The widespread cancellation of summer music festivals was one casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic that no doubt hit many members of B.C.'s music community, and music fans, hard.
That's why some of the province's festivals and artists are looking to bring performances to audiences' homes, instead.
Beginning Saturday with Surrey's FVDED in the Park and Vancouver's Indian Summer Festival, fans will be able to stream shows curated by many of B.C.'s most popular festivals, including Bass Coast and Fernie Stoke Fest throughout the summer.
Performers on the roster include B.C. up-and-comers like BBNO$, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, NuZi Collective and Old Soul Rebel, as well as renowned local artists like jazz-pop-soul musician Alex Cuba, Lightning Dust, Chin Injeti, and Shred Kelly. All shows will be funded by SoundON, and will be free to watch and stream at SoundON.ca
“Music has always been a nucleus for human beings to gather. And music has always healed and soothed us”, said Sirish Rao, artistic director of the Indian Summer Festival in a release. “SoundON gives me hope for BC’s music community, and that our creative voices will continue to have a stage.”
Built off funding from Creative BC, the Province of British Columbia, and Music BC, SoundON a B.C.-wide campaign and platform that aims to "celebrate B.C. musicians and raise funds for the recovery of our sector" by providing presenters and artists from across the province with direct support to help get back on their feet.
To that end, the livestreamed performances are also offering audiences the opportunity to give back to B.C.'s music industry, with donations helping to fund counselling services, financial assistance, and health and wellness programs, according to a release. (To contribute, visit: SoundON.ca/donate.)
“The need is still dire for our industry,” said Jarrett Martineau, the City of Vancouver's music planner in the release. “Live music venues, festivals, artists, and production crew want to get back to presenting music, and there is a critical need for mental health, counselling and emergency relief resources for musicians and workers impacted by COVID-19.”
While SoundOn plans to announce more festivals and performances in the coming months, here's a full list of the concerts that comprise its initial lineup:
- July 18 - BBNO$, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, The Funk Hunters + more - FVDED (Vancouver)
- July 18 - Chin Injeti, Lil India, Horsepowar + more: Indian Summer Festival (Vancouver)
- July 23 - Makadi, Iamtheliving, & Una Mey: Let’s Hear It! Live (Vancouver)
- July 24 - Lightning Dust w/ Audio Osmosis: Eventide Music Series (Victoria)
- July 24 - Black Space Jam: Afro Van Connect (Vancouver)
- July 24 - Lola Parks at Virtual Feast (Vancouver)
- July 26 - Khotin & Michelle Helene Mackenzie: New Forms Festival (Vancouver)
- July 31 - Symphonic Pride: Vancouver Pride x VSO (Vancouver)
- August - Alex Cuba, Elijah Quinn + more: Midsummer Music Festival (Smithers)
- August - Young Dene, Crystal Precious, Smalltown DJs + more: Bass Coast (Merritt)
- August - Shred Kelly, The Parsons + more: Fernie Stoke Fest (Fernie)
- August - Radio Cascadia and Kerri Coombs - Islands Celtic Festival (Vancouver)
