“There was no doubt after the success of last year’s inaugural Harbourage Festival that it would become an annual event,” says festival organizer Lorne Loder.
Harbourage is a celebration of contemporary music and art that takes place on the historic and iconic St. John’s waterfront. It was established “to bridge the gap between the George Street Festival and the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival.”
Last year’s festival was headlined by Hey Rosetta, and featured indie rock icons Matt Mays & Elliot Brood, along with local acts like Repartee and Mick Davis. It was a properly handled, instant success, with live art, a bar, food trucks and more.
“We were very happy with the way last year came together, and there really seemed to be a great response to the format of the festival,” says Loder. “We feel this year’s line-up is a great continuation of that format, in that these are budding, current artists who love what they do and it comes through in their performances.”
On the bill for this year’s festival are two-time JUNO Award winner Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, fellow JUNO Award alumnus Bahamas, and Halifax indie rocker Rich Aucoin – whose live performances are legendary and unmatched for their interaction with the crowd.
Local musicians include modern legends Green & Gold, the award-winning ECMA nominees Steve Maloney and the Wandering Kind, and the most exciting new act in town: surf-rockers Johnny and the Cowabungas. They’re so good their songs don’t even need words.
“I think the location — right on the waterfront — and the vibe of the music makes for a completely unique experience,” Loder says. “Harbourage is a true music-lover’s festival, and we’re excited to be bringing it back this year.”
Through a partnership with Eastern Edge art gallery, there will be a visual art exhibition running concurrent with the festival, with details to be announced, as well as artists at work in the parking lot.
General admission tickets for Harbourage 2015 are $49.95 and VIP tickets, which include an expanded drink selection, separate washrooms, a premium viewing area, re-entry privileges and private entrance to the concert, are $99.95.
These prices include all taxes and fees. The event is restricted to those aged 19 and older. Tickets are now on sale at www.harbourage.ca.
Harborage 2105, featuring Hank Williams VII, the head of Prince in a jar and Keith Richards.
interesting how one of the few words that rhymes with harbourage is sausage