Over the past three or four years Astrid Hensey, Steve Roy and Chris “The Hobo” Hensey have hosted periodic hootenannies at Forest Grove Community Hall, east of 100 Mile House, and attracted many performers from all around the Cariboo.
Last year they put on their first annual Hootstock music festival at the old Bradley Creek School House near Ruth Lake as a one-day event.
This year they hosted Hootstock 2013 as a three-day festival from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28. And, as usual, Hootstock was a hoot.
A number of Williams Lake area musicians, spoken word artists and entertainers made the trek to Ruth Lake, and were treated to a small but dynamic summer festival.
The consensus is, those folks from Forest Grove know how to put on a party.
Local performers included Oren Barter, Lorne Dufour, Thom Walker, John Kopas, Sam Tudor, Kaylie Gill, Nick Carrier, Sage Birchwater, Jesaja-the-Magician, Troy Forcier and Rowan Dolighan.
Organizer Astrid Hensey says Hootstock is gaining momentum.
“Last year was very successful as a one-day event. This year was three days and we’re gaining momentum. Hootstock 2014 is going to be a riot.”