LAURIE WEIR
Who doesn’t love music in the park?
The Stewart Park Festival kicks off its 33rd year of vibrant Canadian and international music and community this month with an impressive lineup that will entertain music lovers of all ages and genres from July 19 to 21.
The annual three-day, by-donation weekend festival is filled with music, delicious food, and unique vendors in the heart of downtown Perth, creating a lively atmosphere for all attendees.
The event starts Friday at 5 p.m. with the Kingmakers kicking off the festival.
Headliners this year include Kathleen Edwards, the Skydiggers and Dave Francey.
From the Stewart Park Festival Facebook page: “We’re thrilled to have Kathleen as one of our festival headliners! From Ottawa, Kathleen has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of alt-country, folk, and heartland rock & roll since her debut in 2002 with ‘Failer.’ Her soulful sound and storytelling have earned her over half a dozen Juno nominations and Top 40 success across North America. Get ready to experience Kathleen Edwards live, and look out for more Stewart Park Festival artist features!”
When reached for comment about the festival, Edwards said she’s “very excited” to be playing at the SPF “after all these years.”
“I consider Perth to be my other hometown since my parents bought a farm here in 2007, just off Harper Road,” she said. “I have spent many seasons in the area, and I especially love Stewart Park on a hot day, so my dog can have a quick swim.
“I am a fan of Fieldhouse Bakery, Foodsmiths, and expect to be in the area for years to come. In fact, I wrote ‘Who Rescued Who’ from my last album after putting my beloved Golden Retriever’s ashes to rest under a catalpa tree on their farm. We have a mulberry tree that, at this time of year, is a bird-watchers paradise.”
Edwards said she’s thrilled to be playing a show locally, “and I hope I can inspire Lake 88.1 (My FM) to start playing my music!”
Edwards remains a fan of “ripping guitar riffs and good songs,” and she’s combining both into a follow-up album that showcases her legacy as well as her evolution. She maintains a presence on the road, too, playing her own gigs one minute and sharing shows with her heroes — including Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, and Bob Dylan — the next.
“The things I’ve gone through might make someone else quit…but quitting doesn’t quite do it for me,” she says. “I can’t help but want to write great songs, connect with people, and see what’s ahead. I don’t love looking behind, even though it’s one of the ways we can see what we’ve done, so I’m looking forward.”
From co-writes with Maren Morris to critically-acclaimed solo records like Back to Me, Asking for Flowers, Voyageur, and Total Freedom, Edwards has become a leader of the Americana community, even as her ever-evolving music reaches beyond the format’s boundaries.
RedFox, Ian Tamblyn and Hadrian’s Wall are also on tap Friday night on the main stage in the park.
Saturday’s entertainment starts at 1 p.m. with the Academy for Musical Theatre. Allysann Mei is on at 2 p.m., followed by the Tony D Band at 3 p.m., Lynn Miles at 4 p.m. Keith Glass Band at 5 p.m., David Francey at 6 p.m. the Skydiggers at 7 p.m. and Kathleen Edwards at 8 p.m.
Festival organizers say they are happy to have David Francey as one of this year’s headliners as well. A Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter, David is celebrated for his authentic folk music that captures the essence of the working person. With 13 albums and four Juno Awards, his heartfelt songs and storytelling have made him one of Canada’s most esteemed folk poets and singers.
The Skydiggers are another big name this year. Known for their captivating blend of roots, country, rock, jazz, folk, and even Latin influences, The Skydiggers have been creating music that tells compelling stories for over three decades. With 15 studio albums, founding members Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots.
Sunday fun starts at noon with Magoo for Kids, followed hourly by Boreal, Royal Pickles and The Commuters.
For more information, visit the Stewart Park Festival online or call the Perth BIA: 613-267-3311 ext. 2240. Keep up to date with the acts on their Facebook page.
WEEKEND OF FUN
Here are five fun and fabulous things you can check out at the Stewart Park Festival.
- Wendy Laut Workshops at the Perth Brewery Crystal Palace (licensed and for 19+ only) include after-hour performances on Friday night from 9 to 10 p.m. by RedFox, and from 10 to 11 p.m. by Hadrian’s Wall. Saturday, performances start at 2 p.m. and continue through to 11 p.m. with some of the performers you’ll see on the Main Stage. Sunday, more of the same from 1-4 p.m. with performances by Royal Pickles, Boreal and RedFox.
- Kids’ Area will have great activities for the younger set. Activities scheduled throughout the weekend by local groups such as CROW EarlyON, Brooke Valley School, Blueberry Creek Forest School, Honeybee Homestead and MERA.
- Come explore the Stewart Park Festival Marketplace, where you can find unique handmade crafts and gifts made by talented local Artisans, or treat yourself to some delicious food from our diverse Food Vendors. If you need a break from the crowds, you can relax and recharge at our Wellness Centre in the Bandshell. Plus, don’t forget to visit the Community Tent, where you can learn more about the community.
- Stay hydrated: There will be water bottle filling stations at Stewart Park and Crystal Palace, as well as two misting tents – one at the information booth on Market Street and the other at Crystal Palace.
- Climate Network Lanark: The Stewart Park Festival is making strides toward sustainability by utilizing the park’s natural beauty. In partnership with Climate Network Lanark (CNL), the festival aims to manage waste effectively. CNL will operate a Green Waste and Recycling Station beside the main path, ensuring all garbage and recyclables are properly sorted. Throughout the weekend, CNL will collect food waste, food containers, cans, bottles, paper, and general garbage. Visitors to the station can also learn about CNL’s ongoing projects. The initiative seeks to significantly reduce the amount of festival waste sent to landfills and increase the diversion of food waste to composting.
