It is the first real festival of the year, the start to summer.
The Starbelly Jam Music Festival in Crawford Bay signifies that summer and festival season is truly here, and it does that in an all welcoming, all encompassing, family-infused gathering.
Nestled on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake, the 14th stellar edition of Starbelly is the most family friendly affair in the West Kootenay, and it isn't by accident, says Lea Belcourt, Starbelly’s artistic director.
Arising out of the East Shore values of engaging in activities with children, the festival has taken that credo and made that its own as well.
“It lessens the generation gap for us a little,” Belcourt said. “For us on the East Shore, just knowing the frustration of not being able to go to certain things because you have kids, we didn't want to leave out kids out of this.”
With a solid lineup for its 14th all ages festival, Starbelly’s two stages will be graced by Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Blue King Brown, Vancouver’s Boom Booms and Pack A.D., Aesop Rock with Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz, Pack AD and Buckman Coe.
This year’s festival will also showcase a great selection of Kootenay talent such as Cranbrook’s The Good Ol’ Goats, Nelson’s DJ Rippel with LA’s Droop Capone, Swing Theory, Bessie and the Back Eddies and Tofu Stravinsky, Creston’s Tiizak Hamra, and the East Shore’s own Tipi Camp Tribute Ensemble and The Arcane Garden.
However, Belcourt said Starbelly Jam's all-ages aspect is highlighted by the activities and entertainment for the younger attendees. Starting with the Rainbow Cirque Tent on the festival grounds, Starchild Entertainment will be gathering kids throughout the weekend for shows and parades.
There will also be a crafting extravaganza in the kids’ crafts area, the Rainbow Country bubble blowing zone and misting station, and lots of workshops and fun for young kids (and old ones) all weekend.
“That’s what makes us the Kootenay’s best all-ages festival, we are trying to create the best experience for everyone that comes through the gates,” said Belcourt.
For a full list of ticket outlets, ticket prices and more information about Starbelly Jam 2013 visit starbellyjam.org.