Solstice is upon us! The days are almost as long as they are going to be, and it feels like summer here in the valley. This is always a busy time of year for musicians and presenters because we are on the cusp of festival seasons! In the spirit of all things summer festival, I have decided to dedicate this month’s newsletter to talk about some exciting events happening in and around Northern BC in June and July!
First up is Valhalla Fest on June 26th. This takes place in Terrace, and is largely an EDM festival. That being said, they do have a live music stage as well. I haven’t been to this one myself, but my friends who have attended speak very highly of it! There are three stages, and over 60 artists. I have also heard that they have some massive subs, so the physical experience is especially immersive. For what it’s worth, I advise anyone to go just for the experience of seeing Wax Mannequin perform in a beautiful rainforest. The stages also look awesome. There’s even a treehouse stage! Get your tickets here!
The next festival on the calendar is Midsummer Music Festival in Smithers. This festival has been a summertime establishment for over 40 years. This year Understory Records artists Puddy Waters and Highbush Caribou will be performing, as well as cherished Northern BC musicians Kym Gouchie, Mark Perry, and Gamskimoon. The set I’m looking forward to the most is Maddie Jay. Maddie grew up in Smithers, went to Berkley, toured with Lorde playing bass, and released their first album last year and it’s really cool. There are a lot of reasons to check out Midsummer, and if I wrote about all the friends playing that you should go watch, I would write an essay, so just go! Get tickets here!
Rounding out my very short list, is my favourite festival of the year Kispiox Valley Music Festival. KVMF took a year off in 2025 (I think more festivals should do this btw!!) and are coming back strong with presale tickets for the first time and an exciting line up of regional and far reaching talent. Taking place on July 24-26 in the beautiful Kispiox Valley, this dreamy festival invites you to unplug (there’s no cell service) and enjoy a well curated weekend of music. KVMF is one of those events that I don’t even pay attention to the line up before going, because I already know it’s going to be a good time. As a musician, it always feels like a really great reunion party, and the attendees bring such good energy and happiness to the event. The line up is awesome this year, and one of my favourite BC songwriters Dana Sipos is performing! Spank Williams and Devours are also going to blow some minds. Some Northern BC darlings that will also be there include The Grid Pickers (not to be missed, they are so wonderful), Genevieve Jaide, and Understory artists Elijah Quinn, Simba, and EARTHXSTAR. Elijah is also a big part of organizing this festival (he’s like the main guy) so big props to him for all he does! Again, there’s too many artists for me to list here, so check their website for more info and get tickets here!
Also, you can look forward to Understory Records emceeing for stages at Midsummer and Kispiox! We’ll have records for sale, and will be around to chat and hang out! Don’t be strangers, we want to be friends!
Forest floor update: everything is lush and sprawling. Wild roses are blooming, as well as lupins! The Saskatoon blossoms have fallen off, and we’ll be getting berries very soon. I’ve also been spying a lot of wild strawberries everywhere. Berry season will be upon us soon enough! The earth is a little dry for my liking, and I’m hoping for some rain to keep things soaked and safe from fires.
I hope you’re having a wonderful season, and get to spend some time outside. Stay safe out there, listen to lots of music, and share it with your friends too!
Love,
Naomi (and Pam)
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