It may be the tall trees or the incredible views but most likely it is the music. Three days worth of performances by some of the best bands in British Columbia and they are all converging on Brown’s Mountain in Port Renfrew.
The Tall Tree Festival is for the hardy and the dedicated. It’s a high up there on the mountain where the scenery competes with the music, visual artists, DJs and festival goers. For four years, the organizers have been bringing in well-known and emerging artists, some from far and some from near.
If you’ve heard of Juno-nominated Hollerado, Sunhawk, The Zolas, Pigeon Hole, The Washboard Union, Broken Down Suitcase or Mullet Man then this festival is for you. These aren’t your momma’s bands, the festival is geared for those with a taste for alternative /techno sounds. There are 65 acts lined up for your listening entertainment. The festival is also about community and the environment.
“Not only is this year’s lineup the best yet,” said Festival Director Mike Hann, “but it’s the most unique venue you’ll ever see. If you haven’t been before, this is the year.”
Sunhawk seems to personify the types of bands heading to the stage at Tall Tree.
Sunhawk is an energetic, sexy and electrifying three-piece band from Victoria, that burst onto the Island music scene in early 2010. The three bandmates are childhood friends playing together in a basement since they were about 12-years-old. At Sasquatch in 2009 they decided to form a band and get on with it. The band is Keenan Murray (drums), Matt Longpre (vocals, keyboards, bass, guitar) and Ben Robertson (vocals, guitar, bass). They expertly blend soaring harmonies, electronic keyboards and 70’s-esque guitar riffs against a backdrop of powerful, dance-inducing drumming.
And that’s just one of the bands performing at Tall Tree on the Canada Day long weekend, June 28-30.
The combination of talented artists and respectful event goers mixed with the community spirit has resulted in this event being widely talked about and highly anticipated for 2013.
A full list of performers is online at www.talltreefestival.com or find them on Facebook.
The festival is supporting the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), a British Columbian organization working to protect the endangered old-growth forests of B.C. and to ensure sustainable forestry jobs in the province
You need to be aware that you MUST be 19 and able to prove it with two pieces of government ID or, no ID – no entry. Zero tolerance for drinking and driving. There will be roadblocks. Forget about your credit card, cell phone, laptop or tablet there’s no reception and no ATM. Bring cash. No gas either in Port Renfrew, so fill up in Lake Cowichan or Sooke before heading up the mountain. Leave your pet at home along with any bottles or glass. Leave the firewood as well as there’s no fires allowed. No drugs or outside alcohol is permitted.
Prepare your costumes. Men in suits have been spotted at past festivals as have all kinds of crazy and goofy getups.
Okay, now you have the rules, here’s what else you need to do to prepare for Tall Tree:
Be prepared for all weather: We can have sun and heat and also some rain. Prepare for it all.
Be prepared for camping: Prepare your self to wake up to world class views! Be smart – Bring a flashlight (or two) for the evening. Bring water to stay hydrated. Sunproofing and waterproofing is smart. Bring something to keep you cozy if it gets chilly.
Be ready to walk on uneven ground: Some nice sturdy shoes are a great idea. Gum boots are fun for puddle jumping on the off chance it rains.
The parking area is separate from the camping area. All vehicles are parked at the base of the mountain and all festival attendees will be shuttled up to their campsites. If you car pool with more than three people, you get free parking.
To purchase tickets online go to the McPherson Box Office website at: www.rmts.bc.ca. To purchase advance tickets in store go to Coastline Surf and Sport and Ditch Records & CDs. They are $129 in advance.
