Vancouver might draw the likes of pop stars such as Rihanna, but when it comes to combining unique artists, the backdrop of the Coast Mountains and energetic festival participants, Squamish is a worthy rival.
Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the best Squamish has to offer during the third annual Dancing Bear Music Festival at Quest University, running all day Saturday, April 30.
This year is unique because it follows Quest's inaugural graduation ceremony, so Quest students and their families, as well as the broader Squamish community, have more than ever to celebrate.
"The special thing about this year is it's our first-ever graduation," said Caitlin Mooney-Fu, one of Dancing Bear's organizers. "So in the planning process we've really kept that in mind."
This year's student organizers landed an exciting lineup featuring seven bands from across Canada and from right here in town.
Co-organizer and Quest students Mooney-Fu, Jon Farmer and Megan Myles are putting the final touches on a music festival they hope is becoming a must-attend annual event.
"Our lineup this year is phenomenal," said Mooney-Fu. "We have Brastronaut and Jon and Roy as our headliners, as well as awesome supporting artists."
A four-piece folk band from Victoria, Jon and Roy are more than their simple name implies. With a blend of rich vocals, melodic guitar and a mellow beat, their sound is layered and somewhat reminiscent of classic folk, with a slight reggae feel.
A Vancouver band with roots in pop, rock and jazz, Brastronaut is a multi-instrument medley including trumpet, piano, vocals, drums, bass, lap steel and electric guitar.
Supporting artists include Shane Philip, Humans, Fogon, Jenny and Topless Gay Love Techno Party.
The show begins with local group Fogon, who describe themselves as a collaboration of folky, rocky, twangy, gospel and jazzy sounds that originated in the Quest University community.
Fogon has dominated community events this year and is a well-known favourite.
Shane Philip rocked the festival last year, taking the stage with his rhythmic reverberations and didgeridoo drones that infected the audience with an intense desire to jump, twirl and dance in a trance-like frenzy.
Philip, a multi-tasking, talented musician from Vancouver Island, plays the drums, guitar, three didgeridoos and the harmonica all at once. His intense combination of rhythm, beats and strums was an inspiring one-man show the entire audience enjoyed.
"When I get really into the music, and the crowd responds by dancing more animatedly, it's like an energy transfer back and forth," he said after last year's festival. "This festival has a great dynamic for that sort of musician-crowd relationship."
Philip actually approached the Dancing Bear organizers about being part of this year's festival, a testament to the festival's success in their eyes.
"He actually came to us, which is exciting," Myles said. "Having bands come to us asking to play at our festival - I'm just getting ready to be blown away!"
According to Myles, Quest University looks at this festival as a great way to connect with the Squamish community.
"That the idea - it always has been and it always will be," said Myles. "It's just an opportunity for everyone who loves music to celebrate."
Mooney-Fu said it's also an opportunity to showcase what both the school and the town have to offer.
"It's about spreading the word about Quest, spreading the word about Squamish and having a good time doing it."
The venue will look slightly different because risers will be set up for the ceremony, but Myles said there will be some grass area and the dancing will happen nonetheless. She said to bring chairs, blankets and yoga mats for those in-between moments.
All types of vendors will be there to ensure concertgoers have everything they desire - food, refreshments, jewelry, clothing and a section for kids with face painting, hoola hooping and tie-dying.
The festival will happen rain or shine and doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
