Canadian Summer Festival Guide - July

Posted on Jun 30th 2010 5:30PM by Jenny Charlesworth

What: Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
When: July 6-18
Where: Ottawa, Ont.

The tag line for this year's festival is 'Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest Goes Hollywood,' and judging from the star-studded lineup, the organizers aren't kidding. Bands like Weezer, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the Bacon Brothers and the Flaming Lips will descend upon downtown Ottawa for the multi-staged 12-day music showcase.

Can't Miss Acts:

Arcade Fire: The mega-successful Montreal ensemble will officially kick off a slew of summer engagements across Canada with their gig in Ottawa. Expect songs off of the group's hotly-anticipated next album, 'The Suburbs,' to pepper the set.

Hole (pictured): After numerous ups and downs, Courtney Love is back waving the Hole banner once again and even has a new release, 'Nobody's Daughter,' to boot. And while you won't see any of Hole's other founding members on stage with Love, fans can still hope to hear grunge hits like 'Doll Parts' and 'Miss World.'

What: Winnipeg Folk Festival
When: July 7-11
Where: Winnipeg, Man.

Held at Birds Hill Park, the Winnipeg Folk Festival will celebrate its 37th installment in 2010. What does the milestone mean to concertgoers? Well, for starters there's a spectacular lineup featuring the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Andrew Bird, the Weakerthans and Kinnie Starr to help ring in the anniversary.

Can't Miss Acts:

Emmylou Harris (pictured): Gram Parsons' former wingwoman has won countless honours for her rich voice and glorious folk sensibilities. The country legend is a mainstay on the summer festival circuit.

The Swell Season: A Czech singer and Irish musician -- might seem like a rather unlikely pair, but the Oscar-winning duo are clearly on to something with their dreamy folk rock.

What: Quebec City Summer Festival
When: July 8-18
Where: Quebec City, Que.

For the past 42 years, the Quebec City Summer Festival (otherwise known as Festival d'été de Québec) has offered crowds the chance to admire world-class artists from the realm of pop, rock, funk, jazz, hip-hop and beyond. With more than 300 shows in 11 days, featuring the likes of Iron Maiden, Black Eyed Peas, Bedouin Soundclash and Thievery Corporation, this year's edition promises to live up to its name as Canada's biggest artistic event.

Can't Miss Acts:

The Besnard Lakes (pictured): The Polaris Long List nominees are primed to unleash their psychedelic indie rock on crowds flocking to Quebec City for the festivities.

Great Lake Swimmers: A great addition to any summer concert, the Toronto-based outfit will lull audience members into a blissful trance with their stunning folk melodies.

What: Vans Warped Tour
When: July 9 / July 10
Where: Toronto / Montreal

One of the grandfathers of touring concerts, Vans Warped Tour has been giving punks something to cheer about for 16 years. Boasting non-stop live music, skateboard demos and tons of fun attractions, the sizzling extravaganza showcases heavy hitters like the Casualties, Sum 41, Motion City Soundtrack and Alkaline Trio, alongside a variety of breakout artists.

Can't Miss Acts:

Andrew W.K. (pictured): Since releasing his debut back in 2001, the raucous New Yorker has kept fans on their toes with his fearless party-rocking jams.

The Bouncing Souls: The New Jersey-based masters of pop-punk recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, proving that their anthemic choruses do indeed stand the test of time.

What: Mariposa Folk Festival
When: July 9-11
Where: Orillia, Ont.

Ringing in its 50th anniversary this year, Mariposa Folk Festival appeals to more than staunch folkies. The big event, which includes artists such as, Jason Collett, Serena Ryder, Elliot Brood and the Wooden Sky, in addition to major folk fest staples like Gordon Lightfoot and Ashley MacIsaac, is the perfect kickoff for summer.

Can't Miss Acts:

Zeus: The Torontonians infuse classic '70s rock with the peppy exuberance of the Kinks, leaving little question as to who rules in the realm of ultra-polished pop.

Dan Mangan: (pictured) Could there be a better venue to catch Canada's favourite indie troubadour in action? Mangan's sentimental folk rock is just the ticket for a fun-filled day in the blazing sun.

What: Dawson City Music Festival
When: July 16-18
Where: Dawson City, Yukon

If you ever wanted to visit the snow-melt lakes and towering mountain ranges of Canada's great white north, here's the perfect reason to make the trek. The Dawson City Music Festival offers music lovers the chance to take in a wide variety of performers while enjoying the Yukon's picturesque scenery (both of which are a lot easier to do with almost 22 hours of sunlight each day).

Can't Miss Acts:

The Constantines (pictured): With a decade of shows now under their belt, the Arts & Crafts signees are at the peak of their game. The group's appearance in Dawson City is sure to be magical.

Elliott Brood: Beloved for their gritty folk and moody southern-tinged melodies, the trio hailing from Toronto will add a little something special to the weekend festivities.

What: River and Sky Festival
When: July 16-18
Where: River Valley, Ont.

Camping never sounded so good, at least that's the angle the folks at the River and Sky Festival are pushing. But, really, could there be a better reason to brush up on your tent assembling skills than a massive multi-day concert featuring Born Ruffians, By Divine Right and Yukon Blonde?

