"WISH YOU WERE HERE" POSTCARD CONTEST - FINAL WINNER ANNOUNCED

 

The final winner of the Republic of SappyFest "Wish You Were Here" postcard contest has been announced. Congratulations to @candicecloutier (dice)! You've won two (2) full weekend passes to SappyFest XI on July 29-31.

Thanks to all past and present festival supporters for collecting and mailing postcards and thank you to our sponsors and partners for collaborating in bringing this project to life!

Check out all of the entries for #republicofsappyfest on Instagram.

Pick up your full weekend or day passes to SappyFest XI HERE.

COMEDY AND UNIVERSAL DAWN ADDED TO SAPPYFEST XI LINEUP

 
Kaleigh Trace

Kaleigh Trace

SappyFest XI is happy to announce more artists and performers to the already bustling lineup for the festival on July 29-31.

As in previous years, we're excited to bring together writers, poets and storytellers from across the country at the Universal Dawn literary event in honour of our late friend Dawn Wason. Hosted by Andrew Patterson and Geordie Miller and curated by Patterson, Universal Dawn at SappyFest XI is excited to welcome Erinn Beth Langille, Laura Legge, Tim Darcy and Patrick Kyle to the stages of the Vogue Cinema for an afternoon of intimate readings and performances on Sunday, July 31st at 12PM.

We're also excited to bring together some of the sharpest comedic minds in Canada to Sackville, NB with two comedy shows planned for SappyFest XI.

To kick off the fun ahead of the festival weekend, the Laugh Track Stars Showcase at Thunder & Lightning Ltd. on Friday, July 22nd will welcome the talents of Megan McDowell, Nolan Natasha and host Kaleigh Trace.

During the festival, you will be able to catch more laughs with the comedic talents of Flag on the Play, Kira Daube and more appearing throughout the weekend.

INTERVIEW - NICK EVERETT TAKES ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 
Photo: Lenny Mullins

Photo: Lenny Mullins

After the boys of GIRTH took on the questionnaire last week, our attention has turned to dear Nick Everett of the Halifax group Mauno for this week's Doiron Questionnaire, organized by Julie Doiron.

While all of our respondents have so far been quite creative, Nick decided to focus his energy by responding in photos to articulate what passed through his mind with each question.

Click on each of the thumbnails below to see what Nick said (or saw) for each question of the Doiron Questionnaire and be sure to tune into Sappy Radio this Friday at 12PM AST on CHMA 106.9FM to hear an interview with Nick by CKDU 88.1FM correspondent Stephen Chew.

SAPPYFEST XI SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN

 
Dario Ayala / The Gazzette

Dario Ayala / The Gazzette

HEY JABRONIS.

Think you have what it takes to perform at SappyFest XI? Well, now's your chance, so don't screw it up.

We're putting together the first annual Showcase Showdown Show at SappyFest XI and we want to give you a shot to join the ranks of Sappy stardom by performing on our hallowed stages.

The first three (3) artists to submit an application to submissions@sappyfest.com will be accepted into the SappyFest XI Showcase Showdown Show.

What we need from you:
- Artist information so we can confirm you're not a total jabroni.
- MP3 of recorded music so we know you don't sound like a total jabroni.
- Confirmation that you will be available between Friday, July 29 and Sunday, July 31 so you don't flake like a total jabroni.

You are responsible for getting yourself here. We'll have a limited selection of gear available, but you will need to bring your essentials. 

If you're in, we'll be in touch. If you're not, move quicker next time.

The Showcase Showdown Show is brought to you by Thunder & Lightning Ideas Ltd.

CROWN CAMPING ON KING STREET & SAPPY RIDESHARE

 

In partnership with Mount Allison University, we are happy to announce the return of Crown Camping on King Street for SappyFest XI on July 29-31.

Set up at the Mount Allison University parking lot on the corner of Main Street and King Street in Sackville, NB, just a short walk from the festival site on Bridge Street. This space is offered for festival attendees to find a place for rest during the festival weekend. The cost to rent a space for the entire weekend (July 29-31) is $40.00 per site. A limited number of spots are available, so please check out the full details and rules for Crown Camping on King Street and sign up HERE.

