Cortes Island Music Festival is an annual two day music festival; established in 2001 by Milan Starcic, an enthusiastic local musician that recognized the need for smaller acts to a have a place to perform and grow.
Using the flat bed of a truck as a stage in a field provided by a friend and some help from fellow music enthusiasts the festival has grown to become a special part the island’s summers.
Over the years the festival changed hands and eventually re-located in 2008 from Manson’s Landing to the backyard of Trude’s Cafe in Whaletown.
Trude, who was recently crowned the Queen of Cortes, has continued to lend her beautiful property to the festival for the past five years.
The two day event, tomorrow and Sunday, 1-11 p.m., showcases a mixture of acts and musical styles, featuring some of Cortes Island’s local legends and an eclectic line up of special guests from around B.C.
This year’s line-up includes Rick Bockner, Bestie, Max Ulis, Marguerite Thompson & Blondtron (Also two of the organizers), Headwater, Six Foot Johnson, Dirty Animal, Jake Dubconscious, Sam Demoe and many more.
There is something for everyone, it’s a perfect family event. Taking place in the beautiful backyard of local hang out Trude’s Cafe, the grounds are surrounded by forest and stream. Local and travelling vendors set up on the grass overlooking the community built main stage that has a giant maple tree for a back drop.
Look forward to a laid back early afternoon start and as the sun goes down, we pick up the pace with the electronic acts dance party at the Gorge Hall.
Day passes are available and kids under 12 are free. They ask that you donate $40 for entry or bring an item for the silent auction.
You can see links to the full line-up and get any other information at: www.cortesislandmusicfestival.com and at facebook.com/cortesmusicfest