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Organizers weatherproofing NLFB

BY BILL BRADLEY [email protected] Musical headliners such as Natalie MacMaster, Sarah Harmer, the Trews, and their fans, will stay dry in case of showers at this year?s Northern Lights Festival Boreal (NLFB), July 8 to 10 at Bell Park.
BY BILL BRADLEY

Musical headliners such as Natalie MacMaster, Sarah Harmer, the Trews, and their fans, will stay dry in case of showers at this year?s Northern Lights Festival Boreal (NLFB), July 8 to 10 at Bell Park.

Paul Loewenberg (right) looks after booking acts. Kevin Scholfield is a local performer.
All events will be protected from sudden deluges by being under a huge tent to be erected in the parking lot.

?Part of the reason for the big tent is to beat the rain but also it is an attempt to save money. What we have traditionally done in the park is to split the audience into two groups, those in the amphitheatre and those in the cabaret tent,? said NLFB chair Mike Yawney.

Having headline concerts under the one big tent will boost ticket sales from those afraid of getting soaked otherwise, and it could also be a cost-cutter.
?We find the old way using the amphitheatre is very expensive because of the additional equipment rental required. We also have to scramble to
rearrange acts if it rains. This way it is a guaranteed show,? Yawney said.

This year?s line up for the big tent has already been booked aside from a few local acts, said music director Paul Loewenberg.

The Trews, known for touring with Big Sugar, headline Friday night. Celtic fiddling virtuoso Natalie MacMaster tops the bill Saturday night. Sunday?s big show features the driving force behind Weeping Tile, Sarah Harmer.

Other leading acts include Quebecer and Juno nominee, Jorane, Zoboomafoo, a children?s artist, bluegrass and rockabilly performer Washboard Hank, dance band Mr Something Something, francophone artist Chakidor and urban folkies Das Macht.

Festival icon, 86 year old Jackie Washington, author of 1,200 songs, will again be sharing his wit and music and will no doubt be first for the artists? breakfast at Laurentian University.

Local entertainers such as Angie Nussie, now based in Toronto, Matt Foy, reggae king of the Towne House Tavern, perennial favourite Paul Dunn and First Nations country singer Kevin Schofield will appear.

Weekend passes are an affordable $50 for non NLFB members and $45 for members. Single day passes are $20 for Friday and Saturday and $25 for Sunday. Tickets go on sale Monday.

To volunteer or inquire about tickets, phone 674-5512 or visit 109 Elm St.

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