Author: Jeff Richardson

Festival to celebrate “29½” years, support local artists, and celebrate downtown Fredericton

With COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of Harvest’s 30th anniversary, organizers are pushing ahead with a virtual celebration at 7:00pm ADT on Saturday, September 19th, and encouraging the community to show their love for the downtown business community that has been so important to Harvest over the years.

Dubbed “Harvest 29½”, this exciting 3 hour online presentation will feature archival footage of some of the many memorable moments in Harvest history, unveil brand new performances from local artists and Harvest favourites, and feature appearances from eight Headline artists who might otherwise have been in Fredericton in-person this Fall.

Harvest 29½ will be streamed for free via the festival’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Patrons are encouraged to attend one of the many viewing parties at local restaurants and pubs that will be announced in the coming days.

“We needed a way to support local musicians, the local music industry and our downtown business partners and this special event is a way to achieve all of that while still respecting the new reality of COVID safety protocols” said festival programmer, Brent Staeben. “Our first priority this summer has been to lay the foundation for our rebirth in 2021 but we knew we also needed to step out and provide some significant value for the funders who have helped us stay alive in 2020.”

Harvest is also partnering with downtown businesses and making a number of its highly coveted Ultimate Passes available for contesting. From September 13th – 19th, downtown patrons will be able to submit their names for a chance to win one of 50 passes for the 2021 festival.

Staeben says the community should watch for a few more surprises, too including the release of the headline acts for the online special. “The big event might be online, but we still want it to feel a little like ‘Harvest week’ here in downtown Fredericton. Our staff and volunteers have been working hard to make that happen. Watch our social media for more details!”

Harvest 29½ is made possible thanks to the generous support of the TD Ready Commitment, The Ginger Agency, UNB, ANBL, Taylor Printing, The Fox 105.3, The Federal Government, Government of New Brunswick, and the City of Fredericton.

We must confirm what we had sincerely hoped would not be the case: Harvest will not take place this September. Our staff and volunteers had been evaluating various scenarios under which we might proceed, but with today’s announcement from the Province of New Brunswick – and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our community of artists, volunteers, partners, and patrons – Harvest’s 30th anniversary will be postponed to 2021.

We thank everyone for their patience and support as we have considered this difficult decision.

Above all else, Harvest is a community festival. For 29 years, local artists, local businesses, and thousands of volunteers have created one of the most special events in North America… right here in downtown Fredericton. Harvest has been around as long as it has because of the partners who not only sustained the festival, but allowed us to dream bigger each year: Council and staff from the City of Fredericton, Provincial and Federal partners, our large and engaged sponsor community, and the dozens of downtown businesses and our hospitality partners who have always had our backs. Our thoughts remain with all of our partners who have been affected by COVID-19. 

Thousands of volunteers have given millions of hours so that we’re all able to kick up our heels and dance and sing along with local legends and international superstars in Fredericton’s beautiful and historic downtown. That’s no small feat, and it’s only been possible because of their ongoing commitment to Harvest. We thank them for all they’ve done and continue to do to make Harvest a reality and to keep live music in our lives. 

So, to the volunteers, musicians, sponsors and partners: thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do to make Harvest a reality and to keep live music in our lives. You’ve been with us for 29 years of incredible music and community celebrations, and we’re eternally grateful for that. We’re going to be here for you on the other side of this thing. 

To this amazing music-loving community: we have a little bit of work to do as we chart our course forward. In the meantime, we ask that you do your best to support your local artists, local businesses, and that you get out to your favourite local music venue the second we hear the “all clear”. They’re all part of an incredible community that has supported Harvest for 29 years. Let’s be sure to show them some love when they need it the most!

One thing’s for sure: we’ll see you in 2021. It will be the best Harvest yet. 

Note to Harvest 2020 Ultimate Passholders: Your pass can be used in 2021!

