The ninth annual Brackendale Bluegrass Festival will feature everything from established acts to brand new bands and even a chance to do a little jamming at the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG) on May 6 and 7.
Local musician Cam Salay helped put together the event and said interest for bands to take part in this year's festival was surprisingly high.
"It's actually come together quite easily this year," he said. "Sometimes I have trouble finding acts but I found that they were approaching me this year and it's worked out well."
The first day of the festival will be headlined by Backspin, whom Salay said seemed excited to be returning to after a successful festival debut last year.
"They really wanted to come back," he said. "They've been playing quite a bit this past year and I think they're really good."
Backspin appeared at last year's festival and Salay said the band impressed audiences with its fresh take on a traditional form of music. Also appearing on Friday (May 6) will be Perry Beckham and local band Tantalus Pass. It is only the third show for the newly formed group, which is comprised entirely of Squamish residents.
"We're really thrilled and delighted to be invited," said Tantalus Pass member Rita Kyle. "Just to be involved on the same show as a band like Viper Central is great for us. They're a really awesome band and just so professional - we should learn a lot."
Tantalus Pass previously had shows at the Howe Sound Brew Pub on Feb. 19 and at the BAG on March 5. Kyle said that both shows were good experiences for the band.
"I think it went really well," she said. "The people seemed to really like us and it felt good to be on stage."
The group formed in December 2010 and Kyle said they should bring a unique style to the Bluegrass Festival.
"We're sort of a roots and acoustic group," she said. "But we've been really working hard on a number of originals for the festival. We had to adjust our style a little bit to fit the show, but I think it's great for us to be starting off the show with something maybe a little different for everyone."
The group is comprised of Kyle, Zachary Dejong, Nikolai Gurda and Doug Smith. It hopes to parlay the experience at the Bluegrass Festival into other local shows including potentially one at the Legion. The group is also booked for another show at the Brew Pub on Labour Day.
Day 2 of the festival will kick off with the popular Slo-Pitch Jam event. Beginning at noon, musicians of all skill levels are invited to the BAG to jam and learn from some of the more experienced musicians. Salay said the jams typically last about an hour and a half.
The festival will continue later on Saturday (May 7) evening with performances by Scattered Coals, Half Fast Stringband and the aforementioned Viper Central.
Viper Central is no stranger to the festival, having performed there in 2007 and 2008. Salay said the group will be a lot more polished than the last time Squamish residents saw them as it has been touring Europe on and off for the past few years. According to its website, Viper Central approaches its music with the sense of creativity and adventure found in the earliest old-time bluegrass recordings.
Salay added that the Half Fast Stringband features Team Squamish cycle team member Michael Kilby on the fiddle. Salay said Kilby should impress with his musical skills.
Tickets for the festival cost $20 for one night, $35 for both nights or $10 for kids 12 and under. The Slo-Pitch Jam will set you back $10 to take part. The performances on Friday and Saturday both kick off at 8 p.m., lasting well into the night.
For more information on the festival or to purchase tickets, call up Salay at (604) 898-3333 or (604) 935-9434. Advance tickets are also available at the BAG.