Making your travel plans or deciding last minute that you want to hop in a car to travel to SappyFest XI? Have no fear - we've organized a Rideshare group on Facebook so you can catch up with other festivalgoers and see who has an open spot heading to the fun. Make sure to add your friends so they can join in the conversation too!

SIGN UP FOR THE KIDS CORNER POWER JAM AT SAPPYFEST XI

 
Poster: Patrick Allaby

Poster: Patrick Allaby

Each summer, the next generation of musicians gather the week of SappyFest to learn, rehearse and rock out in the Kids Corner Power Jam.

KCPJ is back for SappyFest XI and will take place July 25th-29th from 9AM-12PM daily. The camp will take place in the Bill Johnstone Memorial Park Field House and campers between the ages of 8 and 14 will be able to sign up. 

Activities include forming bands, writing songs, makings t-shirts, creating posters, recording demos and performing LIVE on-stage at SappyFest XI under the guidance of local musicians and scenemakers. This year's camp will be facilitated by Banded Stilts and Heat Vision's Steve Haley.

To register or request additional info, please submit your name, contact info and participant(s) name(s) to submissions@sappyfest.com.

The Kids Corner Power Jam is proudly supported by the Sackville Rotary Club.

GREVILLE TAPES TAKE THE STAGE AT SAPPY XI

 

We are excited to announced that The Greville Tapes Music Club Revue will feature performances from all of the collaborators from the first session of the project. This means that you'll be able to catch Motherhood & Catriona Sturton, Julie Doiron & Nancy Pants, Little You, Little Me & Eamon McGrath and Jon McKiel and WHOOP-szo at SappyFest XI!

Today, SappyFest is premiering a video from The Greville Tapes Music Club that encapsulates the experiences of working, writing and recording in scenic Port Greville, NS at the home of Colleen Collins and David Trenaman of Construction & Destruction.

A special thank you to Peter Rowan, Penelope Stevens and everyone else involved from The Shifty Bits Cult and beyond for the production of this video.

INTERVIEW - GIRTH TAKE ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 

Like April of Hooded Fang before them, Sackville residents and Sappy XI performers Zack Bruce, James Gomori and Phil Legere of the band GIRTH took on this week's edition of The Doiron Questionnaire from guest contributor Julie Doiron.

Tune in below and find out about the band's love of shredding, suits and Partner's Dan Legere.

Favourite qualities in a bandmate?
Zack: "Not suggesting things be “more trapped out.” Or “sound huge.""

What is the principle vibe of your music?
Jamie: "It’s not rap-rock, but on paper it looks like it's rap-rock."

If you weren'’t in your band, who’'s band would you be in?
Jamie: "I would like to play bass in Rihanna’s band."

What defines a good bass line?
Phil: "Hit it on the ‘one’ and fit in as much as you can after that."

Your idea of the worst live show?
Jamie: "Phil wore a suit to our first show ever and played Primus covers before our set started."
Zack: "This was just after we told him we didn’t want to look like a joke band."

What talent would you sell your soul for?
Phil: "Town? I can’t hear you, I’m at the zoo. Did you say ‘what town’? Like Springhill?"

Your idea of the worst stage outfit?
Jamie: "A full suit."

What would make you quit a band?
Zack: "Nothing could make me quit a band. Once I join, I won’t quit no matter how much I hate it."

What would make you kick someone out of a tour van?
Zack: "I don’t think I would kick someone out of a van. I think I’d probably just complain about them after."

What are you afraid of?
Phil: "Sharks."

What quality as a musician do you most wish you had but don’'t?
Jamie: "Shredding. I can’t shred."
Phil: "I also wish I could shred."

Which musician, political figure or event of the past did the most damage to music (be gentle)?
Jamie: "Whatever led to nü-metal."

