Dirty and the Perks to perform at again this year at Higher Ground Music Festival. (Facebook/Higher Ground Music Festival)

By Angie Rolheiser

Woodstock 50 years later

Saskatchewan bands set to highlight Higher Ground Music Festival

Jun 26, 2019 | 12:25 PM

The Higher Ground Music and Arts Festival is taking a trip back to 1969.

The 50th anniversary of Woodstock will be celebrated at the festival that takes place north of Struther’s Lake over the Canada Day long weekend.

Fay Filpula and her husband will host 10 bands this year at their property near the lake. The couple started the festival last year when they welcomed six bands over the course of the weekend.

Filpula said they wanted to make the event bigger and better this time around, and it will go rain or shine.

“We have two huge grain tarp tent tops that a lot of people can fit under,” Filpula said.

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Filpula said she was inspired to begin a music festival after seeing the band Dirty and the Perks perform in Saskatoon. With the size and location of their property, Filpula brought her idea to her husband, who then got on board.

“We grew up going to all kinds of outdoor music festivals back in the 70s and 80s so it made sense,” Filpula said.

The couple’s property is up on a hill where you can “see for miles,” according to Filpula.

On top of the all-Saskatchewan band list, there will also be local artisans on site, food vendors, and activities for kids. The festival is family-friendly making it the perfect kick-off to the summer.

“We have got some people that make jewelry, we’ve got macramé people, another lady that does pottery and painting, and a few different ones,” Filpula said.

There are still spots open for more artisans as well.

This year’s line-up includes, Dirty and the Perks and Breezin’ on Friday night.

Saturday will feature Carly Kat, Flashback, Troy Hudson and Broken Horse, Cadillac Black, and No Fixed Address.

Sunday has Breezin’, Clara Lessa Band, Dirty and the Perks, and Riff Raff performing.

Both Saturday and Sunday will offer an open mic and jam sessions at noon.

Tickets can be purchased for the entire weekend or single day passes at highergroundfestival.ca or at the gate. Weekend passes also include camping.

There will also be a prize for the best Woodstock costume.

“Bring your lawn chairs, bring your rubber boots and umbrella, and be prepared for a great time,” she said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser