Canadian Summer Festival Guide 2011 -- August

Posted on Aug 1st 2011 5:45PM by Jason MacNeil
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Calgary International Blues Festival

Calgary, Alberta, August 1-7

C. Brandon, Redferns

Had Kate and Will delayed their Canadian trek by a month they could've swapped the Stampede for this impressive week-long festival. Now seven years young, the fest -- located in Shaw Millennium Park -- has hosted the likes of Edgar Winter, Buckwheat Zydeco and Jimmy Bowskill. One added bonus: lawn chairs are permitted!

Can't Miss Acts:

John Mayall: Britain's "Grandfather of the Blues" influenced nearly every British blues rock guitarist from the last 50 years. John Mayall's Bluesbreakers impressively included Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac's John McVie, Jack Bruce and former Stones guitarist Mick Taylor over the years -- a man that keeps that sort of company has to be legendary!

Ray Manzarek: The fact he's a founding member of the Doors should be reason enough to catch the stellar keyboardist in action. Enjoy tunes from his latest album, 'Translucent Blues' while secretly hoping he might break into a key-heavy rendition of 'Break on Through (To the Other Side).'

Edmonton Folk Festival

Edmonton, Alberta, August 4-7

Chromewaves

Edmonton's Gallagher Park will be teeming with acts from far and wide. Having started in 1980 with 300 volunteers and a lone staffer, the fest has over 2000 volunteers now with organizer Terry Wickham ensuring things go smoothly. Although tickets are sold-out, a special "swapboard" should appease making last-minute plans.

Can't Miss Acts:

Brandi Carlile: Having toured as a support act for Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs earlier this year, the forceful and fabulous Carlile hits the stage with a new live album with the Seattle Symphony under her belt. Best known for 'Dreams' and 'The Story,' Carlie also can boast that Adele covered her 'Hiding My Heart' on the deluxe version of her '21' album earlier this year.

Lissie: Elisabeth Maurus -- better known in music circles as Lissie -- caused quite a stir with her debut album, 'Catching a Tiger,' in 201. She was also nominated that same year for Best Breakthrough Artist at the Q Awards in the UK. Lissie's appearance in Edmonton comes before hitting the stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago.

Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, August 4-7

The location is best known as the home of the Bluenose schooner (the boat on the back of the Canadian dime) but music lovers likely know because of Nova Scotia's longest running folk festival. Featuring music workshops in the morning, a Sunday morning gospel concert, children's stages and more, the event is a staple on the summer calendar out eat. A special two-CD compilation of 30 artists who've performed over its 25-year history was also recently issued.

Can't Miss Acts:

Joel Plaskett: Former Thrush Hermit singer Joel Plaskett has carved quite a solo career. But it's only natural he performs in Lunenburg after his father, Bill, co-founded the event.

Wailin Jennys: The Wailin' Jennys' gorgeous harmonies are again found on their new album 'Bright Morning Stars,' their first studio effort since 2006. The group recently filmed a concert for a PBS broadcast and recorded a CBC session. The band is also planning to create a special "food page" on their site with "yummy recommendations." So dig in!

Wolfe Island Music Festival

Wolfe Island, Ontario, August 5-6

Yasmin Siddiqui

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Kingston, Ontario, this interesting two-day fest has campgrounds but organizers are quick to tell fans "we do not have 24-hour convenience stores and no Pizza Pizza for late night delivery." And while some may disdain roughing by camping, weekend passes being a reasonable $70 is huge plus. The relatively small capacity compared with much bigger festivals makes this event a cozy, homey affair.

Can't Miss Acts:

Stars: Still on the road pushing 'The Five Ghosts,' Stars are doing a few summer festivals while lead singer Torquil Campbell plays a few dates with his side project Memphis. Although nothing is confirmed for a new studio album, Campbell wrote via Twitter in early July the "new stars album is being written, is going great, and it's gonna be...a little bit...happy?"

Plants and Animals: Montreal indie rockers Plants and Animals are more than a year into touring behind 'La La Land,' so it's assumed new material and studio sessions will be on the horizon shortly. The group staged an interesting concert in April which was filmed in a small apartment in Paris (France, not Ontario) and is now available online.

Wakestock

Collingwood, Ontario, August 5-7

Arts & Crafts

One of the largest wakeboarding to-dos in North America (if not the world), takes place in Collingwood, Ontario with a bevy of activities and concerts. Held at Millennium Park, the festival saw Alexisonfire, Public Enemy, Deftones and Social Distortion over the years. Toss in the WWA World Series of Wakeboarding competition and you definitely have a busy three days 90 minutes north of Toronto.

