Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - Ben Coey is co-producing this year’s Lovefest, which returns to Linnaea Farm on Saturday August 19th.
“Rex, Amy and Rick have been running and producing the festival for a number of years. They've decided that they need to have a bit of a break from doing it. I've worked with Rex on a number of projects previously. He asked me if I liked to get involved and help out with co-producing and I said, ‘yeah, sure,’” Coey explained.
“I'm good friends with Rex I've toured for many years as a drummer in a band with a Rex's son, Jack. I've always loved coming to Lovefest. I played it a couple of times and I'm spending more time up in Cortes. I'm gradually moving up here and this is a nice way to just get involved with the community.”
Cortes Currents: Tell us about this year’s Lovefest
“It's going to be the same vibe as previous years. It's just going to be about nice folks having a good time: good tunes, good crafts, lots of blankets, good food, hanging out all day and into the evening. It's very much about just having fun and just enjoying each other.”
While a number of acts have yet to be confirmed, Coey was able to release a partial list of performers.
“We have a few special feature acts who are going to be coming through, quite a lot locals also:
“Johny Hanuse is going to be playing a set this year,
and the McKentys (the Awakeneers).
Nicole Demers,
Six Foot Johnson, who’ve been promising to get to the frestival for a number of years. They’re a really great on-island band led by Greg Osoba.
Heather Wolf,
Michael Keith,
Rick Scott is going to be doing a kid’s set, as well as an adult set.
Doc Fingers, who is a wonderful blues pianist.
We’re going to have a very special set from Ann Mortifee, who's going to be playing a catalog of some of her greatest hits.
If you were there at the lasy Lovefest, we had a terrific Cuban band playing. Adonis Puentes are returning to Cortes and will finish the night off.
“Early bird tickets for the festival are on sale now. You can pick those up at the Friday market. Myself and Rex we'll usually be there and we're taking cash.”
They are also for sale at the Co-op, Cortes Market, Squirrel Cove General, and the Gorge Store.
Adult - $40
Family - $80
Under 18 - $30
