Canadian Summer Festival Guide 2011 -- July (Part One)

Posted on Jul 1st 2011 11:30AM by Jason MacNeil
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Canada Day Concert

Ottawa, July 1

Sam Roberts Band

The annual genre-spanning, region-spanning concert held on the steps of Parliament Hill gears up for an afternoon slate of bands and an evening roster prior to the fireworks. This year will also see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge -- Prince William and Kate Middleton, respectively -- in attendance along with the usual political dignitaries. Portions of the concert will be shown on CBC Television.

Can't Miss Acts:

Sam Roberts Band: Having just released his latest studio album, 'Collider,' Sam Roberts will see a lot of pavement this year touring in its support. The band recently announced additional North American shows running into early November and released a video for the song 'I Feel You' in early June.

Jenn Grant: Prince Edward Island born and now Halifax-based Jenn Grant put out a new album, 'Honeymoon Punch,' which is getting some serious attention from fans and critics. Grant also worked with Buck 65 on a handful of songs for his album '20 Odd Years,' including the song 'Paper Airplane.'

Canada Day at Downsview Park

Toronto, July 1

Getty Images

Okay, so it won't be in front of 460,000 people like SARS-stock was with the Stones and AC/DC years back, but seeing a fine roster of rock bands for a day-long concert is enticing. Another bonus -- at least for Toronto area residents -- is the location, a shorter trek than the long-standing July 1 shindig at Barrie's Molson Park.

Can't Miss Acts:

The Tragically Hip: After playing Barrie's Molson Park on Canada Day a handful of times over the years, the Tragically Hip headline an impressive bill also featuring Weezer, Buck 65 and Broken Social Scene, among others. The group -- who are beginning work on a new studio album -- are working on a fan documentary which includes footage shot during a concert in late June in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

Weezer: After covering the famous Barry Manilow-penned State Farm insurance jingle, recently having a go at Radiohead and covering the the Cars' 'You Might Think,' rock group Weezer will hit Downsview Park well-oiled. A new studio album is reportedly in the works for later this year after 2010's 'Death to False Metal' kept hardcore fans happy.

Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest

Ottawa, July 5-17

AOL

Having grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, this annual affair features a horde of musicians not just relegated to the blues category. Over the last decade the event, which takes place at the LeBreton Flats and began in 1994, has seen the late James Brown, War and Bonnie Raitt play alongside rock and alternative acts such as INXS, White Stripes, the National and Iron and Wine.

Can't Miss Acts:

Soundgarden: While there were rumblings of a reunion over the years, Chris Cornell and crew have finally returned with a string of summer dates on the back of a new 'Live on I-5' album. The Seattle-based alternative icons are reportedly planning to put out a new studio album sometime in 2012.

Tegan and Sara: Canadian twins Tegan and Sara Quin have a little bit of downtime this summer away from the studio so a handful of festival dates, including this one, are in the plans. The duo are also hoping to get out a live CD/DVD package sometime later this fall culled from their last tour supporting 'Sainthood.'

Winnipeg Folk Festival

Winnipeg, July 6-10

Ebet Roberts, Redferns

Now 38 years young, this well-known and well-executed annual show in Birds Hill Provincial Park contains a fine lineup to complement children's programming, visual exhibitions and artisans. The "not-for-profit charitable organization" -- which started as a way to celebrate Winnipeg's centennial in 1974 -- has seen Bruce Cockburn, Bob Geldof, Ray Davies and K'Naan grace its stage.

Can't Miss Acts:

Jeff Tweedy: Wilco's lead singer will be on the final stop of a brief three-date solo trek when he hits Winnipeg July 10 after Wilco headlines their own Solid Sound Festival in Massachusetts. Tweedy has done similar tours over the years between Wilco treks and has covered a wide array of songs, including Radiohead's 'Fake Plastic Trees.'

The Jayhawks:

After a lengthy hiatus and several solo albums by its members, alt-country Midwestern group the Jayhawks reissued their earlier albums in 2011 and hit the road. The mini-tour in January stopped in Toronto for what was an extremely tight, polished performance. Led by Mark Olson and Gary Louris, the group just announced Sept. 20 as the release date for their new album titled 'Mockingbird Time.'

