Kingsville Music Festival kicks off with lineup announcement

The 10th annual Kingsville Music Festival will take place August 9-11 along Kingsville’s picturesque waterfront at Mettawas Park.

Officials for the Kingsville Music Society were on hand Friday, May 3 at The Grove Brewing Company to launch this year’s festival and announce the musical acts expected to perform.

Michele Law, the Music Society’s Executive Director, said that the festival, now in its 10th year, began as an idea to bring music to area youth and the festival still has that focus in mind.

Originating in 2014 as the Kingsville Folk Music Festival, the event brings a multi-day, multi-stage, family-friendly music festival to southwestern Ontario. 

Managed by the not-for-profit Kingsville Music Society, comprising a volunteer board of five members, the festival’s proceeds support the Society’s MAY Fund (Music and Arts for Youth), facilitating musical scholarships, mentoring and performance opportunities for talented area youth.

“We saw a need for music and kids who were disadvantaged,” said Law. “The MAY Fund benefits from the money raised at the festival through scholarships. We have six scholarship applications for this year.”

The festival boasts three daytime stages, an evening main stage and continues to entice visitors from across North America to indulge in Kingsville’s celebrated dining, warm hospitality, and rich history of live music. 

This year’s lineup boasts a diverse array of artists, including fan favourites Elliott Brood and the high energy multi-horn funk band My Son the Hurricane. 

 “The acts we have are all really fun and suitable for all ages,” said Michele. “Kids under 16 are always free admission and this year we also have special youth pricing for the 17-25 crowd. My Son the Hurricane will close the show Friday and Saturday night and will have us all dancing under the stars.”

Adult weekend passes for the festival are on sale now and are $80 each. New this year is a Youth 17-25 pass, which is priced at $20. Kids 16 and under are admitted free.

John Law — the Society’s Musical Director — then announced the talent-laden lineup for the festival and the schedule of events.

The full music lineup includes the aforementioned Elliott Brood and My Son The Hurricane, as well as Ammoye, Valerie Ekoume, Mike Stevens Trio, Nicholas Campbell Trio, Jesse Corrigan Band, Rebekah Hawker, Luke Wallace, Benj Rowland, Redfox, Honeypaw, David Newland, Sarah Hiltz, Fresh Breath, The Schotts, Jangles The Clown and the Laughtertainer.

Schedules, accommodation options, volunteer and vendor applications can be found at kingsville musicsociety.com.