Great Big Sea to close Summerfest

Long known for its midway rides and for bringing in popular acts, this year's edition of Summerfest also put a big focus on promoting local music.

A separate area has been set aside for local acts – the B Side Stage – where more than 20 local acts are taking the stage all weekend.

“There's a lot more to Summerfest than just the amphitheatre acts,” said festival organizer Chris Nerpin on Saturday afternoon. “We've really been working on developing the Eastlink B Side Stage – it's free and it's where we can promote local talent ... The crowds that are coming to see the mainstage shows are going there – go take a look right now. It's packed over there.”

Performing across the park on the B Side Stage was a group of remarkably polished young performers, who had learned their skills as part of Confederation High School's Evolutionary band.

“We are Anxiety and we're an all girl band from Sudbury,” shouted lead singer Cassie Young, before launching into the Black Crowes cover of 'Hard To Handle.'

The big-name acts performed at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre. Carly Rae Jepsen opened the festival Thursday, followed by Dean Brody on Friday, the Sheepdogs on Saturday and Great Big Sea on Sunday.

Festival goers also took in the water ski performances on Ramsey Lake. Running about every two hours in the afternoon, skiers did flips and tricks, delighting the crowd gathered on the rocks to watch.

“People need to come and check out the water ski show,” Nerpin said. “It's summer, there's some beautiful bodies out on that lake, and it's a fun show. It entertains the kids, it entertains the parents and the grandparents. Acrobatics on water skis -- it's fantastic.”

Back again this year is the midway, again located across the street in the York Street parking lot. There was some concern the city was going to ban the midway, but organizers were able to reach an agreement.

It was a stressful process, but Nerpin said the event is worth the fight.

“Fun comes with headaches, I guess,” he said. “It can be a little discouraging. But look around -- look at the people. Look at the crowds. We do it for the city. This is fantastic and it's worth the effort.

“And we'll continue, because festivals like this are what's needed in the city.”

They've tried to strike a balance between offering free events and bringing the shows that draws the crowds, Nerpin said. That's why they only charge for the events they have to, and bigger names draw the crowds who see everything else the event has to offer.

“You can't call it a family festival if you charge everybody to get in,” he said. “You can experience everything, but of course, we have to charge for the mainstage acts -- Carly Rae Jepsen, Great Big Sea, they're not free.”

Nerpin was particularly impressed by Eh440, an a capella band whose shows opened the mainstage each night.

“They're a fantastic,” he said, adding organizers are proud to be “100 per cent Canadian this year.”

Sunday schedule:
B Side Stage
Justine Giles
1 PM - 1:40 PM
Gros Dommage
2 PM - 2:40 PM
Canucky Bluegrass Boys
3 PM - 3:40 PM
Jazz Paradis
4 PM - 4:40 PM
Spencer Jose
5 PM - 5:40 PM
Hylan Drive
6 PM - 6:40 PM
R.I.B.S.
7 PM - 7:45 PM
The Willow Wren
8:05 PM -8:50 PM
The Sleets
9:10 PM - 9:50 PM
Hugh Jazz

Main stage
7:00 p.m. Eh440
7:20 p.m.
Sea Perry
8:00 p.m.
The Fortunate Ones
9:00 p.m.
Great Big Sea