Smithers Midsummer Music Festival July 4th, 5th, & 6th 2014 Each summer, people from all walks of life gather in Smithers BC – the heart of the breathtaking Bulkley Valley, to share in the innate and universal love for music at the Midsummer Music Festival. For over 30 years the Midsummer Festival has created a spectacular family friendly musical event; proudly making it the longest running music festival in Northern BC. The festival embraces all genres of music and each year hosts an eclectic mix of musicians to perform during the day on one of the four stages, and in the evening on the main stage. We are fortunate to have world class artists headline the festival every year. The headliners for 2014 include:

The Pack A.D.

Alex Cuba

Isobel Trigger

Blades of Steel

Orkestar Slivovica

The New Groovement

Pugs and Crows

Phonotactic

Rachelle van Zanten

Annie Becker

Folky Strum Strum

Jeff Andrew

Barefoot Caravan In addition to the artists we already love, the Midsummer Music Festival showcases dozens of talented local and regional performers so we can discover new music at the roots. We also offer exciting and entertaining activities for children- including crafts, games, and even a stage that is dedicated to showcasing music for children. But wait, there’s more! The festival also includes a variety of workshops put on by the musicians, a great selection of food and craft vendors, onsite camping, and is completely volunteer powered!

Contact www.smithersmusicfest.com and “Like” us on Facebook for more information and contest entries. Our festival is located at the Smithers Fairgrounds on the corner of Tatlow Rd. and Pacific Ave off of Highway 16. Family Fun: This year, the Family Zone stage proudly presents Barefoot Caravan, Rachelle van Zanten and a few surprise artists! The festival features a fabulous family area that has a reputation for being so comprehensive; it is almost a festival in itself. Some of the exciting things you can find at the Family Zone include arts and crafts, face painting, dress-up, a rope maze, music, dancing, and a quiet play area.

Volunteers: The festival would not be possible without the generous time and skills offered of our volunteers. We are always looking for people who want to help! If you are interested in making the Midsummer festival a success, we are very grateful for your time; four hours of volunteering will get you a day pass, 12 hours- a weekend pass, and at 24 hours you will be given a weekend pass with meals provided. Unfortunately Camping is not provided for our volunteers; however a camping pass is only $10 per person and $10 per vehicle. Visit www.smithersmusicfest.com for more information on the areas where you can volunteer and to fill out an application form. Camping: On-site public camping is available starting at 3pm on Friday July 4th, 2014. Camping passes can be purchased at the gate and are $10.00 per person over 12 with an additional charge of $10.00 per vehicle per entry onto the grounds. Camping Considerations:

Campers under the age of 19 are required to camp with a parent or guardian.

Everyone is advised to bring photo identification.

Please leave stereos at home, however, please bring your instruments and come Jam with us.

Bicycles and pets are not allowed on the grounds.

This is a Glass-Free festival

Midsummer Festival strives to keep our impact on the environment to the sounds of music spilling into the air. Therefore, we strongly encourage everyone enjoying the festival to consider actions for waste reduction and recycling. Please be mindful of the containers brought onto the Festival grounds and to try to keep packaging to a minimum. We try to make waste reduction efforts as easy as possible. There will be many conveniently placed and well-labeled bins for compost and recycling (aluminum, plastic bottles, tetrapaks, tin cans, and paper). Also, we encourage festival goers to use our plate exchange; reusable plates will be available at all of the food vendors for a $2 deposit which is refunded when the plate is returned. Food & Craft Vendors: The festival has many great food and craft vendors available throughout the weekend. Enjoy an awesome meal, treat yourself to a delicious goodie, or buy a unique one-of-a-kind gift for someone in your life. There will be something for everyone! Food vendors include:

Nomad’s Kitchen : Curries, North African, Thai, Filipino, homemade Naan, and breakfast. COFFEE central - lattes, chai, iced drinks. Bluestones Mini Treats: Porgy on a stick , gooey fries, nachos & cheese, Frank’s fried bread, bannock smokies, onion rings, deep fried pickles, deep fried Mars Bars. Happy Pig Organic Farm: Breakfast, Happy Biscuit (pork sausage/ham and egg on a sourdough biscuit), Morning Wrap (scrambled eggs and bacon with salsa), various types of croissants and other baked goods, sausage rolls (pork and chicken), chicken pies, baked beans, Mennonite sausage with rice and sauce in a pita, and lentil soup. Shaved Ice: Cool off with flavored shaved ice concoctions. The Czech Italian Meet: Breakfast (free range eggs, pancakes, bacon), appetizer platter, bratwurst, perogies, chicken kebabs with specialty sauces, stew, pesto pasta and more. BV Donut Shop Fresh mini-donuts and coffee

Smithers Midsummer Festival Headliners 2014

The Pack A.D.

