Submitted article
The school year is wrapping up for Quest University students and that means one thing — freedom for the summer and the Dancing Bear Music Festival.
For one day, an amphitheatre facing the Tantalus Range fills with sound-makers and body-movers in a mélange of springtime glee.
This year’s festival goes down on April 12 and features established acts like The Boom Booms, Neon Steve, Old Man Canyon, The Moontricks and Jaguar. The festival also features a plethora of Quest talent with student-created bands such as The Kate Kurdyak Band, The Cherry Potatoes, The Oh Season and The Bone Frets all playing in front of their fellow students.
Entering its sixth year, Dancing Bear showcases and celebrates musicians from British Columbia and Canada, with past performances by The Funk Hunters, Dan Mangan and the Shook Twins.
“This year Dancing Bear is going to be a day to remember,” said Maggie McPhee, student and member of the organizing committee. “We’ve picked some of the funkiest up-and-coming artists to come play and the Quest talent is sure to keep you dancing.”
Fourth-year student Jon Farmer, who has performed at the festival in the past, said it`s an event people of all ages can enjoy.
“It`s always such a great celebration and it’s great to be able to throw a party that brings the Quest and Squamish community together,” he said.
The festival also features a number of different stations, including a children`s play area, a beer garden and other activities.
It all goes down on the Quest University grounds from 1 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students, $25 for non-students and free for kids 12 and under. For more details on the event, visit www.dancingbearmusicfest.com.
