Familiar faces will join up-and-comers opening for big name musicians on rural stages during the Ontario Festival of Small Halls this fall.
After announcing the 2017 fall headliners earlier this summer, the community opening acts are now finalized for almost all our shows, happening Sept. 14 to Oct. 1 in more than 30 cherished small halls across Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley.
From a father-daughter duo, to a singer-songwriter who has charted in the United States, this year’s opening acts are set to bring home the community vibe at the Festival performances.
Many of the small town venues on the schedule have played a role in launching local musicians over the years, giving them a chance to be heard while playing for community events at suppers, dances and celebrations.
To give an idea of the calibre of some of the openers, Sacha, who will be performing with The Abrams at Stonefields in Beckwith on Sept. 14 is already earning accolades in the country music industry. She kicked off the new year as an opener for Brett Kissel’s Ice Snow 30 Below Tour and was named 2016’s Next Country Music Star while being invited to play the Havelock Jamboree. Sacha was also chosen by the Country Music Association of Ontario to perform on the Artist Spotlight stage during the Lucknow Music in the Fields festival.
Click here to see the other confirmed local openers!
Read bios and hear music from both out headliners and opening musicians, here.
There are lots of fun events happening in our host communities this weekend! Discover these vibrant rural landscapes.
Celebrate the country in you – in Winchester! The 29th annual Dairyfest, is set for this Saturday, Aug. 12. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day, featuring a Dairy Dash, sidewalk sale, bouncy castles, a mechanical bull, and a movie under the stars. Get some great deals from our local merchants and vendors, try your hand at milking a cow, play some games, and make new friends. You won’t want to miss this! For more info click here.
The 179th Merrickville Agricultural Fair and steam show is set for Aug. 11 to 13 and allows guests to be a part if history at the fair and steam show. Activities will include a tractor pull, children’s activities, live entertainment, a midway, and agricultural demonstrations and contests. For more information visit here.
McDonald’s Corners Hilltop Jamboree will be held on Sunday, August 13 at the Agricultural Hall at 1:00 PM (doors open at 12:00 PM). The home-cooked style dinner starts at 5:00 PM. The cost: $15/adult and $8/child or student.
The Naismith 3-on-3 Basketball Festival in Almonte, the hometown of Dr. James Naismith inventor of basketball, is sure to be exciting on Aug. 12! The Naismith Basketball Association is proud to host its 25th annual event on the streets of Almonte, Ontario. This full-day streetball tournament will see prizes for top teams and most creative team uniform. See both female and male teams of all ages battle it out. The Dunk Contest and 3-point competition will be returning again this year! BBQ & refreshments are available on-site. Find more information here.