Muskoka Sound Music Festival Presents the HOMEGROWN STAGE in Honour of Canada Day

In honour of Canada Day, MUSKOKA SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL announces the HOMEGROWN STAGE, an integral part of the inaugural MUSKOKA SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL featuring local buzz bands as part of the new, three-day, ticketed, outdoors, all-ages and licensed, music festival. The HOMEGROWN STAGE is part of the festival experience and is included in the price of passes, with performances taking place during Main Stage changeovers.

The first MUSKOKA SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL will host over 20 performances from world-class Canadian headliners, local bands, emerging break-through bands, plus nationally and internationally renowned artists including Walk Off The Earth, Serena Ryder, Monster Truck, Shad, Yukon Blonde, Paper Lions and more, to be announced.

Representing a wide variety of local artists, the HOMEGROWN STAGE will showcase musical talent ranging from Blues to Reggae, Folk to Rock, and Pop to Punk. Located just two hours north of Toronto in Huntsville's Lion's Lookout, majestic Muskoka has been a world-class vacation destination for over 100 years. The HOMEGROWN STAGE includes musicians from Muskoka and surrounding regions, shining light on local talent.

Jeff Carter, owner of Hunter's Bay Community Radio station located in downtown Huntsville, was a major force behind the idea of including a stage for local talent. Says Carter, "Our station features local talent, and in my mind, to have a Muskoka Sound Music Festival without local talent would just be wrong. There is such a wealth of talent here that deserves a chance to shine, and HBR is proud to be a major contributor to the development of the Homegrown Stage."

It's with heart and soul that Sean Cotton's Doghouse perform. They've got a story to tell, and it's worth listening to. After relocating from Toronto to Muskoka, Cotton and his five-person crew of former bandleaders blend the sounds of Bluegrass, Latin Jazz, Soul, Funk, and R&B serving up just what summer ordered-a cocktail of pure entertainment. Juan Barbosa and his band are a throwback to the glory days of soul and blues, but with a modern twist. Providing the gift to uplift with encouraging messages, it's no wonder they're garnering the attention of today's music lovers.

Myrle, the triple-threat Alt-Country band is led by smokey-voiced Jamie Clarke, enticing festivalgoers to sit back, take a listen and get lost in the moment . . . or perhaps the woods! With Bronwyn Boyer on drums, and Meagan Ballantyne strumming the cello, this unique group offers a performance to remember. Ol' Stampy's Saloon's musical style is a mix of Rock, Punk, Hillbilly, Folk, and Blues with a dash of Metal. Sound interesting? It gets better. Combine some 'old time tales' and throw in the likes of other local talents, and you've got a cool, down home good time!

Reggae-meets-Rock-meets-Blues band, Laganza's smooth vibin' tunes are reminiscent of the days of Bob Marley, but with a modern edge. By adding different genres to the mix, the Ontario band has created a versatile sound that's very well received locally, and across Canada. Four-piece Huntsville band Mystic Naturals bring people together their own original Reggae music, combined with covers. One love! Muskoka will become synonymous with hip-hop, as Taktikz, an on-the-rise musician with a unique style, incorporates a crew of rappers and emcees in his show promising a head-boppin', beat-droppin' good time.

Eclectic, folk-pop songstress Ruth Cassie and her airy vocals are sure to impress. With a multitude of live music venue performances under her belt, she continues to make her mark on the scene. Emotional, but not "Emo", deep but not desperate, and passionate but not pining, best describes Deni Gauthier's sound. Muskoka born and bred guitarist/singer/songwriter James Gray had a musical knack since he was just a wee one. Now, the young musician is exploring life on the West Coast, and plans to tour extensively throughout Canada.
With a voice as strong as Pasty Cline's, Gina Horswood is a traveling, story-telling, songbird who captivates her audiences, whether it's here in Canada, down under in Australia, or in the Southern U.S. she's gained quite a following. After many successes near and far, Canadian songwriter Douglas Maclean found himself inspired by local Muskoka musicians, and decided to return to his roots. Douglas performs with fellow musicians Marion Linton and Bill Stewart creating a true north sound.

A high-energy Country/Rock performer who's spunk is just part of her charm, Pam Millar has the pipes to boot! Originally from Almaguin Highlands, Pam is a self-proclaimed "small town girl, with big city dreams." James Jones and Kip Daynard make up the cottage country duo Big East, with a melodic, soft-rock sound, the band is named after the river that runs through their town. Driven by ambition and carried by her beautiful, illuminating voice, Muskoka native J'aime Payne has toured across Canada, as well as many intimate venues in Europe, where people are mesmerized by her sound. Payne carved out time for her studies, but recently gave into her true love - music.

Created for musical tourists and nature enthusiasts, MUSKOKA SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL is a Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce Signature Event, a family-friendly festival set against the natural beauty of Muskoka, featuring a spectacular vista of Fall colours. With multi-genre programming, local food, arts and culture, MUSKOKA SOUND is the largest music event ever to hit the Muskoka region and promises to deliver a truly unique experience for fans and musicians alike.

MUSKOKA SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Lion's Lookout, Huntsville, ON

September 12-14, 2014

TICKETS ON SALE NOWwww.muskokasound.ca

Three-Day Festival Pass only $99Friday, September 12, 5:30-11pm: Walk Off The Earth, Monster Truck and more Friday-only Pass $50Saturday, September 13, Noon-1am: Shad, Paper Lions, and moreSaturday-only Pass $60 Sunday, September 14,11am-5:30pm: Serena Ryder, Yukon Blonde and moreSunday-only Pass $40

Keep checking www.muskokasound.ca/line-up/ Accommodation Packages available with prime resorts and campgroundswww.muskokasound.ca/accommodations/ For more information visit www.muskokasound.ca @MuskokaSoundfacebook.com/muskokasound

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