There aren’t too many East Coast bands that can boast their own music festival. Particularly one that showcases Country, Americana and Folk music quite like The Basin Brother’s North Along The Shore Jamboree in Newport Landing, Nova Scotia.
Formed two years ago in the interest of growing the music scene of rural Nova Scotia, Country and Honky-tonk band The Basin Brothers, the festival shows off a little of what’s happening in Hants County.
“We wanted folks in the city core to understand that there is something cool happening here. Already in our second year we have seen a lot of folks wanting to be part of North Along The Shore Jamboree,” says organizer and Basin Brother Chase Ross.
There’s a lot of local talent performing at North Along The Shore Jamboree, which isn’t to downplay the lineup, but rather highlight the ridiculous amount of talent that’s available locally.
The festival’s 2019 roster includes many of our favourite East Coast songwriters and performers: Willie Stratton, Zakary Miller, Thomas Stajcer, Corey Isenor, Terra Spencer, Kim Barlow, Cassie Josephine, Chris Robison, Big Bad Billy, Kim Lake and, of course, The Basin Brothers themselves.
“Personally, I’ve always wanted to organize a festival. Last year we really lucked out with how many enthusiastic musicians and friends who were on board and were so ready to have a good time,” says Ross.
“As a band, we have all agreed that we want to focus on our homes, creating and nourishing a scene that people would want to come visit and check out. We love playing host, we’re all down home country boys so I believe it comes naturally.”
North Along The Shore Jamboree came out of that notion. Beginning with a series of community hall dances put on by The Basin Brothers almost two years ago grew into a fully fledged music festival.
“We haven’t in a while, but when we first started as a band we organized a lot of dances at the local community hall,” says Ross. “Honestly, I think this whole thing started last year with the idea of having a country night with Thomas Stajcer, Mike Kerr, Willie Stratton and Zakary Miller. I’m glad we decided to go big.”
North Along the Shore Jamboree takes place September 21, 2019 at the Avon Spirit Shipyard boathouse, and also happens to coincidence with the nearby annual Garlic Festival at Avondale Sky Winery. Tickets to the Jamboree are $25. The festival features a cash bar, a fundraiser BBQ, and local beer provided by Schoolhouse Brewery.