There’s so much more to the Roots and Blues experience than sitting and listening to awesome music – and that goes for the whole family.
The Hub International Barton Family Fun Zone is just that – the family hub filled with creative activities and lively performances by kid-friendly entertainers.
From arts and crafts, to scientific discoveries, everything you can imagine to keep the young and young-at- heart occupied for hours is in the hub.
On the Family Fun Zone stage and on the grounds is the Mortal Coil Performance Society. Their grand and artistic visions bring a sense of magic and myth to their performances, utilizing creative characters with stilts, masks and fantastic costumes.
Swing into song with Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales, an engaging and mischievous mix of storytelling, singing, and guitar playing.
Journey alongside First Nations performer, Kenthen Thomas, as he captivates audiences with his fascinating legends of the Shuswap.
Treble Spot Jams performer and music therapist, Roxy Roth’s Clown Clan is sure to spread plenty of smiles and laughs with roving character ‘Treble.’
Combining the best of oral storytelling and narrative painting, Stories on Wheels shares inspiring tales with music, dramatic action and enthusiastic audience interaction.
This being the 20th anniversary of one of the hottest shows of summer, the Backyard & Roots ‘n Rhythms Dance Stage will be the scene of celebration and movement. In addition to “get-up-offa’-that thang” lessons, you will be entertained with dance performances and demonstrations throughout the day.
On Saturday morning, warm up with yoga at 10, before shaking things up with a belly dance lesson and the Latin dances of Cuba with Septeto Santiguero.
Save some energy for the afternoon and Argentine waltz and tango lessons beginning at 2:05.
Get your body moving again Sunday at 10 a.m., then heat it up with an Argentine tango lesson. Move your middle with a belly dance lesson at 11:30.
Take in the Latinesque Salsa Squad at 12:15 p.m., then chill a while before stepping out in an Argentine waltz lesson and lively Celtic step dance with the Beaton Sisters.
Recharge your batteries at the Global Food Village where 29 food concessions will provide a culinary collision of western cuisine and ethnic foods – yum!
Saunter through the Artisan Market, which features 37 kiosks selling beautiful handcrafted items from jewelry to clothing, leather goods, pottery, items for your home and much more.
Check out the great selection of 2012 Roots & Blues merchandise, including hats, T-shirts, jackets, glassware, jewelry and much more.
And take home the sounds of your favourite festival performers by picking up their CDs at the Roots & Blues CD store.
Performers often head there after their sets and are happy to autograph their CDs.
Free off-site performances will rev up the action in the week prior to the 20th annual Roots and Blues Festival, which runs Friday, Aug. 17 to Sunday, Aug. 19.
Sponsored by SiriusXM Canada and Waterway Houseboats, free mini-concerts play out at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15 near Herald Park, 1:30 p.m. off Canoe Beach and 4 p.m. at the Salmon Arm wharf.
Sirius “Live on the Lake” satellite performances continue with The Shuffle Demons and Shred Kelly playing to the regular Wednesday on the Wharf crowd.
Now in its second year, the eight-day Routes & Blues pre-fest outreach program invites people to explore the Shuswap region.
Presented in partnership with Shuswap Tourism and the Shuswap Trail Alliance, Routes & Blues offers visitors and locals the chance to experience the best of the Shuswap all en route to an incredible community meal followed by fabulous live music, Aug 9 to 16.
New this year is the Salmon Arm Music Crawl Thursday, Aug. 16, beginning at 7 p.m.
Revisit the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society’s Coffee House roots in a series of intimate performances throughout the downtown core.
Explore local restaurants and pubs and get a taste of what’s on the menu, while savouring an authentic Shuswap musical experience.
Enjoy a gospel service with Black Pioneer Heritage Singers at 10 a.m. at First United Church Sunday, Aug. 19.
And don’t forget to get your raffle tickets for a chance to win a houseboat trip, 2013 festival package and more. Get information and tickets at www.rootsanblues.ca, or call 250-833-4096.
