KVMR Celtic Festival
Good times are guaranteed in Nevada City this weekend as the annual KVMR Celtic Festival brings Celts of all ages together for three days of celebrations! The event’s Executive Producer John Taber gives us the details here!
What are your own roots?
I am of Irish/Scottish decent. My music business experience extends back 30+ years when I worked for Concert Impresario Bill Graham from ’74 to ’90, all good years in the business . On loan to Grateful Dead ’83 to ’89.
Why and when did you get involved with this festival?
I am a volunteer Broadcaster at KVMR FM 89.5 and this is our largest yearly fundraiser. I have been involved as Executive Producer for the past 3 years. Prior to that, I was Vendor Coordinator for 7 years
What are your roles and responsibilities with the event?
As Executive Producer I book all the headliners and direct a volunteer crew of 350 to make this festival a World Class event
What is the event’s core mandate?
This is event is a Benefit for Community Radio KVMR in Nevada City California.
Who attends the gathering?
People from around the country & around the globe; young & old, rich and not so.
What can they expect to experience this year?
Manran, Cathie Ryan, Paddy Keenan, West Coast Falconry with 4 flying demonstrations over the weekend, an authentic Ceilidh on Friday evening to start things off, and also our Free Friday afternoon Youth Arts Program, featuring festival headliners youth learning Celtic history & making Celtic music & magic
Why is it an important event for the Celtic Community there?
This Festival is one of the few surviving events in the greater area to highlight Celtic music & living history. We are very fortunate to have the Nevada County fairgrounds as our venue to host this event. It is as much a star and any who grace our stages.
What are the plans for the event in the years ahead?
We look forward to having this event grow in stature & attendance each year. I envision a time in the near future to have international acts like The Chieftains on our stage, Van Morrison would work too. As Alasdair Fraser has said, “The KVMR Celtic Festival is Celtic High Ground”!
Leave a Comment