about
We’ll be under the same Northeastern Ontario sky but alongside the banks of a new river—the Magnetawan. It flows from Magnetawan Lake in Algonquin Park, all the way to Georgian Bay. River & Sky will enjoy this river from the Granite Ridge Wilderness Campground in Kearney. We are in Alquonquin Park country this year!
It a bit father for Sudbury folks and a bit closer for everybody else.
The park is well treed and more sprawling then our former home in River Valley at 175 acres, with secluded camp sites, and also a beach on beautiful Himbury Lake. It rents kayaks and canoes, but you can also bring your own watercrafts or tube for an hour’s lazy ride down the river. Please note when buying your weekend pass, that camping is paid separately to the Campground ($30/person for the weekend for basic camping). You can do so in advance online at www.graniteridge.com or when you get to the park.
Much effort continues to go into securing a property of our own to support and display River and Sky’s community and sustainable development objectives. The collective has also incorporated into a formal not-for-profit called River and Sky Arts in the Woods with an interim board in place and with planning for 2012 well under way. River and Sky is also extremely happy to have the support and partnership of the French River Cultural Industries Council. Future announcements pending. For this year we are so happy that Kearny has welcomed us. Both the town and the campground have been amazing for responding so quickly to our needs and wanting to get involved.
Onto the music. This festival continues to feature tasty, tart, and super sweet Canadian Indie music. While roots, folk and alt-country are still in the pot, we’ve added some liberal dashes of pop, punk and rock too. Headliners this year include the and the lyrical Forest City Lovers and and the rainbow-pop hues of Diamond Ring on Friday night. On Saturday night, the driving sounds of Hamilton’s Young Rival and the alt-pop and techno of Montreal’s Winter Gloves on the Saturday; while on the Sunday, East Coast Music Award winner Jenn Grant and folk faves, the United Steelworkers of Montreal. One stage - one audience.
Other must see bands include The Two-Minute Miracles, Hooded Fang, The Gertrudes, Bruce Peninsula and Jack Marks.
Bands hailing from the North East part of the province include the debutant Lightmares, power-pop-punk Statues, the Wild Turkeys, and Danny Laj’s return to 70’s power pop.
River & Sky has continued the treasured late night Acoustic Campfire Sessions for those sleeping over in the park. Friday night Toronto’s Parks & Rec and Montreal’s Canailles will play into the wee hours. On Saturday, Jenny Omnichord and then Fred Squire and Katherine Maki will strum and sing around the campfire.
