Submitted by festival organizers
The Edge of the World Music Festival is calling for all local musicians wishing to perform this year to send in their applications a.s.a.p. "We're getting a surprising amount of early confirmations from very talented off-island performers this year" says Emerging Artists Coordinator Frank Wall, "It seems that musicians that have played here in the past are spreading the word that it's worth the extra effort to get here." The festival's budget only allows for payment of its headlining bands and has no means of reimbursing travel expenses. "It's so satisfying when you humbly say to a well established artist from Vancouver or Seattle that we can't offer them any financial support and they say 'well, I'd like to come anyway!'" Bands are being booked as soon as their applications have been approved and there is concern that our local talent may leave it too late. "This year is different," says Mr. Wall, "If you want a spot on stage, don't wait!" Those interested can email Frank at walrus@haidagwaii.net.
The festival's board of volunteers has been very active for the past few months. One proud accomplishment is their new website: www.edgefestival.com and they claim to have many other exciting projects in the works. "We have an amazing core group of volunteers and there's always room for more volunteers," states Festival Director Sandra Beggs, "and there are two key positions still needing to be filled - that of site coordinator and children's coordinator." Also planned is the construction of a permanent structure on the site. The building will be used as an assembly hall during the festival, a kitchen, concession stand and storage. Anyone wishing to donate materials or time to this project are asked to contact Sandra at 559-8845 or Frank at 559-8685. Festival coordinators will be on hand with a power point presentation at the All Islands Symposium March 8th. As always, the festival will be held the second weekend in July on the Inkster property in Tlell. Watch for updates.