Lawnya Vawnya — Regularly voted “Best Local Music Festival” by readers of The Overcast — will return for a 7th year from May 10th to May 13th.

Its headliners include the generation-defining supergroup Wolf Parade; back from a 6-year hiatus (this will be their first ever St. John’s performance), and Dilly Dally, a kick-ass, Polaris-nominated throwback to 90’s grunge.

Other acts include Toronto’s Hooded Fang (an experimental explosion of sound with surf punk undertones), Richard Laviolette (LV and You’ve Changed Records records alumni, back to promote a new record), and Toronto indie pop newcomers Jaunt (gaining momentum with their fresh and clever take on catchy pop). Have a look:

If you’re looking to test out your new spring kicks on a dancefloor, the charismatic Toronto DJ Chippy Nonstop is on the bill (Chippy Nonstop is also co-creator of Intersessions, an inclusive DJ workshop for women & the LGTBQ+ community). Daps Records duo Phèdre will welcome your adventures in dance glory as well, with their experimental electronic music.

 

On the other end of the musical spectrum, Canadian folk  cult fave Jim Bryson, Toronto’s “warrior of the romance ballad” LUKA, and Montreal singer-songwriter Helena Deland are on the bill. Of Helena, Lawnya Vawnya says her “strong sense of purpose and impressive vocal versatility makes her one to watch.”

No Lawnya Vawnya would be complete without a snapshot of Halifax’s rock scene, and this year they have Not You on the bill, fresh off them making CBC Music’s “11 Best New Bands of 2016.”

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Rounding out the bill is some of the best names from the local scene and beyond, including 2016 Borealis Music Prize winner Jake Nicoll, and locals living away, coming home for a show, like Pete Casey and the Vikkies, and  BBQT. They’ll be joined by new city favourites like Ribbon Tied, Swellheads, Townhouse, and Yee Grlz, showcased alongside staples and innovators like Steve Maloney and AE bridger, as well as some promising acts bound to be newly discovered treats. Because what’s a festival without a little musical discovery.

Jake Nicoll (NL), Klarka Weinwurm (NB), Steve Maloney (NL), India (NL), Property (NL), Charlotte Cornfield (ON), Motherhood (NB), Owen Steel (NB), Catalina Reapers (NL), New You (ON), Renders (NL), Pete Casey & the Vikkies (ON), Dead Beat Poet Society (QU), Chloe Doucet (ON), Yee Grlz (NL), Rough Hands (NL), Townhouse (NL), AE Bridger (NL), Big Space (NL), Swellheads (NL), Ribbon Tied (NL), Jenina MacGillivray (NL), Goon (NL), Dormitories (NL), It Could Be Franky (NL), BBQT (QU), Krystle Hayden (NL), Hot Biscuit (NL), Aiseo (NL) & Long Night Vish Khanna (ON).

As always, the festival will host workshops, pop-ups, and the always popular “Long Night with Vish Khanna” talk show.

“Lawnya Vawnya is proud to partner with Yung Dumb and SWIM (St. John’s Women in Music) to host a workshop entitled Intersessions: An Inclusive Sound Initiative: Providing Safer Spaces For Women + LGBTQ+ Folks.”

This is a free, all- ages DJ focused workshop facilitated by Intersession co-founder and Toronto based DJ Chippy Nonstop. Intersessions provides a safe space for participants to support one another, access equipment, receive mentorship and build community. The workshop looks to promote diversity through access, support, and the power of music.

“Also on the agenda are panel discussions, artist talks, a film screening, readings, a record and press fair, pop-up shows and our well loved, all-ages, family friendly music crawls.”

Stay tuned for updates and schedule details., an purchase Early Bird Festival passes at www.lawnyavawnya.com.