Powell River Blues Festival committee members have been working very hard these past few months getting ready to bring in world-class entertainment over three days. The first-ever event, running June 3 to 5, features an outdoor stage at the Beach Gardens Resort and Marina complete with food, crafts, clothing, interactive art display and even a craftsman who restores vintage blues guitars.
“The idea for this festival came from the love of blues and roots music and a few people who were willing to take on the challenge of organizing this event,” said Debbie Dee, committee member and one of those people. She is joined by Jack Barr, Kim Miller, Steve Kozak, Peter Taylor, Andy Evans, Andra Garrett, Richard Toop, Don Krompocker and Kim Barrows.
Local blues players Sam Hurrie, Ron Campbell and Dee will open each day with their bands and local artists will have the opportunity to jam with visiting artists on Friday and Saturday evenings in the All-Star Jam Cabaret. Special tickets for these events will only be sold on site each day and are limited to 200 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visiting guest artists include Powder Blues Band, Monkey Junk, The Twisters, Tom Holland and the Shuffle Kings, James Harman, The Lloyd Jones Struggle and many more. Information and videos of each are on the event website.
“Powell River has a wonderful relationship with volunteerism and volunteers will be a big part of the festival,” Dee said. “There is a volunteer application on the website to print and fill in and drop off at Powell River Chamber of Commerce or Powell River Brain Injury Society.” Also on the website is information to help attendees plan their day. “Bring your lawn chair and blanket,” adds Dee. “Please read this page, as there are several important pieces of information on there to help you have the best blues day possible. For all the inside information on what you can and cannot bring into the event, please see the website.”
The area will also include a beer and wine garden, and many free giveaways during the festival. Each day a special VIP tent area will set up for those who wish to upgrade their ticket on the day of the show with opportunities to meet and chat with the artists and get “special” event privileges. Only 100 per day will be available, again on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will be a free shuttle bus running several times daily from Town Centre Mall with stops along Joyce Avenue. The website will have the schedule and there will be no parking available at the site. “Stay tuned to the website as there may be limited parking a block away,” added Dee.
Tickets for the three-day event are $120 and are available through ticketweb on the website. There are also single day tickets at various prices. There will be wristbands available for local purchase at the brain injury society office starting soon. For all event information, readers are advised to visit the event website.