We understand that it is not always easy to secure an Ultimate Pass for Harvest. As such, we’d like to extend the opportunity to use your 2020 pass at the 2021 Festival. Nothing is required if you’d like to use your pass for the 2021 Festival – we’ll simply transfer your name to next year’s list. Dates for the 2021 Festival will be confirmed in the coming weeks. 

If instead you would like a refund for your 2020 purchase, please contact Ticketpro at info@ticketpro.ca no later than May 30, 2020 to request your refund. Refunds will be processed by Ticketpro as quickly as possible.

Photo Credit: Sarah Sarty

Above all else, Harvest is a community festival. For 29 years, local artists, local businesses, and thousands of volunteers have created one of the most special events in North America… right here in downtown Fredericton. Our thoughts are with all of our local, regional, and national festival colleagues as we grapple with the impacts of covid-19, and with all of the artists and businesses affected by the cancellations in our industry.

Planning for Harvest’s 30th anniversary is proceeding with the health and safety of our audience, musicians, staff, and volunteers as our top priority. There are many uncertainties and, like you, we are monitoring the situation daily and will continue to take advice and guidance from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health of NB, as well as Health Canada and our partner, the City of Fredericton.

When we have additional news to share, we will do so via social media and our website.

Until then, stay home and keep washing your hands. Take the time to dive into your old CD or record collection, or stream or download music by that new local artist you’ve been meaning to check out. No doubt you’ll find something wonderful that brings joy and escape.

For all inquiries, please contact info@harvestjazzandblues.com

Your friends at Harvest

Just in time for the holidays, a limited number of 2020 Ultimate Passes will be available for purchase online only on Monday, December 2 at 11:00am. 

The 2020 presale price for Ultimates will be $280 + taxes and fees. And to celebrate the season, $5 from every presale pass sold will be donated to CBC’s Feed a Family in Fredericton campaign!

Please note that customers will be limited to 4 passes each. Stay tuned to our social media and website for additional on-sale details and a link to purchase!

Harvest’s 2019 Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday, November 25 at 6pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Fredericton. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to info@harvestjazzandblues.com.

Harvest is thrilled to announce that McKinley Morrison & Williams are the winners of the 2019 Stingray Rising Stars Competition.

The Saint John-based band were selected by Harvest’s panel of music industry judges and audience voting during the Stingray Rising Stars Competition in the Atlantic Lottery Barracks Tent today from 2-4 p.m.

McKinley Morrison & Williams wins a $1,500 prize provided by Stingray—Canada’s favourite leading music, media and technology company —and Harvest, and opens tonight’s Atlantic Lottery Barracks show with Andy Frasco & the U.N..

Other finalists include Bleum, Delirious Monks and Les MoonTunes. All four finalists will receive a promotional video of their performance for their own use, provided by Stingray and the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival.

“Every year the talent in this competition gets deeper and the energy during the showcase is even more electrifying as we see the best emerging bands our province has to offer,” said Brent Staeben, Harvest’s music director. “Harvest is passionate about supporting the growth of New Brunswick’s music scene and I’m proud we’ve been able to showcase top-calibre homegrown talent over the years through the Stingray Rising Stars Competition.”

This year’s winner joins the prestigious ranks of previous Rising Stars, including Ross Neilsen, Keith Hallett and Matt Andersen.

About McKinley Morrison & Williams

Born from creativity and freedom, Josh McKinley, John Morrison and Darrell Williams have brought their flavors together to form a completely original sound. Expect a groove based musical fusion, bass solos, guitar wizardry, and a near drum clinic performance. Check out these cats and the magic that they are creating!

About Stingray
Montreal-based Stingray Group Inc. is a leading music, media, and technology company with over 1,200 employees worldwide. Stingray is a premium provider of curated direct-to-consumer and B2B services, including audio television channels, more than 100 radio stations, SVOD content, 4K UHD television channels, karaoke products, digital signage, in-store music, and music apps, which have been downloaded 150 million times. Stingray reaches 400 million subscribers (or users) in 156 countries. For more information: www.stingray.com.

