Central Music Festival line-up announced
Marking its fifth season with an exceptionally eclectic line-up of artists, the Central Music Festival runs Aug. 12-14 near Red Deer.
The family-friendly outdoor event takes place on an outdoor stage just north of the City on Twp. Rd. 392.
“We’re very excited about this year’s entertainment,” said Mike Bradford, president of the Central Music Festival Society. New to this year’s event will be weekend camping and a Sunday afternoon line-up of musicians.
“We want to give an opportunity for people to get up and do what they do in front of an appreciative audience. I think this is something that is very unique to this area.”
Besides the full slate of performers, the Festival offers a range of musical performances, a beer garden, a Kids’ Korner packed with fun, music and magic and refreshments.
Bradford said organizers are aiming at providing fans with a full-fledged festival experience that goes rain or shine.
Artists run the gamut from rock to blues to country to inspirational, with acts including the Steve Arsenault Band and The Boom Chucka Boys on Friday evening; Don Swift, David Essig, Souljah Fyah, the Jack Semple Trio and Jonas & The Massive Attraction on Saturday among others.
Sunday morning opens with an inspirational workshop with The Larsgaard Family Bluegrass Band and Friends. Other artists set to hit the stage that day include Micah Turchet and Back Porch Swing, plus there will be a songwriters circle and acoustic jam that afternoon featuring a number of accomplished artists from Dick Damron and Donna Durand to Wyatt Easterling, Lisa Brokop and Joe Nolan.
“I picked these people because they are not only great singers and songwriters but they are also great players,” said Bradford.
He said a shuttle service will be running from the Red Deer Lodge and the festival site throughout the weekend as well.
Meanwhile, there are opportunities for sponsorship involvement and plenty of volunteer help as well, he said. Anyone interested in helping out can visit www.centralmusicfest.com for more information.
Weekend passes, including the newly introduced family passes, are available for purchase at the web site as well.
Early bird rate of $63 or less applies until June 1.
mweber@reddeerexpress.com
