LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
The Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival will go on next year in June, but in order to survive it needs more support from the community, said one of the organizers.
Linda Thorburn said last year’s festival did have double the attendance from the year before but in order to sustain itself the festival needs to get even bigger.
“It needs to grow to survive. We need to get the word out because it’s a really good festival.”
The Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival takes place at the Lighthouse Community Hall and the surrounding grounds in Qualicum Bay.
This will be the fourth annual festival featuring top-notch bands from around B.C. and beyond. There have been bands from Toronto, Colorado, Oklahoma and Washington.
This year there will be a band coming from Southern California, called Lonesome Otis.
One of the members secured a spot in the International Bluegrass Music Association’s songwriter’s showcase.
“They are hot,” Thorburn said of their music.
The Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival is put on by the Mid Island Bluegrass Society. The group has started a new bluegrass jam at the Frontiersman Bar and Grill in Coombs on the second Friday of every month from 7 to 10 p.m.
The group also jams every Thursday at the Crown and Anchor Pub in Qualicum Bay.
“The Mid Island Bluegrass Society is trying to make sure there is always bluegrass being played all over the place,” Thorburn said.
The group welcomes new members to join them.
As for the Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival Thorburn said she hopes people tell their friends about the festival and they begin making plans to come to the festival in June. Tickets are already available on the website and people will get a deal if they purchase them in advance.
Those who have previous experience with festivals who would like to volunteer are encouraged to contact organizers.
The all-ages festival will take place June 26 through 29 2014. There will be live music on the grassy field, local vendors, food, prizes to win and much more.
Visit www.lighthousebluegrass.com to purchase tickets or find out more information about the festival.