The Vancouver Island MusicFest is just getting going

By Keith and Heather Nicol

Checking out some hats at one of many booths

     The weather was perfect for the first acts of the Vancouver Island MusicFest (VIMF) held in Courtenay on Friday July 14. The main stage grounds were lined with booths selling clothing and crafts as well as all sorts of food and when we arrived at 4:00 pm it was packed with concert goers. On the first afternoon and evening the organizers have 2 stages going-the main concert bowl and the “barn”.  We opted for the sun and open field of the main concert bowl and were looking forward to hearing Quetzal and Bill Kirchen and Redd Volkaert before supper.  There must have been some scheduling issues since instead of the Chicano Rock sound of Quetzal (the hail from Los Angeles) we heard Rachelle Van Zanten singing about the Canadian North. But that is part of the fun of the VIMF there are always great surprises just around the corner. Bill Kirchen and Redd Volkaert put on a fine show playing their rock and roll/country mix.  These guys have been around for decades and have played with many of the greats like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.  Later on Friday evening in the main concert bowl there would be a wide range of musicians playing everything from classically music to the energetic reggae and blues of Ilam who hails originally from Senegal in Africa. Friday evening was headlined by country music legend Emmylou Harris.

The Centre Bowl was already lines with chairs at 4;00 pm on Friday

  We are looking forward to a catching the wide range of performers on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 and are especially looking forward to hearing some of the musicians playing celtic music. There is such a wide range of music on the programme that we are sure we will get our eyes and ears opened to some performers and styles of music that we never knew existed. And of course there are some big names to see like the Bare Naked Ladies, Rita Coolidge and Bruce Cockburn.  There are still day tickets available so drop on down to the Exhibition Grounds in Courtenay to catch some memorable music. More info at www.islandmusicfest.com

  

Bill Kirchen and Redd Volkaert in the Concert Bowl