Don’t miss the final weekend of The Festival
By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Racheal Baker
“What has brought me the most joy is seeing almost two years of hard work, time and sacrifice come to fruition, and the appreciation and excitement of our community and supporters,” smiles Ali Baranski, Festival at Sandpoint’s executive director. “This year The Festival feels like a celebration of bringing back live music and the survival of our beloved nonprofit.”
After a successful first week of live musical performances, the second weekend of The Festival at Sandpoint is sure to be just as impressive, with the weekend lineup to include Gladys Knight Thursday, August 5; Young the Giant Friday, August 6; and REO Speedwagon Saturday, August 7. Gates open at 6pm for these concerts, with the show starting at 7:30pm. The 2021 event will conclude Sunday, August 8, with the Family Matinee "Music from the Movies," with gates opening at noon followed by music 1 to 2pm. Gates will reopen at 5pm for the Grand Finale. There will be a wine tasting from 5 to 7pm, followed by the final concert of the season starting at 7:30pm.
Ali looks forward to Young the Giant, with Sandpoint-native opener Biddadat. “They will be fun, upbeat, rockin’, and we are having our first-ever glow party at this show,” she shares. “We will be giving out glow sticks to the first 100 people through each gate, along with other glow themes and merch.” She adds that the Family Matinee format has been adapted for 2021. For the first time, the family show will feature the Spokane Symphony with special guest Whitney Claire Kaufman, who sings with Disney in Concert and Broadway. “Having a 2- and 4-year-old myself, I look forward to seeing families young and old enjoy and sing along to Disney classics performed at the highest caliber.”
In addition to the fantastic music, music-goers are loving the wide variety of food and drink options available from the Festival Street Vendors or Festival Bar. (All ordering in the venue is contactless via online or mobile app ordering (Noble App); no cash or credit card will be accepted at the venue). And, of course, attendees are still welcome to bring their own food and drinks.
It's not too late to get tickets to these performances. Visit FestivalatSandpoint.com/line-up to purchase tickets today.
Ali and The Festival at Sandpoint Board of Directors and volunteers want to thank the community for its adaptability, generosity and support as they navigated the challenges of 2021. “The fact that The Festival is back this year is truly a testament to this community, our dedicated board of directors, volunteers, and supporters like you! Thank you!” smiles Ali.