Shining lights

Three days. Six stages. Nearly 100 concerts.

Northern Lights Festival Boréal is returning to the shores of Ramsey Lake for the 41st consecutive year, ready to offer yet another unparallelled opportunity to discover new talent and reconnect with old favourites.

“There is no better weekend of music in the summer in Sudbury,” Paul Loewenberg, artistic director of NLFB, said.

Music, arts, culture, community and coming together commences at the park July 6 at 6:30 p.m. Daniel Lanois headlines Friday night on the mainstage, and Joel Plaskett is wrapping up performances Saturday.

A plethora of other artists, including countless rising stars, are scheduled to perform throughout the weekend, which comes to a close following Steven Page’s 11 p.m. show on Sunday.

But it’s not just big names and tomorrow’s stars at the festival.

Hometown artist Brian Dunn is one of many playing this weekend’s Northern Lights Festival Boréal. The annual event kicks off July 6 at Bell Park. Photo by Jenny Jelen.

“Bringing music from all across the country is half of the picture,” Loewenberg said. “The other half of the picture is to promote northern Ontario artists and music.”

Artists who have helped shape Sudbury’s co-operative and explorative musical landscape, such as young rock bands like The Almighty Rhombus and some new roots players like Hugh Jazz, as well as veteran singer-songwriters like Dayv Poulin, make up part of the bill. Another one of those hometown favourites is Brian Dunn.

The longtime NLFB performer is sharing the stage with fellow festival veteran Matt Foy.

“It’s always kind of been the highlight of the summer for me,” Dunn said. “It’s something I always block off on my calendar, whether I’m playing or not.”

When he’s not on stage, Dunn said he just enjoys all the festival has to offer.

Ever year, Loewenberg strives to bring the best to the festival, a tradition that dates back to its beginnings.

“We’re proud to carry on the tradition .... to challenge our community to expand its cultural horizons,” he said. “A vibrant arts and culture community in Sudbury ... makes for a better life all around.”

A list of performers, as well as a full schedule and tickets, are available online at nlfbsudbury.com or dialing 705-674-5512. Weekend and day passes can be purchased at the gate.

Posted by Arron Pickard