There's a strong local presence at the Coldsnap Festival, including youth bands that will be showcased at the Prince George Playhouse Jan. 30.
There are local performers performing as special guests of most headliners and there's workshops scheduled so residents can learn from experienced musicians.
"It's been a mandate of the Prince George Folkfest Society to always involve local artists and I think it would be reprehensible if we didn't do that," said Jo Beattie, artistic director of the society. "It's also a good opportunity for local artists to feel like they are a part of this festival and to mix with the out-of-town artists, which they might not otherwise have the opportunity to do."
The local musicians' events are by donation and proceeds go to producing a compilation CD of the artists who perform at Art Space.
The workshops at Art Space are all acoustic, so as not to disturb the patrons at Books & Co., Beattie said.
The first one is Delhi 2 Dublin at Art Space at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The Lee Boys will hold their workshop Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ramada Hotel.
The Red Stick Ramblers will hold a jam on Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. in Cafe Voltaire at Books & Co., will be held at noon.
"This workshop will be a straight-forward jam -- Cajun, and it's whatever happens there so people can feel free to bring their acoustic instruments along," said Beattie.
Usually artists will come into town and do their concert and leave, she added.
"So it's a traditional part of the festival that we have those artists do something extra where people can come and chat in a nice informal setting," said Beattie. "The workshops are not instructional, more just audience-participation events."
During the Youth Day event Jan. 30 at the Playhouse four bands will be showcasing their work, including This Place?, Treebeard's Revenge, Benedict Beattie and His Delightful Gang, and Lost Cause 34.
"Those were the only bands that applied so they will all get to play for half an hour each and they are all very excited to be part of the Coldsnap festival," said Beattie.
Tickets for the Lee Boys show on Saturday night at 8 p.m. still has a few tickets left.
This Saturday at 8, the Ramada Hotel will play host to three distinct musical acts Prince George's the Freedom Singers Choir, Victoria's Maureen Washington, and from Miami, Florida, the Lee Boys. There are still tickets left to see this show.
Also coming from Baton Rouge is the The Red Stick Ramblers, Ndidi Onukwulu, with an amazing back-up trio including Cousin Harley's Paul Pigat, plus power pop of Victoria's Maurice will be playing on Jan. 29 at The Ramada at 8 p.m. and tickets are still available for this show.
Coldsnap After Hours takes place at Nancy O's on an open stage where musicians are invited to jam or play.
For more information visit wwww.coldsnapfestival.com.
