A popular annual celebration of acoustic and roots music will include some nationally and internationally-known musicians.
The Carnegie Arts Centre in Kingsville was the setting Thursday for the media launch of the sixth annual Kingsville Folk Festival, set to take place August 9, 10 and 11 at Lakeside Park. This year's festival will feature six-time Juno Award-winning singer and songwriter Serena Ryder, who will headline on the festival's first night.
Ryder, born in Toronto, specializes in folk and indie rock, with the guitar and harmonica her instruments of choice. John Law, co-producer of the folk festival, said landing Ryder was a coup.
"It's pretty neat to have somebody who started down at the bottom and went to the top, and we get to have her at our festival," said Law. "She's huge. She's could've said no very easily, and she's said no to many people."
Saturday night will focus on world music, with Caribbean and Latin influences. The Sunday night headliner will be the Milk Carton Kids, a duo based in California that has been nominated for two Grammy Awards in folk recordings.
The official schedule has yet to be finalized, but the 27 performers slated to take the stage at the festival range from traditional roots folk to bluegrass to children's music. In addition to the musical acts, the festival will also feature a wine and craft beer area, food vendors, and a children's area.
The festival operates under the Sun Parlour Folk Music Society and is the only folk music event west of London. The society was presented with a $20,000 cheque from the town by Mayor Nelson Santos, who also announced a five-year commitment to supporting the event. Dennis Rogers, president of the society, said Kingsville has been a tremendous partner.
"We look forward to this year, and as we continue to grow and as things continue to get better and move up and on, our relationships grow and our partnerships grow," said Rogers. "But the town has always been tremendous."
Blackburn Radio is the official media sponsor of this year's festival. For a complete lineup of performers and events, or for information on being a volunteer, visit the official website.
Kingsville Folk Festival co-founders and producers Michele and John Law announce the 2019 lineup at Carnegie Arts in Kingsville, April 11, 2019. The festival runs from August 9 to 11. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.