RED ROCK – The Live from the Rock Folk Festival opened its gates for its 16th annual celebration of music, arts and entertainment on the north shore of Lake Superior earlier today.
Presented by the Live from the Rock Blues & Folk Society, the festival will offer a weekend of music, arts and entertainment on four daytime stages over the next three days, as well as alternative programming and immersive music opportunities, family and children’s activities, an artisan market, onsite camping and food vendors.
With 22 acts ranging from funk to flamenco with something for everyone in between, first-time Live from the Rock artistic director Jean-Paul De Roover’s goal was to book a diverse lineup of performers that would provide a dynamic experience for festival-goers from all walks of life.
“I am thrilled to help deliver an incredibly diverse lineup that not only blends musical genres and styles but also represents the Canadian arts community and that of northern Ontario, which is something that the Live from the Rock Folk Festival has really become known for throughout its history,” says De Roover. “In addition to Canadian music icons like Lynn Miles and Ian Tamblyn, we also have award-winning singer-songwriters and ensembles joining us this year, as well emerging Canadian artists, Francophone acts and some incredible Indigenous performers in the lineup.”
A local performer, composer and producer hailing from Thunder Bay, Ont. – and a Live from the Rock alum himself – De Roover is very familiar with what local and regional audiences look for when it comes to events in northwestern Ontario. De Roover previously held the position of festival and events coordinator for the City of Thunder Bay, was the coordinator of the Superior Youth Festival and served as events coordinator for LU Radio 102.7fm. He has also lent his expertise as a jury or committee member for the Ontario Arts Council, FACTOR and the City of Thunder Bay’s Summer in the Parks entertainment series.
With no paid employees throughout the year, the Live from the Rock Folk Festival is run almost entirely by a volunteer force of 200 individuals who help make the festival a reality every year. Without the generous support of the festival’s volunteers, coordinators, directors, sponsors and key partners – including the Government of Canada, the Ontario Arts Council and the Township of Red Rock – 2018 Live from the Rock Folk Festival would not have been possible.
For more information about the 16th annual Live from the Rock Folk Festival, including a full performer lineup, please visit www.livefromtherockfolkfestival.com or refer to the festival’s official program book, available online at https://bit.ly/2vqLEiJ.
2019 Live from the Rock Folk Festival will take place August 9, 10 and 11, 2019.