SIX NATIONS – Remember Concert for a Cure? Well get buckled in for a revamped version of the fun and free event as the Six Nations Community Outreach presents the Ninth Annual Six Nations Music Festival which is fast approaching with the date set for Saturday, August 13.
This years event will be bringing together 12 local artists to perform for an expected 2500 to 5000 people at Chiefswood Park with 2005 Canadian East Coast Music Award for Group of the Year; The Trews headlining to top it off.
Six-time Aboriginal Award winning Recording Artist Jace Martin said he is “excited” for the event to come, and is not only performing, but is also the founder and artistic director of Six Nations Music Festival.
“The anticipation is riveting,” said Martin in an interview with the Two Row Times. “I love seeing the artists arrive and I love watching all of the performances, our volunteers work so hard and start at 6 a.m. the day of. Seeing the festival take shape, then come down at the end of the day as if we were not even there is magical. The details are being worked out, and we have never been more ready and excited to present this amazing festival to all visitors far and wide,” he said, adding that visitors from the U.S. will be attending as well.
But, the change from ‘Concert for a Cure’ to the “Six Nations Music Festival’ didn’t change the generous background of the event, as the event is still a non-benefit festival for young and old to enjoy.
“We felt the new name will allow us to grow and be more inclusive” said Martin. “We had a lot of people feel like we were only for certain people and a benefit, which we are not. We don’t raise money and are open to everyone, so we felt the name change would let people know they are welcome and for us to focus our energy on the music and the artists,” he said.
Martin said the venue of Chiefswood is one that holds a lot of rich history and after the passed eight years of hosting the festival, the opportunities for artists are still just as great.
“Every year we seem to grow,” said Martin. “We are building a music culture all around us. Festivals are popping up all around us like WTFest and Hagersville Rocks. We are inspiring artists to go after their dreams and providing a platform for them to showcase their music and gain festival experience and opening for mainstream acts,” he said. “We have one of Canada’s most successful and well known Rock bands, The Trews as our headliners this year. They have five JUNO Nominations and many hit radio songs,” he said.
Martin explained that out of the 12 artists that will be performing, each of them were selected throughout the year for their “genuine enthusiasm” towards music and performance; and some of the talent was found through the Hamilton Music Awards. But, the festival does not only offer a place for artists to perform, explains Martin.
“This festival not only provides a showcase opportunity, but helps the artist experience a festival process, which is useful in the music business and helps them gain valuable resume experience by being showcased at a major festival opening for major artists,” he said. “This allows them to market themselves better and makes them more attractive to potential festivals. It is a place to network and these artists all end up supporting each other, and doing shows together, working on music together.”
The festival will be starting at 1 p.m. and go right until 9 p.m. and will not only feature the artists, but also more than 50 food and craft vendors, bouncy rides, and special guest ‘meet and greets.’ Don’t forget to bring your lawn-chairs!