Never crossed paths with The Pack A.D.?

Too bad for you. This band is killer, it really is. And, for the record, Becky Black and Maya Miller have probably already laid waste to some decrepit rock ‘n’ roll pit in your hometown at least a couple of times because The Pack have been touring anywhere and everywhere – and getting better and better and better at what it does, and then a little bit better still.

Now signed to Nettwerk Records, the Vancouver duo is poised to make the crucial breakthrough long predicted by the fawning Canadian music press and presaged by the ever-swelling ranks of its faithful fan base. Formed in 2006 and following four releases – Unpersons (2011), We Kill Computers (2010), Funeral Mixtape (2008), Tintype (2008) – The Pack is an act that’s earned its current “bubbling under” status the old-fashioned way: by showing up and showing the people the goods one city and one new fan at a time and then coming back, time and again, with even more to offer.

The pair’s songwriting has expanded along with its diligently improving maxi-minimalist musicianship, too, to embrace churlish stoner-rock, infectiously woo-woo-ing bubblegrunge, bittersweetly expansive pseudo-shoegaze and a whole lotta “really loud, fun punk rock,” as Miller described the modus operandi behind the Pack’s Juno-nominated Unpersons to the Toronto Star in 2011.

On August 27th, Nettwerk Records will release a most proper introduction to the band in the form of an EP titled Some Sssongs. The EP is a 5-song collection of tracks from previous albums (“Sirens,” “Haunt You,” “Positronic,” and “Deer”) and a new track (“Battering Ram”) from their upcoming 5th LP Do Not Engage, set for release early 2014.

The timing is perfect. Black has always been a terrifyingly unhinged vocalist and a fringe-dwelling guitar goddess non pareil, but she’s learned over the years to channel her copious talents outward with range and nuance. Miller’s Keith Moon-esque disregard for the health of her drum kit now similarly displays a creeping command of lyrical subtlety, while her recent decision to start chiming in on vocals has added a whole new layer of potential to The Pack A.D. package. The Pack A.D. didn’t get to be the two-headed rock-‘n’-roll beast it is today overnight, but by throwing itself headlong into rock ‘n’ roll and genuinely living it for seven years on the road and killing it in too many run-down empty clubs to mention even when only a handful of lucky people were looking – and killing at least one exhausted touring-van-slash-touring-home along the way, to boot. Black and Miller earned the right to be the totally awesome band they are today. If you’re not already acquainted with what they’ve accomplished together as The Pack A.D., it’s high time you strapped yourself in and took a listen.

http://thepackad.com

Alex Cuba

Cuba was born in Cuba, spending his childhood in Artemisa, the son of guitar player and music teacher Valentin Puentes. He started playing guitar himself at age six. As an adult, he shifted into jazz fusion styles. He immigrated to Canada in 1999 after marrying a Canadian in Cuba. He and his twin brother Adonis first settled in Victoria, British Columbia, and worked as a duo, the Puentes Brothers, and received a Juno Award nomination. They started solo careers in 2004, but continued their songwriting partnership, with Adonis co-writing two of the songs on Agua Del Pozo. In 2003, Cuba moved to Smithers, British Columbia, the hometown of his wife, Sarah, whose father is politician Bill Goodacre. They have three children. Collaborators on his debut, Humo De Tabaco, include Ron Sexsmith and Corinne Bailey Rae. "Lo Mismo Que Yo," a duet with Sexsmith, became a hit in the UK Singles Chart, reaching #52. In 2009, he co-wrote and recorded a duet with fellow Canadian Nelly Furtado. "Mi Plan" turned out to be the title track for her fourth studio album of the same name. Cuba co-wrote more than half of the songs on Furtado's album. His music reflects primarily Latin and African influences, but with a mix of funk, jazz and pop. He received a Latin Grammy on November 21, 2013. http://www.alexcuba.com/

