What the folk! Northern Lights adds surprises to lineup

Their debut album, Funeral Sky, is produced by the UK’s Chris Hayden (Florence & the Machine) and Canada’s Stephen Kozmeniuk (Madonna, Nicki Minaj, and The Game feat Kanye West) and is being mixed by Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Adele).

Quebec indie-pop sensation Fanny Bloom has also been added to the roster.

She has been the recipient of numerous awards and a ton of critical acclaim since her debut album Apprentie guerrière was released in 2012. Pan, her second album, was released in 2014, and showcases pop and exotic arrangements. With its catchy chorus and its brass flights, the first single, “Piscine,” was a radio hit in the summer of 2014.

Did somebody say dancing? The various rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean will be well represented at this year’s festival. Kobo Town returns to the festival, bringing their Trinidadian calypso sounds.

Early 2007 saw the release of Kobo Town’s debut album Independence, which was nominated for an Indie award, a Canadian Folk Music Award, and an International Folk Alliance award.

The newest album, Jumbie in the Jukebox is the fruit of a meandering musical odyssey that passed back and forth between studios, living rooms and front porches around the world.

Toronto’s folk/noir duo Scarlett Jane involves the marriage of the distinctive songs and beautifully haunting voices of Andrea Ramolo and Cindy Doire.

Doire is originally from Timmins, and holds a great deal of pride for her northern roots.

The pair met several years ago at a tiny Toronto music venue, and shared a passion for prose, poetry, theatrics and songs in minor keys. They liked blues and country, old school soul and rock n’ roll. The blend of their voices stopped conversations; their musical sensibilities interweaved seemingly without effort.

In addition to the 30+ artists already announced, NLFB has also announced the addition of Big Tobacco and the Pickers who deliver a new brand of country music, true to old school tradition.

Award winning folk, roots and blues singer-songwriter and guitar player Ben Sures will make a return to the festival. Sudbury native and multi-instrumentalist Duncan Cameron will also appear, bringing his extensive knowledge of traditional celtic music.

Also originally from Sudbury, emerging singer-songwriter Mimi O’Bonsawin will appear on the festival stages.

Sudbury performer/actress Pandora Topp and Silver Birch String Quartet cellist Alexandra Lee will bring a captivating family show to the event, featuring music, storytelling, and crowd participation.

Northern Lights Festival Boréal will transform Sudbury's Bell Park July 3-5.

Tickets are currently on-sale at outlets throughout the city: Old Rock Roastery, Jett Landry Music, Walden Home Hardware, Hanmer Home Hardware, Second Avenue Home Hardware, Garson, Home Hardware, Gloria's Convenience, A&J Home Hardware, and the Laurentian University SGA Office. Tickets, the full lineup, and other information can be found online at www.nlfbsudbury.com.