The Rarearth Music Fest began as a vision where people were invited to share their mandate to develop community spirit, raise funds for community projects, support local first with musicians, artisans and food vendors, invite stellar musicians from around the world, provide opportunities for the artistic development of local talent and provide mentorship programs and workshops for youth.
Another important aspect of the festival was to work toward sustainability and implementing a green theme. That vision mushroomed and became a reality drawing like-minded individuals, large corporations, small businesses and government.
“We made Vernon history by walking together on an uphill journey to make it all happen and to all those that gave 100 per cent in support, I thank you, we at Rarearth thank you,” said Kath Raeber, owner/operator and organizer of the festival. “But I’m not quite finished yet.”
Raeber is teaming up with her daughter, Kiley Routley, owner of Back to Earth Enviro Products in Coldstream. The two have spearheaded the Back to Earth Community Harvest Fest slated for Aug. 24 and 25 at Lavington Park. The event includes a Fun Kidz Zone, vendors, Suds n’ Ciders and free sustainable workshops.
The Friday evening runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there is no charge to attend and hear the musical entertainment Two Step Closer, Little Isabel, and Kath and the Tomkats
Saturday’s fun runs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and entry fee is just $5 plus a non-perishable item for the food bank.
The live entertainment runs all day and includes performances from Our Kids Have Talent: Megan Lauridsen, Bjorn Kriel, Olivia Penalva, Better Than Average, Amistad,Gallon’s Corner, Beamer Wigley, and Jesse Mast.
The entertainment continues with Earth Sisters – Drumming for the Earth, Sister B & the Boyz, 4th Divide, WindFall, Solara and headliner the Jo Burt Experience.
With a professional pianist for a father and a professional dancer for a mother, it was a “given” that Jo Burt would embrace show business with his upbringing in such a theatrical and musical family. He was seven when he first saw Adam Faith and the The Roulettes perform live, and in 1961, Burt’s rock and roll bug was born.
In 2006, he was approached to play a regular gig at renowned jazz live music venue, The Bull’s Head, in Barnes. Embracing Burt’s developing style — mixing rock and spaced-out folk-esque tunes — The Bull broke from their 25-year tradition to entice Burt with free reign over the musical direction, and The Jo Burt Experience was born.
Developing his music in public continues to be, in Burt’s own words “a cathartic experience” for him. He continues to electrify his audience with the mixture of honesty, intensity and humour that he brings to each performance.
The Jo Burt Experience will be performing Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Back to Earth Community Harvest Fest. Tickets at the gate are $5 and a non-perishable food item. Contact Kath or Kiley at 250-550-6789 or www.backtoearthenviroproducts.com for more information. Jo Burt will also be doing a gig at the Hub Aug. 11, tickets at the door.
