Festival ready to mark milestone

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This article was published 17/06/2014 (4191 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DAUPHIN — Canada’s longest-running country music festival has announced the full lineup that will help it celebrate its 25th anniversary from June 26-29.

“Over the years, we’ve discovered that Countryfest fans like a wide variety of music,” said Countryfest president Eric Irwin.

“So we’ve booked some of today’s hottest country stars, favourite country artists of yesterday, roots musicians, rockers, gospel performers — and even children’s entertainment.

“We’re thrilled with the lineup for 2014 — our special 25th anniversary year. It definitely has something for everyone.”

To mark its 25th anniversary, Dauphin’s Countryfest has been giving away prizes to ticketholders on the 25th of each month since October.

The grand prize — a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado — will take place at the festival, and presented to one lucky ticketholder.

Meanwhile, the documentary “Countryfest: The Story of Canada’s Longest Running Country Music Festival” tracks how Countryfest grew from humble beginnings into the longest-running country music festival in Canada, and one that now attracts the biggest names in country music — names like Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band, Reba McIntyre and Carrie Underwood.

The 44-minute documentary was directed by Steve Langston of Dirty T Shirt Productions, who grew up in Brandon, and produced by Howard Wirch, from Dauphin. Countryfest has been part of both their lives and communities for the past 24 years, and they wanted to share the festival’s unique story with others.

Audiences can view the documentary on MTS Stories from Home on MTS TV and watch the official trailer on YouTube.

As another 25th anniversary celebration later this summer, Dauphin’s Countryfest, in partnership with the Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council in Dauphin, is bringing a one-of-a-kind symphonic experience to the Parkland Area.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will perform in the great outdoors on Aug. 24 at Selo Ukraina, the Countryfest site. A dramatic performance by the 50-piece orchestra will highlight the spectacular outdoor amphitheatre, while the top of the hill holds promise of a fun-filled festival day with artisan showcases featuring all kinds of artists and unique performers, plus fine food and drink, to entertain families in the Parkland and beyond.

Dauphin’s Countryfest is a not-for-profit organization that consists of a 12-member volunteer board of directors and a membership of more than 2,000 loyal supporters. Organizers credit more than 2,000 volunteers who work tirelessly each year providing essential services for the festival weekend, while fundraising for their respective community organizations.

Countryfest contributes approximately $150,000 annually toward these organizations for providing these services.

» Submitted

MANITOBA LIQUOR & LOTTERIES MAIN STAGE

Thursday

• The Foster Martin Band

• Michelle Wright

• Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Friday

• Desiree Dorion

• Lisa Brokop

• Bobby Wills

• Blackjack Billy

• Lee Brice

• The Band Perry

Saturday

• Ryan Keown Band

• The Boom Chucka Boys

• Songwriter’s Circle with Wendell Ferguson, Aaron Pritchett, Deric Ruttan,

Lisa Brokop

• Tim Hicks

• Dallas Smith

• Blake Shelton

Sunday

• Crewcifyed 8:38

• Jack Connolly

• The Heartbroken

• The Bros. Landreth

• Jaida Dreyer

• The Mavericks

• Deric Ruttan

• Rascal Flatts

MTS STAGE

Thursday

• Livy Jeanne

• Jordan Allard

• Samara Yung

• Jordan McIntosh

• Bobby Wills

• Blackjack Billy

• DJ Co-op & DJ Hunnicut

Friday

• The Honeysliders

• The Craig and Ash Band

• Leeroy Stagger

• Coal Creek Boys

• The Bros. Landreth

• Brett Kissel

• DJ Co-op & DJ Hunnicut

Saturday

• Federal Lights

• Greg Arcade

• JP Hoe

• Wil

• Cowpuncher

• The Boom Chucka Boys

• Aaron Pritchett

• DJ Co-op & DJ Hunnicut

Sunday

• Kids Show with

Kenny Shaw

• Ross Roteliuk

& David James

• Ryan Keown Band

• Leanne Pearson

• Bad Country

• Jaydee Bixby

• The Kentucky Headhunters

• DJ Co-op & DJ Hunnicut

CREDIT UNION CORRAL

Thursday

• 730 CKDM Battle

of the Bands

• The Bros. Landreth

• The Tea Party

Friday

• Federal Lights

• Petunia and the Vipers

• Shred Kelly

• The Boom Chucka Boys

• Jr Gone Wild

• Mudmen

Saturday

• Cowpuncher

• Jason Plumb

• Randy and Mr. Lahey

from “Trailer Park Boys”

• Bad Country

• Until Red

• Harlequin

Sunday

• Greg Arcade

• Oh My Darling

• JP Hoe

• Dirty Catfish Brass Band

• JD Edwards Band

• The White Buffalo

Note: Artists and schedule subject to change without notice.