Taking place in a new 2019 location on a new date – June 21, 22 & 23, ArtsFest 2019 is expected attract 40,000 + people to the vibrant streets of Westdale Village, just west of downtown Hamilton. Musical performers announced this year present a diverse program of popular Canadian artists. Closing Saturday’s program is the David Clayton Thomas Band playing the biggest hits of Blood Sweat & Tears, and closing Sunday evening is The Last Waltz – Lance Andersen led band of notable musicians connected to and re-interpreting the music performed by The Band in the famous movie directed by Martin Scorsese.
Other musical highlights are acclaimed tenor John McDermott with folk duo Dala, and a program that features some of the best Blues musicians in North America: Steve Marriner’s All Star Blues Band, Sue Foley, Sass Jordan, Crystal Shawanda & Roxanne Potvin. Spouses, JazzFM91 hosts and songwriters to the stars Marc Jordan & Amy Sky make a rare appearance on stage together with a top jazz band led by Lou Pomanti, R&B powerhouse Dionne Taylor brings her hot band The Backsliderz, and Tri-Continental explores world music from three continents. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Brass Ensemble, Metis songwriter Amanda Rheaume, children’s entertainer Andy G and Bumbling Bert in the Family Zone, Big Rude Jake and many other local musicians on multiple stages establishes there is indeed something for everyone at ArtsFest.
Going into its 4th year, the festival is unique in Ontario. ArtsFest – The Festival…refined! has become a popular destination event for those whose preference for entertainment inclines towards the theatre, fine wines, original art, folk jazz blues and classical music. This year ArtsFest will feature four outdoor stages, over 50 artisan vendors, a makers zone where visual artists create new works on site, a family zone with children’s music entertainers, busker zone, and culinary arts, while the newly renovated Westdale Theatre will be presenting film screenings, the history of Chocolate, comedy acts, storytelling with the six minute memoir, live music of Sina Bathaie, and a TED Talks style ballroom dance workshop.
Produced by the not-for-profit organization Greater Hamilton Arts & Events as it’s signature event, ArtsFest is an arts & cultural festival designed to celebrate the arts in all its forms in multiple communities across greater Hamilton. The event embodies creating a social atmosphere with curated artisans and presentations of culturally diverse visual, dance and musical artists, appealing to wide audiences from young families to those 50 plus years of age.
Artisan vendors interested in participating in the festival, or businesses wishing to explore sponsorship and branding opportunities should visit www.ArtsFest.ca for more information on how to get involved.
