The 2024 edition of Wintersong Music Festival brings more than 100 local "buzz acts" to 15 venues in Stouffville tonight and tomorrow, Jan. 19 and 20.
Wintersong has something for everyone, showcasing all genres in a lineup crafted with gender parity and diversity in mind, organizers said in a news release.
Family-friendly highlights include the youth stage, musical/artistic workshops for kids, a silent disco in the library, and programming alongside a music/music video exhibit at Latcham Art Centre.
Intimate & Electronic: A Special One-Night-Only Wintersong Experience features Fraxinus Prime (Ash from USS), Vice Locker, dreamSTATE and Timerity. As well, Cerebral Waves: A Live Musical Performance with Maylee Todd, and performances by Housewife and Altered by Mom.
The show for headlining Canadian indie band Wintersleep, known for its mesmerizing soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics, has been sold out, but there are plenty of spots available for other shows. Reserve here.
Adding to the festival’s lineup is Status/Non-Status — the ever-evolving musical project led by Anishinaabe artist Adam Sturgeon and a close-knit group of collaborators. Status/Non-Status is recognized for its power-packed sound, forged through relentless touring, profound self-discovery, and emotionally charged musical compositions.
Ottawa’s Pony Girl will also grace the Wintersong stages, wielding their mastery of art pop to invigorate audiences with a prismatic and distinctive sound that’s uniquely their own.
Enjoy performances by Alex Southey, Chris Birkett, GFU, Junestone, Recall, Sigfried Echo Hemming, Camille Léon, Rise Carmine, The Band Caves, Hungry Lake, Joey O’Neil, Carmela, Rebekah Hawker, Cale Crowe, Nattra, The Boneheads, Tally, Mark T Band, and Sea State, and many more. The full lineup, tickets and schedules can be accessed on the website.
Also returning is the Musician’s Guide to the Galaxy: Q&A with Industry Experts, as well as a brand-new panel titled Make it Make Cents: A Candid Conversation on Redefining Success in the Music Industry. Reserve now for insight on how to carve a sustainable career in the ever-changing landscape and present an unfiltered look at what it truly means to succeed in today's music world.
"As the annual festival enters its fifth year, it continues to captivate music enthusiasts, drawing thousands to the area, and providing a massive seasonal boost to the local economy," organizers said.
Hosted by Warm Hearts Collective and Epidemic Music Group and volunteers, the festival's mission is to "be accessible and authentic, ... free for the community to attend, ensuring that everyone can access the magic of this musical celebration."
An incremental service charge on tickets this year will support their continued operations.
“This year has been a lot, for our team, in our planning, and also globally,” says festival director Heather Cook. “Now more than ever we just want to be as real as possible and invite that same energy back. No pretense, no glitter or smoke and mirrors; just people doing what they love. We want to inspire joy through art, music and community.”
In solidarity with Cadence Weapon’s #NoMoreMerchCuts movement, Wintersong does not take merch cuts from any artist.
A free karaoke shuttle bus is available to access all venues, Wintersong will be partnering with Music Declares Emergency Canada to encourage audiences to use sustainable transportation (walking, cycling, public transit) to get to concerts, drawing awareness that audience travel is the single biggest source of emissions within the live music sector.
