FREE FUN AT THE FEST
Big bands to play at Dragon Boat event
Saskatoon rockers The Sheepdogs, Vancouver bands Dear Rouge and The Zolas, and Montreal’s Half Moon Run will play free concerts this summer as part the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.
They’re part of the 10-band lineup at the 24th annual edition of the non-profit event, which runs from June 22 to 25 at Mooney’s Bay Park.
While the event’s long-standing focus remains its dragon boat races involving thousands of paddlers, in recent years the all-Canadian music program during the evenings has become a major part of the event’s appeal, bumping attendance up to more than 75,000 people over the weekend.
The concerts take place on a big stage set in the picturesque hillside amphitheatre next to Mooney’s Bay beach.
The concerts on Thursday, June 22, include sets at 6:30, 8 and 9:30 p.m., respectively from indierock quartet The Elwins, Vancouver’s Said The Whale and The Sheepdogs, who last month were on the bill of the Stanley Cup 125th Tribute Concert at the Canadian Tire Centre.
On Friday, Ottawa’s Kalle Mattson is the opener, followed by Vancouver’s The Zolas and then Dear Rouge.
Saturday’s four-band lineup begins with a 5 p.m. show by Ottawabased indigenous folk duo Twin Flames, followed by sets from the young Kingston band Kasador, Toronto art-rockers The Darcys and finally Half Moon Run.
Organizers say Ottawa’s dragon boat festival is recognized as North America’s largest of its kind. In addition to the concert lineup, and 200 boating teams participating in competitive, corporate and community categories, the event features a variety of artisans, culinary offerings and sports demonstrations. For more information, go to dragonboat.net.