Seven Music Festival: Getting the notes just right

Then in 2014 St. Albert announced it was starting the Significant Event Stimulus Fund which would give a grant to an event whose intention was to bring visitors to the city. Bailey pitched his idea and was rewarded with a grant. He said, “That grant came in handy when I was putting together the music lineup as most bands like to be paid up front, and it’s a long time between putting the show together to seeing profits come in. Once I got the grant money, I realized the festival was really happening.”

Last year’s festival showcased the Sam Roberts Band as the headliner, and Bailey mentioned that to get a well-known music artist like that for the very first festival is almost impossible. But, for Bailey, it happened. With the help of trixstar, who managed events for the River Cree Casino, the Edmonton Oilers and now the Seven Music Fest, they managed to have the Sam Roberts Band come to St. Albert and entertain us. Bailey didn’t want to categorize this festival. He explains, “I used the words ‘music festival’ on purpose; not blues festival or rock festival. It’s because I wanted all kinds of music. I wanted a festival where I can bring my adult children and expose them to bands they normally wouldn’t listen to and vice versa.”

This year’s VIP tickets have already sold out, which is not surprising considering it got you this: access to a covered tent with seating for 350, a bar, servers and direct access to food trucks. Bailey also had food vendors call him this year to see if they could get into the festival because it was so successful last year.

It’s a family event, and last year’s festival saw people from grandparents to young families, and young adults to teens attend. The festival team also makes sure those people who live around Seven Hills won’t be inconvenienced: they’re enforcing no parking in the Seven Hills area, and their noise permit gives them until 11pm that night to entertain attendees. Bailey wants this festival to have a long run, so he and his team are doing everything they can to make sure everyone enjoys themselves whether they’re attending the festival or not.Tune in next week to see our feature photo album of the big night.

Here are the bands that’ll be playing their hearts out this Saturday:

For more info on what to do to enjoy the festival click here.