Northern Lights Festival displays diverse lineup

While Northern Lights Festival Boreal presents some of the best in Canadian roots and modern music, the event has long been a valuable outlet where emerging local artists can make their first appearances in a major spotlight.

And that tradition continues in Bell Park when the annual festival returns July 4-6.

“Our artistic director Paul Loewenberg has done a fantastic job of making this year’s lineup multi-faceted,” said Max Merrifield, Northern Lights executive director, in a press release.

Crystal Shawanda is a roots/country star and an international sensation, originally hailing from Wikwemikong, on Manitoulin Island. Her 2012 album, Just Like You, won the Juno for Aboriginal Album of the year.

One of the exciting local acts gracing the NLFB stages will be Murder Murder. Coining the term “bloodgrass,” the group plays murder ballads and gunfighting songs exclusively, spinning their own dark folk tales and doing some traditional material as well, like “Long Black Veil” (The Band, Johnny Cash etc.) and “Hey Joe” (Jimi Hendrix).

“Our mandate involves honouring and supporting the work of artists,” Merrifield said. “This year we’re doing even more.”

NLFB’s Pro-Pass program invites industry professionals and talent buyers to meet artists and see what Northern Ontario has to offer musically. A mentorship program for young artists has also been kicked off.

For info or tickets visit nlfbsudbury.com.