Can't Miss Acts:

Dropkick Murphys: With the Bruins winning the Stanley Cup, these longtime Beantown punk rockers have something else to gloat about besides their high-energy live shows. The group, who most recently released 'Going Out in Style,' are also performing two shows at Fenway Park later this year and just created their inaugural Shamrock 'N Roll Festival.

Hollerado: Having their music appear in various ads and a strong performance at Toronto's Edgefest in early July has Hollerado going on all cylinders. They've also garnered lots of buzz from their radio-friendly singles 'Juliette' and 'Americanarama,' with their catchy, bouncy melodies.

Regina Folk Festival

Regina, Saskatchewan, August 5-7

Arts & Crafts

Featuring free workshops and afternoon concerts, a kid's area with crafts and other events in addition to concerts on five stages, the Regina Folk Festival has been humming since 1969. Known as Western Canada's longest running music festival, the mandate is presenting "accessible, high quality music and arts events." Look for them to do just that at Regina's Victoria Park.

Can't Miss Acts:

KT Tunstall: Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall is still on the road behind her 2010 album, 'Tiger Suit,' but recorded a London concert last March for an upcoming live album. This appearance marks her lone North American summer date with a string of Euroean festival dates and a handful of Japanese gigs in late August.

Dan Mangan: With a new album out late next month entitled 'Oh Fortune,' Dan Mangan continues his his lucky streak. Nominated for a Polaris Prize last year, the singer-songwriter makes this Regina stop before heading across the Atlantic for a round of European dates. Mangan has become a road-warrior of sorts, with a steady stream of gigs dating back to May 2010.

Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival

St. John's, Newfoundland, August 5-7

Chromewaves

Situated at Bannerman Park in St. John's, the 35th annual folk festival has been dubbed the "event of the year" by the city's tourism board -- and for good reason. Taking place a week after the Royal St. John's Regatta, this year's festival will conclude with a tribute show to longtime Celtic band Ryan's Fancy.

Can't Miss Acts:

Basia Bulat: Another Polaris Prize shortlister a few years back, Basia Bulat released her last album (and Juno nominated), 'Heart of My Own,' in 2010. Never fearful of collaborating, Bulat is widening her musical expanse later this year when she performs two nights with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.

Sarah Harmer: While the last couple of years have seen Harmer focus almost as much attention to environmental causes as music, the singer-songwriter's newest effort, 'Oh Little Fire,' was a critical success which earned three Juno nominations. Harmer also took some time out in early 2011 to resurrect Weeping Tile, the cowbell-tinged indie rock outfit she was part of before going solo.

Halifax M Fest

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, August 7

Ben Hider, Getty Images

Set for Alderney Landing (an easy bridge or ferry crossing away from downtown Halifax), this inaugural summer concert organized by the same folks who throw Halifax Pop Explosion looks like the perfect summer counterpart to this beloved October fest. Toss in the fact that kids under 10 are admitted for free with an adult, and you definitely have the makings of an annual event.

Can't Miss Acts:

Hey Rosetta!: This Newfoundland group continues to amass a growing fanbase with their uplifting style. The band recently recorded an EP for digital release with proceeds going to the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada promoting "livelihood security" in smaller farming communities in the global South. Hard not to warm up to that!

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: One of better Ted Leo tour stories dates back to when he and the Pharmacists were slated to open for Pearl Jam Toronto but hit a snafus when the singer was unable to make it across the boarder in time. The Pharmacists discussed the matter with Eddie Vedder backstage and it all worked out. Hopefully both Leo and band won't have any trouble at the border when they make the trek to play on this bill with Diamond Rings and Broken Social Scene.

World Electronic Music Festival

South Algonquin, Ontario, August 12-14

Mad Decent

Guitars and drums are usurped for three days by turntables, computers and other assorted mixing equipment at WEMF. This impressive electronic extravaganza has seen Deadmau5, Goldie, the Beastie Boys' Mixmaster Mike and Paul Oakenfold perform in years past. Set in the small town of Madawaska, the WEMF sees massive outdoor dance stages featuring over 200 artists from all over. Every electronic music fan makes the pilgrimage sooner or later.

