Evan Bartels (Nebraska), Elyse Aeryn (Nova Scotia), and Kojak (Ontario) announced for the 8th annual Living Roots Music Festival.
Fredericton’s Living Roots Music Festival is turning eight this year. While the full lineup announcement is still several weeks away – coming March 27 – organizers have shared the first three acts slated for the 2023 event.
Evan Bartels comes from a town of 100 people called Tobias. Found on a lone stretch of highway that cuts across the Nebraskan prairie, it’s a place that offers immeasurable freedom, while threatening a life of unanswered wanting. It was here the sentiment behind his work was forged.
“I have been following Evan for a couple years now and all of his songs make me feel something,” said festival founder Eddie Young.”I just had to reach out to see what it would take to get him up to play for us. Evan has never been close to these parts and I hope we can show him our heart. I am thrilled that we could work something out.”
Bartels will be bringing his band with him, performing in support of his most recent album, Lonesome.
Singer-songwriter Elyse Aeryn is country soul meets rock and roll. A lifelong writer, Aeryn pens lyrics that tell the truth about her own life. Hard knocks, dead ends, new beginnings. After a decade in the corporate world, Aeryn decided to make music a bigger part of her life. She has since shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, The Crash Test Dummies, Matt Minglewood, and Robyn Ottolini, and is releasing her first full-length album on March 31.
Picton, Ontario roots rockers Kojak are the third act announced so far for 2023. A blend of hard rock riffs, trading guitars and a tight rhythm section have led to their unique rock sound reminiscent of classic and contemporary rock, roots and blues artists alike.
“I had these guys play a couple sets at Grimross this past year and man did they put on a show for us,” said Young. “High energy and good songwriting along with excellent musicianship. I had to invite them to come play at the Festival.”
Early Bird passes for this year’s Living Roots Music Festival are on sale now.
More news to come…
