Idlewild Musicfest is celebrating its 5th anniversary with what promises to be its finest lineup of musicians ever. Headliner Valdy is ready and eager to entertain the crowd at the Idlewild Musicfest happening Saturday, August 21, at Cranbrook's Idlewild Park. The Idlewild Musicfest is presented by the Cranbrook Public Library.

Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for years. “A man with a thousand friends,” from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he's a folksinger who catches the small but telling moments that make up life. Valdy has a strong fan base in the Kootenays and it has been a number of year since he has graced a performance stage in the region.

Award-winning artist Aspen Switzer of Nelson will be returning for an encore performance at Idlewild this year. As concert goers from last year can attest, Aspen's voice stops you in your tracks. It is powerful, subtle, pure and haunting, filled with longing, and an ethereal yet grounded quality. She has a clear sense of who she is. Her songs illuminate the stories of a young woman, wide awake, striving for balance in aspirations and social responsibility, love, independence and caring. Her trio sings flawless three-part harmonies, balancing the charm and warmth of old time music with the contemporary.

The audience will also enjoy the music of Cranbrook's own redGirl, which consists of Michael and Annie Hepher as well as Steve Jones, all formerly of As the Crow Flies. They'll bring their distinctive and charming Kootenay roots musical style. Cranbrook's own old time favourites' band Old Spice will warm up the crowd starting at 3:30 p.m. More performers are slated to added to lineup.

Gates at Idlewild Park will open at 2:30 p.m. and music will start at 3:30 p.m. There will be food concessions, vendors, lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Tickets to the Idlewild Musicfest are only $20 per person (under 13 free by donation) and the proceeds go towards supporting the Cranbrook Public Library's efforts to enhance their book collection and develop more inviting green spaces around the library.

Tickets will be on sale soon at Katrina's Books, Lotus Books, Pages Used Books, the Cranbrook Public Library and the Kimberley Public Library. For more information about the Idlewild Musicfest call the Cranbrook Public Library at 250 426 4063.