Coldsnap 2020 will do its best to chase those winter blues away from Jan. 24 to Feb. 1.
The lineup has been announced, the organizers are organizing and the performers are ready to entertain the heck out of this town.
As it has since 2007, the Prince George Folkfest Society presents the multi-musician winter event at a variety of venues throughout the city. Offering big dances for those who wish to party like it's 1999 there's Kick Up Yer Heels, Hip-Hop Happenin', International Dance Party and Coldsnap Ceilidh.
There's shows on offer where people can sit and relax and hear beautiful music presented by many talented artists from across the globe. These shows are called Sunday Full of Soul, International Folk Jam and Sensational Songwriters.
There's also other opportunities that bring audience members up close and personal during free daytime events presented by a variety of local organizations.
"We've got something for everybody at Coldsnap," Sue Judge, artistic director of the folkfest society, said. "As usual we have a pretty wide range of musical tastes. As we've gone through the years we always try to cover most genres of music. Last year we had classical and this year we have hip hop, which is different for us. We've done it before but not for a while. It takes a while to cycle around the different genres and certainly people who love to dance are really going to love the four dance nights we have at the Ramada."
For people who like to support local and regional musicians there are two nights at the Legion where four regional musicians will be performing. Those musicians are coming from the coast, the Alberta border and 100 Mile House.
"And I just confirmed a musician coming from Telkwa," Judge said. "Those artists will be performing at what we call 'pay what you can' nights at the Legion."
It's important everybody who wants to attend a live performance can do so without there being a financial barrier, she added.
"That way it's inclusive and accessible," Judge said.
The society is still working on the schedule for the daytime workshops, which will be posted by year's end.
"Every year we partner with a number of community groups to present the Coldsnap artists in a free daytime event," Judge said.
The events are called ice jams because they are like mini-concerts that are a bit more informal than a regular concert that offers audience members the opportunity to ask questions of the musicians in a more casual environment.
There are also workshops on a variety of topics, like songwriting, offered throughout Coldsnap and that schedule is pending.
Judge was quick to say that the event wouldn't be possible without all the great local sponsors and volunteers that she wishes to thank for their years of support of Coldsnap.
Residents looking for just the right stocking stuffer for that hard-to-buy for, has everything person on their Christmas list can get tickets for all the mainstage Coldsnap shows at coldsnapfestival.com and at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave.
