Since 1998, Bella Coola and surrounding communities have enjoyed world-class, multi-cultural, aboriginal, folk, rock, blues, gospel, bluegrass, and roots music.
This summer, on July 20 and 21, the Discovery Coast Music Festival Society will bring another group of award-winning musicians from across Canada, as well as local talent, to the valley under a new banner: The Bella Coola Music Festival! This new name will ensure that our increasing reputation for presenting gifted musicians in a hospitable environment will become more synonymous with our location.
Our new Artistic Director, Caitlin Thompson, is hard at work with the full support of the Board of Directors, which includes two new members. Still following our “formula”, you can expect more of the same quality of diverse music, and family-friendly fun!
We are pleased to announce our first acquisition for 2013: blues guitarist and singer/songwriter, Derek Miller. Miller is a journeyman Mohawk musician from the Six Nations of the Grand River. He has toured with iconic Canadian vocalist Buffy Sainte-Marie, and garnered a Juno for both his debut album, ‘Music Is the Medicine’ and his 2008 sophomore album, ‘The Dirty Looks.’
His third album, ‘Derek Miller with Double Trouble’, uses vintage tones and aesthetics of 50’s rock and roll with a modern twist. He explains, “The album is my attempt to create the feeling I got from soul, blues and country records I have listened to: Hillbilly Soul with some Mohawk swagger.”
Another band you’ll want to boogie with is The Steadies, brainchild of bassist Earl Pereira (a founding member of Wide Mouth Mason). Pereira was named one of Canada’s top bass players by Canadian Music Magazine. The Steadies take the explosively popular Top 40 sound and mix it with rock-steady and reggae influences, creating what they’ve dubbed “island rock.”
The Steadies were showcased at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and they have played with Grammy winners The Roots, The Wailers, Collective Soul, Arrested Development, K-OS, Bedouin Soundclash and more.
Check out the Bella Coola Music Festival website for links to hear their music and updates as the Festival acquires more performers at www.bellacoolamusic.org. July is just around the corner!
