Northern Lights Festival Boréal, which takes place this summer July 9-12 in Bell Park, has released some of its lineup.
Headlining Thursday, July 9 will be the hugely influential, indie-rock supergroup The New Pornographers. Among the world’s most enduring and compelling indie rock groups, the band has released eight albums to date, including their highly acclaimed 2019 record In the Morse Code of Brake Lights.
They have won and been nominated for numerous awards including the Juno Awards, the Polaris Prize, and more. They have appeared on countless ‘best of’ lists, including Rollling Stone’s ‘100 Best Albums of the Decade’. The band has also served as a springboard for many fruitful and inspiring solo careers: Neko Case, Destroyer, A.C. Newman, etc.
NLFB is beyond thrilled to present The New Pornographers for their first-ever appearance in the region, said a press release.
Closing out the festival’s main stage on Sunday, July 12 will be celebrated American folk artist Judy Collins. Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism.
In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.
NLFB is also excited to present Austin, TX singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer Gurf Morlix. Morlix brings a unique and versatile approach to songwriting. He was in the thick of the iconic Texas singer-songwriter scene in the 1970s, performing with the late Blaze Foley. He then played guitar with Lucinda Williams for over a decade, producing two of her acclaimed albums.
The 49th edition of the festival will present amazing musical talent from around the globe, and charismatic Australian bluesman Lloyd Spiegel is a shining example of this.
Spiegel celebrates his 30th year on tour in 2019, he can’t recall a time before playing guitar. Picking up the instrument at age four, Lloyd played his first professional show at age ten and was touring the east coast of Australia at 12. By 16 he was on tour in the United States, cutting his teeth as a true travelling blues man.
NLFB has long been known for eclectic programming – expect some classic sounds, but also many that are new experiences, not heard anywhere else.
Toronto-based, globally-infused Moskitto Bar is certainly one of these, and a booking that organizers are particularly excited about. The group’s unique musical blend can be described as a journey from Baghdad (Iraq) to Brittany (France) through Ukraine and the Balkans.
This group of talented musical globetrotters includes members of Balkan/Slavic/klezmer/party/punk supergroup Lemon Bucket Orkestra – a unanimous festival favourite at Northern Lights in 2014.
Festival weekend is also an occasion where some Northern Ontario’s most exciting musicians get to perform alongside (and often with) creative artists from across the globe.
Carden Cove is undoubtedly one of Sudbury, ON’s most thrilling bands, live and on record. The project has remained a constant outlet for songwriter Spencer José, with one rousing, dynamic full-length record to date.
And this is just the beginning for Northern Lights 2020. There are more than 30 acts yet to be announced, plus: visual arts activities, artisans and vendors, food offerings, creative family activities, after-hours club shows, and more. It all takes place July 9-12 on the shores of beautiful Lake Ramsey, in Sudbury’s Bell Park.
NLFB is always seeking volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and exhibitors to become a part of the festival magic.
Full festival passes are currently available at the earlybird rate for a very limited time.
On Friday, Jan. 10, prices increase and passes for specific days will also go on-sale. Passes are available online at www.nlfb.ca/tickets, and at outlets in Sudbury: Jett Landry Music (1119 Lasalle Blvd.) and Old Rock Coffee (212 Minto St.). For more information visit nlfb.ca or call 705-674-5512.
