The much-beloved River & Sky Music and Camping Festival has launched its 2022 lineup and it’s a doozy.
The 14th R&S returns to Fisher’s Paradise and the banks of the Sturgeon River in Field from July 21 to 24 with 26 musical acts to enjoy, plus food, fun and the great Northern Ontario outdoors.
Thursday night headliner Pink Mountaintops kicks off R&S 2022 with music from their new album Peacock Pools. Toronto band Austra brings electric pop to the mainstage Friday evening. Finally, Saturday will see Toronto grunge rockers Dilly Dally fresh from the road.
“Things are really ramping up for us here at R&S, and I’m grateful for the amazing team that is putting in so much work to make this festival happen,” said Executive Director Abigail Cassio in a news release. “It wouldn’t be possible without the funding from NOHFC, OTF, OMIF and CSJ, that has allowed me to hire two full-time interns and a whole lot of part-time positions. As a not-for-profit, this support is integral to the success of the fest!”
Besides the three headliners, there are tons of other musical acts to enjoy, demonstrating the eclectic mix River & Sky has become known for.
Locals first, though. Northern Ontario additions to the line-up include Maxwell José Band, Teleporters, Barry & the Bananas, Casper Skulls, Summersets, Julie Katrinette, Brooke Bruce, Eric Clancy, indie rock favourites Ox, and Rose Erin Stokes.
There’s also a special musical performance planned when Sudbury bluegrass and outlaw country band Murder Murder plays live for the first time since 2018.
Southern Ontario isn’t left out though. Punk rockers Only God Forgives are on the bill as is Hamilton’s Jasmyn, who just released their new album “In the Wild”. Also making the trip north are performers Tush with their fresh electronic dance beats; Tafari Anthony on the beach stage; psychedelic folk-rockers Beams; jangle-pop duo Ducks Ltd. and “hyper-strange post-grunge and glamp-pop group” The Effens.
Even more bands hitting the R&S stage include indie-rockers PACKS, ROSINA bringing their global dance music to the campfire stage, Montreal’s experimental rock trio Yoo Doo Right, and BC’s Rare-Earth Magnet.
Previously announced acts include Anishnaabe artists OMBIIGIZI, dream pop duo Bodywash, rebellious and groovy Choses Sauvages, and DJ and multi-instrumentalist Ouri.
Garage punk psych rockers Wine Lips, Frankie & the Witch Fingers and Ami Dang, a South Asian-American, Sikh composer, music producer, vocalist and sitarist from Baltimore, and Young Guv who brings a new, crisp, power-pop sound.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone back at Fishers’ Paradise, enjoying the music, checking out all the local vendors and crafters we’ll be welcoming and essentially just reconnecting with nature,” Cassio said.
With the festival at full capacity this year, R&S is “stoked to bring back what was missing from last year’s fest”, including saunas and the night dance stage with deejays Coy Haste, Legs Florentine, Oreku, Spookyfish and True Connection.
Wednesday night, before the official start of the festival, volunteers will be treated to a performance with surprise artists. To volunteer, sign up by purchasing membership tickets through R&S’s website.
“You will be able to sign up for volunteer positions through the link provided to them on our volunteer site,” the festival said.
River & Sky is located at Fishers’ Paradise in the community of Field (West Nipissing), between Sudbury and North Bay.
Passes are available in three-, four- and five-day varieties. Day passes are also available. Children 14 and younger are free. Dogs (spay and neutered only) are welcome on leashes.
Visit RiverandSky.ca for more information.
