Organizers of the Blais Mountain Music and Arts festival, a new festival scheduled for Aug. 20 and 21, hope to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity and War Child Canada.
Micheline Keating said that during her travels she has come across many poor parts of the world and wants to do her part to help. She dreamed up the festival, and the first of what Keating hopes will be many festivals will be held on a private lot in Chelmsford.
Keating's family, the Blais' have owned the lot for more than 100 years, and is located at 4238 Municipal Road 15.
North Bay's Josh Dimmel will kick off the festival at 7 p.m. on Aug. 20. He'll be followed by Ottawa's Differences and Explosion at 8 p.m., and then three Greater Sudbury bands, Black Water at 8:30 p.m., Mayday Mother at 9 p.m., and Super Stack at 10 p.m., will close off the first night.
Performances begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 21 with Lisa Marie Naponse. She'll be followed by JD Cannon at 6 p.m., The Krooked Cowboy at 7 p.m., Thea Naponse at 8 p.m., Seven Thousand Grains at 9 p.m., Julian Cote and the Screaming Eagles at 10 p.m.
Headliners Tightrope take the stage at 11 p.m.
Events are also planned for the day of Aug. 21. A $5 blueberry pancake breakfast will begin at 10 a.m., and children's events like face painting and a duck pond will be set up. There will also be dance workshops, crafts and a talent show from noon until 5 p.m.
Weekend passes to the festival cost $25. Day passes are available at the door for $20, or $15 with two non-perishable food items.
For more information, phone Keating at 705-507-9524.
