Immerse yourself in Canadian arts, crafts, music, food and fun at the 29th annual Filberg Festival in Comox from July 29 to Aug. 1.
The money raised from the Filberg Festival provides the funding for the maintenance, operation and restoration of the Filberg Lodge and Park. The Filberg Gardens are open to the public year round and require extensive maintenance, and the Filberg Lodge needs constant preservation.
The music
Some of this country’s finest musicians will travel from near and far to entertain you.
Friday — Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, one of the finest roots-oriented bands in North America; Blues Panel Concert featuring Eric Bibb, Lester Quitzau, Little Miss Higgins and Tim Williams; The Marigolds, three ladies from Ontario, Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick and Caitlin Hanford, who specialize in angelic harmonies and gutsy playing.
Saturday — Eric Bibb, with rich sensitive vocals and a fine fingerpicking technique; House of Doc, a musical family known for intricate harmonies and a rocking down home delivery; James Keelaghan, the poet laureate of the Canadian folk and roots music world; Lunch At Allen's, an extraordinary musical revue with a deep respect for the art of songwriting.
Sunday — Barney Bentall, world-class songwriter and troubadour; Dustin Bentall, whose songs show a wisdom and insight beyond his years; Mae Moore, whose music has appeared in major movie soundtracks and hit television shows. Blessed with an artist's eye, she has recently released a new album and a companion art book; the Russell Jackson band; formerly BB King's bass player, Jackson plays his own distinct brand of the blues.
Monday — Michael Kaeshammer, the gifted boogie-woogie and jazz piano player; Steve Dawson, the very accomplished multi-instrumentalist; the Great Canadian Songs Concert featuring Jake Galbraith, Todd Butler and Valdy.
PLUS: the Clover Point Drifters, Duane Steele, Paul Gellman, the Rakish Angles, Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, Sue Medley and more ...
The art
The Filberg Festival features some of this country’s finest artisans. There will be 130 artisans showcasing their juried work of ceramics and pottery, clothing and textiles, glass, jewellery, leather, metal, photography, sculpture, wood, soaps and lotions, specialty foods and more at the festival
Wandering throughout the Filberg Park exploring the crafts booths nestled in the gardens and amongst the trees is a very fine way to spend the day.
In the Lodge, our featured guest artist this year will be Coral Barclay, who grew up on Vancouver Island and paints the most wonderful landscapes full of light and colour.
The Filberg Festival is a family-friendly festival presenting four days of entertainment for the whole family from July 29 to Aug. 1st at the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox.
Tickets are now available at all Vancouver Island Thrifty Foods locations or until July 22 at the Filberg Festival website.
For more information about the music, and the more than 100 juried craft booths, visit www.filbergfestival.com or phone 250-334-9242.
— Filberg Festival