Sarnia Bayfest

Sarnia, Ontario, July 6-10, 15-16

Getty

Having started in 1999, this annual festival now boasts two phases: the first five days this year is the "rock weekend" while the final two days in mid-July makes up the "country weekend" segment. Last year's version featured over 75,000 attending the various shows at Centennial Park while raising awareness about various charities in the area.

Can't Miss Acts:

KISS: The longstanding rock band just started work on the follow-up to 'Sonic Boom,' with "straight rock songs, no ballads," according to freaky frontman Gene Simmons. The group led by Simmons and singer-guitarist Paul Stanley also announced they'll be creating the first ever KISS Kruise which launches in October.

Steve Miller Band: At 67, Steve Miller is still on the go after he and his longtime band put out the blues covers album 'Bingo!' in June, 2010 and the companion effort 'Let Your Hair Down' this past April. Miller is best known for hits like 'Fly Like an Eagle' and 'The Joker' and 'Take the Money and Run.'

Quebec City Summer Festival

Quebec City, July 7-17

Ariel Schalit, PA Photos

Known to locals as Festival d'ete, this 11-day event has staged some massive concerts in recent years, including 2008's version which surpassed over one million spectators. Several international stars have played such as Kanye West, Rammstein and Paul McCartney on the scenic Plains of Abraham. More than 1,000 acts are confirmed for this year, with over approximately 300 shows.

Can't Miss Acts:

Metallica: Still on a whirlwind of touring on both sides of the Atlantic, heavy metal legends Metallica are reportedly set to play in India this October. The group has also apparently taken a page from KISS' notorious merchandising with the release of a Monopoly Metallica game.

Elton John: After a critically acclaimed collaboration with Leon Russell for 2010's 'The Union,' Elton John will be the subject of a HBO documentary directed by Cameron Crowe. The documentary is set for release next January. Meanwhile, John will no doubt roll out his best pop performance for la belle province in July.

Mariposa Folk Festival

Orillia, Ontario, July 8-10

AP Photo, Mark Humphrey

Dubbed "The Grand Dame of Folk Festivals," Mariposa holds a special place among festival goers for its rich history and eclectic lineups. The festival celebrated its golden anniversary last year. Dedicated to the "preservation of folk art in Canada through song, story, dance and craft," Mariposa is sure to continue its legacy this year at the scenic Tudhope Park in Orillia, Ontario, the home of Gordon Lightfoot.

Can't Miss Acts:

Emmylou Harris: Possessing one of folk's most unique voices, Emmylou Harris continues on the album-tour-album cycle with her latest disc, 'Hard Bargain,' the title track being a cover of the Ron Sexsmith song. Harris -- who has performed with the McGarrigle sisters, the late Gram Parsons and more recently Mark Knopfler -- also appears on the new 'Blackie and the Rodeo Kings' album.

Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band: By the time he hits the Mariposa stage, Josh Ritter will have his latest WWI-focused novel, 'Bright's Passage,' out on the shelves. Ritter is still supporting 'So the World Runs Away' but put out a 'To the Yet Unknowing World' EP in February. Ritter is perhaps best known for songs 'Girl in the War' and 'Real Long Distance.'

Vancouver Island Music Festival

Vancouver Island, July 8-10

WireImage

Held on the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds on the island's east coast, this festival is held on six different stages with various family activities offered during the event such as camping, swimming and walking trails. Artists who have played the festival in recent years include Taj Mahal, the Weakerthans and the Wailers, among others.

Can't Miss Acts:

David Crosby: Part of rock's most famous quartets and trios, singer David Crosby headlines one of the evenings at Vancouver Island Music Festival. Nearly 70, Crosby has done some recent shows with Graham Nash as Stephen Stills and Neil Young have resurrected Buffalo Springfield.

Randy Newman: Randy Newman has made a healthy career from soundtracks of late, earning multiple Grammy and Academy Award nominations. Issuing 'The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2' in 2011, the piano man also has a soundtrack lined up for 2012 and 2013 with Little Bear and Monsters University, respectively. Newman released his last studio album, 'Harps and Angels' in 2008.