Live on the Waterfront
Live on the Waterfront is back with regular in-person programming every Wednesday from July 13 to Aug. 31, 2022.
Wednesday July 13, 6-9 pm: Mood Indigo, Danielle Pollari, Cris Derksen |
Mood Indigo
With founding member Dr Mark Thibert at the helm on saxophone, along with Glenn Jennings on the keys, and vocalist Anna Torontow, they make music every week in the form of livestreams for their Facebook followers, live shows or just jamming together to keep their craft strong. During these difficult couple of years, Mood Indigo has wanted to support their community by sharing their music in support of local organizations and charities to help us all recover from COVID more quickly!
Danielle Pollari
Cris Derksen Juno nominated Cris Derksen, originally from Northern Alberta, Canada, is an internationally respected Indigenous cellist and composer. Derksen braids the traditional and contemporary, weaving her classical background and her Indigenous ancestry together with new school electronics to create genre-defying music.
2021 commissions include pieces for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Ottawa's Chamberfest, the City of Toronto, Edmonton New Music, the Edmonton Symphony with support from the National Arts Centre, Vancouver's Blueridge Chamber Festival, Vancouver Transform Cabaret, and a 4-part docuseries for the Knowledge Network. A new album of Cris Derksen’s works will be released in 2022.
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Wednesday July 20, 6-9 pm: Sean Skiez, Tin Pan Alley, Honest Heart Collective |
Sean Skiez Sean Skiez, also known as Sean Morriseau, is an Indigenous/Canadian artist. His music is best described as diverse and relatable. From Thunder Bay, Ontario and Fort William First Nation, he strives to chase his dream and one day give back to his communities. Follow Sean Skiez on all platforms @ iamseanskiez.
Tin Pan Alley
Honest Heart Collective Collectors gather stones to display on shelves. Musicians accumulate experiences and stories they save for the perfect song. The Honest Heart Collective is a sill emblazoned with captivating shapes and sounds: the space between a promise and pain. Rooted in Thunder Bay, Canada, they build earnest and urgent songs with the tools they’ve gathered over time. Their music roars like the electricity of a rock show in the 60’s colliding head on with melody driven, dirt stained indie and revivalist emo. They exist at the intersection of old and new, exploring the spirited cracks between.
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Wednesday July 27, 6-9 pm: Asham Stompers, B the Wiz, MONOWHALES |
Asham Stompers The Asham Stompers are a very high-energy Metis dance group whose mission is: ”To help recapture and preserve the history of the Metis people through the dancing of the RED RIVER JIG which was invented at the Forks of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in the early 1800's to attract the fur traders into the first Metis Colony to trade furs." Our purpose is “to help bring hope to the children in our communities struggling with low self-esteem.” The Asham Stompers are accompanied by Live Power Fiddler Shawn Mousseau. B the Wiz
Performing and organizing his first live show in 2015 through the help of his mentor Zach Tilson, over the years he has been making music, granting him a means of self expression while the shows have provided him an avenue to present his music. Since beginning to work on his craft, Brandon has found music to be beneficial for his mental health & an instrumental tool in combating depression and anxiety. These factors are shown prevalently through Brandon's writing style - Brandon creates music which has prominent and powerful lyrics - oftentimes discussing themes such as spiritual awakening, finding of purpose, growth and development & staying true to one’s sense of self. Brandon has performed over 70 shows, has performed for audiences at festivals and concert events as large as 300 + & continues to work towards working with peers, collaborating & developing material.
