Daze – Willow River BC, July 11th

Black Spruce Bog! And best Chili making contest! CHILI!!

 

Prince George 100th Anniversary Celebration Lheidli T'enneh Park July 17 - Prince George BC

Music in a Park:The Pucks! Black Spruce Bog!

Pucks and Bogs ! OMG Canada.

 

Canolafest - Taylor BC, July 18th

Headliner: The Roadhammers – Juno nominated country

Local Favs: Lorissa Scriven, Folky Strum Strum, CC Brooks and The Dog Pony Show

Website: http://canolafest.com

 

Bella Cool Music Festival - Bella Coola BC, July 18th/19th

Oh me oh my: Fred Penner, Barney Bentall, Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, Logan Staats, CR Avery, Miss Quincy & The Showdown

Website: bellacoolamusic.org

 

Grassy Plains Music Festival - Grassy Plains BC, July 17th-18th

PG Proud: Kym Gouchie, Black Spruce Bog

 

Hootstock Music Festival – Forest Grove BC, July 24-25

Must see: Winona Wilde, Twin Peaks, Joey Only, Red Haven, Doug Koyama, The Grid Pickers, Dead Body Juice

Stomping around dancing bands: Saturn Alien, Tax Free Liquor, Devil In The Woodshack, Folky Strum Strum

http://www.hootstock.com

 

Artswells Festival of All Things Art – Wells BC, July 31-July2

You may have heard of: The Wooden Sky, Rodney DeCroo, Copilots, Sarah Burton

BC Favs: Bend Sinister, Colin Cowan & The Elastic Stars, Kym Gouchie, Navaz, The Chimney Swallows, Twin Peaks

Website: www.artswells.com

 

Robson Valley Music Festival  – Dunster BC, August 14-15

Check Out: Compassion Gorilla, Buckman Coe, Quique Escamilla, Old Time Honey

If you missed them earlier: Twin Peaks, Black Spruce Bog, Dead Body Juice

Website: http://www.robsonvalleymusicfestivalbc.com/

 

Music on The Mountain – Fort St James BC, August 21-23

Say goodbye to summer with: Drum & Bell Tower, Liz Stringer, Annie Becker, Barefoot Caravan, Dave Soroka, Devon Cayote, Dido Ne Drum & Dance

Website: http://momfestival.com/

 

music fest