The Filberg Festival celebrates excellence in all forms of arts and crafts and music over the four-day B.C. Day long weekend.
The principal objective of the festival is to raise the money needed to restore and maintain the nine-acre Filberg property and Lodge.
The musical lineup for 2011 is complete. Here are a few of the highlights.
On Friday, one of the finest roots-oriented bands in North America, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, showcasing singer-songwriters Colin Linden, Tom Wilson and Stephen Fearing, will perform.
The annual Blues Panel concert will feature Tim Williams, Lester Quitzau, Little Miss Higgins and nine-time W.C. Handy Blues Award nominee Eric Bibb.
On Saturday, Lunch At Allen’s, an extraordinary musical revue by internationally renowned Canadian singer-songwriters Murray MacLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas will showcase some of their tunes.
Jordan has written hit songs for Rod Stewart, Cher, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler and Diana Ross. Thomas has written hit songs for Santana, America, Manfred Mann, Chicago and Anne Murray. Also appearing will be the man known as the poet laureate of the folk and roots music world, James Keelaghan.
On Sunday, father Barney Bentall is featured in a solo performance, and his son will showcase his group, the Dustin Bentall Outfit. Also performing their heartfelt folk music are husband and wife duo Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart.
And the Russell Jackson Band will make a special appearance. Russell played bass with the B.B. King Orchestra for seven years.
On Monday, boogie woogie blues and jazz piano player Michael Kaeshammer will start off the day, followed by the diverse multi-instrumentalist Steve Dawson.
The annual Great Canadian Songs Concert, with talented musicians Jake Galbraith, Todd Butler and Valdy performing some of their favourite Great Canadian Songs, will bring the festival entertainment to a close.
The 2011 Filberg Festival dates are July 29 to Aug. 1, and it’s a family-friendly event. Note that admission to the festival is to the overall event, not any particular musical performance.
For more information, go to www.filbergfestival.com or call 250-334-9242.
— Filberg Festival