1.Put your screens away

Most artists nowadays expect you’ll want to snap a few pics, but please refrain from video recording or facetiming during the set. Not only is it disrespectful to the artist you are there to see, but it also can be distracting to others trying to enjoy the music. Let yourself enjoy and be in the moment. After all, you paid to see these legends in the flesh, why would you want to watch them through your screen?

2. Harvest rules

Well obviously Harvest does rule, but there are some new tent rules in place this year. No audio or video recording of any performances will be allowed. No backpacks, waistpacks, selfie sticks, or outside beverages can be brought into the tents. Empty reusable water bottles or mugs will be allowed. And please no glow sticks, they make a mess. 

3. Don’t forget to listen

It’s a music festival! Being able to hear the artists live is what makes the experience so special. Chat a little with your friends, sing along, cheer and clap your hands to your heart’s content, but try not to overpower the song. You’d be surprised how loud a few thousand people trying to talk over a sound system and each other can get!

4. Stay hydrated

It can get hot in the tent, so grab some water from the water stations. Paper cups will be provided, or you can use an empty reusable bottle or mug. The ANBL hydration station will also be set up outside with bottled water to quench your thirst while you explore our Taylor Printing Street Experience. Your singing voice will thank you, and keeping hydrated will help ensure your memories of the set are crystal clear come morning.

5. Love thy Neighbour

Everyone wants to have a good view of the artist, but that’s no excuse to trample on fellow festival goers. If you’re tall, be mindful of shorter patrons, they want to see just as much as you do. 

6. Keep things clean

Enough said. Our volunteers help clean up the venues at the end of each night, but please be respectful and make their jobs a little bit easier. Trash and recycling cans are usually located toward the back of the tent by the bar. If you can’t find one, look for a volunteer to point one out to you!

and …

Have fun, be nice, make friends

After all, that’s what it’s all about.

Harvest is thrilled to announce the four finalists that will compete to be the 2019 Stingray Rising Stars winner. This competition is presented by the Festival and Stingray—Canada’s favorite continuous music network—and offers up-and-coming musicians a chance for local, provincial and national exposure.

The Stingray Rising Stars Showcase is a place for great emerging New Brunswick acts to shine. This competition has helped catapult the careers of artists like Keith Hallett, Ross Neilsen, Matt Andersen and Stephen Lewis.

This year’s Stingray Rising Stars Finalists are McKinley Morrison & Williams, Les MoonTunes, Bleum and Delirious Monks. Online voting is now open: http://bit.ly/HJBF-Stingray-Rising-Star-2019

As part of Harvest’s commitment to the development of local talent, the Stingray Rising Stars Showcase will take place in a free show on Saturday, September 14th at 1:30 p.m. in the Atlantic Lottery Barracks Tent. Each of the four finalists will perform and be judged on talent, originality and stage presence by a panel of music industry experts.
A pre-event online voting campaign will take place and votes will also be taken from members of the audience that afternoon, participants are encouraged to bring out family and friends for support. The panel of industry judges will comprise 50% of the final vote tally and the audience and online voting will represent the remaining 50%. In the event of a tie, the choice of the industry judges will prevail.

“The Stingray Rising Stars Showcase is a chance not only for festival goers to experience new great music this province produces year after year, but a place for up and coming musicians to cut their teeth and gain experience performing on a festival stage,” said Brent Staeben, Harvest’s Music Director. “We’re so proud that the Stingray Rising Stars Showcase continues to provide a space for great New Brunswick music.”

Fredericton’s own Stephen Lewis, of the Big Band of Fun, credits the growth in his career to participating in the Stingray Rising Stars competition.

“I didn’t win, but it really propelled me to go after my dreams and the next year I was officially booked! It played a huge role in the career I’m experiencing now!” he wrote.

These four finalists represent the high caliber of New Brunswick’s music industry, spanning a diverse range of genres from funk, hip-hop, pop and heavy-metal.

