Mike Spencer combined a new art exhibit by Southern Albertan artist/musician Steve Coffey with the line up announcement for the second edition of the Wide Skies Music Festival, July 30-Aug.1 at Jonny Bean’s coffee on the north side, May 12. 
Skinny Dyck backed Carter Felker on guitar for the launch, with Dyck playing sighing pedal steel guitar, enhanced the pastoral mood of Coffey’s train and prairie themed paintings placed all over the building. Felker sang his usual heartfelt songs and played some nimble acoustic guitar licks.
The first night of Wide Skies music Festival on Monday, July 30 features Saskatchewan roots/ blues band Little Miss Higgins opening for acclaimed South Carolina folk duo Shovels and Rope, staying an extra day after playing the Calgary Folk Festival on the weekend. Tickets for that show cost $60. The music begins at 8 p.m.
There will be a free outdoor show the next day, July 31 featuring the Weber Brothers, Vancouver Blues duo Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Shakura S’Aida Skinny Dyck and the Chicken Catchers and guests. There will be a beer gardens as well as food trucks, vendors, artisans and lots of fun.
Skinny Dyck will also be organizing an after party at the Owl Acoustic Lounge as well as the side stage during the festival including a lot of talent including Calgary songwriter Tom Phillips.
