Kootenanny 09

April 09

Kootenanny 09 official Website
http://brewmanproductions.com/

This was my first experience of Kootenanny, but 09 was its seventh year. It is really the first big outdoor party of the year in the area. Held in the Creston valley of BC, it is already green and blossoming long before the prairies. Cowtown was still drab and grey so even getting to see some leaves was worth the trip!

I went with a group of ladies from Calgary who had been to this festival before. We packed up a couple of vehicles and headed West into the sunset. Ok South first - towards Crowsnest Pass and then West - over the Salmo Creston pass.

In Creston we stopped in the local shops for some last minute supplies, water, batteries, blankets, and then headed out of town to the venue.

Located on Sunbeam Farm's beautiful property, the venue overlooks the Kootenay River. This makes a refreshing dip after a hard night of dancing really accessible. Dancing was definitely on the agenda.

The organizers had a great line-up of music, spread between three stages. The main stage is located at the end of a big field - which is also the main camping area for the event. Camping is random, so stake out a nice piece of realestate and set up camp. Bring earplugs if you want to get some sleep - or choose to camp at the furthest end of the field away from the stage. It's a little further to walk, but provides a little more peace and quiet.

The other two stages are located just over a dyke - which does offer a bit of an obstacle to manage. Last year a slightly sketchy bridge was built to help people move back and forth, it held up, but barely. Be prepared with some good grippy shoes! This is definitely a hazard that may add a little more challenge to your night.

The beach stage is set up with some great visuals stationed in and around the lush forest. Lazers bounce and reflect off the leaves as the trees seem to sway to the beats. Hoopers and fire people spin their skills providing dancers with extra entertainment. The fallen trees around make great resting places for tired bodies.

The vendors at this event are sparse but great - a couple of food vendors (provides a great hot cup of coffee in the morning!) and Bolli Imports. Bolli Imports, owned and operated by Adrian Bolli, adrianbolli@gmail.com, provides event goers with a huge assortment of items to choose from. Clothing, jewellery, musical instruments - you name it, he has it. If you can't find it - ask him, he may just have exactly what you are looking for tucked away in a Rubbermaid container somewhere.

The music line-up was an eclectic mix and provided something for everyone. You can see the schedule here: http://brewmanproductions.com/bands/bands.html
Always a favourite in my books is Adam Shaihk, both with a band and without. Each night was a little different and the music helped create an energized vibe that kept things shaking over the weekend. I'm still not too sure about dubstep - but there was lots of it on the 'middle' stage if you are into that groove.

Overall, it was a fun, laid-back festival that brought together people from Interior BC and Western Alberta. A great way to kick off the season. Good grooves, visuals, vibes and people.

I've heard through the grapevine though that the organizers may not bring it next year. Too many hassles with the town of Creston. Shame. I'm sure the event brings a nice early season boost to the local economy. Not sure what the issues were, but I hope they can come to an agreement.