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What’s in-store for TWSSF?

Diverse musical offerings include everything from John Butler Trio to De La Soul, plus a possible appearance by Gene Simmons

Whether you’re into hip hop, rock, punk, reggae, blues, or anything in between, you’re bound to find something to satisfy your musical cravings at this year’s TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

Lisa Richardson, communications director for the festival, says while the acts are definitely diverse, there is one common theme — they are all genres that resonate well with young people.

“If you look at what youth anthems have been through the ages, those are the genres that you’re looking at.”

The music also tends to be upbeat, with positive, conscientious messaging.

“It fits the general vibe of the festival in that it’s just life-affirming,” Richardson explained. “We live in the mountains because we’re drawn to certain principles of living life on the edge and living well, so the music definitely fits in with that.”

In terms of popularity, there’s also a broad spectrum of bands coming to perform at this year’s TWSSF, from the internationally renowned John Butler Trio to newer indie groups, like Elias.

Richardson adds that the festival has a history of snagging groups right before they get “big,” and points to groups like Metric, who were a bit obscure when they were first booked, but by the time they performed in Whistler, were really popular.

When organizers are looking for talent to play at the festival, they tend to draw their inspiration from the musical acts that play within the community continuously.

“Even when they end up having to play in the puking snow, like Sam Roberts last year… I think there’s a cache about playing Whistler and there’s a good vibe,” said Richardson. “People who have played before come back, which is nice — it’s affirming.”

The 10-day extravaganza of skiing, snowboarding, arts and culture is anchored by the country’s biggest free outdoor music festival at Skier’s Plaza, with performances starting at 2:30 p.m. each day, and more than 20 artists playing during the festival.

Here’s a basic rundown of what you can expect, each and every day:

Friday, April 11: The outdoor concert series kicks off in a big way with performances by the Juno-nominated ska-punk group, Ill Scarlett, and Vancouver-based rockers, Rally Car.

Saturday, April 12: Dose.ca presents DJ Lil’ Jaz. A veteran of the turntables, with over 12 years of experience under his belt, Jaz has toured with the likes of Nelly Furtado and K-OS, bringing a versatile style to stages everywhere. During the evening, Ravidrums remixes live on drums and percussion, for some seriously explosive results. And DJ Crooked takes a quick break from his spot at some of New York’s hottest clubs to entertain in the mountains of Whistler during the Big Air comp.

Sunday, April 13: Australia’s notorious John Butler Trio bring their organic roots and rock rhythms to the stage, followed with the hip hop and dirty blues stylings of Mama’s Cookin’.

Monday, April 14: If you’ve got a case of the Mondays, sneak out of the office and check out two B.C.-based groups. The Daniel Wesley Trio’s music has a unique reggae, rock feel that promises a quick pick me up, while the folksy, reggae sound of Current Swell will have the audience rocking.

Tuesday, April 15: It’s a hip hop free-for-all! Stepping up to the mic, it’s Seattle’s Blue Scholars duo, followed by Common Market and Whistler’s own Animal Nation and Nobody Really.

Wednesday, April 16: The east coast rock group, The Trews, offer up a hybrid of classic and modern rock that appeals to every generation, followed up by the hardcore rock of Black Swade.

Thursday, April 17: The California-based underground hip hop duo, Blackalicious, bring their deep, poetic lyrics and incredible energy to the stage.

Friday, April 18: The youngest Marley son, Julian Marley, performs a mix of classic reggae anthems and his own songs in Canada for the first time. Followed by the funky jam rock of Flowmotion, the crowd will definitely be on their feet.

Saturday, April 19: During the day, the Team Canada DJ Crew performs their four-turntable party set. Then the iconic, old school hip hop group, De La Soul, hits the mainstage at 8 p.m. with their unique blend of funk, soul, reggae, and tight, clever rhymes that have inspired modern artists, like the Black Eyed Peas and Mos Def.

Sunday, April 20: Going out with a bang, the outdoor concert series wraps up with the “thinking man’s hip hop” of Michael Franti and Spearhead, and Freeflow’s stellar blend of soulful hip hop, reggae, funk and rock.

 

But the beats don’t stop there.

On top of the fully-loaded, outdoor concert series, don’t forget to check out the free concerts offered through the Kokanee Freeride Club Series, with evening performances at local bars throughout Whistler:

Friday, April 11: Après with The Hairfarmers during the day at Merlin’s, then head to the GLC to check out Ill Scarlett, in case you missed their performance on the mainstage.

Saturday, April 12: Après with The Hairfarmers during the day at Citta’s, followed by a performace by the Daniel Wesley trio at Moe Joe’s.

Sunday, April 13: Après with The Hairfarmers during the day at the Longhorn.

Monday, April 14: Check out Mama’s Cookin’ at the Longhorn Saloon.

Tuesday, April 15: Buffalo Bill’s plays host to The Trews for an evening performance.

Wednesday, April 16: Current Swell and Dwight D’Eon head to Merlin’s for a late show.

Thursday, April 17: Team Canada DJs step up to the turntables at Maxx Fish.

Friday, April 18: Après with The Hairfarmers during the day at Citta’s.

Saturday, April 19: Après with The Hairfarmers during the day at Citta’s again.

Sunday, April 20: Après with The Hairfarmers during the day at Merlin’s, followed by performances by Smalltown DJs, Nick Thayer and Mat the Alien at Tommy Africa’s.

There’s also a special event planned for the underground house, electronica, and breakbeat aficionados in town. The DJ Experience, featuring performances by internationally-known DJs Dan, Donald Glaude, Mark Farina, and Whistler’s own Mat the Alien, from 10 p.m. til the wee hours of 4 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 at the Sea To Sky Ballroom of the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre. Tickets are $50.

Finally, if you haven’t already had enough of the music (and nightlife) scene, there are a ton of parties planned that promise to incorporate some sweet performances into their plans for the evening, including the Orage Freeskiier Heaven and Hell party at the Savage Beagle on Sunday, April 13 . And even though Whistler’s KISS performance fell through last year, at least one member of the group may make a trip to the area for the TWSSF: it’s rumoured that Gene Simmons will host a party with Swollen Members at Garfinkel’s on Tuesday, April 15 .

For the complete, detailed schedule of all of the acts coming to town during the 2008 TWSSF, head to www.whistler2007.com or pick up a copy of the guide at one of the kiosks spread throughout the village during the festival.