Bagnell to join festival team

Retirement didn’t last long for The Banff Centre’s Kurt Bagnell.

Closely on the heels of his retirement announcement in Banff, the Canmore Folk Music Festival has announced that Bagnell, former manager of presentations at The Banff Centre, will immediately join the CFMF administration.

CFMF Artistic Director Sue Panning spearheaded the move on hearing of Bagnell’s decision to retire from The Banff Centre. He will attend the Aug. 4-6 festival to learn the festival’s ropes from Panning and other festival personnel.

Following the 2012 event, Bagnell and Panning will share the title “associate festival director” for the balance of the year. For 2013, Bagnell will then become festival director and Panning will aid, consult and advise Kurt.

“I am so pleased to have worked with the festival for years on succession planning and transitioning and two years as artistic director.” said Panning, “I am very excited to see the festival continue to evolve with a structure that can best meet the needs of the coming years”.

The CFMF board is confident this move will build on 35 years of success for the festival.

“I am absolutely exhilarated and honoured to be involved in this festival that has become very dear to me over my years in the Bow Valley,” said Bagnell. “I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful festival as it embarks on its next 35 years and look forward to working with, and learning from, the many dedicated staff and volunteers who have helped make this festival so special.”