The Bella Coola Music Festival--an intimate, multi-cultural, family-friendly experience--will celebrate its 15th year on July 19 & 20. This year features those iconic Canadian rockers, 54-40! Their many hits include Baby Ran, I Go Blind, Sheila, and Ocean Pearl.
First, we’ll kick off the weekend with a free concert on Friday, July 18 at the Legion, with Vancouver’s e.s.l., five women who spin songs with booty shaking beats, ballsy horns, and lush strings. You can also enjoy one of the Legion Ladies’ fantastic and affordable burgers for supper.
A special interactive Children's Site is open on Sunday, with face-painting, hat making, bounce house, and a silly photo booth. Of course, it wouldn’t be a coastal festival without some fishy activities! Kids of every age will also enjoy the antics of Mike Battie, a stilt-walking fire juggler, and that one man cast of thousands, Juno winner Al Simmons. Parents will appreciate that children, aged 12 and under, are free.
What does your adult taste lean towards? How about that “Hendrix of acoustic guitar,” Don Alder, or the JohnMayer meets Keith Urban sound of Don Amero? Or the reigning five time Grand North American Fiddle Champion, Ivonne Hernandez, or Wesley Hardisty’s fiddling and guitar, that blend rock, country, folk, Celtic and Métis sounds? World music lovers will enjoy the Latin Jazz, Tango, and Klezmer sounds with Gabriel Palatchi, and Kobo Town’s calypso and roots reggae grooves.
Petunia and The Vipers add Latin rhythms to their country blues, and gypsy flavour to their rockabilly standards. Rachelle van Zanten’s great slide guitar accompanies her socially conscious vocals and will undoubtedly be a most welcome repeat. What about the indie-rocking, banjo-loving, Shred Kelly? The Fugitives will bring it home on Sunday night, fresh off a six week tour of Europe that concluded with a stint at the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, where they were listed in the official guide as a must see act. Master of Ceremonies is Howie Miller, mixing his hilarious routine with stellar impressions.
A one-day pass for adults is only $25; for students & seniors it’s $20. Find all the artists’ bio’s and performance schedule on the web: www.bellacoolamusic.org