Fredericton’s Charlotte Street Arts Centre is once again playing host to it’s annual FEST FORWARD music festival and incubation program for emerging artists. Also known as New Brunswick Musicians Emerge (NBME) is a quick little two punch combo that has been instrumentally beneficial for musicians and a good time for Fredericton’s local festival-goers. Just a couple weeks out we have the festival’s 2018 line up and playlist for you.
“We offer emerging bands a unique weekend of professional development,” says Charlotte Street Art Centre’s ArtReach Program Manager and FEST FORWARD’s festival director Eva George.
“Outside of showcasing their dynamic talents to the community we also offer them intimate workshops on what is available funding wise to support their careers via a session with Musique/Music NB. We also have a session in artist & social media management. Plus they benefit from a pro photo shoot and live recordings thanks to Marshall Studio & LAB Interactive/CHSR.”
For bands like Fredericton’s The Tortoise, The Hare & The Millionaire, who participated in the 2016 FEST FORWARD, the festival and workshop has meant picking up some skills on bio writing, preparing an electronic press kit, and provided some key networking opportunities.
“FEST FORWARD was an overwhelmingly positive experience. All three of us had been in bands previously, but had fallen out of the local music scene due to school, work, life, etc.,” says THM’s Eric Allard. “The opportunity to meet and network with peers and festival promoters was likely our most valuable takeaway. FEST FORWARD is where we met some of the people who have since become some of our closest friends and fiercest supporters: Stephen Lewis, The Hypochondriacs, Keith Hallett, Andrew Moore, Kate Butler, Eva George and many more.
It can be challenging to book gigs for an unproven band and it’s impossible to prove yourself without booking gigs. FEST FORWARD allowed us to perform in front of peers and festival promoters and helped get our name out there relatively quickly.”
As a result of the festival The Tortoise, The Hare & The Millionaire were given the opportunity to perform at Paddlefest in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, and have since gained a strong following.
This year’s line up includes some fantastic choices that span a pretty broad swath of genres, and according to Eva George will also feature a very special event.
“We are pretty pumped about our line up this year AND holy macaroni we get to celebrate Stephen Lewis’ 30th birthday! Who could ask for more?”
The full 2018 line up includes: Amy Stone & The Veneers, Catherine Kennedy, CA Jackson, Chill Teens, Heat $heets, Jaguar Knight, McKinley, Morrison & Williams, Melonvine, Skinny Leigh, Stephen Lewis & The Big Band of Fun, and The Hypochondriacs.
FEST FORWARD takes place at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre on November 16th & 17th, 2018. Tickets will be sold at the door $15 for one night or $20 for a weekend pass.