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MusicFest sell-out imminent

MusicFest organizers have experienced an unprecedented demand for day passes since announcing the evening lineup for the 17th anniversary festival. I

MusicFest organizers have experienced an unprecedented demand for day passes since announcing the evening lineup for the 17th anniversary festival. In a first-time move, limited day passes are for sale through the Sid Williams Theatre.

"This is indicative of the calibre of this year's lineup and the excitement felt by folks about seeing some of the greatest musical legends of our time," festival associate producer Meg Cursons said. "Unfortunately, some of our audience members are not able to attend the entire weekend but we don't want this to stop them from experiencing this unbelievable lineup. With a sold-out 2011 event imminent, we wanted to make sure some day passes were available for these folks."

Only 250 for each day were released early-June.

"Early bird weekend passes are still the best deal if you can attend two or more days but if you can only come for one day this is totally the way to go," Cursons said.

Thursday, July 7 features a special concert event with 26-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss with Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. This is their only West Coast show this summer. Tickets are $50 with the purchase of a weekend pass to VIMF or $65 for the Thursday night. After June 30 the price is $75.

Friday, July 7 is shaping up to be a colorful night with Portland-based carnival performance troupe MarchFourth Marching Band, Americana supergroup Red Horse, astounding reggae/blues talent Corey Harris and the 5X5 Band, world-renowned magician Jeff McBride and hip hop ground breakers Arrested Development. Adult passes for Friday are $69.

Along with Anderson, the evening of Saturday, July 8 features guitar greats John Jorgenson and Albert Lee, modern American music master Randy Newman, and a truly brilliant closer with bluegrass powerhouse The Travelin’ McCourys coupled with the 'sacred steel' of the Lee Boys. Saturday passes are $89.

Sunday evening is shaping up to be one of those truly unforgettable MusicFest nights with the introspective and exquisite songs of Rodney Crowell, compelling and sultry jazz diva Holly Cole, a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration with The Night Train Music Club, and a performance by one of the defining voices of our generation, David Crosby. Sunday tickets are $89.

To avoid a sold-out festival, drop by the Sid, call 1-866-898-499, or order at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.

For more information about performers gracing the six stages of MusicFest, check www.islandmusicfest.com.