When the Banff Farmers Market wraps up its season next week in Central Park, shoppers will again be serenaded home by local musical talent.
On Wednesday (Sept. 10), the final market of the summer takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the Banff Harvest Festival – co-sponsored by the market and the Town of Banff and organized by Garry Gonis – will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This year, said Gonis, the Harvest Festival will offer something for everyone, musically, with performers young and older and both Canadians and imports.
The lineup for the third annual Banff Harvest Festival includes: Casey, Shea, Heather Jean Jordan, Origen, The Shrugs, Louder Than Satan, Elk Run and Riot, The Ramblin’ Hey, Ho, Ha’s, Bow Valley Youth String Orchestra, Brad Brewer Band, Electric Pussy Explosion and No Boarders.
There will also be a beer garden and a judged apple pie contest, with Laura Daley of Wild Flour Bakery acting as head judge.
“It’s a family show, it’s a fun show, it’s a free show and it’s pretty diverse,” said Gonis. “We’ve got everything from folk to rock to the string section. The Bow Valley Youth String Orchestra is 12 to 16 kids, all under the age of 13, who will play violin, viola and cello – under the tutelage of Rennell and Nigel Boehm and Sonya Frebold.
“I’ve always wanted a kids’ act and a classical music act, so this works both ways.”
Some bands have played at all three festivals, while others, like Origen, which will offer Chilean soul, are new.
Some are solo acts and some have been through band wars at Tommy’s Pub in Banff, earning gigs at The Banff Centre, including Elk Run and Riot and The Shrugs.
“The tambourine player in Origen is unbelievable,” said Gonis. “He plays it like I’ve never seen. They also have guitar and lots of percussion. They got together at open mics in town and decided to put a band together.”
Gonis also promises a special finale at 8:50 p.m.
“Next year, I’m keeping it to six acts,” he said. “Twelve acts in 10 hours is almost too much, but everyone wants to play and we’ve got a lot of variety. It seems to be getting bigger every year, we’ve got a real pro crew from The Banff Centre, it’s the real deal, and it’s just a good time.”
Anyone wanting to enter an apple pie can call Gonis at 403-760-5059 and pies have to be at the festival’s merchandise booth by 5 p.m. on the day. The pie winner will be announced in the evening after the youth orchestra performs (about 7 p.m.).
