What do the the Mullet Man (business in the front, party in the back), Broken Suitcase Johnny Galactic, The Funk Hunters and Shred Kelly have in common? They, and a bunch of other bands and musicians, are coming to Port Renfrew for the Song & Surf Music Festival from Feb. 15-17. So why would all these folks be holding a music festival in the middle of winter?
“Weather is not really a factor for Song & Surf. People come from all around to embrace the beauty of the west coast at this time of year and enjoy some amazing music. They enjoy it whether or not it is rainy or sunny,” said Mike Hann, one of the organizers of the festival via email.
The line-up includes blues, stoke folk, pop rock, DJs and custom synched visuals. It’s high energy, indie music from some of B.C.’s best. The music is as eclectic as the people who attend the festival.
The festival takes place indoors at various venues in Port Renfrew with the main stage at the recreation centre.
A bit on the bands:
The Funk Hunters are arguably one of Canada’s busiest electronic acts. Performing their signature high-energy DJ sets and groundbreaking audio-visual show at some of the world’s most popular music festivals and clubs has earned them an international following.
Shred Kelly is a formulation of friends and foot stomping good times born in the town of Fernie. The five-piece band is best known for mixing clawhammer banjo riffs that tear the fabric of space and time with ambient synth, high voltage guitar, fierce drums, and hauntingly sweet vocal harmonies to produce a sound that has been properly coined “Stoke Folk.”
Johnny Galactic is a three-piece acoustic rock band from lower Vancouver Island. Their music style is distinct yet dynamic — a coalescence of the timeless story telling of folk, the sunny strumming of eukeleles and acoustic guitars, the beats of powerpop, and the raw energy of rock. They are often heard performing at the 17 Mile Pub and in Victoria.
The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer are an award-winning blues duo from Nanaimo/Vancouver. They will bring the house down.
Accommodation options are plentiful and varied. Many of the great accommodations in Port Renfrew offer up deals for those coming out to Song & Surf.
“Some people choose to embrace the weather and either camp or come in RV’s,” said Hann.
Anyone who needs advice on where to stay can call Big Fish Lodge for advice at 250-647-0036. This is a 19+ event.
Food is available in town as well as at the venue.
“It is a limited capacity event, so tickets are in high demand,” said Hann.
Passes are available for the two-day event or just for Saturday. A bargain when you look at the talent. Tickets are available in Sooke at Stick In The Mud or online at the McPherson Box Office.
