The Back Forty Festival returns next weekend in its new location and new format.
This year’s edition brings significant changes as the festival moves from its longtime home in Morden Park to its new stage in Suncatch Plaza downtown. It is also running over two evenings at the end of June rather than the first weekend of the month, as in past years, and admission is now totally free.
The festival kicks off the evening of Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. with a lineup that starts with local band Lakes and Pines followed by Stellar and then The Irvin Miller Band, along with a few “tweener” acts.
Stellar is a Winnipeg-based indie folk band known for rich harmonies, emotional songwriting, and an energetic live presence. The group blends alternative folk and indie rock influences into a sound that is both intimate and powerful.
At just 22 years of age, Miller is quickly gaining recognition as one of Manitoba’s most exciting young performers. Elevating the room with his blend of traditional sounds like rhythm & blues, old-school country, soul and gospel, he conjures a songwriting ability seldom found in artists of his age group, pairing that with his soulful voice and relaxed charisma.
The second night Saturday, June 27 also gets underway at 6 p.m. with a lineup that includes The Sharpe Brothers Band, Cassidy Mann, Field Guide as well as the tweener acts.
With her latest project, songwriter Cassidy Mann steps away from her typical indie-pop synth style into a more honky-tonk leaning rockin’ vibe.
Over the past five years, Field Guide has quietly built a reputation as one of Canada’s most compelling new songwriters. With a sound that blends folk intimacy, indie production and timeless pop sensibilities, he’s taken his music from a Winnipeg basement to international stages and festivals.
In addition to the music each night, there will be a vendor market and food trucks set up on site.