Can't Miss Acts:

Plants and Animals (pictured): The Montreal indie rockers will be on hand to dazzle crowds with gems off their new album, 'La La Land,' which also happens to be in the running for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize.

Ohbijou: If you have a soft spot for baroque pop, you'll want to be up front for the Toronto ensemble's hotly-anticipated set at the River and Sky Festival.

What: Vancouver Folk Festival
When: July 16-18
Where: Vancouver, B.C.

This beachfront festival might be your only chance to experience artists like Ricky Skaggs, Bettye LaVette, Calexico and Bahamas with the crashing waves of the Pacific as a backdrop. A long-standing music tradition on the west coast, the Vancouver Folk Festival earns bonus points for its diverse lineup.

Can't Miss Acts:

Hannah Georgas: Current darling of the indie realm, the spunky Vancouver-based singer-songwriter will be performing alongside Said the Whale, Jeremy Fisher and Aidan Knight as part of the Malahat Revue.

Timber Timbre (pictured): The creepy blues-based project, helmed by Toronto musician Taylor Kirk, will make you feel as though you're camped out on the banks of the Mississippi River rather than Vancouver's popular Jericho Beach.

What: Calgary Folk Fest
When: July 22-25
Where: Calgary, Alta.

With a little help from Roberta Flack, Corb Lund, Ian Tyson and Michael Franti and Spearhead, it's sure to be a big year for Calgary's annual folk festival. Held at Prince's Island Park in the city's downtown core, the showcase boasts dozens of performers from 14 countries and offers, what organizers like to call 'folk, with an edge.'

Can't Miss Acts:

Stars: One of Canada's most cherished super-groups, the collective, now based in Montreal, will regale fans with songs off of their just-released album, 'The Five Ghosts.'

Man Man (pictured): Experimental. Manic gypsy jazz. Slightly deranged. These have all been used time to detail the eclectic musical style of the Philadelphia-based outfit. Once you see these guys in the flesh, you'll likely have some colourful descriptors of your own.

What: Hillside Festival
When: July 23-25
Where: Guelph, Ont.

If you were ever looking for a reason to visit Guelph Lake Island, this annual three-day, five-stage festival is it. Since its inception in 1984, the event has showcased top-tier Canadian talent, and in recent years has hosted indie sensations like Arcade Fire, Final Fantasy (now known as Owen Pallett), Feist and Broken Social Scene. This year concertgoers will be treated to incredible sets by Shad (pictured), Basia Bulat, Flash Lightnin and Japandroids, among others.

Can't Miss Acts:

Brasstronaut: The Vancouver-based ensemble blends classic jazz with indie pop for the most dazzling effect. Make sure to catch the group live to see why they're most deserving of their 2010 Polaris Long List nomination.

Jason Collett: With the release of 'Rat a Tat Tat' this past March, the elder statesman of Toronto's indie scene continues to score big with fans and critics alike.

What: Heavy MTL
When: July 24-25
Where: Montreal, Que.

Things get crazy-loud in Montreal the last weekend of July when heavy metal heroes like Megadeath, Slayer, Fear Factory and Mastodon pay a visit. This is only the festival's second year (Heavy MTL premiered in 2008 and took a hiatus in 2009) so you can be certain that organizers are hoping to make a big impression come July 24.

Can't Miss Acts:

High on Fire: Pummeling riffs and galloping intensity put this power-trio ahead of the pack when it comes to savage stoner metal.

Alice Cooper (pictured): Seeing the icon perform is a rite of passage for any diehard metalhead. If you're a fan of shock 'n' awe theatrics, look no further than ol' Cooper.

What: Osheaga
When: July 28-August 1
Where: Montreal, Que.

For those who don't take as kindly to piercing decibels, Osheaga opens its gates just a few days after the headbanging of Heavy MTL wraps up. With a lineup that would put most summer concerts to shame, the festival, now in its fifth year, features Deadmau5, Pavement, the Black Keys and Major Lazer, plus many more incredible performers.

Can't Miss acts:

Devo: The new wave rockers may have swapped out their iconic red 'energy dome' hats for yellow ones, but the costume change has had no impact on their ability to, well, 'Whip It,' like the pros they are.

Weezer (pictured): It's been a big year for '90s revivalism so why shouldn't fans pay respect to some of the originators of that sound? Weezer remain the forefathers of alternative rock.

What: Sappyfest
When: July 31-August 1
Where: Sackville, N.B.

While the name of the festival might sound a little silly, there's nothing funny about the calibre of artists performing at this year's showcase. Names like Chad VanGaalen, Gentleman Reg, Jim Guthrie, the Sadies and Julie Doiron (one of the co-founders of Sappy Records, the label behind the event), round out a bill that's sure to bring a smile to indie music fans far and wide.

Can't Miss Acts:

Holy F--- (picured): After earning well-deserved accolades for their latest album, 'Latin,' the Toronto-based band is in good spirits to tackle the summer festival circuit.

Lullabye Arkestra: This husband-wife duo don't mess around when it comes to snarling, to-the-point rock 'n' roll. Their set at Sappyfest will give you a reason to peel yourself off your picnic blanket and jump around, guaranteed.