Quebec’s most eclectic outdoor celebration of whimsical talent in the pristine setting of his Eastern Townships organic family farm, from July 12 to 15.

For its 13th edition, the festival is eager to announce a few new features that range from added stages to charitable partnerships, in addition to lively musical performances, fearless circus acts, upbeat burlesque showcases, thrilling theatrical presentations, spectacular displays of athletics, fun-filled workshops, free camping, locally-sourced organic food, and so much more!

On the constant hunt for emerging local talent, and by upholding its ongoing commitment to the federal government’s Canadian Heritage program for community building and arts & culture initiatives in rural areas, ShazamFest’s 13th edition will showcase up-and-coming acts from the region more than ever this year! Having held 2 editions of the Shazam Battle of the Bands in the Townships this past spring, both winners—teen soul-jazz phenomenon Echo Funk, alt-pop rockers Leave the City—and Sherbooke’s freshest indie theatre collective Occult Burlesque (set to mystify festival-goers with their special Friday the 13th production Devil In My Cup) will share the main stage with notable names from across the province and a select few international acts!

Homegrown headliners include Mickey Dangerous with his versatile vocals and enchanting reggae rhythms, rockabilly blues champion Bloodshot Bill, and the rock-opera steampunk stylings of Jardin Mécanique, alongside international guests RTRXN (a.k.a. Retro Porno), organic electro trailblazers from Mexico, and the one-man band extravaganza Bob Log III, who returns for his second ShazamFest appearance, this time fired-up with pyrotechnic displays by Quebecois special effects set masters the Blood Brothers!

The larger lineup will capture crowds over 4 days with Old Time Honey‘s antique Cajun jugfolk jive, NOIA‘s cinematic electro-indie impulses, funky jazz by Théâtre Saint-Denis house band The Firing Squad, the alt-country space folk twang of Graven & The New Band, MOOCH‘s groovy grunge psychedelia, and the cumbia-fused ska spirit of Los Pacos, as well as a rag-tag display of classic carny antics by the Blue Mushroom Sirkus Psyshow, the intergalactic fairplay femme power of EarthBound Wrestling, and titillating performances by Ottawa burlesque beauties Capital Tease, among others!

The festival is also proud to help make arts & culture available to folks from all walks of life by celebrating a newly-formed partnership with Cultures du Coeur, Sherbrooke’s premiere charity fighting social marginalization. ShazamFest has donated over two dozen weekend passes to the non-profit organization, which will ensure that those most in need can partake in this year’s festivities. In addition to various strategies already in place—free camping, free admission for children under the age of 12, free general entry on Sunday (July 15)—this latest initiative will help to further ensure that no one is left behind!

 

An added section of the ShazamFest site has been converted to accommodate heightened happenings of the creative kind: the brand new Trinity Stage! A community project spearheaded by Judith Ruel (a.k.a the Townships’ Alchemist of Love), Trinity was brought to fruition by dedicated ShazamFam collaborators who worked with holistic construction methods and their own bare hands. With a micro-lineup of events, this additional gathering space will feature a wide range of collaborative and interactive performances including music, dance, storytelling, and an on-site open call to artists.

Back by popular demand are the Académie de Lutte Estrienne‘s ringside wrestling spectaculars and the pro-skating tricks of the Valoiz Boyz West Island skateboard crew! On-site camping remains free and ShazamFest mainstays return to round out this year’s festivities: the Skateboarding Competition, the Canadian Redneck Beard & Moustache Contest, workshops by Clowns Without Borders, riverside yoga and massage, the kids’ corner, an artisan market, and local organic food vendors.

The festival’s fundamental eco-friendly commitment also carries on with creative green initiatives, zero-waste champion challenges and discounts to festival-goers arriving on foot or by bicycle!

 

 

SHAZAMFEST XIII

July 12-15

2722 Way’s Mills, Barnston West, QC J0B 1C0

 

Free entry all day Sunday

Free admission for children 12 years & under

Day/Weekend/Family Passes available

 

www.ShazamFest.com