Had these tickets burning in the drawer since December. Albert Lee, James Burton, Amos Garrett and David Wilcox (Canadian one), one night all star guitar off.

Our little music fest caters to the musician. They invite a major player then ask “who would you like to play with”, then they book them, they both get solo shows but also get to jam with their requests. Musicians stick around for the three days participating in various combinations. Then they want to come back. Last year Albert Lee played, asked to comeback and bring James Burton. Musicians love this venue. And want to do special things. Jerry Doulas is a big fan, after his first time he requested he come back and bring back two friends who had recorded a one off bluegrass instrumental album considered in the top ten, only performed once. He gathers the boys and says this is the venue to perform it again after 10 years...what a privilege.

So Friday night allstar band (followed by Kris Kristopherson), Saturday Albert and James mingle in the barn with other musicians jamming (then John Hiatt) and Sunday Albert and James will be interviewed on a little stage in the towering forest next to a river.

For those not familiar with David Wilcox, a great fun tele player leaning towards boogie. Amos Garrett is one of Canada’s gems. Stevie Wonder called him to say his solo in Midnight at the Oasis was the second best solo he ever heard. He is reported to be the first guy to bend two strings. He was once tagged as the first Rock/country guitar player. The distinction being he was a rock guitarist who was conscripted into a country band, The Speckled Bird, who you might have seen in the movie the Festival Express.

The Vancouver Island Music Festival

...anything John Hiatt is bringing his combo to is worth going. James Burton will loads of fun too...