Barefoot children race through acres of grass blowing bubbles and waving coloured banners as musicians sing ballads on the outdoor stage.
Sasquatch Gathering 18, a family centred music festival, is the 21st century version of hippie heaven. It shifts into full swing July 26 to 28 at Rangetown Park, a beautiful rustic campground nestled near the natural surroundings of the Pembina River.
The brainchild of Edmonton musician John Anderson (The Christmas Carol Project), it brings together some of the finest, eclectic songwriters and musicians for a weekend of concerts, workshops and good-old fashioned fun.
With 30 entertainment acts enjoyed by music lovers of all ages, Sasquatch Gathering has attracted such varied musicians as folk-blues artists Bardic Form, prairie balladeer Scott Cook, grunge rock and pop princess Daisy Blue Groff, two-piece rock band I Am Machi and pop singer Dan Silljer.
“It has all types of music and it’s expanded to have national and international acts,” says Jim Malmberg of Back Porch Swing.
The triple strength St. Albert musician on vocals, mandolin and guitar is joined by wife Penny (vocals-guitar) as well as Cam Neufeld (fiddle) and Kevin Jacobsen (bass).
Having played at Sasquatch about a dozen times, Back Porch Swing has a gift for tender, at times humorous songwriting, tight harmonies and downright fine pickin’.
The four-piece is scheduled to perform on Sunday at 1 p.m. in what Malmberg promises will be an hour of “excitement, wonder, enjoyment and musical bliss.”
On his set list is Urban Coyote, an original with a different spin. He calls it a bluegrass murder ballad with a villainous coyote preying on a little kitty.
“It’s a common traditional theme in bluegrass and I thought I’d put my own spin on it.”
Penny throws in the comedic jug-band style Quittin’ Time.
“A girlfriend came over rantin’ about her man. I came up with one line and blew it out of proportion. It reminds me of a generation where you put up and shut up. Today, women don’t tolerate abuse,” notes Penny.
The festival itself is a liberation of sorts where musicians listen, share and rejuvenate alongside their peers.
“It’s very personable. It’s smaller than some festivals that reach 5,000-10,000 people. It’s hard to feel intimate at those festivals. But this one, for instance, we have a potluck supper and everyone brings something. We do it together. It feels more like a community,” she adds.
In addition to musical bounty, Anderson has programmed various dance performances and workshops. Joining the mix is a belly dance workshop with Vibe Tribe founder Nancy Bromley; Japanese style performance and workshop from Butoh Dance; a late night burlesque performance and workshop from River City Revue plus a special presentation by Blue Belle Burlesque.
For Penny, “It’s like a hippie fest. Everyone wears tie-dies. Dogs are allowed. It’s all ages.”
Malmberg adds, “The festival is a cornucopia of musical exuberance. It’s set in a boreal forest by the river.”
Penny shouts, “Yeah. Bring your floaties and rubber dinghy.”
Rangetown Park is just off the Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) in between highways 16 and 43. For more information go online at www.sasquatchgathering.com.
