The scenic hamlet of Bragg Creek will ring with music this Friday and Saturday as folk favourite James Keelaghan, contemporary chamber music ensemble Land’s End and world music maestros Balu perform in the first Bragg Creek Festival. Thirteen-year-old local musician Sarah Clark will also appear.

Organizer Brenda Bone of the Bragg Creek Performing Arts group says it is no coincidence that the festival coincides with the start of summer. Good weather draws outdoor enthusiasts to the area, which is known as the gateway to Kananaskis country. “It is a relatively quiet time after the traditional concert season and before most other provincial festivals, summer events and holidays,” she says. Seeing as foothills weather can change in a heartbeat, though, all of the events will be held inside.

Bone expects an audience as diverse as the musical lineup she is presenting. “The campgrounds are open in Kananaskis,” she says, “so [people] come to enjoy the music and the great outdoors or conversely come to enjoy the sophistication of our B & Bs and restaurants along with a different musical offering.”

While most of the events will be held in the acoustically welcoming Bragg Creek Centre, Bone expects the festival spirit to spread throughout the hamlet. “Local stores and restaurants will be offering festival ‘specials.’ Don’t be surprised to find a busker or two around the hamlet and, of course, musicians playing within participating businesses. Local artisans will also be showcasing their craft.”

For more information on the event, go to braggcreekfestival.com.