That Eric Alper

Riverfest Elora, the town’s annual celebration of community and music, was founded in 2009 by
artist Marilyn Koop. The festival, which was initially held as a fundraiser on the grounds of the Elora Centre of the Arts, has moved across to street to its new home at the picturesque Bissell Park, on the banks of the Grand River. Now in its fifth year, Riverfest Elora has brought an array of musicians to the small village, including Cuff the Duke (2012), The Wooden Sky (2012), Rawlins Cross (2009), Prairie Oyster (2010), Dala (2010) and Danny Michel (2011). Riverfest founder Marilyn Koop passed away in
April 2012. The festival continues for its fifth year in 2013 in her memory.

Eclectic indie rockers Born Ruffians, legendary Celtic fiddler Ashley MacIsaac and experimental pop star Rich Aucoin will headline the 2013 edition of Riverfest Elora, Saturday, August 17th 2013. Elora’s annual celebration of music and community returns to the picturesque Bissell Park for its fifth year.

This year’s line-up includes one of Canada’s most exciting indie bands, Born Ruffians. The Toronto-based band has spent the past year touring in support of their third studio album, Birthmarks. Their unique blend of pop/indie rock and their stunning ability to craft an infectious piece of music has earned the band worldwide acclaim.

Also joining the Riverfest lineup is renowned Cape Breton fiddler, pianist and step dancer Ashley MacIsaac. MacIsaac’s music combines traditional Cape Breton style with a new age rock, hip-hop and roots influence. MacIsaac made himself a household name with the release of his 1995 album, Hi, How Are You Today?. He has since sold over half a million records.

Rounding out the headliners is Halifax experimental pop superstar Rich Aucoin. Aucoin has spent the past year bringing his legendary live show to festivals around the globe. The typical Rich
Aucoin show includes a mosh-pit under a giant multi-coloured parachute, a surfboard which Aucoin uses
to “crowd surf” and interactive video projections.

The afternoon of the festival will spotlight the talents of the local music community. This includes performances from the renowned sessional guitarist Kevin Breit, who will be joined by the Upper York Mandolin Orchestra, Guelph-based folk band Lowlands, songstress Alanna Gurr, alterna- funk collective The Boo Radley Project and Elora-based rockers The Shawn Connerys.

Riverfest Elora is an all-ages licensed event. Wine, beer and food will be available for sale, provided by local restaurants and shops. Lawn chairs and blankets are highly encouraged.

Tickets for Riverfest are $40 in advance or $45 at the door, free for children under 12. Tickets are now on sale. They are available for purchase online at riverfestelora.com and in-person at the Shepherd’s Pub and Box Social in Elora, the General Store in Fergus, and The Cornerstone in Guelph.

Doors open at 2PM, with local music kicking off at 3PM, rain or shine.

Riverfest Elora is the town’s annual celebration of community and music. The festival was founded by Elora artist Marilyn Koop in 2009. Koop passed away last year and the festival continues in her memory. For the latest updates, visit riverfestelora.com or become a fan of Riverfest on Facebook (facebook.com/riverfestelora) and Twitter (twitter.com/riverfestelora).