World Ski & Snowboard Festival’s Free Outdoor Concert Series
It’s that time of year again when Whistler turns into the home of one of the biggest winter mountain town parties around the globe. The World Ski and Snowboard Festival is kicking off on Wednesday, April 10th and goes until Sunday, April 14th. With events happening on the mountain and in Whistler Village, there is everything from sports to art to music. One of the best parts of the WSSF is the Outdoor Concert Series, which provides festival goers free concerts right in Skiers Plaza.
Outdoor Concert in Skiers Plaza. Photo Credit: Mike Crane
Imagine spending an epic day on the slopes and skiing to the Village, right into a concert. Well, this is something that you can make happen during WSSF. To help you decide which acts you want to catch, we compiled a list of who is playing with some information about each performance.
Wednesday, April 10
3 PM - Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Snotty Nose Rez Kids are a Canadian First Nations hip hop pair that includes "Young D" Metz and Quinton "Yung Trybez" Nyce. They are based in Vancouver, B.C. but are from Kitamaat Village, B.C. They are also the opening act for the 2019 World Ski and Snowboard Festival.
4 PM - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Michael Franti is no stranger to performing in Whistler and we are excited to have him back on the stage. This American artist is always a fan favourite and his songs are always filled with good vibes and diverse genres. If you are in Whistler on April 9th, you can check out a screening of his documentary called Stay Human.
Thursday, April 11
3 PM - Old Soul Rebel
You may have recently seen/heard Old Soul Rebel on CBC. Their music is soul rock and roll and they have a powerful stage presence. Their sound and passion are inspired by their First Nations and African American upbringings. Vanmusic.ca stated that "Chelsea Johnson is truly one of the most talented singers Vancouver has ever been blessed with."
4 PM - Little Destroyer
Little Destroyer is considered a grungy-alt-pop band that hails from Vancouver. Their sound will get you pumped for the weekend and may leave you wanting to buy some eccentric merch from their online shop.
Friday, April 12
3 PM - Skratch Bastid
Paul Murphy, a.k.a Skratch Bastid, has performed around the globe as well as alongside other recognized artists such as DJ Jazzy Jeff. This Juno nominated producer is known for his mixing style. He’s also known for being a judge for Thre3style DJ competition, which is put on by RedBull.
Saturday, April 13
3 PM - Mat the Alien
He may have a Las Vegas residency, but Mat the Alien rose to fame right here in Whistler. His love of DJing began at the age of 14 and after moving to Whistler, he became a household name in the local Whistler club scene. His sound will get you grooving to the beat while he plays a wide variety of genres.
Sunday, April 14
3 PM - MarchForth
Closing out the 2019 Outdoor Concert Series are the 20 musicians, artisans, and dancers who are known as MarchForth. They are a self-proclaimed “kaleidoscope of musical and visual energy that inspires unabashed dancing, and an atmosphere of celebration” We can’t wait to see how their energy collides with Whistler’s spirit.
M4 brings electric bass, 4-piece percussion corps, a 7-part brass section, dancers, and more to the stage. Their performances are known to be unique and upbeat, which is the perfect way to end five days of live music.
What Should You Bring to WSSF?
The WSSF happens during the transition of winter to spring. You want to make sure you are prepared for all weather situations and we suggest checking the weather online before you head out for the day.
Here are a few items that we recommend you wear or bring with you when watching any outdoor shows:
- Backpack
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat or warm, waterproof jacket
- Waterproof shoes (rainboots or runners)
- Toque
- Gloves
- Water bottle
- A fully charged phone/camera
- Earplugs
- Snacks
It’s not very often that you get to experience five days of free live outdoor concerts, with world famous mountains as the backdrop. These shows are fun for the entire family plus they bring out a mix of locals and tourists. There are a lot of great events happening during WSSF and we invite you to check out the full schedule to plan your Whistler itinerary. If you want to go to any ticketed events, we recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance because events do sell out.
If you are still looking to secure accommodation for your vacation, you can book your stay on our website. The team at First Tracks Lodge looks forward to being a part of your WSSF 2019 adventure and can’t wait to hear all about it.
