FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2015
Northern Lights Festival reveals additions to the 2015 lineup
Along with official 2015 poster artwork
Sudbury, ON – Sudbury’s Northern Lights Festival Boréal is one of Canada’s original music festivals, presenting an eclectic blend of roots, indie, world, and modern music each July. The Festival announced an exciting and diverse lineup in April, featuring: experimental indie rockers Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, iconic Canadian songstress Sarah Harmer, as well as the triumphant return of the 26 piece party machine Melbourne Ska Orchestra. The organization has just released a surprise second round of lineup announcements, guaranteed to cause a buzz.
First of all, the Festival has announced the addition of Calgary indie rock outfit Reuben and the Dark to the roster. The group makes chilling, emotive folk and soul driven by dark, introspective lyrics that explore the duality of misery and joy. 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).
Organizers are also thrilled to announce Quebec indie-pop sensation Fanny Bloom. 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. These exciting additions provide a fantastic boost to an already well-rounded and thrilling lineup.
In addition to the musical enhancements, NLFB has released the official poster art of the 2015 festival. This year, the poster was designed by local graphic designer/artist Matthew Lehtelä. “I was thrilled to work on the art for this great tradition,” says Lehtelä, “I think the artwork matches the vibrancy of the lineup and the spirit of musical discovery.”
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: ww.nlfbsudbury.com.
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