Tall ships and tall tales will surround the Britannia Heritage Shipyards once again this weekend (Aug. 8 and 9), but its boardwalks will become doused with some musical magic for the 12th Annual Richmond Maritime Festival.
“I’m fascinated by the history of B.C., just transfixed by the stories of cowboys, outlaws, deputies,” said Patrick Spencer, who will be performing at the festival with his folk band Coldwater Road. “I’ve been reading a lot about the Northwest Coast and the whole rum-running, bootlegging history. It’s a really colourful history that’s tied to the water.”
Coldwater Road will be part of the City of Richmond’s surge to up the ante on the entertainment value of the Maritime Festival. Spanning two days instead of its previous three, the city used the savings in production costs of the extra day towards providing an unforgettable Saturday lineup with a Saturday night feature by the water.
“We’re always trying to look for ways to improve the festival and add another element,” says city spokesperson Ted Townsend. “So, this year we decided to upgrade the musical quality. It’s going to be a great lineup, some high caliber entertainment.”
Making music since 2012, Coldwater Road’s recent preoccupation with the more depraved side of B.C.’s history is reflected in their tunes, as well. Spencer’s written a string of songs about the province’s past, including one about Bill Miner, allegedly Canada’s first train robber.
In keeping with the folklore, the band’s sound is based in folk music with a mix of high energy, dance numbers and slower, balladic tunes.
Although they’ve played across the region, making appearances in Deep Cove and at Khatsalano, it’ll be their first time performing in Richmond.
“We’re especially drawn to community-based festivals and events where we’re part of a communal experience,” says Spencer. “I like it when people can sort of stumble upon us, everyone can have access. We’re rhythmic, light, fun, and danceable, so I like it when people of all ages can enjoy our music, either in a park or an outdoor festival.”
And it seems like performing at the Maritime Festival will be right up their alley.
“I’m looking forward to being part of a festival that celebrates this nautical history,” says Spencer. “I’m sure my brain will keep working after the performance as I get inspired by what’s going on and think up some more songs to write.”
While still sticking to its folk roots and the maritime theme, the Saturday lineup features a range of musical acts, mixing Richmond-based and regional talent.
Regional mainstays The Paperboys will be headlining Saturday night’s concert with their high-energy folk-fusion. Performing regionally and internationally for 20 years, The Paperboys are no strangers to Richmond.
However, it’ll be their first time at the Maritime Festival.
“I’m very excited to perform there this weekend,” says Tom Landa, lead singer. “I’ve never been to the Maritime Festival so I’m looking forward to going and checking it out.”
The Paperboys blend a mix of different styles that range from roots and blue grass to include Celtic, Latin, African, soul and country influences.
“We’ve got a bit of everything for a wide range of people to enjoy,” says Landa. “It’s going to be a great show, we’re happy to be part of this festival.”
Saturday night’s concert kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with one of Canada’s leading comedians Ivan Decker, as he opens with a routine and then continues on as the MC. The night will also feature local experimental pop-rock group The Tourist Company.
Some of the daytime performers include popular dance acts like the Wild Moccasins and the Eire Born Irish Dancers.
Crowds will also get to experience old favourites such as boarding the flotilla of historic boats and ships and hearing stories from Mermaid Tales and Rikki the Rat.
There’ll also be visual artists, stilt-walkers, puppets, and many other interactive activities for the whole family, as well as a variety of food trucks to whet the appetite.
“The festival generates a lot of smiles and a lot of return traffic,” says Townsend. “I often see families on the Saturday who come back on the Sunday again. There’ll be lots of decoration and fun stuff. People can expect spontaneous performers and encounters throughout the weekend.”
One of the boats tying up at the Britannia Heritage Shipyards and available for tours will be Providence.
Built in 1903, the troller fished the North Sea and was comandeered for the First and Second World Wars.
Today, it serves as a passenger ship, plying the waters of the B.C. Coast.
Other boats paying a visit include: The Jimmy Ng, SS Master, Hotei, Lady Jayne,. Fraser Guardian, Western Star, Gaia, Merrillee II, Silver Anna, and The B.R. Hastings.
The Richmond Maritime Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9.
For more information and directions on how to get there, visit www.richmondmaritimefestival.ca.
YVR Community Stage Saturday Schedule
Fraser River Fiddlers: 11 - 11:40 a.m.
Vancouver Chinese Choir: 12 - 12:45 p.m.
The Wild Moccasins: 1 - 1:40 p.m.
Swing Patrol: 2 - 2:45 p.m.
Coldwater Road: 3 - 3:40 p.m.
Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra: 4 - 4:45 p.m.
Ivan Decker, comedian: 5:30 - 7 p.m. The Tourist Company: 6 - 6:40 p.m.
The Paperboys: 7 - 8 p.m.
YVR Community Stage Sunday Schedule
The Eire Born Irish Dancers: 11 - 11:35 a.m.
The Honky Tonk Dilettantes: 12 - 12:45 p.m.
Roku Shichi Taiko: 1 - 1:40 p.m.
Company B Jazz Band: 2 - 2:45 p.m.
Nicole Li & Guests: 3 - 3:40 p.m.
