Music to Their Ears: Bella Coola Music Festival Receives Federal Support

BELLA COOLA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 20, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Discovery Coast Music Festival Society will present the 15^th and 16^th editions of the Bella Coola Music Festival thanks to an investment of $38,000 over two years ($19,000 in 2014-2015 and $19,000 in 2015-2016) through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund.

Dick Harris, Member of Parliament (Cariboo-Prince George), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Festival will feature performances in a variety of genres, including folk, world, pop and traditional First Nations music. The Bella Coola Music Festival will also feature youth rock and fiddle camps and workshops hosted by the Nuxalk Nation.

Quick Facts

• The 15^th edition of the Bella Coola Music Festival will take place on July 19 and 20, 2014.
  
  
• This year's festival will feature 31 performances by 13 acts, including 54-40, AKA, Don Amero, Howie Miller, Ivonne Hernandez, and Wesley Hardisty.
  
  
• The Bella Coola Music Festival, formerly known as the Discovery Coast Music Festival, was founded in 1998 as a local musical event and has grown to become a regional music festival for the Bella Coola Valley, that draws audiences from neighbouring communities.
  
  
• The Canada Arts Presentation Fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
  
  

Quotes

"The Discovery Coast Music Festival Society has a long history of bringing enjoyable performances to audiences in the Bella Coola Valley. This festival promotes a strong sense of pride among members of the community and contributes to a stronger local economy. Today's announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to celebrating Canada's rich and diverse cultures."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Set in the pristine Bella Coola Valley, the Bella Coola Music Festival creates a welcoming atmosphere where thousands of festival-goers converge to enjoy a celebration of culture and heritage from Canadian artists."

-Dick Harris, Member of Parliament (Cariboo-Prince George)

"The Bella Coola Music Festival is the only performing arts event of the year for this isolated region. We are committed to maintaining and promoting a high quality of musical and cultural experiences for the Valley and beyond, and thanks to the generous support of Canadian Heritage, our board and volunteers can continue this important work."

-Caitlin Thompson, Artistic Director, Bella Coola Music Festival

Associated Links

Bella Coola Music Festival

Bella Coola Valley

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

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