MONOWHALES Launched in 2017, JUNO Award-winning alternative rockers MONOWHALES have put a new lease on the alt rock genre and established themselves as one of the most exciting new bands in Canada. With multiple Top 10 singles, millions of streams, and countless shows played across Canada (including support slots for K.Flay, DFA 1979, Sloan, and Marianas Trench), MONOWHALES have earned a special place in the hearts and minds of fans across the country. Their brand of powerful, hook-laden rock takes flight with singer Sally Shaar at the helm, propelling the band into the mainstream with a near constant string of top charting singles. Their 2019 breakout single “RWLYD (Really Wanna Let You Down)” made history as MONOWHALES became the only independent, self-managed band to chart at #2 on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart. Despite a global pandemic, MONOWHALES plowed ahead with the release of singles “All or Nothing” and “Out With the Old”. Each reached the Top 10 and culminated in the release of their debut album “Daytona Bleach”, arriving on March 5, 2021. “Daytona Bleach” was welcomed with enormous support on streaming platforms, as well as a physical release through the band’s own label TRUE Records, which has since inked a distributed label deal with Warner Music Canada. MONOWHALES’ new single “CTRL^^^”, the first off their highly anticipated, Dave Schiffman (Vampire Weekend, Pup) produced new album “Tunnel Vision”, dropped in February 2022. CTRL^^^ has already reached #8 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart in Canada and shows no signs of slowing down. MONOWHALES were awarded the JUNO Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year at the 51st JUNO Awards in 2022 and have just completed a national tour supporting Canadian alt rock mainstays Mother Mother. |
Wednesday Aug. 3, 6-9 pm: Connor Loughlin, JC Campbell, New Friends |
Forged by the icy shores of Lake Superior, Connor Loughlin's music harkens back to the days of old in Scotland and Ireland. The events, rebellions, and misfortunes of the Gaelic speaking peoples have shaped the music from the British Isles. The longing for home is a feeling shared by many cultures who have been displaced from their homeland and Connor’s stories remind us that our histories and cultures shape who we are today whether we know it or not. His songs tell the stories of generations before us while being played on a variety of folk instruments including guitar, bouzouki, and mandolin. Connor draws influences from artists like Andy Irvine, Daoirí Farrell, and the Dubliners; as well as the multitude of traditional songs passed down through generations.
JC Campbell With three albums now under his belt, Winnipeg, Manitoba-born JC Campbell has hit his stride with his new release, Lately, a seven-song collection that brings together all of his influences, while offering powerful messages of hope in dark times.
Campbell began writing songs as a teenager on a guitar with a bowed nick given to him by his mother, which eventually led him to work with Winnipeg producer/guitarist Murray Pulver (Crash Test Dummies, Doc Walker). Songs they recorded together soon made lasting impressions on the National Indigenous Music countdown and were added to regular rotation on Sirius XM. Now with Lately, JC Campbell is poised to transcend any specific labels that may have previously been attached to his music, and stake his rightful claim within the worlds of Americana and roots rock.
New Friends
When Stefan Boulineau, Ayden Miller, Cole Wilson and Conrad Galecki crossed paths as music students in late 2018, the group clicked instantly and began working on demos in dorm rooms in London, Ontario. It didn’t take long until their hook-filled debut single, Purple Candy was out in the world. Reaching over 3.5 million streams on Spotify and climbing. They were recently announced winners of the "It's Your Shot" contest in Canada worth $100,000 in Artist Development. With a charismatic frontman in Boulineau who displays dreamy originality in his voice, metaphorical yet relatable lyrics from Miller, rich guitar melodies from Wilson, and production magic + class writing from Galecki, New Friends is rapidly becoming a recognized sound around the world. |
Wednesday Aug. 10, 6-9 pm: Aerialists, Lockyer Boys, Sacha |
Aerialists JUNO-nominated neo-folk group Aerialists take a distinctive hybrid approach to folk tradition, combining deep roots in Scottish Gaelic, Norwegian, and Irish folk music with a unique post rock bent. Their third release, 2020's Dear Sienna, digs deeper into their singular prog-trad sound, inviting collaborators from Brooklyn to Gothenburg, and taking home a Canadian Folk Music Award for Pushing The Boundaries. Aerialists are ethereal yet precise, technical yet visceral, and every song feels like a new beginning. With Dear Sienna, the band has created a love letter to those who have come before us, and those who will come after.
