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Banff's Harvest Fest makes a comeback

“Playing live was always a gift and it was like that gift was taken away from us and now we’ve been given it back. It’s a real joy. Being a musician is something we are not just something that we do so to have live music back – there’s a completeness it. Things are back to the way it should be.”
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Kasey Nolan plays the Harvest Festival in Banff in 2017. RMO FILE PHOTO

BANFF – The heat of summer may be winding down, but things will soon heat up when Harvest Fest makes its return in Banff.

The live music features an impressive line-up of Bow Valley musicians, who will kick things off on Saturday, Sept. 18-19 from noon to 9 p.m.

Drummer Dave Crewe will make his mark on the stage twice at the Louis Trono Gazebo in Banff’s Central Park during the event. Crewe is the drummer for both Northern Quarter and Zebra, and is relishing in playing live music again.

“Playing live was always a gift and it was like that gift was taken away from us and now we’ve been given it back. It’s a real joy,” said Crewe.

“Being a musician is not just something that we do so to have live music back – there’s a completeness to it. Things are back to the way it should be.”

This year at the festival, set times have been expanded to allow musicians more time on stage.

Additionally, festival music organizer Garry Gonis will allow musicians to play cover songs, something Crewe is excited about.

“We do have original songs that we have had success with, but obviously with covers you are playing songs that people know well – that gives us joy,” said Crewe.

Crewe said Northern Quarter’s mash up of “Hit the Road Jack” and “Tainted Love” is one of the group's favourite covers to play, and is excited to play such a “crowd pleaser."

On Saturday, the line up includes Jermyn Ermind at 1 p.m., Heather Irene Day at 2 p.m., Ireland Summitt at 3p.m., Jr Ramblers and Rocky Mountain Fiddlers at 4 p.m., Venus and Mars at 5 p.m. and No Sudden Moves at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the program will feature Alana J Brown and Catlin Connelly at 1 p.m., Elk Run Riot at 2 p.m., Northern Quarter at 3 p.m., The Ramblin’ Hey, Ho, Ha’s at 5 p.m., Zebra at 6:30 p.m. and Bawang! at 7:15 p.m.

The annual festival coincides with the Banff Farmers Market seasonal end and will also feature an artisan market, a beer garden and food options.

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