It's winter, it's Prince George, so there is music in the air alongside the chill.
A free outdoor concert in the Canada Games Plaza is scheduled to kick off the annual Coldsnap Music Society. After that, a long line of folky, jazzy, bluesy acts will heat up the early February calendar.
Sue Judge, the artistic director of the festival, described what's coming as "eight days and nine nights of hot music and warm hospitality."
It runs from Friday through Feb. 11 at a number of locations around the city. DJ Shub from A Tribe Called Red will be the co-headliner to boost the amps at the outdoor launch, along with rock band Speed Control rolling in from the Yukon. There will also be an official opening ceremonies event Friday night. It all begins at 7:30 p.m. The opening acts are Kym Gouchie & the Khast'an Drummers to bring the pulse of welcome from the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, on whose traditional territory the Coldsnap festivities all take place.
Following opening night, the schedule unfolds like this:
Feb. 4 - Dance to the Hot World Beats, Ramada Ballroom (7:30 p.m.), with Buckman Coe and Quique Escamilla along with regional opener Circadian Rhythm.
Feb. 5 - Coldsnap for Kids (special ticket price), Prince George Playhouse (2 p.m.), with The Kerplunks.
Feb. 5 - Globally Inspired Roots and Harmonies, Prince George Playhouse (7:30 p.m., with Anna & Elizabeth, and The Bills. Two local talents, William Kuklis and Marcel Gagnon, will start that night's proceedings.
Feb. 7 - Sensational Singers, Prince George Playhouse (7:30 p.m.), with Sean Robinson (P.G. Limelight Quest winner), Coco Love Alcorn, Andrea Ramolo with Matt Epp.
Feb. 9 - Celebrate Music of the North, Fore Bistro (7:30 p.m.), with Matt Patershuk, Twin Peaks and Samson's Delilah.
Feb. 10 - Celtic String Extravaganza, Prince George Playhouse (7:30 p.m.), with Wendy MacIsaac & Troy MacGillivray, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas plus Victoria/P.G. musician Chloe Nakahara .
Feb. 11 - Ensemble, Nous Clbrons Nos Festivals d'Hiver!, (Together, We Celebrate Our Winter Festivals!), Ramada Ballroom (7:30 p.m.), with regional opener Les Chauffeurs Pieds and Christine Tassan et Les Imposteurs.
"We close out our festival with a big francophone concert that acts as a kickoff to the Festival d'Hiver for the French-speaking community in town, and it is also the kickoff, totally on purpose, of the Downtown Winter Carnival," said Judge, showing how the final night is really just another kind of beginning.
There is also a two-part spotlight on regional talent. Feb. 6 and 8 are dedicated to all-local performers, showcased at The Legion. Those events begin at 7 p.m. and some of the confirmed acts include The Daylight Thieves, Amy Wyn Blanding, Saltwater Hank, Britt A.M., Genevieve Jade, Steel Wheels Blues Band, The Interstellar Jays, Redwhyn, and Eric Welscher-Bilodeau.
"In addition, you can see most artists during the week at free community outreach events," Judge said. Almost all of these incoming musicians signed on to deliver workshops and special appearances to help foster the local music scene.
Volunteers are still needed, and supportive sponsors are encouraged to make contact as soon as possible, to contribute to this not-for-profit set of events. Get details at www.coldsnapfestival.com and tickets are on sale now for all these nights at Studio 2880, Books & Company and at the event's website.