Isobel Trigger

Based out of Victoria BC, Isobel Trigger strikes you with their unique style and high-energy performances. With exotic vocals, driving lead lines, and heart-thumping grooves the band weaves a musical web that draws you to the dance floor. Isobel Trigger is about delicate innocence meeting howling distortion; soft in one moment then crashing into powerful crescendos the next. It’s little red riding hood and the big bad wolf all in one! Isobel Trigger is Felicia Harding (Vocals, Guitar, and Synth), Brett Faulkner (Guitar), Kyle Lowther (Bass), and Ariel Tseng (Drums). Each member takes command of their own elements and breathes life into each song. Although they are often compared to Florence and the Machine, The Cranberries, No Doubt, and Metric, their unique vocals and powerful melodies give Isobel Trigger a sound of their own. Isobel Trigger independently released their debut album Island in 2009, with singles receiving airplay on radio stations throughout Canada. By 2010, their single Nightmares was nominated by the Vancouver Island Music Awards in three different categories. In 2013, the band released the single Dust and Bones (produced by Adam Sutherland) which pointed them in a new, synth-based direction. The song garnered much attention with it’s fantastical music video (produced by Darryl LeCraw) which features vividly creative CGI

landscapes, body paint, and an enchanting plot. The song is receiving increasing airplay on various stations in Canada and rave reviews from trending podcasts. Having just finished recording a 5-track EP Nocturnal with Ryan Worsley (Echoplant Studios) and Adam Sutherland (Infiniti Studios) Isobel Trigger is on the move! The band just released a new single, Tiger Shark in April, and are set to release their new EP July 26th, 2014. They are currently lining up a tour and festivals in support of the upcoming release. This is a band you’ll want to keep your ears on! http://www.isobeltrigger.com

Blades of Steel

Blades of Steel are live hip hop done right, combining 2 of Calgary’s most talented and prolific MCs with a crack band of incredible musicians.

Blades of Steel’s live show has impressed fans and critics alike, mixing original tracks with crowd-pleasing cover tunes, and inspiring X92.9’s Fraser Tuff to declare their Sled Island Music Festival set “The most fun I’ve ever had at a show while sober.”

In April, 2013, Blades of Steel released their debut EP, ‘Like a Calf in a Tube Sock.’ Featuring four studio tracks and one live recording, the album was launched with a sold out show at Local 522 in Calgary.

Blades of Steel have impressed at pubs, clubs, festivals and private events, incorporating the classic elements of funk, rock and dance music, which formed hip hop in the beginning. Their several music videos have been met with a great reaction

Blades of Steel are: Ricca Razor Sharp - MC SoLeo - MC Shoez - Drums/Vocals Roop - Keys/Vocals Pastrami - Bass/Vocals Ru - Guitar

http://bladesofsteellivehiphop.com/

Orkestar Šlivovica

Orkestar Slivovica is Vancouver’s home-grown Balkan Brass band, playing wedding and festive music from Serbia, Macedonia, and other distant and mysterious lands, where it is known as Trubachi and no such occasion is complete without it. The 8-12 piece brass ensemble plays and sings a diverse repertoire, from insanely fast dance tunes to heartwrenching songs, often in crooked rhythms and exotic scales.

OLIVER SCHNEIDER – alto and sopranino sax

KRISTINA ZALITE – tapan, goc drums MICHAEL LOUW – snare, darabuka GEOFF COLPITTS – trumpet, rotary flugelhorn SKY LAMBOURNE – trumpet, rotary flugelhorn JONNINE MAHONEN – rotary flugelhorn SUSAN GEROFSKY – tenor horn MYTHICAL MAN – tenor horn CORY SWEET – tenor horn, tuba ANDROMEDA McISAAC- tenor horn, tuba MORGAN BARTLETT – tenor horn JULIET ANDRIEN – tenor horn KEVIN ROWE – accordion all of the above – vocals Sounds Like: Take a New Orleans second line marching band and send them to a Roma village in Southern Serbia, feed them cevapcic and sljivovica for a year while exposing them to 100 3-day weddings. After one of our Slivovica Social Club nights, a guest left us the message that, “Everybody had a great time last night. It was absolutely one of the nights to remember for the rest of our lives”. ~Vesna Vidic http://www.orkestarslivovica.org

