15 Minutes of Fame adds films to musical lineup

Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor

 

15 Minutes of Fame returns to Rosebud Sept. 4. The festival opens at noon and runs until dusk on the festival green beside the Opera House.
Zach Habermehl, a new festival performer calling himself Coalfire Vagabond, does vocals, guitar and harmonica.
“My sound is what happens when a country folk singer listens to too much blues and thinks he’s a rock star,” he said. “I cover stuff from Michael Jackson to Simon and Garfunkel, but my own words come from poems that got the guitar treatment.”
He added that he also plays a lot of crowd pleasers.
Christina Colyn and her band from Calgary are returning for their second 15 Minutes of Fame appearance.
“My music consists of warm-yet-gritty electric guitar, rolling bass lines and solid rhythms,” she said. “You’ll find my voice at the front end leading the way with a whole lot of passion and soul.
“I aim to write songs others can find themselves in, through the lyrical themes of love, loss, joy, sorrow, struggles and triumph,” Colyn added. “I hope to give people an experience that feels a lot like pulling on their favourite comfy sweater and dancing or sitting around a campfire with old friends, while, at the same time, meeting interesting new friends.”
15+ Films, a new feature at this year’s festival, is a dream come true for festival director Carmen Paterson. Curated by Six two Six Productions, 15+ films will run continuously during the festival in the lobby of the opera house.
A returning favourite is Randall Wiebe, visual arts instructor at Rosebud School of the Arts, who is again doing the 15 Minute Portrait of a festivalgoer. This year, festival participants can enter a draw to be chosen for Wiebe’s portrait.
Artist Alley, in the west wing of the Opera House, is another returning favourite. Artists include visual artist Verna Vogel from Calgary, who will display her work and draw live portraits.
Vendors Lane, with products as diverse as designer clothing and handmade journals, aromatherapy and homegrown vegetables, is another key part of the festival. The festival is also having a square dance this year.
As a festival kick-off, on Saturday, Sept. 3, Southern Alberta Songwriting Society is hosting a three-band concert with Me and the Mrs., The Dearhearts, and The Fig and the Flame. They’ll perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Akokiniskway Gallery. The concert will be filmed for future video releases for all three bands.
“15 Minutes of Fame is an incredibly diverse showcase of incredible talent,” Habermehl said, “and it all takes place in a wonderful intimate setting. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Colyn added, “15 Minutes of Fame is a fantastic festival. I love the casual, warm and energetic atmosphere. This festival is worth the drive out to experience great music, art, food and fun for the whole family.”
Visit rosebudmusicfestival.com for more information.