Organizers of ArtsWells are gearing up for a smaller, but vibrant return of the festival Aug. 2 to 4, 2024.
“I’m excited about the first wave of artists we have announced and the artists we will be announcing,” said Elyssia Sasaki, artistic director for Island Mountain Arts, the non-profit society that puts on the festival each year.
The biggest difference will be the festival’s size compared to previous years.
“This year, including artists, volunteers, vendors and everyone else, we are looking at just over 1,000 people all in,” she said.
Last time the festival was held, which was August 2019, there were 2,100 people on site.
Sasaki said they are trying to do things differently as they move the festival forward.
“It’s definitely something we heard in consultation with the community of Wells that folks are interested in seeing a festival, but were interested in seeing something a bit smaller,” she said. “It has been kind of a slow process with us getting comfortable to see more folks in Wells again, just coming out of the pandemic, and myself stepping into the role of artistic director during the pandemic.”
A few larger events were hosted in the community hall last summer to share the excitement that comes from live music and visiting artists, she noted.
“Now we are ready to try the next step to bring the festival back. I’m feeling pretty good about it.”
Sasaki grew up on Vancouver Island, moved to Toronto then lived in the Yukon for a number of years.
During her last two years in the Yukon, she helped produce the Available Light Film Festival, a two-week long 80-plus screenings event with live music and other events.
She moved to Wells three years ago.
“I learned a lot from doing that festival so there are some things I am able to carry over and some things that are new and different around music festivals, but I did work in music presentation - that was my first job up in the Yukon for the arts centre.”
The first round of early bird tickets sold out by the April 30 deadline and the current round of ticket sales is underway, with a third of them sold by Monday, May 6.
Sasaki said she thinks people are happy to see the festival’s return and she is looking forward to welcoming them.
Within the festival there will also be some theatre and visual arts in addition to the music.
“Music-wise folks can expect a blend of emerging, local and musicians from away so very similar to the past and several different genres,” she said.
In the line up of names released so far are Bob Campbell, Crones, Jennifer Castle, Madeleine Roger, Naomi Kavka, Red Haven, Sam Tudor, Sister Ray, super Duty Tough Work and Townie.
There are bios and listening links to each artist on the ArtsWells website.
READ MORE: ArtsWells cancels 2020 festival due to COVID-19
READ MORE: Wells Works showcases local artists to kick off 2022 for Island Mountain Arts
Don’t miss out on reading the latest local, provincial and national news offered at the Williams Lake Tribune. Sign up for our free newsletter here.