The New Groovement

The New Groovement is an eleven-piece funk machine that blends elements of R&B, soul, and hip hop to create a funk-i-fied feast for the ears. The band’s sound is as unique as it is versatile with its punchy horns, sweet vocals, clever rhymes, and tight percussion. This is energetic, feel-good music that will get you out of your seat and onto the dance floor! At the forefront of the band are Theresa Pasaluko and her partner-in-rhyme, Danimal House. Together, they can soothe with sultry, sweet ballads or slay with sharp cutting rhymes. Backing them up is a solid rhythm and percussion section that loves to lay down funk-a-licious beats while the killer horn section gets crowds going with tasty licks and dance moves that would make James Brown proud. The New Groovement is a rising star in Vancouver Island’s music scene, playing popular festivals such as the Victoria International Jazz Festival and Victoria Ska Fest, as well as headlining FernFest, VinFest and Tofino’s Oysterfest. They have also played at large venues around Victoria such as the Canoe Club, Lucky Bar, Upstairs Lounge, and 9one9. This summer even saw the group play to 50,000 people as part of the Victoria Day parade. This up-and-coming group has quickly made a name for itself with its massive shows and energetic parties; it’s one band you will not want to miss this year! They are currently working with producer Joby Baker (producer of Alex Cuba’s Grammy-winning album) to record their first full-length studio album (due in 2014). http://thenewgroovement.com/

Pugs and Crows

The Pugs and Crows are an instrumental band that performs original music that evokes a shifting range of sonic colours and ambient soundscapes. The ensemble’s unique cinematic sound is due in part to the unusual instrumentation of violin, double bass, guitar, piano, and drums. The band is best experienced within a quiet and focused listening setting where the dynamic subtleties of their music can be appreciated, but there is also enough intensity in their performances to leave a lasting impression in a loud bar or club. The group is easily adaptable, having shared stages with punk, indie rock, jazz and classical ensembles. In 2010, the group received the galaxie rising star award for their performance at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. In the following year, they were a main stage act at both, the Vancouver and Halifax International Jazz Festivals. The band made its first appearance at the Olio Festival (a partner of nXne) in 2011. In addition, the group recently participated in the world-renowned Jazz and Creative Music workshop at the Banff Centre for the arts under the direction of Dave Douglas. upcoming highlights for the band include the release of their second independent recording “Fantastic Pictures,” as well as an opening performance for Bill Frisell at the 2012 Vancouver International Jazz Festival. http://pugsandcrows.com/

Phonotactic

Byron Fredrick (aka Phonotactic) is a musician/producer involved in the Calgary music scene since the 1990s. Playing keyboards and bass in local bands (most notably Double U-I, Difference Engine, Wheel, Tariq and Strugglah) Fredrick's projects have taken him over a wide musical landscape including Reggae, Soca, Rock, Funk, and Electronic. In 2002, Fredrick committed to becoming more involved in production blending the styles he grew up playing with electronic beats and textures. With one foot in old world techniques and the other in the new, his production skills explore the musical terrains of Dub infused Down-tempo and Deep/Tech-House. Capturing the essence of Fredrick's journey as Phonotactic, a four song EP "Use Your Talent (If You Can)" was released independently in 2006 and on Real Recordz (an indie label out of Italy) in 2007. In July 2012, Fredrick released the follow up EP "In a Solid State" featuring Richard Sixto (saxophonist and MC from Difference Engine) on vocals once again touching on the musical co-ordinates of Dub, DnB and Tech-house. At performances, audiences can expect a mixed tempo set starting deeply dubbed out gradually reaching a tech house destination. Expect both broken and 4 on the floor beats, a Rhodes lick here, a TB 303 groove there, bass... lots of bass... with deep synthpads from Operator's [Ableton's] soundbank to bridge the gap between the old school and the new. All the while channeling his inner Lee "Scratch" Perry riding feedback loops created by delay upon delay. http://phonotactic.com

