Vishnu R Nair
Roots & Blues is a great event for fans of many genres of music.
As the sun dips behind Mt. Ida, casting vibrant hues of purple and orange across Shuswap Lake, music fans from across the region flock toward the main stage. Excitement fills the air. It’s been two years since the last Salmon Arm ROOTS & BLUES festival and the headlining band counts off the beat and kick-off the opening notes.
The Salmon Arm Folk Music Society recently announced Tom Cochrane and Jann Arden will be the two heavy hitters among a star-studded lineup for the 30th annual Salmon Arm ROOTS & BLUES festival from August 18-21.
Best known as the frontman of the rock band Red Rider before receiving acclaim for hits like No Regrets as a solo artist, Tom Cochrane will take the main stage Friday night after performances by Northern Cree and Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar. The same evening, on the Barn Stage, concert-goers can groove to the upbeat folk-rock sounds of Shred Kelly and BC’s own hip hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids, which close out the night.
Joey Thompson
Weekend and day passes will also be available.
Saturday welcomes American blues guitarist Cedric Burnside on the Blues Stage while vocal powerhouse Ruthie Foster ends the night on the Barn Stage. Music lovers can also experience Five Alarm Funk as well as the American afrobeat superstars, Antibalas.
On Sunday, don’t miss The Blue and Gold featuring Ndidi O with Trish Klein or C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band. To cool down, visit the shade stage to experience the storytelling and singing of Piqsiq.
As the sun sets on the final evening, join your friends and family on the lawn and sway to the sounds of Canadian music royalty Jann Arden.
The Salmon Arm ROOTS & BLUES Festival is a hot ticket for fans of music ranging from blues to bluegrass, Celtic to Cuban, and Americana to Afro-beat. Details about weekend and day passes and camping are available at rootsandblues.ca or by calling (250) 833-4096.