Northumberland music fans planning a trip to Peterborough Musicfest this summer will have even more reasons to arrive early.
The popular Future Sound Series is returning for a second season, giving local musicians the opportunity to perform before select Wednesday and Saturday night concerts at Del Crary Park.
Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. near the George Street entrance to the park. Fourteen acts are scheduled to take part, beginning June 27 when Irish Millie performs ahead of Gowan’s appearance on the main stage.
The series was launched as a pilot project last year and proved popular with both audiences and performers.
Musicfest Executive Director Tracey Randall says the program responds directly to calls for more local artists to be featured as part of the festival experience.
Beyond giving musicians a chance to perform in front of large audiences, Randall says the series helps build connections and create opportunities that can support artists as they continue developing their careers.
The Future Sound Series is just one part of a busy Musicfest season.
This year’s free concert lineup includes Canadian music icons Matthew Good, Gowan, Lighthouse, Sass Jordan and Crash Test Dummies, along with a variety of tribute acts and emerging performers.
Concerts take place at Del Crary Park throughout the summer and remain one of the largest free music festivals in Canada.
The season concludes August 19 with a performance by The Dreamboats.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger and Joseph Goden)
