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Oktoberfest announces musical lineup

Northern Lights Festival Boréal has announced its music lineup for the first annual Northern Lights Oktoberfest, set to take place in Bell Park Oct. 3-4. Headlining the Saturday of the event is Toronto’s FunkRiders.
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The FunkRiders are the headliners at the inaugural Northern Lights Oktoberfest, which takes place in Bell Park this weekend. Supplied photo.

Northern Lights Festival Boréal has announced its music lineup for the first annual Northern Lights Oktoberfest, set to take place in Bell Park Oct. 3-4.

Headlining the Saturday of the event is Toronto act the FunkRiders*.

Taking inspiration from the fusion jazz, funk and hip hop innovators such as Herbie Hancock, Soulive, Medeski Martin & Wood and The Roots, the Funkriders have created their own unique musical vision.

Armed with a piano, Hammond organ and a raging soulful voice, the Funkriders ignite a stage with untamed funk, rooted in improvisation and urban beats.

On the traditional side, the lineup will include two internationally renowned accordionists hailing from Sudbury: Iona Reed, perhaps one of the world’s greatest, as well as Emmanuel Gasser, an 18-year-old virtuoso and international award winner. The lineup also includes Sudbury’s Northern Noise Street Band, the essential oom-pah band, and a tribute to the various traditional street bands of Europe.

There's also a few more contemporary acts, including Snowtown Revival, Sudbury foremost Motown/soul band; Les Giselles, playing the dance music of the '60s-'80s; and Patrick Wright et les Gauchistes, an emerging Francophone pop-rock act that is turning a lot of heads.

“We're beyond excited to launch this new event,” said artistic director Paul Loewenberg.

“What would a Northern Lights event be without a great blend of live music? The OktoberFest roster will blend the party and dance music of many eras: German traditional, folk, rock, funk, and soul will all be part of the event.”

The event will involve several craft beer vendors from across the country, a full lineup of live music, German-style foods, and other fun activities.

On Friday, patrons might try their hand at Sudbury’s largest “beer-pong” tournament, a simple game of skill with a massive cult following.

The Saturday afternoon of the event will team up restaurateurs and brewers for an information session on cooking and food pairing with beer.

Saturday afternoon of the event will also be all-ages, and will include numerous games and activities for families.

Organizers have taken the elements into account, as weather has been a little unpredictable in recent weeks.

“We have made a great effort to keep everyone comfortable,” said executive director Max Merrifield.

“We have a number of giant tents for crowd cover, as well as heavy-duty, outdoor heaters courtesy of SMS Rents. Regardless of the weather, it’s going to be the No. 1 party of the fall, and you can bet on that.”

Admission is $20 which includes a free beer stein, as well as a Sudbury Transit pass for the weekend.

Tickets can be purchased at various outlets throughout town including: Laurentian SGA, Old Rock Roastery (Minto St.), Fromagerie Elgin, NLFB Office (Grey St.), Gloria’s Convenience, and Jett Landry Music and online at www.nlfbsudbury.com.

*This article has been altered to update the name of the musical group.


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