Which musician, political figure or event has done the most good?
Phil: "My brother and best friend, Dan Legere of the band Partner. He’s the leader of the band."

Would you rather a child, a dog, or a Toyota Privia?
Zack: "It would be nice to have a car."

Favourite small town other than Sackville?
Phil: "New Waterford, Cape Breton. That’s where my Dad’s from."

What is your motto?
Jamie: "Zack’s motto is whatever Eeyore says."

What do you wish everyone else’s motto was?
Jamie: "When in doubt, trap it out."
Zack: "Not that. Don’t put that."

Check out music from GIRTH on Soundcloud.

INTERVIEW - APRIL ALIERMO TAKES ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 
Photo Credit: Tanja-Tiziana via Now Toronto

Photo Credit: Tanja-Tiziana via Now Toronto

Last week, we had a chance to chat with April Aliermo and Daniel Lee of Hooded Fang and Phèdre on Sappy Radio. April was gracious enough to answer our new weekly feature known as The Doiron Questionnaire with guest interviewer and Sappy XI performer Julie Doiron. 

Julie organized a serious of thought-provoking questions to challenge the wits and desires of our dear Sappy XI performers, and April proved wildly successful as a respondent. Check out what she answered below:
 

APRIL ALIERMO (HOODED FANG, PHÈDRE)

Favourite qualities in a bandmate?
"Small, quiet and still, sort of like a garden gnome."

What is the principle vibe of your music?
"Dancing in dark dens."

If you weren't in your band, who's band would you be in?
"M.I.A.'s band"

What defines a good bass line?
"Depends on the song... sometime heart, sometimes sex, sometimes both."

What are the worst qualities of the best musicians?
"Large, loud and moving around all the time - sort of like a busy rush hour crowd."

What talent would you sell your soul for?
"Drumming and rapping at the same time."

Your idea of the best stage outfit?
"Yo, I wear it all the time, guy!"

Your idea of the worst stage outfit?
"I don't have an imagination for that kind of thing."

What would make you quit a band?
"If Daniel makes this terrible joke one more time..."

What would make you kick someone out of a tour van?
"Oh, it's happened... have you smelled Dan's farts?"

What are you afraid of?
"Capitalism, overcosumption and virtual reality."

What quality as a musician do you most wish you had, but don't?
"I wish I were as nuts as Iggy Pop."

Would you rather a child, a dog, or a Toyota Privia?
"Which one could I sell for the most money?"

Favourite small town other than Sackville?
"What? I thought there was only Sackville..."

What is your motto?
"Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well."

MARKET VENDOR + ZINE/CRAFT FAIR VENDOR REGISTRATION

 
Photo Credit: Kim MacMillan 

Photo Credit: Kim MacMillan 

Interested in selling your goods at SappyFest XI? Registration forms are now open.

MARKET VENDORS
If you're interested in selling food or other goods at our festival site on Bridge Street, please find rates, details, and a registration form HERE. 

ZINE/CRAFT FAIR VENDORS
If you're interested in having a table at our Zine/Craft Fair (which will take place at Cranewood On Main on Saturday, July 30th from 12pm-5pm) please find rates, details, and a registration form HERE.

CENTURY EGG, ADRIAN TEACHER AND THE SUBS, HORSES, DARK FOR DARK + MORE JOIN SAPPY XI LINEUP

 

SappyFest is excited to announce the addition of Century Egg, Adrian Teacher and the Subs, Dark for Dark, G.L.A.M. Bats, Coco Barracuda, Horses, Zack Bruce and GIRTH to the roster of musicians already announced for the festival on July 29th through 31st. 

A full schedule of performances and events will be released shortly. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out our full slate of artist profiles HERE.

Full weekend passes are now available for $100 (taxes & fees included) and can be purchased via TicketPro HERE.

BILLET FOR SAPPYFEST XI

 

SappyFest is currently seeking billeters in the greater Sackville area to accommodate artists during SappyFest XI: July 29 - 31. Each year we rely on the kindness of folks like you (yes, you) to open their homes. We ensure appropriate matches, fun times, and lifelong connections. 