Can't Miss Acts:

Rusko: This British dubstep prince has made quite an impression in the electronic world despite being only 25. Known best for his song 'Cockney Thug,' Rusko has made the genre lighter and more adventurous -- and collaborations with Diple and Yo Majesty certainly haven't hurt either.

Friction: This Brighton-raised DJ delves deeply into the drum'n'bass mode. Releasing various mix CDs on a series of different labels has enabled Friction to rub fans the right way on the dancefloor.

All Caps! Music Festival

Toronto, Ontario, August 13-14

Courtesy of Rich Aucoin

ALTHOUGH THIS COULD BE AN UNWISE FESTIVAL NAME, event organizers have had plenty of experience putting shows together. Set for Toronto Island's Artscape Gibralter Point, this festival is making waves with sets by Julie Doiron, Rich Aucoin and DD/MM/YYYY. Camping on the first night, film screenings, BBQs and art installations are also part of this two-day (well, evening, actually) event.

Can't Miss Acts:

More or Les: Canadian rapper/producer More or Less has been busy with cameo appearances after 2010's 'Brunch With a Vengeance.' The musician recently announced via Twitter that his "Midweek Marauders" DJ party shows were put on hiatus, which makes this upcoming appearance all the more appealing.

Rich Aucoin: Musician (and Flaming Lips pal) Rich Aucoin calls Halifax home but his one-of-a-kind genre -- which he describes as "motivational crowd karaoke" on his Facebook page -- has reached a wider audience in recent years. Curious? Start with Aucion's 2010 digital EP, 'Public Publication.'

Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival

Salmon Arm, British Columbia, August 19-21

Stephen J. Cohen, Getty Images

Located about a day's drive from Vancouver or Calgary on Shushwap Lake, this majestic backdrop has set the stage for a festival caters to all types -- they even have "designated areas" for fans who dance and fans who don't. A staple in Salmon Arms for nearly two decades, this three-day music marathon includes some very eclectic artists such as boogie-woogie piano player Ben Waters and Justin Rutledge.

Can't Miss Acts:

Jonny Lang: A blues veteran despite the fact he's still hardly even hit his prime, Southern blues guitarist Jonny Lang has played with the Stones, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck and B.B. King, among others. Lang also took part in the Experience Hendrix concert tour of North America after releasing his 'Live at the Ryman' album in 2009.

John Butler Trio: Australian folk pop outfit John Butler Trio were one of the groups on hand during the terrifying Ottawa Bluesfest stage collapsing incident. Thankfully, the group was slated to perform on another stage so weren't as close to the action as poor Cheap Trick. Here's hoping Salmon Arm is a bit smoother -- and it will be!

Live at Squamish

Squamish, British Columbia, August 20-21

CP Images, AP Images

Presented by Virgin Mobile and slated for a site nestled between Vancouver and Whistler, Live at Squamish will see Metric and Weezer as headliners. Go ahead and enjoy the awesome lineup but don't forget to follow the strict rules about on-site garbage management. Organizers are warning of black bears in the nearby woods so concertgoers are being told to keep their area neat and tidy. At an outdoor summer festival? This could be a first.

Can't Miss Acts:

Weezer: It seems that every big Canadian festival this year has seen Weezer on the stage. A Canada Day slot opening for the Tragically Hip went swimmingly so expect Rivers Cuomo and crew to be in fine form. Watch for the Radiohead cover, too!

Metric: Only making a handful of appearances this year, Metric may steal the entire show in Squamish should they decided to demo some of the new material they've reportedly been working on lately. Then again, maybe that's just wishful thinking for our, uh, "fantasies."

Southern Ontario Metal Festival

Port Burwell, Ontario, August 26-28

Angela Smith

If fans haven't gotten their fill of metal from either HeavyMTL or HeavyTO, this three-day blast of brawn will fit the bill. Situated on the Outback Campground and with a "limited" ticket allotment, fans can expect a menacing array of bands to headbang along to.

Can't Miss Acts:

Protest the Hero: This Whitby, Ontario band put out their third album, 'Scurrilous,' earlier this year and took some time out to teach guitar players how to play 'Hair-Trigger' off the new record in association with Ultimate Guitar.

Baptized in Blood: After playing HeavyTO in late July, this group ventures out to Port Burwell to prove themselves as a behemoth. The London, Ontario band's self-titled debut was the culmination of melding different punk, metal and rock influences and did just the trick for their manager, none other than Megadeth's Dave Mustaine.

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