Arts & Music Festival kicks off Friday night

By Meg Olson

The Arts and Music Festival is spreading this year – adding an opening night celebration at the next-door Pier Point building to the traditional weekend of free music and art.

“It’s a celebration of love for residents and visitors of Point Roberts,” said Pam Oakley, a member of the Point Roberts Arts Association. Oakley said the local nonprofit is dedicated to the proliferation of art in our community, especially for our youth, and they put together the festival annually in partnership with Westshore Terminals and the county parks department.

The new opening night festivities on August 4 will start at 6:30 at Pier Point with a beer garden and a barbecue by local chef Steve O’Neill, “so you know how insanely good that is,” Oakley said. Starting at 7:30 local musicians the Mighty Jackalopes will take to the stage and “rock on the beach until the whales come home.”

Saturday and Sunday from noon into early evening local and visiting musicians and dancers will perform on the boardwalk at Lighthouse Park. Saturday starts out with Jazz by Midlife Crisis, followed by jigging by the Irish Toe-Tappers, the esteemed Janie Cribbs, local musician Steven Furno and classical guitar by Bill Simmons to wind up the afternoon. “There are always more bands to be announced,” Oakley said.

Sunday kicks off with folk music by George Wright followed by the always popular gyrations of the Rahma Dancers and a repeat performance by the Mighty Jackalopes. Circus in Flames is on at 3 p.m. “Ultimate Band List describes them as a cross between Hank Williams and the Sex Pistols,” Oakley said. “I thought they were more like a cross between Marilyn Manson and Debbie Boone.”

Camille Miller, described by Oakley as a “sultry pop gem with plenty of universal appeal,” closes out the festival. “Camille has an amazing voice and original songs that rival the best,” Oakley said. “How do we get such amazing talent?”

As usual there will be vendors and artists showing and selling their work all along the boardwalk over the weekend and children’s workshops at the far end of the boardwalk.

Community members wanting to support the annual free festival with funds or time can either make a donation at Sterling Savings Bank or call Oakley at 945-1816 or Eddie Buendia at 945-2505 to volunteer.