Making beautiful music under the prairie stars

The Whoop and Hollar Festival will feature variety of musical styles performed by musicians playing on a Manitoba summer evening.

"There’s lots of variety," said festival co-ordinator Linda Omichinski, noting this is the third summer festival, but the first under the Whoop and Hollar name.

She and husband Mitchell are hosting the festival on Fri., Aug. 7 on their 4.5 acre property named Cottonwood Acres (33157 PR 331) located near the Hoop and Holler bend in the Assiniboine River — about a 10-minute drive southeast of Portage la Prairie. The gate opens at 6 p.m. and acts begin at 7 p.m., with music continuing until the wee hours.

"Music is medicine for the soul," Omichinski said.

The line-up includes Sheena Grobb, who will perform with a cellist, and the Guerrillas of Soul will offer groovy soul music.

Omichinski is excited about the fusion group High Gravity Stew Brew, consisting of local artists Chris "The Accordion Guy", hypno-folk duo TWIN made up of guitarist David Fort and violinist Brooklyn Samson, and pop-jazz artist Helen White all playing each other’s songs. Omichinski said a computer search unexpectedly turned up the name when she was checking Chris’ online listings.

The show will finish off with blues-rock band Wreckin’ SO, followed by a campfire jam session led by The Shady Spaces.

As well as sitting back and listening to the music, festival-goers can walk through the Omichinskis’ labyrinth garden featuring native species of flowers and grasses and also stroll along the cottonwood trail.

Omichinski said there’s room for up to 150 people. A limited number of people can pitch tents  but there’s not enough space for RVs.

Early bird tickets prices are $10 for students, $15 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Tickets purchased at the gate will cost $15 for students and $20 for adults.

Omichinski said she and the other organizers decided to keep the prices low.

"We’re really trying to get young people and families out," she said. The event will be held rain or shine.

All proceeds will be paid to the performers.

Tickets are available at Hill’s Drug Store (200 Saskatchewan Ave. East), Portage la Prairie and online at www.portagefolk.com  

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