Summer Kickoff Music Festival

Born and raised in Kingston, music has been a guiding force in Courtney’s life for as long as she can remember. She has been studying and playing music from the time she was 5 and started taking piano lessons. She began teaching herself guitar when she received her first one for Christmas at the age of 12. She has been writing songs and performing in and around Kingston and southeastern Ontario at bars, pubs, open mics, karaoke contests, jamborees, and writers’ rounds since she was 18; and even got the chance to sing backstage with James Barker Band at the former Leon’s Centre in 2022. She has made several trips to Nashville in the last two years and has even performed one of her original songs at the iconic Bluebird Cafe. Her shows include something for everyone. From Loretta Lynn to Shania Twain; from Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood; from Taylor Swift to Megan Moroney and Kelsea Ballerini; Courtney always makes it her goal that everyone hears something that they can sing along to. She also features her original songs sprinkled in throughout her set and is currently writing and recording her first singles off her debut EP, and is very excited for more big things to come as continues to make bigger strides in her career. 

Where to find Courtney:

• Instagram - @courtneykane.music
• TikTok - @courtneykanemusic 

The Goodnight Irenes are a folk trio formed in Kingston, Ontario in 2016 featuring Al Duquette, Jon McLurg, and Chris Morris. Three singers, two guitars, one fiddle, and nearly 1000 songs! Traditional folk, blues, classic country, bluegrass, Western swing, Cajun music, fiddlin’ tunes … no rules, no limits, no setlists!

Where to find The Goodnight Irenes:

• Website: www.thegoodnightirenes.ca
• Facebook: @TheGoodnightIrenes

Dr. Bombay is a dynamic five-piece classic rock band based in Eastern Ontario. Dr. Bombay delivers energetic performances of danceable covers from the late '60s onward. Known for engaging crowds at festivals, parties, weddings, and corporate events, Dr. Bombay's diverse repertoire of timeless classics ensures a memorable experience for all attendees.

Where to find Dr. Bombay:

• Facebook: @Dr.BombayBand

Remember when music grabbed you by the ears, lifted you up, reached straight into your chest and stole your heart? Dead Root Revival is on a quest to capture those unexplainable, otherworldly, soul-invigorating moments. The spirit of the Blues, the gritty inspiration of the farmhouse jam, the sheer brilliant power of guitar-driven classic rock. Dead Root Revival is not a straight-up Blues outfit, nor are they just another Rock band. The band draws from many corners of the musical spectrum, and sometimes shifts between these influences mid-song. One thing you can count on: a DRR concert is a variety of music and moods, shifts in tempo, and a sweeping use of dynamic range, resulting in a powerful concert experience. At the heart of the band is veteran singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Savage. Many who know Savage for his more folk-oriented output, are genuinely floored by the ferocity with which he attacks the strings of his signature Gibson Nighthawk. Joined by the virtuosic Tony Silvestri on keys, and anchored by the rock-solid rhythm section of Bonz Bowering (drums) and Richard Piche (bass), this is Rock and Roll of the highest order. Forever evolving and pushing the limits of their music, no show is exactly alike, as DRR takes the audience to the edge of the track with them, without ever quite falling off the rails. 

It's rough. It's raw. It's powerful. It's Dead Root Revival. 

Where to find Dead Root Revival:

• Website: www.deadrootrevival.ca
• Facebook: @DeadRootRevival

Since their initial forming in 2007, R-Banned has been continually expanding its horizons, playing local legions, hotels, boat cruises and a variety of events and venues. 

Their focus is on having fun, which, so far, has had the effect of spilling over into the audience. All band members were good friends previously. Playing music has tightened that bond. They tend to practice once a week and it's rare that anyone ever misses a session - not because it's required, but more because they all enjoy it so much.

Where to find R-Banned:

• Facebook: @R-Banned

What happens when you have a great idea and can't shake it? You make it happen. Hard Way Cider Co. started with the notion that we could produce a cider where we controlled the process, from the ground to the glass. Using age-old artisan techniques, a unique selection of Ontario apples, and oak barrels from some of the best distilleries and wineries across North America, we came up with exceptionally dry, wonderfully flavourful ciders, unlike any other cider on the market. We live on the edge, we are uncompromising in our goal to be different, to be relevant and strive to find ways to get that into our products and into your hands. Keep you eyes peeled for Hard Way Cider Co., we will be your cider of choice, we believe in our product and so will you!

www.hardwaycider.com

Harrowsmith Brewing Co. proudly serves the rural community. You won't want to muss their handcrafted Spikes Corners IPA, Level Lager, and Heritage 1909 Wheat Beer.

www.harrowsmithbrewing.com

Kick & Push Brewing Co. is located in the heart of Frontenac County in Sharbot Lake. Sharbot Lake is a picturesque village and home to lakes and trees, some of Ontario's most beautiful cottage country, a growing 'foodie' scene... and great beer!

kapbrewing.ca

The Local Brewery is hand crafted with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. They are a microbrewery in Sharbot Lake, serving up their specialty Hinch 1963 Lager.

