Kelowna’s Poppa Dawg rocked the crowd with a pleasing set of blues during the inaugural Desert Live Music Festival, which took place in downtown Osoyoos from June 27 to July 1. (Richard McGuire photo)
Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter “on a positive note” regarding the recent Desert Live Music Festival held recently in Osoyoos.
We have lived in this town for seven years now and I think this type of entertainment is what we have been lacking.
We could not believe the calibre of the musicians who performed during the festival.
Our town was so lucky to be able to secure the talent we so enjoyed. As well, some of the performers were local and it gave them an opportunity to be known.
We attended every afternoon and then returned every evening over the five-day festival to take in the great music.
Our daughter, her two friends and their children, who are from Edmonton, also attended.
They were staying in a local campground and were excited to be here at the same time as this event.
In fact, they saw Desert Live Music Festival advertised online several months ago and planned their vacation around it.
The children enjoyed listening and dancing to the music. It was a great time for parents to enjoy the music with their children.
I was surprised that the lady from Calgary who wrote the letter to the editor criticizing the need to have a music festival in Osoyoos would complain given that Calgary attracts huge numbers of people during the Calgary Stampede and parade every July.
Gyro Beach was never “overcrowded” at any time during the festival. Even the beer garden was never filled to capacity.
I feel that Gyro Beach was the perfect venue. I can only hope that next year’s festival will be even bigger and better.
I noticed people coming and going from the event and I know some of our restaurants and stores also benefitted from the people who came to enjoy the music and festival.
Thanks should be extended to all of the volunteers and sponsors. Your hard work did not go unnoticed.
We’ll be anxiously watching for the lineup for the 2015 Desert Live Music Festival.
Dolores Callfas
Osoyoos, B.C.
