If you appreciate good live music that creates an emotional connection with the crowd, then head to Downtown Orillia on April 26th and 27th for the Roots North Music Festival.

This year marks the 5th annual Roots North Festival, which will be taking place at St. Paul’s Centre. There are three performances scheduled for each evening. Attendees will get to sit back in the comfortable and beautifully restored theatre to enjoy “roots music,” which is described as music that comes from a place of honest expression. The festival aims to bring together talented performers from a variety of different genres.

Doors to the St. Paul’s Centre will open at 6 pm on both nights of the festival for a free art market that anyone can attend. The Roots North Music Festival art market is a great place to pick up festival memorabilia and merchandise from the festival’s performing artists. Guests will have a chance to explore the art market between performances and during intermissions.

Entry to the stage area requires a $45 weekend pass, which is valid for all main stage performances. The first performance on both Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 pm, followed by performances at 8 pm and 9:15 pm. Here is the Roots North Music Festival 2019 lineup:

Friday, 7 pm – Ariana Gillis

Known for her distinctive voice and masterful lyricism, Ariana Gillis is a singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario. Gillis released her debut album when she was just 18 years old and went on to win the 2009 Niagara Music Award for Songwriter of the Year.

Friday, 8 pm – Rose Cousins

Rose Cousins is an award-winning artist from Halifax whose music has appeared on several TV shows. She was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 2018 Juno Awards and Album of the Year at the 2018 Grammys.

Friday, 9:15 pm – Ron Sexsmith

Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith was only 17 when he started playing live shows in his hometown of St. Catharines. A talented performer, Sexsmith has received accolades from the likes of Elvis Costello, John Hiatt, and Paul McCartney.

Saturday, 7 pm – VK

Hailing from Orillia, VK is a singer-songwriting duo consisting of Steve and Marni Van Kessel. True performance artists, the pair were nominated for Blues and Roots Radio Song of the Year and Album of the Year in 2018.

Saturday, 8 pm – Alysha Brilla

Alysha Brilla is a folk/jazz songwriter and music producer known for her spiritually and philosophically informed lyrics. She has performed across Canada and all around the world, including Australia, Chile, Tanzania, and Singapore.

Saturday, 9:15 pm – The Weather Station

Fronted by singer-songwriter Tamara Lindeman, The Weather Station is a folk music band from Toronto. Lindeman has garnered significant recognition for her rich, metaphorical lyricism and intricate yet elegant songcraft.

In addition to the main ticketed performances at St. Paul’s Centre, there will be a number of restaurants and shops along and near Mississauga Street offering free live shows during the Roots North Music Festival. Performance venues include: The Eclectic Cafe, Bakes By The Lake, Brewery Bay, Apple Annie’s Cafe, Nourish Yoga Studio, Alleycats Music & Art, Mark IV Brothers, Harold + Ferne: The Local Goods Co., Hog N’ Penny, The Brownstone Cafe, and Orillia Farmers’ Market.

The Roots North Music Festival is a great opportunity to check out historic Downtown Orillia. In addition to the festival activities, there will be plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options to keep you busy.