The Filberg Festival of arts, crafts and music has always been known for its great entertainment and this year is sure to exceed expectations July 31-Aug. 3.
New this season is a Friday evening performance featuring Canadian alternative country/blues/folk rock band the Cowboy Junkies. Cowboy Junkies were formed in Toronto in 1985 by siblings Michael Timmins, Margo Timmins, Peter Timmins and friend Alan Anton. They are best known for the seminal album, The Trinity Session, which established them at the forefront of the alternative country movement. For more than 20 years, Cowboy Junkies have remained true to their unique artistic vision, creating a critically acclaimed body of original work that has endeared them to an audience unwavering in its loyalty.
The Festival will clear the grounds at 6 p.m. July 31 and re-open at 7 p.m. with a performance from 7:30-9:30. A limited number of tickets for this special evening concert went on sale, online only, May 1.
Opening for the Cowboy Junkies will be The Lion, The Bear, The Fox. Tickets will be priced at $39.00 for festival seating.
Headliners over the long weekend will include: Matthew Barber and Jill Barber presenting their new project The Family Album; the highly acclaimed tenor Ken Lavigne; and festival favourites rock musician John Mann, best known as the front man of the folk rock band Spirit of the West, and folk and country musician Valdy.
Visit www.filbergfestival.com for the full lineup.
This year the Festival is thrilled to feature potter Gordon Hutchens as the guest artist. Gordon Hutchens’ studio is nestled in 19 wooded acres in the secluded north end of Denman Island. For nearly 30 years Gordon has operated his extensive studio here while exhibiting across Canada, from Halifax, Montreal and Toronto to Vancouver & Victoria. He has had more than 25 one-man shows and more than 70 group exhibitions across Canada and the U.S., with three major exhibitions in Japan. Gordon has also taught courses and workshops for many colleges and potter’s guilds. His works and articles have been published in various ceramics magazines and books. www.gordonhutchens.com
The 2015 Festival will also showcase more than 130 artisans and makers of fine art in a variety of media ranging from metalwork, pottery, toys, woodcrafts, jewellery, paintings, glass, textiles and specialty foods.
Gate admission is charged at the Filberg Festival, as it is the primary fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization which has the responsibility of repairing and maintaining the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park’s property and buildings (www.filberg.com). Advance festival tickets are available online at www.filbergfestival.com beginning June 1 and at all Vancouver Island Thrifty Foods locations beginning June 26.