MusicFest begins one day early with Grammy winner

The music kicks off this Thursday!

The 17th annual Vancouver Island MusicFest is fast approaching and the excitement is in the air all over Vancouver Island.

Music fans are packing their bags, shaking out their tents, loading up their campers and pulling out the sandals and the sunhats for what is shaping up to be the a truly fantastic weekend of music and merry making.

An unparalleled lineup is scheduled to perform this coming weekend including David Crosby , Holly Cole, Randy Newman, Jon Anderson, Albert Lee and John Jorgenson — and so many, many more. Festival fans are encouraged to avoid lineups and the rush by picking up day or weekend passes now at the Sid Williams Theatre Box office.

This year also marks the addition of a very special Thursday Night Concert Event for VIMF. This year's inaugural Thursday event is certainly one for the history books.

The musical magic kicks off Thursday night with 26-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas.

Tickets for the concert are still only $50 when you purchase (or present) your VIMF weekend pass. Or you can attend the concert only for just $75.

This is the only appearance by Krauss and Union Station in B.C. on this roadtrip — and a landmark presentation for Vancouver Island MusicFest. Gates open at 6 p.m.

To find out about the entire 2011 performer roster, stage schedules, ticket prices, shuttles and park and rides, Kidzzone, camping and more check out www.islandmusicfest.com.

— Vancouver Island MusicFest