It’s officially spring. Along with the chirping of birds, a growing distrust in groundhogs, and the hope that we might see the return of greener foliage, comes the clockwork arrival of festival announcements. For St Andrew’s it marks the likelihood of hypothermia being downgraded from a promise to a possibility and the annual return of Paddlefest.
Artistic Director, Luke MacDonald say that this year they plan to involve more venues to host over forty different acts across four days. Aside from music the festival will also feature their usual paddle related events, allowing kayakers and canoers to participate in excursions on the bay.
“We try and program the festival diversely to have something for the many crowds Paddlefest brings out. We are expanding the size of the festival, but at it’s core it’s still a kinda grassroots event, which fits it well and keeps with the down home charm of town,” says MacDonald.
Of course, what everyone comes for is the music, and this year’s festival boasts headliners like Joel Plaskett Emergency, Old Man Luedecke, TUNS, and Les Hay Babies. There will also be a special appearances by New Brunswick legends Grand Theft Bus, and a Paddlefest debut from Ontario’s Terra Lightfoot.
As well as performances by Janowski, The Montgomery Street Band, Kendra Gale, The Galpines, The Dearlies and more…
Paddlefest takes place May 18 – 21, naturally in St Andrews New Brunswick. Tickets are available on the Paddlefest website.