Source: Westman Zone
Now that the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed, the Ridgefest committee is happy to re-invest net proceeds back into Brandon's music scene. "What an amazing weekend celebrating the local music scene! A huge thank you goes out to all the bands who performed during Ridgefest’s 20th Anniversary party! (Geezer, The Invisible Men, 8 Track Shuffle, Matt Cory Band, Amber Solomon aka AMBAM, The Ashbury Dyke, Tangled). You all donated your time and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your efforts and creativity through your amazing performances have resulted in some very good news for the B.U. School of Music in the form of a $2000.00 donation that will go towards their bursaries and scholarships program," said Frank McGwire (Ridgefest co-founder).
Local cover band Geezer (pictured above) kicked off night number 1 of Ridgefest celebrations! (Photo submitted).
The first Ridgefest was held on the north side field behind Deer Ridge Golf Course (hence the name) in 2004. The festival was then moved to Planet KIA's front lot in 2005 and then the backlot from 2006 - 2015. The 40 served as the venue for kick-off parties and after-parties as well as the venue when rain shut down the outdoor site. "The idea of a festival by and for the local music scene was born out of a night of music with some friends who enjoyed jamming at Lyall's place known as "The Monkey House," McGwire said. "We thought, wouldn't it be great to start up a music festival with all local bands from the Westman area! Next thing you know we were making phone calls to all of our close contacts, getting bands to join in, and finding sponsors etc," McGwire said.
Ridgefest ran for 12 years and it was at that time when organizers decided to shelve the event for various reasons. There was even a point at which a name change was considered for the festival featuring all local bands. "We took several years off after the 2015 edition of the festival. But we felt the timing was right to have some sort of celebration for the 20th anniversary of the festival. Over the years we are pleased to say we've donated a total of approximately $25,000 to local charitable organizations such as The Cancer Society, Westman Dreams for Kids, and The Westman Women's Resource Centre," said McGwire.
The Invisible Men (pictured above) performed at the first Ridgefest and jumped at the chance to reappear errr... reunite for the 20th-anniversary celebration of the festival. (Photo credit: Westman Zone).
After spreading donations around to various charitable organizations in Brandon, the Ridgefest committee decided to keep things in the musical vein with this year's net proceeds. "We found it fitting that things could work intrinsically within the local music community and those who support it. To see everything come full circle as monies raised from this event are allocated to the B.U. School of Music is something myself and the committee are extremely happy to report," said McGwire.
Amber Solomon aka AMBAM (above) kicked off the second night of the Ridgefest celebrations with her musical set entitled "The Story." (Photo credit: Westman Zone)
An event of this caliber not only requires many hours of planning and promoting but sponsors and volunteers are crucial keys to its success. "Many thanks as well go out to our sponsors The 40, Planet KIA, Smitty’s Restaurant and Smitty’s Sportsline Lounge, Ted Good Music, Webber Printing, and Lady Light B-Town Medium. To all who came out, paid cover, and stuck around to show your support, you rock! Most of our sponsors and volunteers have been with us since day one. These are key people who like us, not only believe in the local music scene but strive to keep it vibrant," McGwire said. Huge thanks to our volunteers (Wanda Leigh Rains, Mandy Moore, and Cam Toews) as well as the staff and management at The 40. We couldn’t do this without your help, you are AWESOME! Big shout out and thank you to the team at WCG for capturing all the live performances on video which will be scheduled on WCG Access Channel 12 soon. Check your local listings. Until next time, take care, and thanks again for your support!"
Headliners The Matt Cory Band (Pictured above) ripped through a powerful set of covers and originals. (Photo credit: Westman Zone)
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