FEST FORWARD, the Charlotte Street Art Centre’s Incubator Festival is returning for another year, and taking a fresh batch of fledgling musicians under their wing. Today the festival announced their participating bands and musicians, along with their special guests for 2019.
As they’ve done in past years, the festival asked that bands submit an online application, which then underwent a thorough scrutinizing, sorting, and selecting with the successful candidates receiving a thorough going-over and propping-up.
“We as a jury reviewed all of the applications with the lens of ‘is this band ready to take themselves to the next level’,” says festival director Eva George. “Also, we want to curate a show that folks want to come out to see so that plays a part as well.”
Past successful participants of FEST FORWARD include The Tortoise, The Hare & The Millionaire, Motherhood, Jerry-Faye, Wangled Teb, Den Mother, and Shrimp Ring.
“All have gone onto do some neat stuff,” says George.
This year the festival line-up includes Arma Epifania, Chris Meaney, Colourful Language, Go, Homeboy!, M3D14, Matt Boudreau, MAZK, Rey D, Tooth & Fang along with special guests Mike Trask and Bleum.
“I am really excited about all of the acts that were juried by local industry heroes and festival partners,” says George.
The festival no only prepares artists for presentation to other local festivals and promoters, but actively works with them to make those first introductions easier.
“As per usual, we are offering all of our performers festival slots during the 2020 festival season. We have new partnerships this year with Area 506, The Larlee Creek Hullabaloo and Dooryard Music Festival. Our returning partners are Shivering Songs, FLOURISH, Living Roots, Quality Block Party, Folly Fest and Parkindale Productions.
“We also have workshops planned with Music NB, Kate Butler from She Said Feck! as well as a professional photoshoot and video for each band. The idea is that by the end of the weekend they will have the tools necessary to take them to the next level of their career: press photos, one sheet and video to send to festivals and promotors.”
FEST FORWARD takes place at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick from November 15th to 16th, 2019. Weekend passes are $20 and can be purchased online.