Roots North Music Festival, one of central Ontario’s most anticipated signs of spring, proudly kicks off the music festival lineup, every April. Each year, Roots brings an impressively large variety of well-known Canadian musicians to perform across both paid and free stages, in Downtown Orillia and beyond. The festival’s roots remain in celebrating homegrown talents, not only of local musicians, but also of local artisans and small business owners in the area. This year’s festival runs April 24th-27th. Roots North is a unique festival that offers free concerts at venues throughout the area, while at the same time presenting ticketed concerts at the stunning St. Paul’s Centre on the evenings of April 25th and 26th.
Multiple Juno nominated singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Royal Wood headlines our Friday evening show at St. Paul’s. Since being proclaimed “Songwriter of the Year” by iTunes, Wood has continued to evolve and hone his musical craft while maintaining a unique identity. Royal is a superb songwriter who has just released his eighth full length album. We look forward to his triumphant return to Orillia. Royal is supported by Toronto singer Nicolina. Nicolina is a rising star with an American Idol appearance to her credit. Her voice is powerful, controlled and very emotive. Someday you’ll be able to say “I saw her when…”.
Saturday evening sees the inimitable Jully Black take the stage. Jully has been dubbed “Canada’s Queen of R+B Soul” for good reason. Rumour has it that Roots is having the roof at St. Paul’s reinforced for her performance. Two fantastic artists are warming the stage for Jully. First up is local legend, James Gray. James’ stunning vocals, excellent guitar playing and commanding stage presence will send you to folkie heaven. Finally, we have Gracie bring a mixture of pop, soul and R+B delivered with powerful vocals. The perfect person to take us from the more folkie James Gray to the Jully’s dynamic R+B.
A weekend pass (i.e. to both shows) is a mere $65. Can’t make both evenings? Your tickets are completely transferable. You can buy tickets at RootsNorthMusic.ca. If you prefer conventional tickets, they can be found at Pocket Skate and Vintage, 121 Mississaga St. E. – cash only, please.
Roots North Art Market
In addition to a phenomenal line-up of musicians at St. Paul’s Centre, you will also find The Roots North Art Market. This artisan market, is always a highlight during the festival. It takes place in the lower level of St. Paul’s Centre on Friday and Saturday evenings. All visitors are invited – wristband or not – to explore what unique, handmade items local artisans have for sale before the show and at intermission. Select merchandise from performing artists will also available, along with one-of-a-kind Roots North Music Festival memorabilia.
Pop Up Performances
The musical magic of Root’s North doesn’t end with St. Paul’s. Thursday through Sunday find a variety of free performances throughout downtown Orillia as well as in Oro-Medonte and Coldwater. Don’t miss this four-day-long music crawl, where pop-up performances take place at a variety of locally owned restaurants, cafes, shops, and breweries. From brunch to cocktail hour, record stores to galleries, festival goers can choose from a wide variety of unique venues featuring both paid and free performances. Catch the Ronnie Douglas Band at Couchiching Brewery in Orillia, Rebecca Hawker at Em’s Cafe in Coldwater, a full weekend of great musicians at Quayle’s Brewery in Oro-Medonte and, many other great shows around the region.
Music starts on Thursday evening and runs through Sunday, but Saturday represents the highest concentration of performers. Final bookings are being confirmed so check RootsNorthMusic.ca for up-to-date information.
All photography is owned and supplied by Roots North Music Festival. Photos are not for redistribution.
Looking for somewhere to stay during the festival weekend? Check out these great accommodations in the area.
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