Everyone is excited for the full return of the Bella Coola Valley Music Festival, said artistic/executive director Rose Clark.
Last year the festival was presented live and with a live-stream because of COVID, but this year the three day festival – July 14, 15 and 16, will not be live-streamed.
Clark said it takes a big community effort each year to get the festival going.
“I work under a steering committee of seven people and the eight of us are the ones who keep it going. We get volunteers for the three days of the festival.”
This year’s lineup includes Jack Garton, Bad Buddy, Dream Heavy, Sierra Noble, Josh Q and the Trade-Offs, Zuffalo, Kym Gouchie, Rachel Beck, Dylan Stone, Piper McKenzie, Kuja Collective, Ghostt, Classic Cats, Interstellar Jays, David Celia, Bud and Rose, Branch Fire Rounders and Rollah and Laina.
“I’m very excited about Josh Q and the Trade-Offs. They are from Iqaluit. They were originally booked in 2020, which was our festival that was cancelled and it took a few years to get them back,” Clark said. “Josh Q has a fabulous voice and he sings songs in both English and Inuktitut. I’m looking forward to his show.”
Rachel Beck is an artist from Prince Edward Island who has been winning lots of Canadian awards and is very talented, she added.
Clark is also looking forward to seeing Sierra Noble perform. Nobel is a traditional Métis fiddle player.
“They are also an amazing song writer,” Clark added.
The Nuxalk dancers are going to be back again this year with traditional dances, with masks and regalia.
“There is always the traditional welcome as part of the festival events.”
Recently the side stage was upgraded in the last two years and is now a “really beautiful, timber frame permanent structure.”
Promoted as a family event, the festival is drug and alcohol free, and centred around community.
There will be a children’s sight on location both Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Tickets are available at the gate when people arrive.
READ MORE: Musicians set to perform live at Bella Coola Music Festival in July
monica.lamb-yorski@wltribune.com
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