Heather Latter
Local musicians wanting to showcase their talent at this year’s “Harmony of Nations” Music Festival, set for July 17-18 at the Sorting Gap Marina here, have until next Thursday (May 14) to apply.
“We have had some interest from around the region, which is great,” enthused festival co-ordinator Jamie Petrin, noting those who already have applied offer a good variation of musical styles.
“But we’re still open accepting more applications,” she stressed.
“[It’s] a great opportunity for aspiring musicians to showcase their music alongside with established and award-winning artists at a large venue.”
Petrin said there are seven slots for local musicians to fill, which will be chosen by the Artist Selection Committee.
“Part of what they will be looking for is how well the music fits in with the culture of festival,” she explained, noting individuals and/or music groups who reflect First Nation, Métis, Canadian, or American culture in our area are encouraged to submit their music.
The selection committee also will be looking for musicians who showcase music that is “family-friendly.”
And of course, it will be accumulating a local line-up featuring a variety of styles.
Petrin added if some local musicians are not chosen this time around, they still will have a chance to work with—and learn from—the other musicians in the daytime workshops that will be offered in conjunction with the festival.
In order to be considered, local musicians are asked to submit one original song or innovative song, one song of their choice, a short biography, a music link via e-mail, and contact information.
Petrin said the committee is encouraging the performers to refrain from submitting cover material.
“I was very happy to see how many local musicians have their own material,” she remarked.
The deadline for music submissions is May 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Submissions can be made via e-mail to harmonyofnations@ gmail.com
As previously reported, the headliners for this year’s music festival include award-winning and renowned fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, Lee Harvey Osmond featuring Tom Wilson (formerly of Junkhouse and Blackie & the Rodeo Kings), and Rik Emmett (Canadian rock hall-of-famer and former frontman of Triumph).
Other acts scheduled include Nick Sherman (back by popular demand) and The Greenbank Trio, both native to Northwestern Ontario, Brent Newman of Brent Newman and the Broken Arrows, Atikokan born blues artist Sunday Wilde, the Métis Fiddler Quartet, and a percussion duo called junKtion.
The “Harmony of Nations” Music Festival was created to unite artists and audience members from First Nation, Métis, Canadian, and American communities in a creative, musical environment.
It is set to be staged similar to last year’s inaugural event under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina.
“[It] will feature two evenings of highly-regarded musical entertainment from award-winning singer-songwriters to up-and-coming local stars, ranging from folk to country and rock,” Petrin enthused.
Tickets for this year’s festival are available online at www.harmonyofnations.ca, as well as at Betty’s, Northwoods Gallery & Gifts, and From the Grind Up here.
They also are available at The Coffee Landing over in International Falls.
“Especially with Rik Emmett coming here, we think it would make a pretty good Mother’s Day gift for people,” Petrin said
A weekend pass costs $60, which also includes the workshops, or it’s $35 for one day.
Tickets for children aged three-12 cost $12 each day (those two and under are free).
For more information, visit www.harmonyofnations.ca or follow the festival on Facebook or Twitter.