Lockyer Boys
Entertaining crowds with stage presence far beyond their years made them an immediate show stopper at festivals, concerts, and event openers. They have played alongside many accomplished artists such as JUNO Award winning Eagle & Hawk, Coney Hatch, Chase the Bear, and more.
Sacha
Featured in major television, print and online press including CMT, Music Row Magazine, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone Country, Billboard and The Boot, SACHA has also appeared on A-list editorial playlists (U.S. and Canadian) on Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. A Country Music Awards of Ontario Rising Star nominee (2021), SACHA was the winner of The Next Country Music Star (2016) and has had three of her music videos appear on CMT (“Cheers,” “Standards” and “What The Truck”). She’ll be heading out on the road across the US in 2022 with Maddie and Tae on the CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour. |
Wednesday Aug. 17, 1-3 pm (children's matinee): Story Time with Thunder Bay Drag Queens, Maestro Fresh Wes – Young Maestro |
Story Time with the Thunder Bay Drag Queens
Maestro Fresh Wes – Young Maestro Wes “Maestro” Williams is a Juno Award-winning Hip Hop artist, Tedx Presenter and a Gemini Award-nominated actor. In 2019 he became the first Hip Hop artist inducted into the Canadian Song Writer’s Hall Of Fame and his albums have reached gold and platinum status. Released under the pseudonym of Maestro Fresh Wes, his debut album Symphony In Effect was the first Canadian Rap album to reach gold and platinum certification. As an actor, Wes has been in several film and television productions including 8 seasons on CBC’s award winning sitcom Mr.D where he played the role of teacher/ vice-principal Paul Dwyer. His first book, STICK TO YOUR VISION: How to Get Past the Hurdles and Haters to Get Where You Want to Be, was the recipient of the 2011 White Pine Literary Award and was also implemented in the curriculum of the Adult Learning Program at Nova Scotia Community College. Not only was the book mandatory reading for grade 10 students, but Wes also received an honorary diploma at the NSCC’s Akerley Campus for his contribution to the Province of Nova Scotia. He has been a guest speaker for the Governor-General of Canada’s Urban Arts Forum and has also participated in round table discussions on Parliament Hill regarding the subject of race relations. He supports several charitable organizations like Special Olympics, Covenant House, Battered Women’s Support Services and The African Aids Society. This is his second book.
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Wednesday Aug. 17, 6-9 pm: Chris Talarico, Jean Paul De Roover, Haviah Mighty |
Chris Talarico
Jean-Paul De Roover
Haviah Mighty
Based out of Brampton via Toronto, Haviah has spent a lifetime developing her skills as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and performer, culminating in a style of profound introspection and incisive socio-political critique. Her dynamic combinations of rap, song, and instrumental transition seamlessly from hip-hop to soul to afrobeats with a meticulous flow and cadence that transcends any traditional expectation of genre. 2019 saw Haviah earn break-out success with her album, 13th Floor, making her the first hip-hop artist and the first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize, celebrating the “Best Canadian Album of the Year” - but Mighty didn’t stop there. With her JUNO Award-winning mixtape, Stock Exchange (Nov. 2021), Haviah made history once again as the first woman to ever win within the Rap Album of the Year category. Recognition has spread internationally, garnering praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, GRM Daily, FADER, Hot New Hip Hop, and so many more. From performance invitations by massive European tastemaker, COLORSxSTUDIOS, to BBC 1’s Jack Saunders proclaiming “I just cannot find anything as good as Haviah Mighty”, to crushing the 5 Fingers of Death on the legendary show, Sway in the Morning - Haviah Mighty is unstoppable. Mighty pushes forward continuing to carve out spaces that boldly defy gendered expectations for women in hiphop. Unyielding and irresistible – Haviah Mighty will be heard.
