A feast for all five senses greets locals and visitors to the Oceanfront during the summer solstice party Squamish Equinox Rock Festival (SERF) Saturday, June 21.The SERF music festival was born last fall with a collaboration between the district and local visionary, Deb McQueen, that turned into "Celebration by the Sea" and the SERF.Fast-forward to eight months later, and the second SERF music festival is ready to roll with a line-up of bands organizers are sure will appeal to everyone.In celebration of the summer solstice June 21, the Oceanfront will host the biggest beach party in Squamish's history, starting at noon with local bands, llama rides, alan's heavy (hoola) huups, slack lining and more. But the festival's main attraction, as always, is a focus on the environment. Organizers want crowds to enjoy the surroundings, and show it some respect. "We're aiming to be a garbage free event," said SERF society director Tina Nowaczewski. "Pack it in, pack it out. Bring your own mug, plate and cutlery. Don't forget a chair or blanket to sit on. See you all there!"Festival headliners start at 3 p.m. with local boy band Black Swade. Next up is Hey Rosetta! all the way from Newfoundland. The six-piece group is receiving huge acclaim, and has built their West Coast tour around the SERF appearance, according to festival organizers. Following Hey Rosetta!, local reggae, feel-good band Kostaman and the Vibrations will keep everyone shakin' their groove thing.The two bands that follow are both playing the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. The first one, Five Alarm Funk, is Vancouver's own afro-funk orchestra. This 11-piece phenomenon has performed over 120 shows throughout Western Canada, sharing stages with such artists as Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Herbaliser, Sly & Robbie, Fishbone and Xavier Rudd. In the process the band has built an enthusiastic fan base, large enough to twice fill the Commodore with over 900 fans in 2007.The final act, guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, is one of the hottest acts on the current world music scene. Now based in Vancouver, "he's earned a matchless reputation internationally for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows," according to promotional material. "All I know is that people keep coming up to me on the streets of Squamish saying, 'I love Alpha Yaya Diallo, and I'm telling all my friends that he's coming here,'" said Nowaczewski.Check the bands out on the website: www.serfmusicfestival.com.Tickets for the event are $25 but keep your eye out around town for $5 off coupons. Tickets are available at Gelato Carina, Agnes Jean, Squamish Adventure Centre, Howe Sound Inn, Onatagh Coffee, The Burrow, Valhalla Pure, Trinity Romance, Republic Bicycles and Brackendale Bistro. Children 12 and under get in for free when accompanied by an adult. In and out privileges are allowed, as well as sealed non-alcoholic beverages. Water on site will be available to fill personal water bottles. No pets will be allowed. Want to get involved? Contact: [email protected] or go to www.serfmusicfestival.com
