Back for its 25th year, the Arts Alive Festival will once again take over Downtown Langley this Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Taking place along Fraser Highway between 204 and 206 Streets, more than 200 visual and performing artists are involved in this free family event, which includes live music, live art demonstrations, a children’s venue, special performance surprises and dozens of booths showcasing work by local artists and artisans.
In McBurney Plaza, a main stage will be set up with live music acts all day. Beginning at 10 a.m., Ashley & Giddy Kizito will take the stage, followed by David Beckingham (11 a.m.), Clay Ravens (1 p.m.) and Echo Nebraska (3 p.m.).
Ashley & Giddy are a husband and wife duo from Vancouver, who draw from their jazz and Ugandan roots to create unique, passionate music.
Beckingham is perhaps best known as the founder of the Juno Award nominated band Hey Ocean! He released his own, ‘folkier’ style album, Just When The Light, in 2016.
Clay Ravens is a six-piece folk band from Vancouver that combines the soul of Americana lyrics with foot stomping melodies, similar to Drive by Truckers, Neil Young and Steve Earle.
Indie folk band Echo Nebraska plays melodic music with an emphasis on background vocals and acoustic instruments. Their latest album, Hold up to the Fire, pays homage to the band’s founder, Gunn Park, who passed away from cancer in 2016.
READ MORE: Echoing performers come to Langley
In the Arts Alive Children’s venue, buskers Jessica Barbour Duo will provide entertainment at 11 .m., while Rossi Tzonkov performs at 1:30 p.m.
Barbour plays her own brand of “electro-pop” music that blends electronic, folk, rock, country and pop. She is also known for her acoustic shows and uncanny impressions of Canadian folk icon Joni Mitchell.
READ MORE: ‘Electro-pop’ artist finds inspiration in Canadian folk icon
Vancouver’s Tzonkov specializes in Spanish guitar, Caribbean steel drum and vocals. He’s created his own “contemporary Caribbean fusion” by blending styles from Spanish Rumbas, Nuevo Flamenco, Brazilian jazz and Calypso.
READ MORE: Guitar festival welcomes world renowned duos
In addition to the range of arts on display, the festival will also include food offerings from local restaurants, food trucks and a stage side beer garden.
For more details on the 2018 Arts Alive Festival, visit www.downtownlangley.com.
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