The sun has set on another Harrison Festival of the Arts.
Ten days and nights of music, art and performance drew to a close on Sunday, July 16, capped off with a performance from Ruby Singh and the Future Ancestors.
Festival Society executive and artistic director Andy Hillhouse said this year’s festival was a success in a number of ways.
”We really felt that artistically and operationally the festival was a big success. Also, attendance seemed great on the beach both weekends and even some of the quieter week nights,” he told The Observer. “We were proud of how the community came together with so many enthusiastic volunteers and such a great staff to make it happen.”
Hillhouse added the Festival Society was proud of the variety of music styles and cultures represented in this year’s lineup, which leaned more toward blues, R&B and funk with African-American roots, seasoned with a healthy blend of world music throughout.
Though Memorial Hall shows and workshops drew less people than Hillhouse had hoped, those who did attend gave rave reviews.
“We encourage folks to take a chance on artists event if it is a name they are not familiar with - we will always aim to bring in interesting, exciting, quality performers from a broad range of styles,” Hillhouse said.
Hillhouse encouraged residents, visitors and festival-goers to stay connected to the Festival Society’s website (harrisonfestival.com) as plans are underway for the 45th Harrison Festival of the Arts. He expects the lineup will be announced next April.
The Festival Society hosts arts events throughout the year at the beach stage, Memorial Hall and at the Rangers Station Art Gallery. Bands on the Beach is set for Sept. 2, which will lead into the Season of Performing Arts that runs from September to May. The Ranger Station Art Gallery frequently welcomes new artists to display their work; Sylvie Roussel-Jannsens of Chilliwack has an exhibit running through the end of the month that features works made from recycled plastic.