Owl’s Head Festival beckons

To those who live in the Eastern Townships, or visit cottages there, Owl’s Head is a ski hill and a golf course. For lovers of live music, even city-dwellers 90 minutes away, it’s also the site of an annual outdoor music festival.

The third edition of the Owl’s Head Festival promises seven bands, six DJs, five art exhibits and skateboarding instruction and demos. And while Montreal has no shortage of music festivals in town, this one offers some new scenery.


Half Moon Run are not what they seem
 
[Please note that Pacha Massive and Drag the River have had to cancel their scheduled appearances at the festival. Filling in for the latter is Hugo Mudie and Fred Jacques, formerly of the Sainte Catherines/Yesterday’s Ring.]
 
To those who live in the Eastern Townships, or visit cottages there, Owl’s Head is a ski hill and a golf course. For lovers of live music, even city-dwellers 90 minutes away, it’s also the site of an annual outdoor music festival.

The third edition of the Owl’s Head Festival promises seven bands, six DJs, five art exhibits and skateboarding instruction and demos. And while Montreal has no shortage of music festivals in town, this one offers some new scenery.

“It’s a breathtaking site,” says festival producer Paget Williams. “The DJ stage is at the summit of the mountain, with access by chairlift.”

Then there’s the fact that the event is free, and family-friendly.

“Kids are not only welcome, we encourage it,” says Williams, noting that there will be inflatables and other kid’s stuff on hand for the young ’uns.

One thing that is discouraged, however, is BYO. Beer and food are being sold on-site.

As for the musical menu, here are a few acts that will make the trip worthwhile:
 
Half Moon Run

This local trio has been rolling in heat for the past year or so, especially since the release of their debut album Dark Eyes in March. This video for their single “Full Circle” has just the right amount of floral shots and haze to suit their sometimes tranquil folk-rock sound.
 

 
Paul Cargnello

This local singer-songwriter will meet you at the intersection of punk rock and roots music, in English and en français.
 

 
Mossman

Montrealers know Moss Raxlen, a fixture on the dub/reggae/rocksteady scene since the ’90s. Listen to the DJ, selector and record collector’s recent mix of 60s, 70s and 80s jams.
 

 
At Owl’s Head (Mansonville) on Saturday, July 28, 12–7:30 p.m., free

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