ONE HOT FESTIVAL
Winterruption set to sizzle
It appears that Mother Nature has decided to do a favour for Winterruption 2018.
After extended periods of extreme cold, forecasts have warmer temperatures heading into Regina just in time for the three-day festival which opens Thursday.
And while the warmer weather might help motivate Reginans to get out of the house and head to a festival venue, Sandra Butel is confident the Winterruption lineup will also be more than enough to tempt people to head out for some live music.
“Sure, it’s been cold but it’s supposed to get warmer and that will help,” said Butel, the CEO and artistic director of the Regina Folk Festival. “But I also think that people were getting restless being cooped up by the cold and the festival gives them a good reason to get out of the house. Given our lineups on each night, there’s something for everyone.”
Winterruption was established in 2016 with 10 artists divided among four shows over three days. Last year’s festival increased to 17 artists over three days and this year Butel has 18 artists ready to go. The lineup will include two shows a night with three artists per show. The Exchange will host shows each night with the Revival Music Room getting a show on Jan. 18 and The Artesian hosting events on Friday and Saturday.
One interesting addition to the program this year is a francophone night at The Artesian on Saturday featuring Lord Byrun, Rayannah and La Raquette a claquette.
Butel has a pretty good idea of how this show will turn out.
“My expectation of that show is that it’s going to be a kitchen party by the end,” Butel said with a chuckle. “The francophone community will come out to that show as well as well as the anglos who feel like dancing. La Raquette a claquette plays like French Canadian bluegrass. They’re really fun. They’ve got five-part harmony with really great energy.
“We’re pleased to be able to have a francophone night this year, to be able to reach out to other communities but also to say to our francophone community, ‘Hey, we’ve got something for you.’ ”
Butel was asked to point out other high points from the lineup and although she was a little uncomfortable singling out specific artists, she agreed to provide a few tips for fans.
■ Thursday — “Begonia was a huge hit at the folk festival. She’s been referred to as Canada’s Adele. She’s got a really big voice, very fantastic performer.”
■ Friday — “Artesian is the place to be on Friday night, unless you’re in the mood for dancing and then you should be at The Exchange. It’s a nice night of singers/songwriters at the Artesian.”
■ Saturday — “The female power at The Exchange will be amazing. Megan Nash’s new album comes out the day before the show. Lindi Ortega is an absolutely fantastic performer and Mo Kenney will be there with a full band so that show is going to kick complete ass.”