County Pop heralds Spring in P.E.C.; 2019 festival features Jill Barber and Peter Elkas Band

The County has become the new new Queen Street; where folks once hung in the indie art punk scene they are now trading their grimy bedsits for do-over cottages and studio tours. That is if they are not heading to the Hammer. But Prince Edward County is so much more co-op country living so why not head east.

And if you are looking for a way in County Pop is the door. A one day family friendly festival with a focus on local foods, drinks, artisans and musicians drawn form across Canada as well as a stage for local musicians. All in the historic Crystal Palace in Picton.

The come from away stage features Jill Barber, the Peter Elkas Band, The Durham County Poets and The Layright Boys. The local stage has Norris & Jones, Lori Farrington, Travis Hamel, Nicole Lisa Craig. However in a twist P.E.C. singer/songwriter Grace Bongard is on the Aways stage. Mmmmm - pondering.

There will be local beer from Parsons Brewery, cider from County Cider, wine from Sandbanks Winery, mead from Honey Pie Hive & Herbals and a special County Pop cocktail from Kinsip Spirits.

Local food vendors will be onsite including Outlet Food Co, JK Fries, Kaleidoscope Catering, PELC Pops!, The Pour Over Co, Lemonade Dave and more.

Tickets are $30.

Wintersleep headlines Sandbanks Music Festival Sep 15

By Will McGuirk

I keep meaning to get out to Prince Edward County for the Sandbanks festival, maybe this will be the year. Wintersleep is enough of a draw for me, actually a day in the County is enough of a draw for me but a day with Wintersleep in the County, well, whats not to love?

This is the fifth year for the festival and along with Wintersleep, the line-up so far includes Gianna Lauren, Listen Up Kid, Ella Jade, Jeremy Kelly and Triples. More will be announced later. Tickets are $30 and of course as the County is also one foodie dreamscape there are local food trucks and local beverages. 

Five Festivals to Spring into: Guelph, Hamilton, Picton, Sarnia and TO

Kazoo! Fest Guelph Apr 11 to 15

So many bands, so much art, so much to do, Kazoo! is a celebration of the Royal City, with night markets and print expos and bands, bands, bands. And unless I gather you are deeply involved with Guelph’s underground scene builders you won’t know any of the bands, or maybe its just me. I know one Hymns 57. But if you want the definition of community builders  then look to Kazoo.

County Pop Picton Apr 28

Elliott Brood headlines the Prince Edward County based fest organised by Zunior.com and community partners. The all-day event runs Saturday Apr 28 at the Crystal Palace in Picton. Also on the bill Miss Emily, Lindsay Ferguson and KASHKA. Its family friendly so lots of activities for the children and its in the County so lots of great local food, wines, brews. 

Empty Fest Sarnia May 3, 4, 5

Polaris Prize winner Lido Pimienta leads the line-up for this 10th anniversary celebration of the Imperial City’s indie festival. Everything from psych, world, punk, synth-pop, big-band, folk, experimental and more will be heard over the three days taking place in four venues in the downtown. There are a lot of local acts, Bad Habit, Faids, Horseless Headmen and Gucc among them. Moon Dog will be travelling from Detroit. There is a free launch party March 30 featuring Yamantaka/ Sonic Titan.

21C Music Festival May 23- 27

Eight concerts, five days, 21C brings together some of todays most innovative musicians and composers. Kronos Quartet, Katia and Marielle Labeque, Simone Dinnerstein among them.

Hamilton Liquid Art Festival June 15 16

Juno winners The Beaches with help launch the first Collective Arts Festival. The brewery  will host brewers from across the globe. Line-up includes Lost Cousins, Mt. Joy and Jane’s Party plus more.