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Wednesday Aug. 24, 6-9 pm: KUTCH (featuring members of the TBSO), Goodnight Sunrise, Bran Van 3000 |
Local Colin Kutchyera (KUTCH) brings his unique full band electropop experience back to Live on the Waterfront, along with a special guest string quartet featuring members of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO).
Goodnight Sunrise
Bran Van 3000 In celebration of Bran Van 3000's 25th anniversary, "The Deer and The Bunny" will venture from the garden out onto the road to bring their eclectic mix of rock & roll minded dancing to say thank you for a quarter century of love and support to BV3 fans around the world. With James "The Bran Man" Di Salvio and Kwansa Shelley, who has been recording and singing with the crew since 2007's "Rose", sharing the storytelling, a night of gleeful grooving is in the mix to toast the continuation of the Soundsystem. There have been a lot of chapters, styles and episodes over the years, but one thing is still consistent. A BV3 party is a love thing ... |
Wednesday Aug. 31, 7-10 pm: EDLA, Tim Albertson, Fake Shark & a fireworks display! |
7:00 PM - EDLA
EDLA is all about the new stuff you are hearing at the club or on the radio. The classics aren’t ignored either. You can expect a well-rounded mix of pop, rock and DANCE music performed with exceptional precision and enchanting harmonies. EDLA has performed sold-out shows that include a theatre musical tribute to world renowned rock band, Queen, exceptional tribute show to the queen of pop, Lady Gaga and the critically received Pop Divas show in Canada and the US.
Tim Albertson is a Canadian Country singer who brings a pop touch to his rock sound. He’s a Thunder Bay, Ontario native now, but he attributes his country background to growing up in Dorion, Ontario. His Newest Single "Spin That Bottle" is available on all major streaming platforms as well as Canadian Country Radio including Thunder Bay's Country105.
9:00 PM Fake Shark
In fact, "Time for the Future" successfully straddles several balances beyond fresh and familiar. Thanks to the clever lyricism laced throughout the monster hooks, it’s universally appealing and individually relatable all at once. Immediately sticky but teeming with substance. Dance-inducing but still cerebral. With virtually no limits on the instrumentation or stylistic intricacies, Fake Shark can incorporate to make something stunning, the constant at the core of their output is the idiosyncratic, simply inescapable vocal hooks. In the vein of other boundary-bending pop innovators like Prince, No Doubt, Solange, or Blood Orange, no two Fake Shark albums are alike, yet all are instantly recognizable as their own.
Following the final performance, enjoy a fireworks display at Marina Park!
Parking in Marina Park will be restricted on Wednesday, August 31. The Camelot Street, Lakeside and Overpass parking lots will be closed, starting at 8:00 am. Parking will be available in the Market Lot, following the three hour restriction, until 5:00 pm. The public boat launch and parking spots along Sleeping Giant Parkway will not be available after 7:00 pm. There is limited accessible parking spots available and must be reserved in advance by calling 807-684-3844.
Questions? Email culture@thunderbay.ca |
Award-Winning Festival
Thousands of events are held every year in Ontario but only a select few are named to the 'Top 100 Ontario Festivals' list. Live on the Waterfront has been named to this prestigious list three times - most recently in 2020. Live on the Waterfront has also won Best New Festival/Event Achievement Award in 2018, Best Promotional Campaign Achievement Award in 2019 and Sponsor of the Year Achievement Awards in 2017 and 2019!
2022 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: Ontario Power Generation
Volunteer Program Sponsor: Giant Tiger
Signature Sponsors: 99.9 The Bay, Country 105, ROCK 94, 91.5 CKPR, CFNO
Patron Sponsors: Impala Canada, Birch Point Dental
Contributing Sponsors: Club culturel francophone de Thunder Bay, Breakwater Events, The Waterfront District BIA
Funding provided by the Government of Ontario
Make an impact in our community - consider sponsoring the region's most popular and well-attended special events. If your company is interested in participating as a sponsor for this award-winning event, contact email our Cultural Development & Events Supervisor or call 807-628-5250.
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