FrancoFEST, Something Else! Festival this weekend

Hamilton Spectator

20-06-2025

Growing up, Mimi O'Bonsawin did not speak about her Indigenous background with her family.
The singer, who's background is Abénaki First Nations, said the lack of conversation left a piece of her identity missing.
Now, O'Bonsawin uses her music to reclaim her culture.
'It's a lifelong journey that I'm on with my sister and a bunch of family. I think music is such a powerful healer for that,' she said.
The folk singer will play and sing alongside her husband, percussionist Ryan Schurman, at FrancoFEST's first day in Gage Park on Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m.
This will be O'Bonsawin's second time playing the festival, and she has picked up accolades since her last performance in Hamilton.
The folk artist recently won 'Artiste Solo' or 'Best Solo Artist' at the Ontario Francophone music awards Trille Or 2025. She received five nominations.
On Friday, she will play music she described as 'rhythmic' and 'ethereal,' from her projects largely inspired by nature.
'Music and a connection to the land has always been a really strong force in my life ever since I was a kid,' said O'Bonsawin.
'For some reason, I can't separate the two.'
O'Bonsawin is one act that reflects the three-day festival's new vision.
Elyzabeth Walling, FrancoFEST's press relations officer, said a goal of the festival this year was to have more diversity.
'There is a strong accent put on having a community-building event and different voices are going to be heard,' she said.
Acts include Sugar Crush, Diogo Ramos, Joyce N'Sana and Blynk.
But music is not the only art to expect.
There will also be aerial performances.
The Hamilton Aerial Group will have two paired performances and three different performers on stilts, one of whom is Stephanie Davis.
'It's like a little bit of having a local Cirque du Soleil,' said Davis.
Attendees can expect colourful props, illusions and made-in-Hamilton costumes.
Davis has been performing on stilts for about eight years, since she first moved to Hamilton.
'Whether you have a mask on or you don't have a mask on, but you're in a costume, you can be in your character and it gives you a whole (other) way of connecting with people that I find delightful,' said Davis.
The festival ends on Sunday, June 22.
For the more than 6,000 attendees expected this year, O'Bonsawin has one goal — to get people on their feet.
'Open invitation to bring your dancing shoes,' said O'Bonsawin.
For more information on FrancoFEST, go to
en.FrancoFESThamilton.ca
.
Rock cover band The Joe Rockhead Band will play The Block Co. on Saturday, June 21 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The three-man band features Paul Kennedy on vocals and guitar, Ian Cole on bass and Kevin Lower on drums.
The venue is located at 395 John St. in Burlington.
Tickets are $15 on Eventbrite.
Go to
facebook.com/theblockcoBurlington
for details.
Celebrate Pride month with Sounds Gay! Open Mic night on Thursday, June 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. The event happens at Mosaic, located at 431 Barton St. E. in Hamilton.
An acoustic guitar and keyboard are provided.
The entry fee is pay what you can in donations.
For more details, go to
mosaichamilton.ca/events
.
On Friday, June 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., Sidewalk Sounds will host its monthly music and entertainment performances event on Concession Street.
This month's lineup includes rock 'n' roll band Sterling Stead, country singer-songwriter Shaylyn and pop singer Ava Hickey.
There will also be a night market along the Concession Street sidewalk.
For more details, go to
concessionstreet.ca/sidewalk-sounds-20251
.
The Arkells will play Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, June 21.
Tickets start at $73.25 on Ticketmaster.
Go to
arkellsmusic.com/therally
for more details.
Canadian blues stars Morgan Davis and Alec Fraser will be at The Coach and Lantern's Upper Coach on Saturday, June 21.
The Escarpment Blues Society's show starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m. The venue is located at 384 Wilson St. E. in Ancaster.
Tickets are $27.96, including fees, on Eventbrite.
Go to
escarpmentbluessociety.ca/live-shows
.
The 12th annual Something Else! Festival kicked off on Thursday, June 19.
Free performances are being held at Hamilton Public Library's Central Branch and Open Streets' Wellington Street Hub at the King at Wellington bus stop.
Ticketed events are at St. Cuthbert's at 2 Bond St. N. in Westdale.
Acts include Andrew Downing, Matt Brubeck, Myra Melford and Earth Wind and Choir.
For more information on the lineup and tickets, go to
somethingelsefestival.com
.
Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator.
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