Music festivals are rocking the summer across Ontario

   One-Tank Trip for June 11/16

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The hills are alive with the sound of music all summer long across Ontario.

   “Music fans – listen up,” said Nichole Fogarty of Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO), listing the “top music festivals you have to go to.”

   “FEO is thrilled to share an exciting lineup of the best 16 summer music festivals from June 11 to Sept. 21,” she added.

   Bet you “can’t enjoy just one,” Fogarty said as she unveils the list:

Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival attracts the crowds as one of the largest local music events of the year.

   Sound of Music Festival, June 11 to 19, in Burlington

   This is one of the largest local music events of the year. It features a combination of emerging artists, blasts from the past and current performers along with a mix of free and ticketed shows. soundofmusic.ca

   TD Ottawa Jazz Festival, June 22 to July 3

   This premier music event in downtown Ottawa presents musicians from across Canada and around the world in all genres and inspirations of jazz. ottawajazzfestival.com

   TD Toronto Jazz Festival, June 24 to July 3

   The fest is one of the city’s largest music events, featuring 1,500 musicians playing more than 350 concerts in 40 locations. torontojazz.com

The Kirkland Lake Homecoming features live concerts and other events. (Photo by Jean-Rene Daoust)

   Kirkland Lake Homecoming, June 24 to July 2

   There will be live concerts, an “extreme park competition,” Canada Day celebrations, a local food fair, fireworks, comedy night, merchant sales, kid’s matinees, teen dance, golf tournaments and more. klfestivals.com

   RBC Bluesfest, July 7 to 17, in Ottawa

   For a bad case of the blues, this fest is ranked by Billboard magazine as one of the Top10 music festivals. The nation’s capital puts on a “world award-winning” 10-day, multi-stage extravaganza. ottawabluesfest.ca

   Lighthouse Blues Festival, July 8 to 10, in Kincardine

   This features national and international touring artists performing on five stages including a free street festival on July 9 with art exhibits, children’s activities and music. lighthousebluesfest.ca

   Festival of Sound, July 15 to Aug. 7, in Parry Sound

   Known as Canada’s premier summer classical music event, there is classical, jazz and chamber music by renowned artists with concerts, cruises and films on Georgian Bay. festivalofthesound.ca
   Home Country Music & Art Festival, July 15 to 17, in London

   This is a “celebration of music, art and food,” featuring more than 30 of Canada’s best roots, traditional and Indie folk/pop acts along with artisans. homecounty.ca

   Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, July 21 to Aug. 4

   It’s billed as the world’s largest chamber music festival presenting early music, core repertoire, contemporary and fringe in historic churches and landmark venues. chamberfest.com
   Hillside Festival, July 22 to 24, in Guelph

   This is a five-stage event with a broad artistic vision that emphasizes diversity of culture, musical heritage and style, age, geography and influence. hillsidefestival.ca
   Harbourfest, July 29 to 31, in Kenora

   This is a favourite for adults and children as there’s a Kids Zone, wooden boat parade, classic cars, pyro musical fireworks and three nights of concerts. harbourfest.ca

The Newmarket Jazz + Festival is called a “vibrant celebration” of arts and culture.

   Newmarket Jazz + Festival, July 31 to Aug.3

   Here’ a “unique” jazz plus summer event with a “vibrant celebration” of arts and culture through the exploration of many genres of music, art, creativity, dance and more. newmarketjazzfestival.com

   TD Kitchener Blues Festival, Aug 4 to 7

   It’s called one of Canada’s biggest free blues festivals on multiple stages. There are local, national and international blues artists, workshops, arts exhibits and food and craft vendors. kitchenerbluesfestival.com

The TD Kitchener Blues Festival is one of Canada’s biggest free blues festivals on multiple stages. (Photo by Jane/Leo van Pelt)

   Havelock Country Jamboree, Aug. 18 to 21

   Canada’s “largest live country music and camping festival” features more than 25 entertainers performing on twin stages. havelockjamboree.com

   Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival, Sept. 9 to 11, in Mississauga

   This musical Mardi Gras is the 18th annual event featuring four stages in Port Credit Memorial Park with 120 Canadian and international blues and jazz artists. southsideshuffle.com

   Canada’s Only Guitar Trail, Sept. 10, at Blue Mountain Village

   A mountain of music carries visitors along the one-of-a-kind Guitar Trail. Follow the acoustic vibe and discover more than 20 artists throughout the village along with hiking trails up and down the mountain. bluemountainvillage.ca

   For a complete listing of musical events along with the Top 100 festivals: festivalsandeventsontario.ca

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca