Music festival coming to ranch near you

Submitted

The Mountain-Mere Music Fest is coming to the Columbia Valley on August 19, featuring an extraordinary lineup of musical performances ranging from contemporary through to classical, big band and jazz.

A series of local acts will lead off the event, which starts at 3 p.m., including solo guitarist and vocalist Kevin Olson, the energetic Smarty Pants (Bill Cropper/Kurt Reichler), and entertainer and music director Bryant Olender, the new leader of the Valley Voices.

Calgary periodontist Dr. Thomas Yu, perhaps the world’s most recognized current amateur pianist, will perform later in the program, immediately prior to the headline act which will feature a Canadian all-star jazz ensemble, assembled and led specifically for this event by Grammy Award nominee trumpeter Jens Lindemann, featuring multiple Juno winner Robi Botos on piano, and including Kristian Alexandrov (percussion and piano), Kodi Hutchison (double bassist), Derek Stoll (pianist) and other “special guests.” Steinway Gallery of Calgary is providing one of their new technology “Spirio” player pianos for this talented lineup of musicians.

Mountain-Mere Music Fest is being presented entirely by volunteers and has been robustly supported by an incredible group of donors and sponsors who have provided financial and in-kind support which more than cover the expenses of the event. All proceeds will be donated to support youth mental health and well-being programs of the Windermere Valley Youth Centre Society, which delivers programming throughout the Columbia Valley from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen.

General admission tickets are on sale at $100/person, and will provide access to the grounds for the day with festival seating. Food and beverage sales will be available for purchase on site. For tickets visit www.invermeresummityouthcentre.org or call 2503423033.