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Invermere MusicFest: upward and onward
By Stephanie Stevens
They rocked this town; rocked it inside out.
The fourth annual Invermere MusicFest was a rousing success, according to Columbia Valley Arts Council Executive Director (and Chief Bottle Washer) Jami Scheffer, with the first ever Friday night dance party kicking off the weekend as attendees kicked up their heels.
The festival, Aug. 19-21, saw over 500 people come through the gates, as well as nearly 50 children.
“All our numbers are up all around,” said Scheffer, “including bar, tickets sold, sponsorship and donations.”
Local grants from the Regional District of East Kootenay discretionary grants-in-aid and the BC Arts Council were also up from previous years.
At Friday’s dance party, bands Love You Miss You, The Highkicks and De Bruces a Mi had everyone up and grooving by Lake Windermere, and Saturday’s line up had something for everyone, with The Big Eli B Blues Band, Sean Cronin and Friends, Petunia and the Vipers, Annie Lou, JJ Shiplett, Bend Sinister and Royal Canoe on the two stages, Lake and Mountain, by turn.
Scheffer said about 70 volunteers were involved with making the weekend run smooth, as well as the partners of the event, Summit Youth Centre running the merchandise booth, The Westside Legacy Trail running the Kidz Korner and Home Hardware suppling furniture for the hospitality area.
Four food vendors kept hungry bellies full and three artisan vendors displayed their wares to add a tactile element to the weekend.
In addition to the much appreciated volunteer force, Scheffer acknowledged the incredible efforts of the board of directors: Ben Cameron, artistic director; Al Miller, site director; Andra Louie, community relations; Claire Crawford, volunteer director; Joe Robertson, site director; Kent Shoemaker, promotions; Mark Topliff, security director; Shawn Wernig, website guru and refreshment director; Yvonne Rake, social media director; Misty West, hospitality director; Richard Unger, hospitality director and Dave McGrath, festival MC.
Sunday rounded out the weekend with workshops by several of the artists.
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Photos by Stephanie Stevens
