With the rush of festivals in Powell River this summer, some say we save the best for last. Taking place this weekend, Sunshine Music Festival brings together a diverse music lineup as well as arts and crafts, food vendors and a kids’ zone.
“I invite music town Powell River to give the Sunshine Music Festival a fresh look,” says new artistic director Robert Mackle. “Over the past 35 years the festival has evolved from a folk music focus to grow to an expansive circle of music inclusiveness.”
The strength of the festival lies in its humble roots, says Mackie. While the festival has expanded over the decades, it has not abandoned its original mission to bring the community together.
“We have maintained our small, human scale with an intimate atmosphere in a gorgeous beach forest setting at Palm Beach Regional Park,” says Mackle.
Highlights of this year’s lineup include the reggae/world music of Australia’s Toby Beard, the smooth vocal stylings of Matthew and Jill Barber, the soulful songwriting of Cree-Irish singer Iskwe and the accordion-powered, new-gypsy sounds of Jack Garton and his Demon Squadron.
Other musical genres represented at this year’s festival include Latin jazz, alternative pop, rock, blues, soul and gypsy. A handful of local artists round out the bill.
“Female and male artists, young and young at heart from around the world, across the country and locally bring a wide range of diverse musical genres and styles,” says Mackle. “There is something for everyone.”
Two free events will take place on Friday night; Victoria’s Chris Ho will present a songwriting workshop at Cranberry Community Hall from 2:30-4:30 pm and Sara Noni will perform at the Kelly Creek Garden Market at 5:30 pm.
New initiatives at this year’s festival include a community music award, zero-waste program and information about the building of a permanent stage for 2017’s festival, which will be made available to the community for events and celebrations through a Powell River Community Forest grant.
“Like so much culture in Powell River, Sunshine Music Festival is powered by a broad group of volunteers who make it all happen,” says Mackle. “We salute you and invite others to join in this worthy task of community service.”
Sunshine Music Festival
When: Friday, September 2, to Sunday, September 4
Where: Palm Beach Regional Park
Price: $30 ($25 student/senior) day, $50 ($40 student/senior) weekend, free 12 and under
Info: sunshinemusicfest.com
