InFocus Magazine

Comox Valley Shellfish Festival: June 20-21

The 3rd annual Comox Valley Shellfish Festival is being presented by the BC Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA) in partnership with the K’omoks First Nation and includes a variety of events for all to enjoy.

The festival is the perfect opportunity for Vancouver Islanders and visitors of all ages to learn how shellfish such as clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops grow locally and travel to their table. It is through interaction with farmers, sight, touch and taste that attendees will experience this Sea to Table story.

The Comox Valley Shellfish Festival gala on June 20 will feature a tapas-style tasting dinner with eight of the Valley’s best chefs creating eight different dishes. The event is held on the lawn of the Filberg Lodge, starting at 5pm. There will be a wine flight featuring Beaufort Wines, beer from Surgenor Brewery, and a raw scallop bar. Live music will feature Chilean guitarist Rodrigo Romero. Tickets are available at 250-890-7561.

The Festival Main Event takes place Sunday June 21 at Comox Marina Park from 11-5pm, with opportunities to taste shellfish and other local fare, learn the “Sea to Table” at the Demo Stage, forage the Land of Plenty, Sea of Plenty Market, and learn about shellfish farming. Surgenor Brewery will host a beer tent and there will be a shuttle service to connect with the Aboriginal Day celebrations also taking place at the K’omox First Nations.

For more information visit comoxvalleyshellfishfestival.ca

Vancouver Island MusicFest: July 10-12

If you love really good music and the idea of escaping to a relaxed, eclectic, natural environment this summer, look no further than your own backyard and Vancouver Island MusicFest, scheduled for July 10-12 in the beautiful Comox Valley.

With six stages and three days and nights of top notch roots and world music from across the globe, Vancouver Island MusicFest offers an eclectic festival experience that will remind you about the roots—and the heart—of good music. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this summer, Vancouver Island MusicFest has played host to an incredible list of performers over the years, and 2009 is no exception.

Performers confirmed include classic American folkster Arlo Guthrie, songbird Jennifer Warnes, Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor, funk-jazz masters Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Celtic rockers Enter the Haggis, bluegrass kings The Del Mc Coury Band, blues men Eric Bibb and Jim Byrnes, jazz great Jane Bunnett and acoustic superheroes Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer and Russ Barenberg.

Add to that list Canadian legend Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies fame, multi-instrumentalist David Lindley, reggae dive Etana with the Legendary Abyssinians and song spinners James Keelaghan, Dick Gaughan and Martyn Joseph and you have the makings of a magical musical weekend!

The Vancouver Island MusicFest venue is situated on a pastoral acreage on the banks of the Tsolum River where festival goers can enjoy on-site riverside camping, an interactive kidzzone, workshops, delicious food and funky crafts. The festival involves over 1,000 volunteers as well as interactive art and eco-education projects and exciting environmental initiatives, making it one of Canada’s greenest festivals.

For tickets: islandmusicfest.com or call 1-866-898-8499.

The Big Time Out: August 15

The Big Time Out is a one day musical jammed with end-to-end music from 11am ‘till midnight right in the heart of Cumberland, at Cumberland Village Park. This year’s headliner is Montreal rocker Sam Roberts and his band. Sam just won Juno awards for Artist of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. He’s gearing up to rock the socks off all the people, young and old.

Indie-darlings Mother Mother are back by popular demand, bringing their sweet, cynical and incredibly tight vocals to the stage. Rounding out the line-up are Delhi2Dublin, with their irresistible Celtic-Punjabi beats, along with acoustic soul singer Mihirangi, the hot horns of the March Fourth Marching Band, plus Sex with Strangers and LAL.

The Big Time Out stands apart from other festivals. A cross section of generations and musical styles attracts an eclectic mix of people, all united in their love of really great music. Beyond the music, dancers, acrobats and circus performers appear out of nowhere and help set one of the coolest festival vibes anywhere.

Get your tickets now at: thebigtimeout.com/festival

Mount Washington Summer Festivals

Festival season is set to kick into high gear at Mount Washington Alpine Resort this summer, starting with the 10th annual Beerfest on July 10. Head on up for the ultimate Brouhaha this summer at the Raven Lodge. Beerfest includes unlimited samplings, souvenir glass and awesome music. Tickets only $30!

Next up is the 11th annual Alpine Wine Festival, August 7. Delicious wines and all-around good times can be had at this year’s Alpine Wine Festival. Held at the beautiful Raven Lodge, The Wine Festival will feature a wide selection of wines and ciders from Vancouver Island, BC, and beyond. Tasty appetizers, live music and stunning views of Strathcona Park will be available for all in attendance. Wine Festival tickets are $30.

To get you Beerfest and the Wine Festival safely, a free shuttle bus is available to and from the Driftwood Mall in Courtenay. The bus departs at 4:45pm from the mall on both event days and will return you there safely after the event.

If you just want to get away and relax, don’t miss the Mount Washington Wellness Weekend, August 28-30. This weekend centres on nurturing the mind, body and soul. Take a break from the every day, escape to the alpine and enjoy two days of beautiful meals and wellness classes that promote health and relaxation. Local experts will pamper your senses with guided walks, health and nutrition seminars and yoga classes.

And in September, be sure to check out the 2nd annual Alpine Food Festival, September 4-6 for a taste of the Island’s local cuisine Special accommodation packages are available for all events. For more information visit mountwashington.ca

Filberg Festival: July 31-August 3

Immerse yourself in arts, crafts, food, music and fun at the 27th annual Filberg Festival July 31 to August 3 in Comox. The Festival has earned its reputation for excellence of juried artisans year after year. Come immerse yourself among the 140-plus artisans and makers of fine art in a variety of media ranging from metalwork, pottery and toys to woodcrafts, jewelry, mosaics and specialty foods made especially for you.

This year’s Guest Artists are Nixie Barton and Grant Leier, who will be showcasing their array of creative art in the Filberg Heritage Lodge during the festival.

On stage in 2009 will be David Gogo, Chic Gamine, Shari Ulrich, Fred Eaglesmith, Michael Kaeshammer, the Irish Descendents, Lunch at Allen’s and Sue Medley, to name just a few! Also, back by popular demand is a Festival favorite—The Great Canadian Songs Concert, featuring a special secret guest.

Also not to be missed is our extensive children’s area where kids and adults alike will be enchanted and entertained each day by the likes of the One Woman Circus and Paul Hann, plus children’s yoga classes, a Lego tent, face painting, arts and crafts and a Circus Workshop.

The Filberg Festival is the major fundraiser to support, repair and maintain the Filberg Park. Advance tickets will be available in July at all Thrifty Foods locations and online at sidwilliamstheatre.com. Three-day passes are also available. For more information visit filbergfestival.com