Facebook: @TheLocalBrewer

A one-of-a-kind, gourmet shaved ice experience.

They're mobile. They're fun. They're stocked with the most delicious flavours you've ever tasted. Need of moment of pure bliss? Kona Ice has you covered. Let their sweet tunes sweep you away to an island in the middle of an ocean. And while you're there, kick up you feet and enjoy a nice cup of their premium shaved ice.

www.kona-ice.ca

Authentic handmade pierogi with a choice of tasty fillings in a soft dough; most ingredients are locally sourced and top quality. You wont want to miss out on getting fresh perogies at the Music Festival.

Facebook: Barb's Handmade Pierogi

The famous single serve cheesecakes in a jar will be at the event to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Owner and founder Stephanie Newman has always enjoyed making and bringing cheesecake to most social events and has a true passion for creating the unthinkable. She has also always been the one to complain about not enough of this or that on a desert. Giving her customers freedom to create exactly what they want with a delicious cheesecake base is so much fun!

Then one day while looking at a mason jar on her counter Stephanie thought, can I bake in that? From there Baked Cheesecakes In A Jar were born! And the ideas keep rolling in for new ways to eat cheesecake.

thecheesecakerybakery

You can't have a music festival without some popcorn and cotton candy. Be sure to check out the Not So Amateur Amateurs concession stand and stock up on some goodies to munch on during the show!

www.nsaatheatre.com

With their 14 foot custom made smoker, they are bringing you the best smoked meat! For the Music Festival, they'll be serving up delishous mains and paired with perfect sides - You wont leave hungry.

Facebook: @MoreSmoke

Otter Creek Kitchen and it's culinary team pride themselves on creating an unforgettable and delicious experiences for you.

They're privileged to showcase the delectable Otter Creek Farms full blood Wagyu Beef that is born and raised here in Kingston, only 5km away from the Kitchen.

They look forward to introducing or reuniting your palate with these exemplary flavours. They also showcase other local and seasonal offerings that combat your cravings in a crescendo of culinary culminations, conspired by creative communal collaboration with other local farms and providers.

Chefs François Drolet, William Arnaud & the culinary team at Otter Creek Kitchen are looking forward to handling your appetite and delighting your tastebuds.

www.ottercreekkitchen.ca 

Inspired by the love of good food.

At The Paper Plate, they're passionate about bringing fresh, local flavors to the South Frontenac region. As a husband and wife team, they're dedicated to serving up delicious plates that are inspired by the love of food.

Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, they've got something for everyone!

www.thepaperplatefood.com

JP Weirdoughs is a family run business in Sydenham. Having left a career as a chef 25 years ago for a career in the Canadian Armed Forces, they are now going back to their roots and have opened up an amazing wood fire pizza truck in order to make rustic, hand-made, homemade pizzas using as many local ingredients as possible. While we do take the quality and craft of our pizzas very seriously, we like to offer things in unconventional ways. We want our customers to walk away blown away by our interesting and unique pizza combinations. We want to serve you a pizza like you've never had before and that will leave you thinking about it for days.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Facebook: @JPWeirdoughs 

Yo-Yo Dave is a talented entertainer based in Kingston, Ontario. He wears many hats, including being a juggler, a balloon artist, and a comedy magician for young children!

You can catch him at the Music Festival on and around the kids stage where he is sure to bring joy to the crowd with his lively performances.

Facebook: @Yo-YoDave

Our good friends at Kingston Frontenac Public Library will be hitting the kids stage throughout the evening for songs and stories about music! They will also be playing some giant yard games for our busy bodies. Be sure to stop by to say hi and take in a story or two.

www.kfpl.ca 

RFCS will be joining us in the Kids Zone from their Youth Program and EarlyON, ensuring there is something for everyone! 

www.rfcs.ca 

The Not So Amateur Amateurs will be with us featuring their famous inflatable games and face painting! You won't want to miss it!

www.nsaatheatre.com 

Yes! Please bring cash. Some vendors may accept cards, but cash is highly recommended. And while there is no cost for admission, donations will be gratefully accepted. 

You can't bring any alcohol!  

We have local craft beer vendors on site at the event and non-alcoholic drink vendors as well. Outside alcohol will not be permitted on-site.

The Utilities Kingston Water Buggy will also be on site, don't forget your refillable water bottle! 

Great question! You should plan on relaxing, connecting with friends and neighbours and staying a while. Some things you may find handy at the event include:

• Cash!
• Chair or picnic blanket
• Any weather related clothing (i.e. sunscreen if its sunny, rain coat if its not)
• Toe-tapping shoes
• A refillable water bottle

YES! We always need volunteers. If you are willing to help out for a few hours, we would love to have you.

Volunteers will get an event t-shirt (who doesn't love a good, free t-shirt?), as well as a meal voucher to use at the event as a small token of appreciation. If you are willing and able to help out, please email us today!