Be sure to be at the Idlewild Musicfest early (gates open at 2:45 p.m.) as the Kootenay trio redGirl will be the opening act at the Idlewild Musicfest this year, starting at 4:00 p.m. The audience will be sure to enjoy the music of Cranbrook’s own redGirl, which consists of Michael and Annie Hepher as well as Steve Jones, all formerly of As the Crow Flies. They will bring their distinctive and charming Kootenay roots musical style--their music is fresh, confident and clear. It runs through fields of folk and mild bluegrass; to traditional and original tunes, all arranged in a distinctly warm and lavish tone.

redGirl's music is the sounds you would hear wafting into the street from the porch on a warm summer's day. It's music for people of all ages, it weaves chords around crowds and pulls them a little closer together. This the fourth year in a row Michael and Annie Hepher and Steve Jones have appeared at Idlewild. As an absolute crowd favorite, with their great musical style and beautiful harmonies, redGirl promises once again to wow the audience.

Having just performed at Music on the Mary, redGirl is always in demand as one of the Kootenay's most popular music groups. Come early as redGirl kicks off a great evening of music at Idlewild Musicfest!

Also in the Idlewild Musicfest lineup will be headliner Ken Hamm, who bring his vast array of eclectic songs and tremendous guitar playing abilities to delight the audience. Ken Hamm is one of Canada's foremost interpreters of traditional roots and blues music.

Emerging artist Aspen Switzer of Nelson will also be a featured performer at Idlewild this year. Aspen's voice stops you in your tracks. It is powerful, subtle, pure and haunting, filled with longing, and an ethereal yet grounded quality. She has a clear sense of who she is. Her songs illuminate the stories of a young woman, wide awake, striving for balance in aspirations and social responsibility, love, independence and caring. Her trio sings flawless three-part harmonies, balancing the charm and warmth of old time music with the contemporary.

Creston’s Mark Koenig and Elena Yeung will also be back to bring a touch of country folk and bluegrass to the stage as well. Elena has recently released her first CD and is just completing, to rave reviews, a cross country tour.

Gates at Idlewild Park will open at 2:45 pm and music will start at 4 p.m. There will be food concessions and close to a dozen vendors, lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family including face painting for the kids. Tickets to the Idlewild Musicfest are only $20 per person (under 13 free by donation). The proceeds go toward supporting the Cranbrook Public Library’s efforts to enhance their book collection and develop more inviting green spaces around the library.

Tickets will available at the gate and are now on sale at Lotus Books, Pages Used Books, the Cranbrook Public Library and the Kimberley Public Library. For more information about the Idlewild Musicfest call the Cranbrook Public Library at 250 426 4063.