Boogie on down to music festivals this summer

   One-Tank Trip for June 24/17

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Music fans will be able to “boogie” on down at numerous music festivals over the summer.

   Get a groove on at one of the many fests, “no matter your musical tastes,” says Nichole Fogarty of Festivals & Events Ontario.

   “With so many music festivals to choose from, we recommend you get your mojo working at more than just one this year,” she added.

Kenny Rogers will perform his “Final World Tour: The Gambler’s Last Deal” at the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

   Here are a few suggestions to get your toes tapping:

   - TD Ottawa Jazz Festival, June 22 to July 2, is the “premier music event” in downtown Ottawa that continues the tradition of bringing jazz to the National Capital Region.

   - RBC Bluesfest, July 6 to 16, in Ottawa is ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the Top 10 music festivals with a world-award winning 10-day, multi-stage extravaganza.

   - Stewart Park Festival, July 14 to 16, in Perth is three free days of music in the park.

   There are workshops, food and artisan vendors, a licensed Festival Patio, downtown specials, after-hour’s venues with more music and two stages in the park.

   - Hillside Festival, July 14 to July 16, in Guelph, is a three-day, five-stage event with a “broad artistic vision that emphasizes diversity of culture, musical heritage and style, age, geography and influence.”

Steve Michaels is one of the Elvis tribute artists who has appeared at the Collingwood festival.

   All that jazz and blues

   - Lighthouse Blues Festival, July 14 to 16, in Kincardine marks a return to the shores of Lake Huron for three days of blues music, family fun in a beautiful lakeside setting.

   - Festival of Sound, July 21 to Aug. 13, in Parry Sound is called “Canada’s premiere summer classical music event.”

   There are three weeks of classical, jazz and chamber music by renowned artists, with concerts, cruises and films on Georgian Bay.

   - Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, July 22 to Aug. 4, is known as the “world’s largest chamber music festival.”

   It features early music, core repertoire, contemporary and fringe in historic churches and landmark venues across downtown Ottawa.

   - Collingwood Elvis Festival, July 28 to 30, is the largest event of its kind in the world paying tribute to the “King of Rock and Roll.”

   This tourist event celebrating Elvis Presley offers something for everyone including dozens of tribute artists in concert, a parade, gospel worship service, competitions and vendors.

   - TD Niagara Jazz Festival, July 28 to 30, in St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake is a three-day fest that “inspires educates and develops future jazz audiences, combining live jazz with a Niagara experience – food, wine, culture and natural wonders.

   - Harbourfest, Aug. 4 to 6, in Kenora is a family fest with a KidsZone, antique boat parade, CarFest, pyro musical fireworks and three nights of concerts.

David Wilcox is a headliner at this summer’s Kitchener Jazz Festival.

   - TD Kitchener Blues Festival, Aug. 10 to 13, is one of Canada’s largest free blues fest over four days with multi-stages in the downtown.

   It features the “best of international, national and regional blues,” along with workshops, arts exhibits and food and craft vendors.
   - Havelock Country Jamboree, Aug. 17 to 20, yee haw for the 28th annual show featuring country music and camping.

   There will be more than 25 entertainers performing on twin stages over the four days.

   - Jazz Sudbury Festival, Sept. 6 to 10, is Northern Ontario’s top spot for live jazz.

   This annual event is held on the shores of Ramsey Lake and at multiple downtown venues.

   There’s a mountain of music along the Guitar Trail.

   - Canada’s Only Guitar Trail, Sept. 9, in Blue Mountain lets visitors “follow the acoustic vibe” and discover more than 20 artists throughout the village and along the mountain hiking trails.
   For more details about the events and more, go to: festivalsandeventsontario.ca

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

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