Musical talent from across Alberta will converge at Mossleigh this weekend for a festival that’s aiming for the STARS. Aspen Crossing is hosting its Southern Alberta Music Festival, featuring a lineup of bands in genres ranging from country and blues to folk and rock and roll Aug. 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to midnight. The event will also include market vendors, a beer garden and food for sale. Money raised at the festival will be donated to STARS Air Ambulance, which provides emergency medical services to rural areas via helicopters. Festival marketing manager Rochelle Watt said the event brings amazing talent from across the province to a country atmosphere in this two-day charity event. “We’ve got a really great lineup and some really talented people,” she said. “They are Alberta talent but they’re amazing Alberta talent. A lot of people have probably heard the music and never put a name to it and now they’ll be able to put a name and face to the music they’ve already been listening to and enjoying.” Among the performers are Renegade Station, Drew Gregory, Lauren Mayell, Larry Vannatta, Nitelife, High Steppin’ Daddy, Steel and Timber, Double Suede, Carolyn Harley, Free Beer Band, Chet Defreese, Glen Brown and the Spur Crazy Band, Blast Train, Ronnie Kerr and Long Haul. Each will perform a 45-minute set. New to the festival this year are Jake Matthews, Troy Kokol, Joni Delaurier, Matt Blais and Beyond Crimson. “Beyond Crimson is a young rock band,” said Watt. “They’re just a group of teenagers but they’re really phenomenal. There is a variety with something for everyone.” Gladys Ridge singer/songwriter Lyndsay Butler, who’s opened for award-winning country musician George Canyon, is a regular at the Southern Alberta Music Festival. “It’s really fun and there are so many different artists and bands to support STARS,” she said. “As an audience member you get a bang for your buck – almost 30 artists for a very affordable price.” Butler said it’s the atmosphere that gives the event that country feel. Not only is it located in a rural field, but also she sees many familiar faces including neighbours and members of her baseball team. “It’s just a real country experience,” she said. “It’s like a country atmosphere. They have a little bit of everything for everybody.” Butler, who was nominated for Female Artist of the Year by the Alberta Country Music Association, has some upbeat songs prepared to keep the party going during her performance on Saturday night. “I’m going to do some new songs that I’ve got up my sleeve and some covers that I wish were my songs to draw everybody in,” she said. “It’s going to be upbeat.” The audience can expect Hurtin’ by Margo Price and Diane by Cam, as well as Butler’s originals Miss You Tonight and her first radio single Gravel Road. The festival drew about 500 spectators last year, a number that’s been growing annually, said Watt. “For those who maybe can’t afford major concert tickets this is like the next best thing,” she said. “It’s certainly done professionally. Music festivals seem to be growing right across North America.” The festival began in 2013 as a fundraiser for High River residents impacted by the flood, said Watt. Each year after, the money has gone to STARS Air Ambulance. Last year’s festival raised $13,000 for the cause. “It’s two days of great music for a great benefit,” Watt said. “Having STARS coming out here in the rural areas is so critical. We don’t have time to wait for an ambulance, when we need help we need it immediately. Time is of the essence and STARS is the only way to provide that lifesaving service.” Tickets to attend the festival are $80 for general admission and $95 for reserved seating for both days or $25 for Friday night and $70 for Saturday. For more details go to aspencrossing.com
