Two up and coming acts secured spots in the Jasper Folk Music Festival, May 29, after duking it out in the third annual Battle Royale.
The competition featured five acts—two solo artists and three duos—all competing for a spot in this year’s festival, scheduled for Sept. 11–13.
Although a smaller roster than last year, with no bands signing up to compete, the competition was stiff, with each performer busting out original songs in front of a full house at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion.
Following a full night of music, the judges selected Jasper’s Mighty Waters, made up of Gui Benoit and Kailen Germotte, and Edmonton’s Small Town Regular for the prize.
Both acts will appear at Centennial Field, taking the first slots on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
As well as a night of fabulous music, the Battle Royale also included an opportunity to shop, as it hosted a silent auction. Funds raised through the auction and ticket sales will go toward this year’s costs, whether it be renting portable toilets or paying for the cost of bands.
The proceeds are especially important this year as the festival is running without its usual grants.
The Jasper Heritage Folk and Blues Society—which organizes the festival—has received $20,000 through the provincial government’s Alberta Community Initiatives Program for the past two years, but this year it is ineligible because the the program only allows an organization to receive funding for two consecutive years before taking a year off.
It will again be eligible in 2016.
To fill the hole, the folk and blues society has held additional fundraisers this year, including a highly successful grunge night.
The Jasper Folk Music Festival will run Sept. 11–13 at Centennial Park. Check back with the Fitzhugh for the full lineup.
Nicole Veerman
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