A multi-genre single night festival featuring primarily local talent, Wee Fest is a confirmation of the love of music and love of the Arts Station for the mostly local crowd. The eclectic line-up offers something for everyone, with some performers making a return and others making their debut. Their improvisational jazz make classics seem like new releases week to week, garnering and entertaining a regular and growing fan base.
A firm fixture on the Fernie music scene, the question for Bubba Tres is not, will the show be a little crazy, very eclectic and multimedia, dark, but funny? But what will the costumes be this time and will there be confetti? The odd Madonna, Radiohead and Johnny Cash covers are transformed and blend seamlessly with Troy Cook’s seriously funny, fantastic originals that deal with zombie wars and nasty robots (hmmm commenting on the state of the world? touching on our fears? or just having a laugh?). Always hugely entertaining, you never know what will happen, except that it will be a show to remember.
Born and raised in Fernie, Steve Gildea took on the challenge and the opportunity to tour with a folk-rock band in Australia and had a lot of fun doing it. Wanting to be in Fernie, he continues to work on his own, (loving the cello, but primarily playing guitar) writing his own music, influenced maybe a little by Tom Petty. This is Gildea’s debut. Another debut, Green Circus Still has been building and perfecting their repertoire performing at jams around town. A very new group, fronted by Sage, they offer their soulful performance of music. Jay Ray (aka Jason Raymond) has been spinning disks in town for more than a few years, and will entertain the crowd with his eclectic choices of music.
A video producer currently living in New York, Brit Liggett is a painter, amateur photographer, singer, songwriter and musician. Citing Joni Mitchell and Carole King as two of many infuences, her music is reminiscent of Feist and Ani Difranco.
Keith Liggett’s an oft-published writer and poet who has lived all over the US, but chooses to make Fernie his home for the next while. He is the major force behind the Fernie Writer’s Conference and its success. His poetry was a hit at last years Wee Fest.
With the pipes to capture the emotion of old country classics, David P. Smith delivers his “raunchy and surreal 21st century hillbilly rhythm and booze” song writing with conviction. His humour lifts the sometimes black themes to comedic heights, making us either laugh out loud or somewhat nervously at ourselves. His beautiful accordion is not the usual choice, but is the perfect choice for the unpredictable lyrics and vision of this songwriter. His talent is recognizable, and he is signed with Northern Electric Records.
And to be honest if that’s not enough to tickle your fancy and make the 20th February a night to remember then we don’t know what is. It’s going to be popular so get your tickets!
Friday 20th February, 8pm
WEE FEST 2009
At the Arts Station, 601 1st Ave., Fernie
TICKETS $15. Available @ The Arts Station, Freshies, Carosella’s and the Blue Toque.
