A family business in Mulhurst Bay is celebrating its 30th year in operation with the first-ever Pigeon Lake Music Festival Aug. 5 and 6.
Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park has organized the two-day live music event as a way of celebrating three decades in the era, said vice-president of business development Kyle Knutson. “We just wanted to bring as much attention to the entire area, Pigeon Lake, and our resort as well,” said Knutson by phone July 20.
He noted the RV park owners brainstormed a few ideas to celebrate their anniversary, but the park has a semi-retired staff member who spent considerable time working in the music business across the country. Combined with the 150th anniversary of the nation’s birth, the idea of open-air festival was born. “We just thought it would be a nice way to celebrate all these milestones,” said Knutson.
The organizer was very ambitious when crafting a list of performers. There are at least 11 acts on the two-day schedule, including headliners Chiliwak, who will take the stage Sunday, Aug. 6. “I did bite off a lot to chew this year, for sure,” said Knutson. “We’re definitely putting in the hours to make sure this goes off without a hitch.” The festival website hints more acts could be added.
He noted all the acts are Canadian acts and include a nice selection of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent. “We’re looking forward to having all sorts of acts, not focusing on one specific genre.”
Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park is located at 473008 Range Road 10, Mulhurst Bay (turn south off Sec Hwy #616, or head north inside the village along 50th Street).
Ticket, camping, parking and location information is available online at http://www.hilahayers.com.
Festival lineup
Chilliwack
Sunday, August 6th - 9:00 p.m.
With their catchy, easygoing hooks and bright, melodic style — distinguished by the soaring falsetto and tasteful guitar playing of lead singer and principal songwriter Bill Henderson — the Vancouver rock band Chilliwack produced some of the most enduring Canadian songs of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Russell deCarle
Saturday, August 5th - 9:00 p.m.
Russell deCarle is the lead singer, bass player, and a founding member of platinum-selling Prairie Oyster.
Reuben and the Dark
Saturday, August 5th - 7:00 p.m.
Calgary’s Reuben and the Dark is a collection of five multi-instrumentalists and vocalists led by Reuben Bullock. The group makes chilling, emotive folk and soul driven by dark, introspective lyrics that explore the duality of misery and joy.
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
Sunday, August 6th - 7:00 p.m.
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (MBF) is a singer and songwriter from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A touring troubadour, most of his time is spent on stage playing clubs, theatres and festivals across North America. He is a dog man with a good plan and two hands.
Daniel Wesley
Saturday, August 5th - 5:15 p.m.
After a decade of making music for his legions of fans, Vancouver beach rocker Daniel Wesley is still going strong and refuses to slow down. With seven studio albums and hundreds of live shows under his belt, Wesley continues his relentless musical onslaught with the release of a career-spanning live album recorded at the historic Commodore Ballroom.
Alee
Sunday, August 6th - 5:45 p.m.
Alee brings her fresh up tempo style and sound to listeners across the world, redefining country music — and with a strong musical background, she has the goods to back it up. A singer-songwriter-musician-entertainer regarded for her musicianship, the strength of her original songs, and charismatic performance, Alee has the versatility of a veteran performer with the ability to take her songs from full band down to a simple acoustic performance.
Scenic Route to Alaska
Saturday, August 5th - 4:00 p.m.
The easygoing Edmonton-based trio, comprised of Trevor Mann on lead vocals and guitar, drummer Shea Connor, and bassist Murray Wood, effortlessly weaves catchy vocals and memorable melodies through rich arrangements – instantly engaging but begging to be heard again and again. It’s a coveted combination within the crowded sphere of indie rock – and one that’s rarely the product of anything but time, talent, and heaps of hard work. Of course, Scenic Route to Alaska are no strangers to any of those.
Zerbin
Sunday, August 6th - 4:30 p.m.
Zerbin released their LP ‘Darling’ on April 14, 2015. Self-produced by the band (Jason Zerbin and Peter Mol) and mixed by Dave Pensado (Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Elton John), Tom Dobrzanski (Said the Whale, Hey Ocean!, We Are the City) and Jason himself, the album displays a fresh and infectious incarnation of symphonic alt-pop, a mixing of the band’s Alberta roots and West-Coast home.
Maria Dunn
Saturday, August 5th - 2:45 p.m.
A true preserver of the spirit of folk music, Maria Dunn is often compared to Woody Guthrie for her keen social awareness and her unvarnished songs about the lives of working men and women.
Lucas Chaisson
Saturday, August 5th - 1:30 p.m.
His soulful voice and insightful lyrics are helping the young songsmith make a splash in the Canadian music scene.
Allen Christie
Sunday, August 6th - 2:00 p.m.
A true modern day troubadour, Allen Christie is one of Alberta’s most talked about Roots artists. His singing, song writing and guitar playing are perfectly framed by some of the best musicians in Alberta to create a superb live performance.
