Local bluegrass lovers start getting excited, planning for the first Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival is well on its way, set for Canada Day weekend in Qualicum Bay.
“We feel this area is probably okay for it,” said organizer Sheena McCorquodale, “in fact I’m quite certain. There’s actually been a real resurgance in interest in bluegrass.”
McCorquodale said the response at the Coombs Bluegrass Festival has been so positive, a group of locals decided to extend the fun to Qualicum Bay.
A group called the Mid Island Bluegrass Society will be putting on a number of shows in the area and Lighthouse Bluegrass is one of their projects.
The festival will have eight bands performing, from places like Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. There will also be open stage performers, workshops, food vendors, door prizes, camping and of course parking lot picking.
“The real focus is on the parking lot picking, playing with the people who’ve just been on the stage,” said McCorquodale, adding that novice and experienced players are all encouraged to bring their instruments.
The event will also showcase and make use of the fantastic facilities at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay, said McCorquodale, and help promote live music in the area.
RV camping will be available at the site with outdoor showers and festival-goers will find a motel, restaurant, pub and beach access all within walking distance.
The festival is still looking for volunteers, music related vendors and local food and craft vendors.
For more, visit www.lighthousebluegrass.com or call 250-757-9991.
