Revived Intertidal Music Festival cut slightly short by fire

For three days, the weather held, the bands rocked, the people danced and the return of the Intertidal Music Festival, after a six-year hiatus, appeared to be a qualified success.

But it would not end without at least one major hiccup. Halfway through the second-to-last performance on closing day by Prince Rupert’s Mudcat Blues, organizers shut down the band and evacuated the venue due to a fire that had broken out under the dock. 

It was quickly brought under control, even before the Port Edward Volunteer Fire Department got there, but the last act, Prince Rupert’s Men Who Listen, had to be cancelled.

Nevertheless, the festival was enjoyed by hundreds of people over the three days which bodes well for a return next year.

“We proved it can be done,” said co-organizer Julius Watts, co-owner of Santana Professional, the company that did the sound and lights. “So, next year it should be easier.”

The weekend was made possible by a collaboration between Tourism Prince Rupert, Santana, the cannery, and major sponsor Trigon Pacific Terminals.

The Headliners were Current Swell on July 18 (Friday) and Leroy Joe and the Spiritual Warriors on July 19 (Saturday).

Current Swell is a Victoria rock band with seven albums under their collective belt and are best known for their energetic live performances.

Leroy Joe and the Spiritual Warriors are an award-winning Indigenous band who blend Lil’wat (a First Nation near Whistler, B.C. with contemporary roots, rock and reggae music. They perform in both English and the Lil’wat language, Ucwalmícwts. 

“Trigon is excited to help revitalize this signature local event, with an amazing lineup of performers. We’re especially glad to support something taking place in our closest neigbouring community of Port Edward and to bring a major celebration to the historic North Pacific Cannery,” said Craig Olley, president of Trigon.

Excitement in Prince Rupert and Port Edward has been growing since the festival’s return was announced earlier this year.

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