The Go North Music Festival is just days away.
The 5th annual festival kicks off on Friday night on St. Joseph Island.
The festival is slated to be a two-day event this year after giving the multi-day possibility a chance last year.
“We tried expanding to the Friday evening in 2022 with a couple of acts and it showed some promise, so we decided to bring a more concerted effort this year and expand to three bands with a Outlaw Country/Americana theme,” said Festival chair, Jody Wildman. “Saturday we will have six more acts along the lines of our traditional rock and alternative acts.”
Doors will open at 6 p.m. on Friday night with music kicking off at 7 p.m.
Friday's acts open with Solomon Woodland, a Canadian singer/songwriter who performs original folk-country music. Solomon has released three albums since 2019 as well as numerous singles.
Solomon will be followed up by Nickola Magnolia with her band. Magnolia has been touring her 2022 album Broken Lonesome and has recently been showcased during the 2023 Canadian Music Week.
Wrapping up Friday’s lineup will be The Holy Gamblers. A band made up of members from across the prairies and southern Ontario, The Holy Gamblers have been billed as “Toronto’s Premiere Honky-Tonk Band”.
Gates open on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with music dropping at 4 p.m., beginning with The Northwest, a three-guitar heartland rock band, made up of Sault Ste. Marie rock/indie/punk musicians.
Following up is Toronto’s Propter Hawk, bringing influences from Humble Pie, The Beatles, The Band and Otis Redding. Their single Telephone was featured during the opening of Hockey Night in Canada.
Toronto-based musician Jeremie Albino is also performing on Saturday. His latest EP offers hints of Americana, folk, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll, with introspective storytelling and the spontaneous, kinetic energy.
After cancelling their appearance in 2022 due to a positive COVID test, Royal Castles is set to perform this year. After heavy touring in 2022, this year marks a return to the studio to release new music.
Next up is Texas King with their brand of straight up rock n’ roll, influenced early on by Kings of Leon and The Black Keys.
The Festival wraps up on Saturday night with Toronto-based indie rock band, Monowhales. Since releasing their Control Freak EP in 2017, the group has been self-releasing singles that have made them a mainstay at Canadian alternative radio and online. They captured a JUNO in 2022 for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
The Festival will have kids’ activities in its “Kids-Zone” between 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a few of the main-stage acts doing special acoustic shows between sets. Adults will be able to participate in leisurely yard games set-up for their enjoyment while they enjoy the music. Food booths (with vegan options) and licensed bar will be available on site.
Fully-licensed, the Festival will have drinks available both nights, but food booths will only be open on Saturday,
Information on the Go North Music Festival can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages as well as at online.