Cranbrook

Idle by the water

Cranbrook’s Idlewild Musicfest features top bluegrass talent

by Keith Powell

How does an evening of good food and great music in a peaceful waterfront setting with the majestic Rocky Mountains in the background sound to you? This year’s Idlewild Musicfest, which takes place on August 23 in Cranbrook’s Idlewild Park, includes two Juno Award nominees: B.C.-based folk/bluegrass band John Reischman and The Jaybirds and country balladeer Mark Koenig, who will be joined by his bluegrass music partner Elena Yeung.

The Birds: John Reischman and the Jaybirds will appear at the Idlewild Musicfest.—Colin Goldie photo

Years of European and North American tours, four critically acclaimed albums, two Juno nominations and two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations—it’s little wonder the buzz around John Reischman and The Jaybirds continues to grow. To see their live show is to believe it. Their seamless ensemble work makes for one of the freshest sounds on the folk and bluegrass circuit today.

Creston-based singer/songwriter Mark Koenig has been performing throughout North America for the past 25 years. He has played with some of the biggest names in the music business, like Garth Brooks, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Ian Tyson and Dwight Yoakam. He is also bringing Elena Yeung—a young rising bluegrass performer who hails from the Creston area too. Popular local groups As the Crow Flies and Checkpoint 5 round out this evening of music.

Gates at Idlewild Park will open at 2:45 p.m. and music will start at 4 p.m. There will be food concessions, vendors and lots of fun for the whole family. Tickets to the Idlewild Musicfest are only $20 per person (under 13 free by donation), all in support of the Cranbrook Public Library.

Event at a glance
Event: Idlewild Muscfest
Location: Idlewild Park, Cranbrook, B.C.
Date: August 23
Info/Tickets: Call the Cranbrook Public Library at (250) 426-4063

Kootenay Rockies key contacts

  • Moyie River Ranch Resort logoPhoto of Moyie River Ranch Resort

    Kootenay Rockies

    RV and cabin lots for sale

    Are you looking for the perfect spot to set up your vacation retreat? Our resort properties—Moyie Vista Resort, Holiday Haven Resort and Moyie River Ranch Resort—offer several fully serviced RV lots of various sizes. Located in a region of undiscovered beauty, they provide access to unlimited outdoor adventures, such as fishing, kayaking, hiking and ATVing. The lots are designed for park models as well so we can accommodate weekend, weekly, monthly or year-round tenants. Contact us now to find out how you can own a piece of paradise.

    Moyie River Ranch Resort


  • BC Hydro LogoPhoto of a Dam

    W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Peace Canyon Dam

    Come explore our dams

    BC Hydro’s W.A.C. Bennett Dam, situated on the Peace River west of Hudson’s Hope, is celebrating 40 years. Join us for an exciting underground bus tour of one of the world's largest earth-filled structures. We will drive right through the canyon wall that will take us to the powerhouse—500 feet underground. The facility is open daily from May 17 to September 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    The site of Peace Canyon Dam tells the story of the canyon dating back to the time of the dinosaur. Two life-size models of the Hadrosaur dinosaur, fossils and photos tell this story in our visitor's centre. Seasonal hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from May 17 to September 1 with guided tours available. Off-season hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays only with self-guided tours available.

    BC Hydro


  • Voyager Rv logoPhoto of trailers

    Winfield, BC

    Voyager RV

    At Voyager RV, you are sure to find what you're looking for. Choose from our huge inventory-from new Hurricane and Winnebago Itasca Class A and C motorhomes to Aerolite Springdale, Denali, Cardinal and Jayco 5th wheels and trailers, as well as Northern Lite truck campers. We also have hundreds of used towable and motorized RVs on display and we will buy or consign your quality pre-owned RVs. Browse through five acres of display models to find the perfect RV for you. We are conveniently located along the highway, just north of Kelowna in Winfield. So come and visit us and discover your road to freedom.

    Voyager Rv


  • Radium Resort logo

    Radium, BC

    Experience golf at its best

    Thanks to a stunning environment, the golf courses at the Radium Resort feature some of the most powerful visuals and hair-raising holes found in the Kootenay Rockies. At the Furber-designed Springs course, for example, the par-3 17th might be the prettiest hole you'll ever see. While The Springs is ranked as one of the top-100 courses in Canada by SCORE Magazine, the sporty Resort course shouldn't be missed either. The friendly staff at the Radium Resort is always willing to look after your needs. With course-side rooms, fine dining and spa facilities, unpack your bags and stay awhile!

    Radium Resort


  • Springbrook Resort logo

    Your home away from home

    Springbrook Resort—located at Skookumchuck, B.C., in the heart of the Kootenay Rockies—is now selling cabin and RV lots with riverfront views. Starting at $45,000, these beautiful recreational properties feature water, sewer and electricity. From canoing and fishing to hiking and off-roading, the area surrounding our resort is home to an unlimited supply of outdoor activities. As a joint ownership development of shared interests, Springbrook Resort is committed to the long-term future of their owners and the preservation of the land they own. We encourage you to visit and experience the Springbrook difference.

    Springbrook Resort


  • Way-Lyn Ranch Golf Course logo

    Cranbrook,BC

    Leave your busy world behind

    Come enjoy some relaxing golf on Scottish-style links, fine country cuisine and the best views in the St. Mary's Valley. Way-Lyn Ranch Golf Course, between Cranbrook and Kimberley, B.C., is a challenging 18-hole executive golf course with a ranch-style clubhouse restaurant and an RV park. We invite you to enjoy our warm, country hospitality and beautiful setting. After an exciting round of golf, you can sit back and relax at your RV or come up to the clubhouse, sit on the deck and take in the spectacular scenery, fresh air and magnificent country sounds.

    Way-Lyn Ranch Golf Course


  • Friends Of Fort Steele Society logo

    Fortsteele, BC

    Blast to the past

    There's no time like the present and no fun like the past. Leap back to the 1890s and experience the vibrant pioneer boomtown of Fort Steele. With more than 60 buildings and museum exhibits, Fort Steele is abounding with hidden treasures and visual stories of old times past. Blacksmithing, harness making and farming demonstrations, along with live theatre and street performances are among the many thrilling activities at Fort Steele. Visitors can even take a ride on a steam train or rediscover the original meaning of horsepower in an authentic wagon pulled by Fort Steele's majestic Clydesdale draft horses. A plethora of events and activities make Fort Steele the perfect place to spend a day in the past with family and friends.

    Friends Of Fort Steele Society
    9851 Highway 93/95
    Fort Steele, BC V0B 1N0, Canada
    PHONE: (250) 417-6000


  • Photo of Fort Steele Resort & RV Park

    Fortsteele, BC

    In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Canada

    Fort Steele Resort & RV Park is the place to go for a relaxing and fun camping experience. It features hot showers, laundry facilities, pay phones, Wi-Fi access and several other amenities. It is also wheelchair-accessible, pet-friendly, and within walking distance of a restaurant and grocery store. The park is an ideal place for fun activities, with something for every age group. There is a heated pool, gamesroom and playground, to name a few. Outside of the main park area, you can explore the Fort Steele Heritage Town, go whitewater rafting, or even try your hand at gold panning in Wildhorse River.

    Fort Steele Resort & RV Park
    Fortsteele, BC