Summer Music Festival

Date

Stay Tuned for upcoming festival information.

Location

The iconic heritage Town Park in Aurora, Ontario. Centrally located in the heritage downtown core, the Town Park is metres from Yonge Street, Viva transit, and the Aurora Go station.

The afternoon will start with an emphasis on youth performances, leading into local bands, and finishing off the evening with three outstanding headline acts. Enjoy the summer sounds of music, the beautiful park, beer garden, bring your lawn chair and come celebrate with Aurora.

THE 2017 LINEUP

Monkey Junk

Comprised of Steve Marriner on vocals, baritone guitar, bass, harmonica and organ, Tony D on lead guitar, and Matt Sobb on drums, MonkeyJunk is one of the hardest working bands on the scene today, performing at venues festivals around the world for over eight years. Continually pushing boundaries and blurring genre lines, the Ottawa Ontario-based trio has added an edge to their music by incorporating swampy blues & rock with thoughtful and intelligent lyrics.

No strangers to awards ceremonies, MonkeyJunk has won a collective 20 Maple Blues Awards, two Canadian Independent Music Awards, and have been nominated twice for a JUNO Award, winning the award for Blues Album of the Year in 2012.

 

The Pick Brothers Band

The Pick Brothers Band have been moving up in the Toronto music scene and are beginning to earn a reputation as one the city’s most exciting upcoming acts. With the independent release of their debut mini LP, Pink Lemonade, in the fall of 2013, The Pick Brothers Band began criss-crossing Canada on a series of small headlining club tours.

The captivating blend of compelling writing, dynamic arrangements and a gritty rock and roll spirit captured on Pink Lemonade began to grab the ears of various industry tastemakers. The band was soon opening for the likes of The Sam Roberts Band, The Arkells, Houndmouth, and The Temperance Movement, in addition to showcase gigs at regional festivals like NXNE, CMW, Indie Week and QPOP.

 

Bernadette Connors Band

Bernadette Connors is a singer/songwriter, performer, and vocal coach from Keswick. Ont. She’s been performing and sharing music for her entire life.  She’s a bundle of energy who provides a powerful and memorable stage performance that will leave you wanting more. A gifted artist on the piano and guitar as well, it’s her vocal talents along with her original songs that truly demonstrate the power of this young women.

Half Birthday

New on the local music scene, this band however is comprised of a youthful group of musicians known in part for their incredible solo work over the years. They all have come up through The ARTS Music Store music program and together now have created a great sounding band along with a highly entertaining stage performance. Led by Claire Wright on guitar/vocals, Harrison Smith guitar/vocals and Charlotte McMunn on drums.

Louisa and the Planets

This young, 3-piece band has been delighting audiences in York Region for some time now led by the amazing vocals and guitar playing of Louisa Barbosa, Robert Bourrie on bass and Nick Kerstens on drums.

Lauren Haze

Award Winning artist Lauren Haze is a force to be reckoned with. Hailed as “Ridiculously talented” Haze is a Toronto based Singer Songwriter. With her smoky voice and unique tone she has found herself being labelled as a “radio Identifiable voice”. Lauren Haze is a consecutive two-time winner in the UK Songwriting Contest for Singer Songwriter.

She was also a finalist in the Adult Contemporary category of the UK contest in both 2015, and 2016. Lauren Haze was a 2016 Toronto Indie Music Awards Nominee for Best Singer Songwriter, and was also a 2015 Nominee for Best Pop.

Mac Shepherd

Singer, songwriter, performer and Keswick native, Mac Shepherd started making music in 2012 with his sister Emily.  Together they earned awards at the York Region Arts Competitions of 2012 and 2013.

Performance Schedule

Louisa and the Planets 4:00-4:40 pm

Half Birthday 4:50-5:30 pm

Lauren Haze 5:30-5:45 pm

Bernadette Connors Band 5:45 – 6:45pm

Mac Shepard 6:45 – 7:00pm

The Pick Brothers Band 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Lauren Haze 8:00-8:15 pm

Monkey Junk 8:15-9:45pm

Complete List of Sponsors

What is the Aurora Summer Music Festival (ASMF)?

The Aurora Music Festival is a single-day outdoor free music concert featuring a variety of bands on one main stage. This is a community event that will help cultivate Aurora’s music network and benefit local charities and is the perfect summer partner to Aurora’s successful Winter Blues Festival, the Town’s Ribfest and Concerts in the Park summer series. The Aurora Summer Music Festival will feature a variety of youth, local and new music acts. The event is organized and presented by a volunteer committee and funded by local businesses. The ASMF is part of the Canada 150 Festival Trail, presented by the York Region Festival Alliance.

Where is the Aurora Music Festival?

The Aurora Summer Music Festival will be held at the iconic Town Park, Aurora (Click here for directions). The Town Park was purchased by John Mosely in 1867 and has been a focus of community activity ever since. At the North-East corner is the Armoury or drill shed built in 1874 for the Queen’s York Rangers. The honourable Edward Blake delivered his iconic “Aurora Speech” there to launch the Canada first movement. The park has served as a parade ground and sports field and many important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show. Today it hosts the Aurora Farmer’s Market and the Aurora Summer Music Festival.

Where do I park?

Free parking is available at a variety of locations surrounding the park. Parking is available at the GO station, side streets, and other marked parking lots located in and around the heritage district. Please look for directional signage for available parking on the day of the Festival.

Is there assigned seating?

No, seats are not numbered or assigned and there are no chairs provided. Visitors are welcome to stand or sit on the ground which is grassed. You are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket for your personal comfort. Sun umbrellas are permitted but must be kept to the perimeter or back of the field so that views of the stage area are not obstructed.

Are pets allowed?

Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in the Park area. There will be water bowls available for pets. Please observe stoop and scoop as usual.

Can children attend the concert?

Yes. This concert is for all ages. There is a splash pad and playground, picnic benches, and shaded area, back away from the stage. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a rain date?

No. The Aurora Summer Music Festival will occur rain or shine. It is suggested that even if the weather does not forecast as favourable, you still attend as it may improve.

Is the music festival accessible?

There are no stairs or levels to prohibit entry as the concert is ground level. There are asphalt paths through the centre of the park. Volunteers can assist anyone at the gate with a specific requirement so please ask for help if needed. There is a designated accessible washroom on-site.

Are washrooms available?

Yes, portable washrooms and hand-wash stations will be on-site, in addition to the town facilities in the centre of the park. There will be a fully accessible washroom trailer with Hoyer lift and change table.

Will there be security?

Yes. The organizers of the Aurora Summer Music Festival want to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone to enjoy the music. York Regional Police Officers as well as a private security room will be on-site all day to assist in the overall safety of the event.

Is there a dress code?

Shirts and shoes are required. Sunscreen and hats are recommended.

Is there food at the concert?

Yes. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on-site selling a variety of food and drinks. Items such as BBQ hamburgers and cold non-alcoholic drinks (pop and water) will be available for purchase.

Is alcohol being severed at the event?

Yes. There will be a beer and wine provided throughout the fenced area, with good sight lines to the stage. Beer and wine will be for sale at the concert to of-age patrons (19+ years old). The Aurora Music Festival committee and its partners reserve the right to check and re-check any person’s identification at any time throughout the festival.

Centrally located in the heritage downtown core, the Town Park is metres from Yonge Street, Viva transit, and the Aurora Go station.