For those ready to take a bite out of winter, the Vancouver Island WinterBites Festival will heat up the Comox Valley with an exciting new 16-day multi-venue music and winter sports festival.
It runs on Mount washington from Jan 16. to 31.
“WinterBites is a great chance for music lovers of many different genres to celebrate with us,” says Doug Cox, executive producer of Vancouver Island MusicFest.
“We will have something for everyone, from shows with iconic Canadian rockers such as Chilliwack, to hot acoustic blues, the sounds of West Africa, and a jazz piano showdown — these shows have all been put together exclusively for our event!”
The Comox Valley has long been known as a cultural community, confirmed in 2007 when it was awarded the designation of Cultural Capital of Canada. Today, it produces over 50 festivals and community events and the region continues to be a draw for talented world-class musicians, performers, artists and culinary professionals.
WinterBites’ venues, set against the backdrop of Mount Washington, provide festival goers an opportunity to combine their love of music with one of the most spectacular coastal alpine settings in North America.
Known for its legendary 11 metres of annual snowfall, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is a winter playground for skiers and alpine enthusiasts. Teaming up with local festival hotels, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is providing half-price lift tickets as part of WinterBites accommodation packages, to sweeten the festival ‘bite.’
WinterBites Festival ticket packages go on sale in November. Those wanting to be the first to hear about concert headliners, accommodation offers and exclusive deals, should visit www.winterbitesfestival.com and sign up for the ‘sneak peek’ newsletter.
People can also enter the Sweepstake to win a WinterBites Weekend Away, which includes includes one night’s accommodation for two, two concert tickets and two lift passes to Mount Washington Alpine Resort. The sweepstake is open until Dec. 3.
Chilliwack will kick off the concert series, which also offers an exclusive double bill with the Grapes of Wrath and the Odds. A hot acoustic blues night will see Blind Boy Paxton and Suzie Vinnick play the night away.
There's also a West African dance night with Alpha Ya Ya Diallo and his band for Global music fans and a boogie-woogie blues and jazz piano showdown featuring two of the best players around, David Vest and Kenny (Blues Boss) Wayne.
“These are just a few of the shows with more to come as we will continue to announce additions to our stellar line up for this new annual January festival,” says Cox.
The festival is a partnership of Vancouver Island MusicFest, Comox Valley Airport, Mount Washington Alpine Resort and Vancouver Island Newspaper Group along with venue sponsors including Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association, Old House Village Hotel and Spa, and Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community. Transportation will be provided exclusively by Ambassador Shuttle.
For more information on the Vancouver Island WinterBites Festival, visit www.winterbitesfestival.com or call 1-855-400-2882. One can also join the conversation using #CVWinterBites.
• • •
• Rockin’ the Filberg – with Chilliwack
Thursday, Jan. 16, Florence Filberg Centre
• West African Dance Night - with Alpha Ya Ya Diallo
Friday, Jan. 17, Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre
• Pianorama - with Kenny (Blues Boss) Wayne and David Vest
Saturday, Jan. 18, Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre
Rockin' the Filberg - with The Grapes Of Wrath and Odds
Friday, Jan. 24, Florence Filberg Centre
Acoustic Blues Doubleheader - with Blind Boy Paxton and Suzie Vinnick
Wednesday, Jan. 29, Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community
— Vancouver Island WinterBites Festival