Sixteen musical acts skedded for unplugged festival on Pelee Island

It’s the perfect summer concoction: food, drinks, music and sun.

The Island Unplugged festival, now in its fourth year, runs Aug. 5 and 6 on Pelee Island with 16 folk, country, roots and rock acts.

“Expect a really nice, intimate, family friendly festival in a parklike setting right next to the best beaches on Pelee Island,” said festival chairman Rod Strickland. “Lots of great local food, local beer and wine and just a really pleasant weekend of camping and music.”

As far as festivals go, this will be an intimate affair. Strickland said it usually attracts between 800 and 1,000 people.

“It’s not a big festival,” he said. “It’s a small, intimate festival. Kids are really welcome. There are things for kids to do.”

It’s also a serene setting. The stage will be in the East Shore Campground, just steps from the East Shore Beach with trees, shaded areas and picnic tables with umbrellas.

“You can hear the music from anywhere on the festival grounds,”

said Strickland. “Back in the food court, over at the bar or right up front on the stage.”

Despite the “unplugged” moniker and the event’s reputation as a folk festival, there’s more to the show than Kumbuya and acoustic guitars.

The long list of performers includes Elliott Brood, Ron Leary Sextet, Kenneth MacLeod, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar, Brock Zeman, LoFo Mind, Old Man Grant, Coffee House Combo, The Brandy Alexanders and Alison Brown.

“We consider ourselves kind of indie-folk, blues, pop,” said Strickland. “It’s music. It’s about celebrating music and the arts. We’re there trying to contribute to the arts culture and support local musicians and local artists.”

You can also check out Artisans Alley to buy creations from local artists, or fill up on food and drinks from Smashed Apple Catering, Walkerville Brewery, Wolfhead Distillery and Pelee Island Winery.

Tickets for the festival are $35 per day. Camping is available. You’ll need to take a ferry or have private water or aircraft transportation to get to the island, where a free shuttle will pick you up.

Strickland said the shuttle picking patrons up at the ferry dock will also take them for a tour around the island.

“You can get off the ferry, come over to the festival, hang out at the festival, and if you want to go see the rest of the island it will take you around the island,” he said.

Go to theislandunplugged.org to buy tickets or get more information about accommodations and the festival lineup.

“It’s a great weekend,” said Strickland. “It’s always fun, it’s always upbeat, always something going on.”