Spend the May long weekend relishing the sounds of country, bluegrass and gospel at Bashaw's annual 'Festival of Stars'.
The tunes come alive when more than 80 musicians hit the stage over the weekend. Guests can also enjoy free camping.
Showcasing an array of emerging Alberta artists, the event runs May 21-23 on the Bashaw Agricultural Grounds. Things kick off on Friday at 1:30 p.m. with performances straight through until 9 p.m.
Artists will also be featured both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
There's a variety of local artists featured this year including The Sunshine Band, Johnny Lessard, Kaitlyn Bailer, Sentimental Journey, Darla Daniels, Bob Short, Jase and Jimi Nelson, the Bluegrass Orphans, Woodbend, the Larsgard Family and Allan Christie.
Ron Shantz, the event's founder and organizer, says he aims to feature a fresh slate of artists each year, and gone are the days he has to try and get performers to come.
He said the festival also offers those relatively new to performing a chance to showcase their talents. "There are 20 new groups this year."
The line-up has grown remarkably since the Festival started several and these days, there's a waiting list to hit the stage.
One of the new artists set to perform is Kaitlyn Bailer, 17, of Red Deer. She started singing at the tender age of just three years old.
Originally from Wetaskiwin, Kaitlyn has been classically trained although her favourite musical style is country.
It wasn't long before this talented young performer started gaining notice for her musical skills – she started landing awards for vocal solos and musical theatre by the time she was six.
She has also represented Wetaskiwin and Red Deer at the Alberta Music Festival's Provincial Festival five times.
Currently in Gr. 12 at Hunting Hills High School, Kaitlyn also enjoys playing the guitar and is also an avid dancer.
Another highlight of the weekend will be a performance by Edmonton bluegrass group Woodbend. Skilled at blending traditional bluegrass sounds with contemporary touches, the established band brings a wealth of experience to the stage.
Rounding out the group are guitarist Les Eberhardt on guitar, Ron Mercer on banjo and dobro, Jessi Jo Charles on mandolin, Jean Coates on bass and Terry Lawson on fiddle.
They also specialize in offering five distinct lead vocal styles as well as striking three, four and sometimes five part harmonies.
Meanwhile, Shantz said the festival itself continues to grow as well in terms of audiences. Last year, about 400 fans dropped by. About 100 people attended the first year, and all the artists had to perform four times each to fill up the time slots, adds Shantz with a laugh.
Admission is $55 for a weekend pass, $20 for Friday or $25 for Saturday and Sunday.
A concession will be available as well. For advance tickets, call 780-372-3087.
