The Festival

The ‘Northern Lights Folk Festival’ was first held in Bell Park in 1972. It was a free one-day music festival on one stage; needless to say it has grown exponentially since. It remains Canada’s longest continually running outdoor music festival, holding its 45th edition in 2016, and taking place on the picturesque shores of Ramsey Lake in Bell Park, in the heart of Sudbury. Over the years, NLFB has grown into a seasoned presenter of Canadian roots and modern music, and a lightning rod for the energy of Northern Ontario’s artistic community. Inventing tradition, fostering innovation, celebrating community, since 1972.

The Organization

NLFB is a non-profit, charitable music presenter in Northern Ontario. The organization provides valuable exposure and career development opportunities for emerging artists, while also presenting highly acclaimed artists, and keeping the region on the map for acclaimed touring acts. The festival presents a strong component of francophone, Aboriginal, and other multicultural content each year, in line with regional population demographics and the diverse cultural makeup of the Canadian population. The majority of NLFB’s operations surround the annual summer festival, however the organization also presents many other cultural events, concerts etc. throughout the year.

The mandate of NLFB is to present music, performing and creative arts through its annual three day music festival and year round activities that support the regional artistic and musical talent in Northern Ontario. The goals adopted to achieve this are:

1) Commitment to reflect the cultural diversity of Northern Ontario in its operations and programming;
2) Commitment to treat all performers and their work with dignity, respect, and fairness;
3) Commitment to develop, support and acknowledge the value of local artists and performers;
4) Commitment to develop support and honour the work of volunteers;
5) Commitment to develop, support and acknowledge the interests of its audiences and developing their appreciation of the arts;
6) Commitment to build links with the community through cooperation and partnerships with other arts and cultural organizations, umbrella groups and other community groups;
7) Commitment to operate in a fiscally responsible manner with the goal of financial self-sufficiency.

NLFB is governed by an 11 member Board of Directors. 

We’ve scoured the province to bring you the best of the best in craft breweries including a few from our own backyard. Come down and sample their wares and taste the best that craft beer has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

A $10 admission fee for the Craft Beer Festival will get visitors 19 years plus who want to enjoy good beer; a wristband for 3 day access to the craft beer vendor area, two 4 oz sample beer tickets, participation in Brewmaster Sessions, and a reusable/compostable cup. There is no admission fee for minors or those not interested in a wristband.

Craft Beer tickets are available at the event, you must be at least 19 years of age & have a wristband to purchase, and redeem tickets.

Huntsville, Ontario based bluesman Tobin Spring is making some waves in the Canadian blues scene. In June, 2014 Tobin was selected as a finalist by the Toronto Blues Society for the TBS Talent Search. In January, 2015 Tobin Performed for a packed house at Blues Summit 7 at the Eaton Chelsea in Toronto.

The Tobin Spring Band (AKA Laganza) has been entertaining crowds around Muskoka for the past 15 years. Their large repertoire of songs enables them to bring the right vibe to every event. Whether it’s getting the dance-floor rocking, or setting a laid-back mood, they’re always a great fit!

Highlights include opening for Blue Rodeo, The Sheepdogs, and many more.

Visit these websites to listen to some of their original songs!

www.tobinspring.com 
www.laganza.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtl-JnnzZ-A

Errol Blackwood was born in the Accompong (Maroon) Hills of Jamaica. He moved to Toronto Canada at an early age where he learned to play the Bass Guitar. He played with several bands in Ontario doing a mixture of RNB, Rock and Funk. His love for music comes from a variety of sources, from the church of his father who was a pastor, the Nyahbingi Drummers, the School music drama concert and the Jukebox playing from Country to Rhythm n Blues.

Since 1990 Errol has been nominated in fifteen Canadian music awards, he has won eleven, including award for Much Music best CD, Best Video, Toronto Music Awards Best Toronto live band and Canadian Reggae Music Awards Best Singer and Best CD.

The Rotary Club of Mississauga and The Rotary Club of Mississauga West are excited about the upcoming Mississauga Rotary Ribfest move to the stunning waterfront at Memorial Park. We look forward to bringing this long standing successful fundraiser to the Port Credit area and being part of that vibrant community. We are committed to providing a green event that contributes locally and attracts tourism to the area.

Can’t wait to enjoy some music, food and fun while we raise money to support the many community groups in Mississauga that benefit from the event.

BECAUSE BEER is committed to bringing together craft beer brewers to showcase their product and their dedication to quality craft beer. It is aimed at anyone who is interested in enjoying and discovering craft beer – from adventurous craft beer aficionados to the casual beer drinker or beer lover.

PAPA JOHN WITTERICK came up the same as many before him: by finding his way to the purest of blues through the music of contemporary Blues artists, and working his way back in time. John’s youth was filled with the likes of Ry Cooder, Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal, and B.B. King, who helped him to eventually discover Son House, Tampa Red, Robert Nighthawk, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Johnny Winter, with whom he had the pleasure to open for in 1992.
John plays Blues from almost everywhere – Mississippi, Chicago, Memphis, St. Louis, Texas – but his favorite remains the Deep Delta songs that reflect so much of the social and political history behind the 100 years of the genre.
Papa John has gone from being the leader of an electric blues quartet & trio, to finding his stride as a long-time solo performer playing mostly in an amplified acoustic format, complete with smoky, electrified blues harp. Papa John has recorded several albums, but honestly, the best way to experience him, is to see him testify his love of the Blues, live and in person. Treat yourself to a throwback in time, a juke joint experience, and let the good times roll!

www.papajohnblues.com 

The Nav Centre is proud to anounce the 1st annual Beer, Bourbon, BBQ and Blues Festival on July14th.

Sean Cotton is a Muskoka performer who left the trappings of touring his music internationally to settle down in cottage country, but only after 20 years of performing and recording with Juno nominees like Suzie McNeil, Corin Raymond, Treasa Levasseur, and CCMA nominee Marshall Dane.  His original songs reflect his new surroundings and his cover songs are classics that will put you in the mood of Muskoka. Using his guitar case and a tambourine as a drum set, Sean’s acoustic guitar playing knows no musical boundaries. If you want to hear songs about Muskoka chairs, Muskoka Cream Ale, and being Broke in Muskoka, Sean Cotton is the Muskoka guy to hear.

Rodney’s Oyster Fest