For the twelfth year, Elora - a small town outside of Guelph, hosts three days of music, art, food trucks and vendors along the banks of the Grand River in Bissell Park.
Riverfest continues to prove that big things can come in small packages - with huge headliners and massive audiences. This year - from August 16-18, Riverfest has booked three wicked days of music including The Sheepdogs (replacing Jessie Reyez), City & Colour and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Not only does the festival play host to big mainstream artists, but it also gives a platform to upcoming and local artists across three stages.
Above all else, this festival is centered around community, sustainability and music that carries on in memory of Founder and Elora artist Marilyn Koop who passed away in 2012. What was once a backyard festival is now a popular summer staple - drawing in crowds from Elora and beyond.
If you're looking for an all-encompassing music festival experience - with music, beer, art, nature and food, look no further. Tickets are available here.
SZ picks:
Moscow Apartment - Friday, August 16th @ 6:15
Self-branded as "quirky, dreamy, feminist indie folk" this young Toronto duo has already proven they are a force to be reckoned with. Moscow Apartment - Brighid Fry and Pascale Padilla, are already making their mark in music at just 15 and 16 years old - having won a Canadian Folk Music Award, a Toronto Independent Music Award, the Canadian Songwriting Competition (Under 18 category) and the Slaight Music It’s Your Shot award. If their music wasn't impressive enough, they have made a name for themselves as a incredible live performers. This is a set not to be missed.
The Darcys - Saturday, August 17th @ 3:55
Another duo to watch for at this year's Riverfest is The Darcys - comprised of Wes Marskell and Jason Couse. This Toronto pair delivers an electric alt-pop sound with a live performance to match - with undeniable stage presence, lights, inflatables and various props. Last year, the duo released two singles - "Just Here with My Friends (feat. Leah Fay)" and "Chasing the Fall" and continue to release singles in anticipation of their forthcoming full-length album - most recently "Better Days." Dance the afternoon away with The Darcys on the main stage.
Skye Wallace - Saturday, August 17th @ 4:50
From living on BC’s west coast, to spending time at residencies from Norris Point, Newfoundland to Dawson City, Yukon, the Toronto-based artist has been inspired by every corner of the country. Skye Wallace is a punk-infused folk rock powerhouse with a live show as mind-blowing as her music. Since her 2013 debut This Is How We Go, Wallace has added elements of punk rock that contrast in the most amazing (and unconventional) way with her soulful voice, to create a stellar blend of music. She recently released her self-titled EP - which you can get a taste of on Saturday afternoon at the Dine Alone Records' Wax On Wheels Stage.
Hubert Lenoir - Sunday, August 18th @ 4:05
Hubert Lenoir is a young singer-songwriter from Beauport, Quebec. He has always been deemed strange by his peers and instead of letting it bring him down, uses his differences to create truly unique works of art. His debut solo album Darlène - with hints of R&B, glam rock, prog, psychedelic rock, and jazz, was a shortlisted finalist for the 2018 Polaris Music Prize. His music is eclectic and unpredictable, so there is no telling what his live show will entail. Head over to the main stage on Sunday to find out for yourself.
A Tribe Called Red - Sunday, August 18th @ 7:45
From the nation's capital, A Tribe Called Red is a native electronic group who blend instrumental hip hop, reggae, moombahton and dubstep-influenced dance music with elements of First Nations music. This Ottawa-based DJ collective represent - and share, their indigenous heritage with the world via a genre-bending culmination of cultures, past and present. Currently made up of Bear Witness and 2oolman, ATCR first formed in 2008 - rooted in the uplifting and inclusive Electric Pow Wow nights formerly held on the second Saturday of every month at Ottawa’s Club Babylon. They broke ground in 2014, becoming the first Indigenous group to win the Breakthrough Group of the Year award at the Juno Awards and were also long-listed for Canada’s prestigious Polaris Music Prize in 2012 and 2013. A Tribe Called Red promotes inclusivity, empathy and acceptance amongst all races and genders in the name of social justice. You do not want miss this pow wow dance party.
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