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Countdown to 2015 Bella Coola Music Festival

It’s only a few weeks away! The 2015 Bella Coola Music Festival is pleased to present another stellar lineup for the July 18 & 19 weekend.
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Barney Bentall will headline the Festival on Sunday

It’s only a few weeks away! The 2015 Bella Coola Music Festival is pleased to present another stellar lineup for the July 18 & 19 weekend. The Board of Directors and volunteers have worked very hard to bring you the best in music from across Canada and the world, and you won’t be disappointed with the results!

This year’s headliner is none other than Canadian music legend Barney Bentall. In the last seven years, he has released three solo records on the quintessential Canadian label founded by Bernie Finkelstein called True North Records. The Legendary Hearts still play from time to time, and he has a “kick ass solo band called “The Bonapartes” and partners with Shari Ulrich and Tom Taylor as a trio.

He also fronts his latest project, The Grand Cariboo Opry, a rambling, on the edge, twelve-piece Country and Western orchestra that tours in the fall to raise funds for charity.

The Festival is also excited to present another Canadian icon - Fred Penner. A gentle giant with kind eyes and an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself, this musical master brings 25 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a career that skillfully blends the many genres of performing and communication.

Dubbed “Mr. Multi-Media” by Billboard Magazine, his diverse repertoire includes a prolific 12 Children’s Albums, countless energetically packed live shows for throngs of eager audiences across North America, composing the music for APTN/YTV’s Tipi Tales, and writing the score and hosting the TV documentary The Simple Way (focused on the relevant, world-wide topic of voluntary simplicity).

He has, without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North American family entertainment scene. And whether it’s through CDs, videos, books or television, his cornerstone philosophy remains the same: absolute trust that his work can make a difference.

As always the Festival remains committed to world music and emerging and local talent, and this year is no exception with stellar groups such as the Zimbabwean acapella quintet, Black Umfolosi, who are sure to engage and entertain all ages.

In addition to Fred Penner, the Children’s Site is also excited to present up-and-coming singer/songwriter Stella Swanson. Nine year-old Stella’s first album, “I’m Not A Bunny,” has recently been nominated for a Breakout West’s, Western Canadian Music Award in the category of ‘Children’s Album of the Year’  among such artists as Fred Penner, Bobs and Lolo, Alex Mahe and Raffi. Stella is thrilled to be making her first Festival debut right here in Bella Coola!

Open Mic is back this year and local talent abounds. There are seven local artists signed up to open the Festival each morning with the “Wake Up Open Mic” opener show.

Wayne Levesque will be filling the local slot this year with his band Marlin Wayne. Playing a mix of rock, blues and acoustic sweetness he will be featuring Buddy Thatcher and other local musicians during his set. He is currently working on a CD in Box o’ Bones studios here in Bella Coola.

There will also be booths full of amazing food and creative and colourful vendors from here and across the province.

Get your tickets now and get ready to dance the weekend away! Advance tickets are available locally at Mountain Valley Organics, Shop Easy, Little Nook Cafe, Dragonfly Studios, Kopas Store and online at www.bellacoolamusic.org