Rachelle van Zanten

Rachelle van Zanten is back with her third full-length album, "Oh Mother". Known for her powerful live performances and equally powerful social activism, the acclaimed Canadian slide guitarist/singer pulls no punches on this record. Produced by multiple award-winner Joby Baker (The Cowboy Junkies, Alex Cuba, Mae Moore), the album showcases van Zanten's skills as a guitarist and songwriter in equal measure. "Oh Mother" blends van Zanten's socially conscious lyrics with dirty guitar riffs and soulful singing in a way that neatly captures the essence of her northern British Columbia origins as well as all the issues the region currently faces. "Rachelle van Zanten is our voice, the muse of the North. She writes songs to inspire the wind, give voice to thunder, and fire the hearts of all those fighting to protect the land she loves so dearly."- Wade Davis, National Geographic The latest album title cleverly combines a few concepts. "Mother" refers first to Mother Earth, the natural landscapes that have repeatedly moved the guitarist to speak out against destructive resource extraction. It also describes van Zanten herself as she recently became a new mother. And finally, the songstress sadly lost her biggest and most faithful fan, her own mother. "I am the mother now and I need you," she sings on the title track. "Oh mother, that I laid to rest. "The 11 tunes on the album are an intense mix of van Zanten's deep connection to the landscapes of northern BC and her own personal stories of loss, grief, and joy. "Van Zanten juxtaposes her gutsy guitar playing with very personal and introspective lyrics." (Guitar Player Magazine)

These stories of new motherhood, loss, and landscape are captured not only in her raw, moving lyrics, but also in piercing guitar riffs that seem to echo her emotions in melodic form. This Canadian's intense passion for the land and its people is woven into every track. "I Fight for Life", the track for which her northern tour is named, features haunting lyrics that call for a massive fan response, urging listeners to use their own voices and stand up to corporate giants. "And I cannot forget Mother Earth," says van Zanten. "She constantly moves me, shakes me, rolls me, and enlightens me with her surprises." Request "I Fight For Life" on radio or purchase the track online and van Zanten will donate all royalties to Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition Kids Camps. http://www.rachellevanzanten.com

Annie Becker It’s hard to believe Annie Becker is from the West Coast and not from the basement of a late 30s Jazz Club. Becker has been cloaking her audiences in a Gyp-sea of sultry soundscapes across Canada, New York, and Thailand for the past 5 years. In 2011 Annie Released her first album, ‘All About the Beez Neez,” and in 2013 was awarded Vancouver Island Vocalist of the Year. With this New EP, ‘Back to the City,’ Annie takes us out of the City and back to that Vaudeville Cabaret. She laces Latin grooves with a taste of Rockabilly and Jazz. The music is stripped down to showcase the rawness of Becker’s Vocals. This is music you can play loud in your car.

http://www.anniebecker.com/

Folky Strum Strum

The People that make up Folky Strum Strum play their version of Banjo Rockin’ folk music. They hail from the Peace Region in BC, met and came together for the simple passion of playing music. “The group has been described by fans as having a unique and soulful sound, that is backed by exceptional songwriting.” In 2004, Folky Strum Strum released their first album the 'Iyan Bruvold Songbook Vol. #1'. October 2013 marks when the second album 'Son Stand Still' hit shelves! 'You could say we started in this project in the kitchen and ended up dancing in the livingroom. And, yes, what a great dance it's been...' - Bert Goulet, Producer Iyan Bruvold, singer/songwriter, banjo & guitar player, started strumming the guitar at an early age almost instantly began song writing, which has recently won him the honourable mention award in the Song Writing Competition at ArtsWells 2010. Recently Folky Strum Strum consists of Brianne Hudson Fiddle/Sax, Amy Gothard on Stand Up Bass, Jason Pratt on Drums & Health Onstine on Electric Guitar http://www.folkystrumstrum.com/

Jeff Andrew Jeff Andrew’s world is one of back alleys, dark shadows, highways and hauntings. The folk-noir fiddler and singer-songwriter takes a head full of ghost stories, murder ballads, train tunes and protest songs and turns it into an electrified patchwork of folk, punk, Celtic and old jazz. Onstage he’s a relentless performer who’s frequently seen working straight from the floor, stomping his boots and belting like a born-again carnival barker while pounding his guitar strings or chopping and sawing at the fiddle.

