Napanee’s Harmony Lounge & Music Club is partnering with the Town of Greater Napanee’s Arts & Culture Advisory Committee to host the first-ever U20 Rockfest on Friday, June 28 at Conservation Park. The free, family-friendly outdoor event will be a non-competitive celebration of music featuring youth musicians from Belleville, Kingston, and Greater Napanee.

“The U20 Rockfest will be a totally unique offering on the music festival scene in Ontario,” says Michelle Hauser, Creative Director, Harmony Lounge and Music Club. “It will channel the spirit of creativity that is flowing through our community thanks to the strength of the region’s Secondary School music programs, combined with the efforts of the Harmony Rock Skool, the Kingston and Napanee Battle of the Bands competitions, and other grassroots arts initiatives.”

Hauser says Rockfest will showcase local and regional talent, provide emerging artists with what may be their first paid performance opportunity, and draw young people and families from across Eastern Ontario to Napanee’s downtown core and Conservation Park. Rockfest organizers are currently reaching out to the business community to invite sponsorships, and Hauser is hoping to partner with downtown retailers to encourage cross promotion.

“The PA Day Friday was chosen to maximize youth attendance,” explains Hauser. “But we also want to explore promotional opportunities with downtown businesses and get them on the festival bandwagon with sidewalk sales, extended hours, discount coupons or other special promotions.”

Hauser says that while the summer music scene across Ontario is vibrant, there are gaps for emerging artists and “few, if any, quality summer performance opportunities for up-and-coming bands.” Hauser says numerous bands have applied for Rockfest’s six performance spaces, and genres include classic rock, 90s, and bands with original songs. “They all have what it takes to be working bands. Rockfest will give them a great stage and the audience will get a great show.”

Hauser says the Conservation Park location was chosen for its excellent washroom facilities, nearby splash pad for younger festivalgoers, excellent proximity to downtown for shopping and dining, and a visually stunning location with one of the region’s best outdoor stages. “You simply cannot find a better place to host this event.”

The festival lineup will be announced on the Harmony Lounge & Music Club social media channels the week of June 10 to 14.

For more information please contact:

Michelle Hauser, Program Coordinator & Registrar
Harmony Lounge & Music Club
613-354-6387
[email protected] Posted: Jun 6, 2024