Long-running New Brunswick music festival proves its continued relevance with 2016 lineup.
Matt Carter
After a lot of speculation, whispers and rumours surrounding this year’s Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival lineup, organizers unveiled an impressive cast of performers at Wednesday’s launch event, widening the festival’s already broad scope of programming with a diverse mix of acts from across the continent that includes the Drive-By Truckers, Justin Townes Earle, The Sheepdogs, Robert Cray, The Revivalists, Blackberry Smoke and many more.
“This is our most impressive lineup to date,” said Brent Staeben, Harvest’s Music Programmer, “and we’re thrilled to present this incredible array of national and international headline acts, which positions New Brunswick as a major destination event on the North American festival circuit.”
In addition to international touring acts, the festival’s 2016 programming is made even more impressive by the strength of several East Coast artists including Roxy & The Underground Soul Sound, Vogue Dots, a re-reunited Hot Toddy and a who’s who of Atlantic Canadian blues legends in the making. Fredericton expat David Myles is scheduled to perform with his friend, co-writer and Juno award winning rapper/producer Classified, and Matt Anderson and The Bona Fide will no doubt be a major draw following a successful national headlining tour of their own. And that’s just a small sample of what organizers have planned for the September event.
In recent years, Harvest appeared to be spinning its wheels, struggling to remain relevant among the sea of music festivals to sprout up over the last decade, with a high number of returning artists weakening expectations from even the most committed Harvest diehards. But this week’s announcement sees the festival putting forth a selection of programming that’s tough to argue with, offering something for all ages, interests and ears.
“Harvest is kicking off Year 26 by expanding our offerings to even wider audiences, lowering our ticket prices and once again affirming ourselves as Eastern Canada’s premiere musical experience,” said Staeben.
Visit Harvestjazzandblues.com for complete lineup info and to purchase tickets and passes.
