The sun was shining and attendance was up for the 17th annual Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival at Deer Lake Park Saturday.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 people were estimated to be on site for the day-long event, which is about 1,000 more than last year’s festival, according to Geraldine Parent, arts services manager for the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.
“I think Colin James was one of the draws along with a lot of the other local talents that we had featured,” Parent told the NOW. “We had lots of sales in the days leading up to the event because I think … you knew it was going to be a good weather day.”
While the forecast had originally called for rain, there were no showers in sight come Saturday. Parent said weather can be a major factor in whether the show is a success or not – that and who organizers book to perform.
This year’s line-up included Vancouver-based musicians Rich Hope, Wes Mackey, Ben Rogers, Billy Dixon, Dawn Pemberton and, of course, headliner Colin James. Rounding out the musician pool was Toronto native Lindi Ortega, the Como Mamas, Cyril Neville and the Royal Southern Brotherhood, Frazey Ford and Cecil Doo-Kingue.
“It was a really great day. We had lots of great music. Colin James put on a really great show to wrap upthe full day,” Parent said. “It was just a really great vibe and atmosphere in the park.”
New this year, the main stage featured an open backdrop so spectators could take in the beauty of Deer Lake while watching the show.
“We used a new company for some of our technology requirements, and this was one of the options we came up with, and we were all just really, really pleased with the outcome,” Parent said.
The new main stage featured two vertical screens on either side of the stage plus five digital panels behind the performers, which displayed graphics during each set.
But the best part of the evening, in Parent’s opinion, was just as the sun is going down.
“As it’s getting close to dusk and all the lights are going on and the concert is in full swing; it’s a really nice part of the event,” she said.
Other highlights of the festival included indie darling Lindi Ortega’s performance – her old country style really had the audience on their feet; the weather, because a rainy festival just isn’t the same; a new market tent with skylights; improved beer and food selection; and last but not least, watching fans rush Vancouver rocker Rich Hope as he carried a bin of merchandise away from the sales tent. The musician was gracious and stopped for a couple autographs and photos with the happy fans.
What did the merchants think?
Old Fashioned Toys – Frank and Mary Popsicle
The Popsicles are Burnaby residents and have been selling their wares at the festival for many years.
What do you think of this year’s festival?
“It’s OK. Kids coming and looking. It’s OK, I can’t complain.”
Raven’s Best Studios – Jennifer Conway
Conway has brought her jewelry to the festival three times.
What do you think of this year’s festival?
“(It’s) great. … It’s been really good. It’s a great vibe; it’s been busy. It’s hot.”
Lindsay Yusas – Make Merry Party Shop
This is Yusas’ first time at the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival marketplace, and she said she would participate again.
Have you been busy?
“Busy enough. We just started our shop this year, so we looked at this more like a marketing opportunity; just to meet people.”
How has customer response been?
“It’s been great. We’ve met some really lovely people. Lots of people who have things like parties and weddings that they are looking for things in the future, so it’s been great just to meet some new folks.”
