BENALTO, Alta. – Twenty-two small town bands got some big time exposure at the eighth annual Alberta’s Own Independent Music Festival in Benalto July 10-11.
Co-organizer Rob Bouvier of Lacombe, Alta., began the event to promote his band, Slack Jaw.
“There’s a lot of talent from a lot of small towns,” said the drummer. “And every big band was independent at one time.”
Bands from around Alberta played alternative, progressive or blues-tinged rock. They included The Regulators, Mockteera, Sacred Ally, Phantom Limb, Sittin’ Idol, One Day Late, Night at the Chelsea, Annunaki and Oldbury.
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The trio Wide Mouth Mason of Saskatoon closed the concert.
Bouvier’s promotion partner and sister, Luci Henry, works with the Benalto Agricultural Society to ensure a safe and comfortable site on the rodeo grounds. Her experience as Clive’s deputy mayor has reinforced her need to build both the music and event.
“If you’re not going to push your people and your area, who is,” Henry asked.
Family is vital to the siblings and everyone pitches in to help on festival weekend. Henry’s father Robert works the gate, her mother Cathy handles the beer garden, brother Joey is head of security and cousins and in-laws round out the key volunteer positions.
Friends of band members and event supporters fill the remaining jobs.
Patrons come for the music, laid back atmosphere and good times offered by the festival.
Henry and Bouvier have branched out, producing the recent Alberta Special Olympics Summer Games opening ceremonies, complete with a contest for independent bands to write and record a theme song.
Away from the festival, Bouvier farms near Lacombe and also helps Robert with his operation. They also seed and harvest 1,200 acres near Oak Lake, Man.
