WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — Pigeon Toad. Lucas Traversey. Black Pigeon Toad. Lucas Traversey. Black Water Brigade. Rowdy Yates. Underclass Heroes.
Do these names sound familiar?
If they do … then you know the local band scene. If they don’t, then get to know them at the second annual Nothing But Grace Music Festival happening next weekend near Westmeath.
“It’s a two-day outdoor music festival,” said organizer Mike Graham.
He said the event began last year, but it was private – only for invited guests, and most of them listened to his Tragically Hip radio show.
“It was a fun weekend,” he said.
Once people found out about the festival, they asked him why they hadn’t been invited.
“We decided to go public this year,” Mr. Graham said.
The event is Friday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 11 in a 10-acre hayfield at 1002 Valleyview Road in Whitewater Region township. It is only for those 19 years old and older.
On Aug. 10, the gates open at 10 a.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. On Aug. 11, the gates open at 9 a.m. and music begins at 3 p.m. Everything shuts down at 12:30 a.m.
The cost is $35/day or $65 for a weekend pass. Mr. Graham noted there is rough camping – no RVs will be allowed. There will be food vendors, wash stations and porta-potties.
There will be no fires allowed, even if the ban has been lifted, he said. However, propane barbeques and camping stoves will be allowed.
This music fest follows on the heels of the discontinued SabStock, which took place for the last time in 2015, following the death of its organizer, Peter Sabourin.
“It was a big music festival,” Mr. Graham said. “Sab would bring in young, local bands and fair circuit bands and give them a stage to play on.
“Working for him inspired me to do this.”
This is an opportunity that will benefit the local artists in the area, Mr. Graham said.
The headliner for Friday night is Underclass Heroes from Eganville, while Saturday’s headliner is Little Bones, which is a Tragically Hip Tribute Band.
Mr. Graham noted it’s not expected the event will make a profit, but if there is one, until it is really successful, all of it will go back into for the following year’s event.
“I’d like to see this festival grow, so that it’s still going in 20 years,” Mr. Graham said.
There are only 250 tickets available and they can be purchased at Kenny’s Store in Westmeath; Studio 646 Hair Design in Cobden, Bob’s Music in Renfrew and online at nothingbutgracefest.com
Council approves festival
Mr. Graham asked Whitewater Region council to approve the event as a community event of municipal significance so liquor could be sold.
Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay told council at its meeting last night, that even though it was a private event last year, there were no complaints.
The property is zoned agriculture, but there is nothing in the permitted or not permitted uses that would speak to such an vent, CAO Tremblay said.
“We don’t have a major events bylaw on private property that would regulate this in any kind of way or require a permit or anything,” he said.
Councillor Cathy Regier is concerned with the event being held in a hayfield, with the concern of fire.
“A cigarette butt could set something off,” she said.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said when Sabstock was happening, a water truck would be used to keep the dust down in the area where the tenters were.
Councillor Chris Olmstead said, “This is the type of fantastic initiative in our community that we should be supporting. Just for people to enjoy the township and enjoy music fests and whatever else. This will probably bring people to the community.”
Council approved the request.
