As you're reading this, we're hard at it, gathering together a great lineup that satisfies the criteria in our mission: a wide range of musical styles performed by the finest local, regional, national, and international performers available.

Of course, you're dying to find out what we're going to do to top terrific acts like Junkhouse, Ian Tyson, Carl Weathersby, Souljah Fyah, and a host of others. Let's face it, we'd be disappointed if you weren't.

But there'll be no hints, no sneak previews, no insider nudge nudge wink wink stuff. When the roster is final, we'll holler it from the mountaintops. Well, maybe that's a little extreme, but we'll do out best to let you know anyway.

What I can tell you is this: we've got some acts that will blow you away, that'll have you asking yourself - why haven't I seen these folks before?

Come April 17, we'll tell you everyone that's on the list and confirmed. That's pretty much the whole show, since finding enough fabulous music to fill a weekend isn't hard to do. We are absolutely blessed with a huge selection of great acts looking for folks just like you to take into the rapture.

So - make it a date - come hear Hutchison Andrew Trio, with special guest Thea Neumann at the Elks Lodge in Red Deer. There'll be snacks, a great silent auction and we'll be unveiling the 2009 festival lineup.

Don't let other people tell you what's going on, come out and see and hear firsthand, for yourself!