With a fan base ranging from veteran folkies to teenage crust punks, he’s toured Canada multiple times as a solo performer, a member of folk/spoken word duo Ghosts of the Highway and as the fiddler for the Joey Only Outlaw Band. Since 2008, he’s released 3 full-length albums, been heard on radio stations across Canada and Western Europe and nationally on CBC, and performed at festivals including the Brandon Folk, Music & Art Festival, the Robson Valley Music Festival, Whitehorse, YT’s Sunstroke Music Festival and the ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art.

Shade Tree Records is now releasing Jeff Andrew’s new EP, “Tunnels, Treehouses & Trainsmoke.” Recorded partly in a giant tunnel in East Vancouver, it features Jeff’s first-ever set of original fiddle tunes and 6 new songs (including “Reasonable Doubt,” written for Nicole Kish, a young woman Jeff believes was wrongly convicted of murder in Toronto). The release also includes an earlier EP and several unreleased tracks. The physical CD comes with a hand-written songbook of chords and lyrics.

http://jeffandrew.ca

Barefoot Caravan

Knowledge of the Arts does not belong to one nation of people from which it came, it belongs to us all. Barefoot Caravan, like many people, believes in the power of music in influencing positive change. It is a gateway to knowing ourselves, a window to the soul. This observation of ourselves is why music is so important in the world today. This collective digs into the past to uncover who we are now. They uncover music's buried roots by finding and singing traditional songs from different languages and cultures of the past and present, combining these old melodies with simple music styles that will effectively get the perceived intended messages of the songs across. The Caravan is based in BC's Okanagan. They travel BC wide, playing mostly outdoor settings and festivals, and are led by Angela Roy who teaches drumming and singing in public schools in a wide range of communities. The collective is embarking in an artist in residency tour bringing these songs and teachings to school children, working with socio-cultural and the arts within the school setting. Barefoot Caravan began as a group that played songs for Children, and have since moved into new territory playing music that can be appreciated by people of any age range and nationality. They are a band who truly shares the greater goal of re-connecting us all to the world we live in together. https://www.facebook.com/barefootcaravan

Tickets:

Get your EARLY BIRD TICKETS now to save money and for a chance to win a Smithers Mountain Holiday Package of 3 nights "accommodation for two" at the Aspen Inn & Suites plus 6 lift passes at Hudson Bay Mountain which can be used in the summer or winter.

The Grand Prize Draw will be held Saturday night, July 5, at the Festival. You can purchase tickets online at www.smithersmusicfest.com or at MOUNTAIN EAGLE BOOKS in Smithers after May 16.

Mountain Eagle Books 3775 3rd Ave. Smithers 250-847-5245 or 1-800-668-5119 (call first to confirm they have tickets in stock) Weekend Passes:

PURCHASE ONLINE or IN SMITHERS

Early Bird – weekend passes (available in Smithers or online until July 2, 2014)

Regular (only available at the Gate)

Adult $55 $65

Youth 13-18

+ students w/ student ID from a postsecondary school

$25.50 $30

Child 12 & under

FREE FREE

Family $120 $140

Senior (65+) FREE FREE

Day Passes: available on-site at the gate only

CASH and DEBIT ONLY at the gate – Sorry we cannot accept credit cards

PURCHASE AT THE GATE

Friday Saturday Sunday

Adult $30 $40 $25

Youth 13-18

+ students w/ student ID from a postsecondary school

$15 $15 $15

Child 12 & under

FREE FREE FREE

Family $65 $90 $55

Seniors (65+) Free or by donation

Free or by donation

Free or by donation

Camping Passes:

Camping passes can be PURCHASED AT THE GATE only

$10 per person (no charge for children under 12)

$10 per vehicle

Gate Hours:

Friday 3pm-11pm

Saturday 9am-11pm

Sunday 9am-4pm

For More Information: www.smithersmusicfest.com Media Contact: Teo Saefkow 250-643-3576 Sponsored By Our Local SuperHeroes!

Bulkley Valley Credit Union

Hawkair

Interior News

Fireweed Motel

Spark Design

Treehouse Housing Association

Northern BC Tourism