The winner of Harvest’s Stingray Music Rising Stars Competition will receive a prize package including $1500 for the winner and each contestant will receive a promotional video for their own use of their Stingray Rising Stars performance. The winning band will also open Saturday’s show in the Atlantic Lottery Barracks Tent for Andy Frasco & the UN.

More about each finalist:

McKinley Morrison & Williams

Born from creativity and freedom, Josh McKinley, John Morrison and Darrell Williams have brought their flavors together to form a completely original sound. Expect a groove based musical fusion, bass solos, guitar wizardry, and a near drum clinic performance. Check out these cats and the magic that they are creating!

Les MoonTunes

Created in August 2015 in Moncton, N-B, Les MoonTunes is composed of a group of friends from various backgrounds. The 7 members are influenced by different musical genres such as heavy soul, psychedelic rock and Hip-Hop, and they blend their styles together to form a lunar entity.

Bleum

Bleum is a pop music duo consisting of producer Daniel James and vocalist/songwriter Brittany McQuinn. Their collaborative work has won both a Toronto Independent Music Award and a Music New Brunswick Award. Bleum’s sound combines elements of pop and R&B with dark, hazy electronic music production, creating an original sound that ebbs and flows with the seasons.

Delirious Monks

Three-piece rock band that dares you not to have a good time. Influences from Hendrix, Sabbath, and Zeppelin all the way to The Black Keys, Delirious Monks like to get loud. If you come see them play, bring your dancing shoes because funk is also on the menu.

About Stingray

Montreal-based Stingray Group is a leading music, media and technology company with over 1,200 employees worldwide. Stingray is a premium provider of curated direct-to-consumer and B2B (business to business) services, including audio television channels, more than 100 radio stations, SVOD content, 4K UHD television channels, karaoke products, digital signage, in-store music and music apps, which have been downloaded over 140 million times. Stingray reaches 400 million subscribers (or users) in 156 countries.

Hello Harvest Passholders!

Harvest Central is officially open at 408 Queen St. in Fredericton! This post contains very important information you’ll need to pick-up your pass for Harvest 2019. Please review the information below and contact us if you have any questions.

Pass Pick-up Info:

• You must come to Harvest Central at 408 Queen St. to pick up your physical pass before you head out to the venues.
• Passes may only be released to the original purchaser.
• You must present identification (photo ID and mailing address) to pick-up your passes.
• If you are unable to pick-up your pass in-person, please contact Harvest at 506-454-2583, or our Store Manager at mitch@harvestjazzandblues.com
• Harvest Central’s hours of operation are: 
  • August 12th-September 9th: M – F: 9am – 5pm, Saturday: 10am – 2pm
  • September 10th-15th: Tues – Sat, 9am – 10pm
    

While you’re there, have a look at the Harvest merch. If you bought an Ultimate Pass, you’ll get 15% off. 

ADMISSIONS REMINDERS

• If you purchased an Ultimate Pass, your pass gets you into every tent, every night. Nightly passes will get you in to every tent on the day printed on the pass. The Big Fun Pass allows access to all shows at the Atlantic Lottery Barracks Tent, and the Hoodoo House Venue Pass allows access to all shows at The Ginger Agency Hoodoo House.
• There is a chance you will arrive at a tent just as it reaches capacity and may have to wait a minute or three to gain admission.
• Again this year, we have a separate line for passholders to ensure speedy entry.
• When you arrive at your first show every day, we’ll scan your pass and stamp your hand. The rest of that night, we’ll scan your pass and peek at your hand stamp.

DID YOU KNOW?

The ANBL Harvest Safe Ride Program provides FREE transportation to festival patrons from Thursday to Saturday of festival week. A hotel shuttle will also make a stop at most major Fredericton hotels and some local businesses. Watch for a schedule later this summer. 

Follow us and share your Harvest love on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram all weekend to stay in the loop on all things Harvest including any special guests we may have lined up throughout the weekend!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/harvestjazzandblues
Twitter: @Harvest_Blues
Instagram: harvest_blues