In addition to folk icon Valdy and Nelson's Aspen Switzer, the young woman with the diamond voice, this year's Idlewild Musicfest lineup is also laced with great local talent. 

“I believe this is our strongest lineup of performers ever,” says Anna Clark, co-ordinator for the annual music festival put on by the Cranbrook Public Library.   “Idlewild will have something for everyone this year.

“Bring your lawn chairs, a blanket (maybe an umbrella) and get ready to enjoy some great music. We have a full slate of food kiosks and vendors as well.”

Cranbrook's own redGirl —Michael and Anie Hepher, Steve Jones and Sven Heyde — bring their distinctive Kootenay roots musical style.  Their musical style runs through currents of folk and mild bluegrass to traditional and original tunes, all arranged and put together in a warm and lavish tone.  RedGirl's music is the sound you would expect to hear wafting into the street on a warm summer's night.  Appearing at the Idlewild for the fifth year in a row, redGirl continues to be an crowd favourite.

Heather Gemmell, in her sixth year of playing guitar and fourth year of writing music, will be performing as well. In June of this year she found out that her application form was approved from the Columbia Basin Trust to fund three quarters of her first full length album, which is to be released in the fall.  With a rich element of blues coupled with a contemporary spin, her long awaited album is composed of 12 of her 18 songs.  You definitely will be hearing more of Heather in the future and it is nice to welcome her back to the stage at the Idlewild MusicFest.

Cranbrook's own "old time favourites" band — Old Spice will warm up the crowd starting at around 3:30 p.m.  This “old time” band consists of Struan Robertson, Fred Schindel, Bob Clark, Jack Beloin and Grant Stuart.  Idlewild organizers are pleased to welcome this popular group, for the first time, to the stage at the Musicfest. 

Idlewild MusicFest is Saturday August 21st and gates at Idlewild Park will open at 2:30 p.m. and music will start at 3:30/3:45 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 are on sale at Katrina's Books, Lotus Books, Pages Used Books, the Cranbrook Public Library, the Kimberley Public Library and of course on-site the day of the concert.  For more information about the Idlewild Musicfest call the Cranbrook Public Library at 250 426 4063.