LITTLE CURRENT—In its 13th year of operation, Northern Ontario’s largest country music festival, Manitoulin Country Fest, has finalized its lineup for August 8, 9 and 10.
Thursday’s entertainment will feature Don Amero, this summer’s hottest country duo The Reklaws who took charts by storm with ‘Long Live the Night,’ ‘Hometown Kids,’ and ‘Feels Like That,’ and the James Barker Band with hits ‘Chills,’ ‘Good Together,’ and their latest single to radio ‘Keep It Simple.’
Friday night kicks off with Emily Bashall, Shawn Austin of ‘Yours’ fame, and The Dungarees, followed by American country royalty Tanya Tucker who shot to fame at age 13 with ‘Delta Dawn,’ and multi-award winner Clay Tucker closing out the evening with smash hits ‘She Won’t Be Lonely Long,’ ‘Live Until I Die’ and ‘What’s It To You.’
Saturday’s festivities begin mid-day with the Country 103 Indie Highlight Contest winner Drew Taylor opening the entertainment. Followed by rising country star Jessie T, female powerhouse quartet Nice Horse with the hit ‘Mansplainin,’ Canadian country duo Petric of ‘It Girl’ fame, and the four-time CCMA nominated Hunter Brothers with hits ‘Those Were The Nights’ and ‘Born and Raised.’ Next, the inimitable Jess Moskaluke takes the stage with standout singles ‘Camouflage,’ ‘Cheap Wine and Cigarettes,’ and ‘Drive Me Away.’ Capping off the evening and festival is Canadian Country Hall of Fame alum Paul Brandt of ‘Alberta Bound,’ ‘Bittersweet,’ ‘All About Her’ and ‘Convoy’ fame.
During the week leading up to Manitoulin Country Fest, there are two additional events at which patrons have the opportunity to engage with their favourite artists.
The Manitoulin Country Fest Cruise for a Cause on August 7 is a dinner cruise with local business North Channel Cruise Line (NCCL). After dinner on the docks, The Reklaws will perform an acoustic set against a North Channel sunset backdrop ahead of their set at Country Fest the following day. The unique setting allows for a more intimate experience between patrons and the artists as well as highlighting the stunning scenery of the world famous North Channel. The event is held in partnership with a local organization, with all proceeds this year supporting the Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (MSIA).
MSIA is a community based organization that works to protect and preserve the natural waterways on and around Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin’s expansive waterway systems are fed by Lake Huron and support the local environment and communities. MSIA’s mandate is to improve the quality of existing water systems and is supported by a team of tireless volunteers.
The Manitoulin Country Fest Singer Songwriter Showcase hosted by Bev Mahood on August 9 features a luncheon cruise with NCCL including Shawn Austin, Don Amero and Jay Allan in a songwriter-in-the-round session. The in-the-round session demonstrates how a song is developed and offers a glimpse into the songwriting process.
Manitoulin Country Fest is produced by Manitoulin Radio Communication and supported by local radio station Country 103, Great Lakes Country (CHAW). After 12 years, Manitoulin Country Fest continues to evolve and expand to create an optimal festival experience for guests, artists, vendors, sponsors and volunteers. Owners and operators Craig and KT Timmermans bring a decade’s worth of event promotion and entertainment management experience to their roles at the helm of the festival. Tickets and camping can be purchased online from www.manitoulincountryfest.com or over the phone at 1-866-755-7425.
