It’s a weekend meant for making memories: the thousands of people chanting the same line of your favourite song in unison, the magic of musicians unwinding and jamming in workshops, and the joy of celebrating world-class music, together.

Just in time for holiday gift-giving, weekend, day passes and camping for the 31st annual Salmon Arm Folk Music Society Roots and Blues festival are now on sale. The festival runs Aug. 17 to 20, 2023.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Salmon Arm to celebrate 31 years of Roots and Blues,” says Kimm Magill-Hoffmann, board chair. “Last year’s festival was such a success. We’re thrilled that friends and families will be able to gather here once again next summer.”

With discounted youth pricing for people ages 13 to 24, free entrance for kids 12 and under and 2023 passes remaining at great low prices, the Society hopes to see generations of music fans gathering together in August.

“Whatever stage you were at, wherever you were on the grounds, the energy and camaraderie were just incredible—for both the audiences and the performers,” Kevin Tobin, artistic director, says of the 2022 festival. “Our mission has always been to bring world-class and culturally-diverse music to Salmon Arm, and we succeeded in that at our 30th annual festival last summer. This year, audiences can expect us to continue that legacy. We want the grounds to vibrate with the magic that happens when we celebrate together.”

A record-breaking year for Roots and Blues, the 30th annual festival welcomed more than 30,000 people to Salmon Arm including more than 600 volunteers, food vendors, artisans and local suppliers.

“Creating an event like the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues is only possible thanks to the support of our community,” says Tobin. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Salmon Arm in August for another weekend full of music and memories.”

Early bird festival weekend passes range from $100 to $150, and four-day camping starts at $150. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information and tickets, visit www.rootsandblues.ca, call 250-833-4096 or visit the office Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 541 3 Street West in Salmon Arm.

ABOUT ROOTSandBLUES

The Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival is a destination for fans of music ranging from blues to bluegrass, Celtic to Cuban, and Americana to Afro-beat. The festival is presented by the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society—a non-profit charitable organization. www.rootsandblues.ca