If you have any space available -  couches, air-mattresses, beds, tents, or yard space - please consider helping us out. You can fill out the billet form by clicking HERE. 

If you have any questions or require more information on volunteering or billeting, please contact Katharyn Stevenson, our Volunteer Coordinator, at coordinator@sappyfest.com or 647-818-9125.

MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY DORMS: AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING

 

In need of a place to stay during SappyFest XI: July 29 - 31?

The Mount Allison University Dorm Rooms are now available for booking. They offer affordable rates, wireless internet, comfortable and quiet/private rooms, all within a kilometer radius of the festival grounds, local shops, and restaurants. 

Click HERE to reserve your room(s) now! 

INTERVIEW - Becoming "Thick As Thieves" With Sorrey

 

Did you miss out on the first episode of Sappy Radio on CHMA yesterday? Don't worry - our interview with Charlottetown musician Emilee Sorrey of Sorrey is available to stream below. We talked about the supportive PEI music scene, balancing band schedules, and her passion for food and nutrition.

Listen to Sorrey's latest EP, Thick As Thieves on Bandcamp.

SappyFest XI Mixer & Sappy Radio Launch

 

SappyFest XI Mixer - The Soundtrack to Your Summer
Excited to dive into the music of SappyFest XI before the festivities kick off at the end of July? Check out our pre-made mixer playlists on YouTube and Spotify to become acquainted with all of the artists in store for the festival.

Sappy Radio Makes Its Return
Sappy Radio makes it return to CHMA 106.9FM this Friday at 12PM, coming to you each week with interviews, features and songs from SappyFest XI artists. This year, we are excited to announce our collaboration with CFRU 93.3FM, CKDU 88.1FM and !earshot 20 in producing Sappy Radio each week. Tune into the first episode this Friday to catch our first guest, Sorrey.

Listen live to Sappy Radio on Friday, June 10th at 12PM AST at chmafm.com.

"Wish You Were Here" Postcard Contest - First Winner Announced

The first winner of the Republic of SappyFest "Wish You Were Here" postcard contest has been announced. Congratulations to @formerly_offensive (Jacob)! 

If you would like to enter the contest for our next draw in July, mail a "Wish You Were Here" postcard to a loved one, have them snap a photo receiving it, and upload to Instagram with the hashtag #republicofsappyfest to be entered. You could win two full weekend passes to SappyFest XI on July 29-31!

Check out all of the entries so far for #republicofsappyfest on Instagram.

VOLUNTEER at SAPPYFEST XI

Republic of SappyFest
SappyFest XI : July 29 – 31

23 Bridge Street
Sackville, New Brunswick
PO Box 6443

Attention ex-lovers & future friends—

Greetings from the Republic. Flowers are blooming, the summer air is sweet, and SappyFest XI is on the horizon. This year, the festival will take place from July 29 - 31 in Sackville, NB, and we are currently seeking folks to get involved through our numerous volunteer opportunities. This is a great way to become part of the Sappy swamp magic and contribute to the inner workings of the festival!

Volunteers are needed for security, hospitality, transportation, selling merchandise, bar-tending, recycling, stage production, for the box office, campground, and as runners. These jobs, and an array of others, help to keep us afloat during the festival weekend. Volunteering has many perks, including free festival passes. Working one volunteer shift (approximately 4 hours) gets you a day pass for the day you work, and three shifts entitles you to a full festival pass. Many people find that volunteering is the best way to enjoy the festival and meet like-minded people and performers. Some volunteer crews are strictly 19+, but youth volunteers are encouraged and welcome to participate (with signed permission from a legal guardian).

If any of these volunteer opportunities peak your interest, please click HERE for more information, crew descriptions, and for our application application form.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just want to say hello, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Katharyn Stevenson, at coordinator@sappyfest.com.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on the festival and upcoming local events.

XO
- Team Sappy

Photo Credit: Corey J. Isenor 

Photo Credit: Corey J. Isenor