Skip to content

VIDEO: 12 thumbs up to return of Salmon Arm’s ROOTSandBLUES Festival

Random survey of festival attendees finds excitement, accolades

The Observer checked in with people at the ROOTSandBLUES Festival over the Aug. 19-21 weekend. The overwhelming response: A good time was being had by many – listening to favourite musicians, dancing to all variety of music styles and finally getting together with others.

Read more: 30 years of ROOTSandBLUES: Volunteer reflects on festival’s humble beginnings

Read more: Valdy gives volunteers a hand after Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival



martha.wickett@saobserver.net
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our daily newsletter.
30148614_web1_220824-SAA-Streeter1-Burnaby
Constance from Burnaby, used to live in Salmon Arm. “Ever since we moved here in 2006 I’ve been coming here… and I love it, it’s awesome. I love everything, I see all my friends, love the music - actually I’m not the most bluesy person… I love the Barn, I love all the dancing.” Musical highlight: “A couple of workshops at the Barn, dancing all the time.”
30148614_web1_220824-SAA-Streeter2-Donna-Williams
Donna Williams, lives in Salmon Arm. What brings her to the festival? “Volunteering, meeting people, doing the information, handing out programs, assisting people…” Musical highlight: meeting and hearing Northern Cree, hearing George Leach, Five Alarm Funk, wanted to hear Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
30148614_web1_220824-SAA-Streeter3-Kamloops
Brandy from Kamloops. “My first festival ever. I actually just moved back from Alberta, was in Alberta for the last 10 years and I haven’t seen any of my friends for almost a decade. They invited me to come and I said yes. I really wanted to see Tom Cochrane and I saw him last night.”
30148614_web1_220824-SAA-Streeter4
Monique. “I’ve been coming for years… Love this festival. It’s the best festival I’ve been to anywhere and I’ve been to lots of festivals. This is my hands-down favourite.” Highlights: “Ruthie Foster was awesome last night, also Samantha Martin, really good.”
30148614_web1_220824-SAA-Streeter5-adonis
Steve from Kelowna. “I got invited by a group of friends; I’ve never been to a festival before because of Covid and a previous career I had, so I’m super excited to be here.” Looking forward to seeing Jann Arden.
30148614_web1_220824-SAA-Streeter6-Kelowna
Jeanine from Kelowna. “Somebody suggested I come here because it was going to be fun.” Looking forward to hearing: Alex Cuba. Highlight: “I lost my phone outside of the venue. Somebody brought it inside and dropped it off at lost and found. But I didn’t get his name. So if I ever get his or her name, I’d like to thank them.”


Martha Wickett

About the Author: Martha Wickett

came to Salmon Arm in May of 2004 to work at the Observer. I was looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Mainland, where I had spent more than a decade working in community newspapers.
Read more