Sioux Mountain Festival to offer lots of variety

This year’s Sioux Mountain Festival July 31 and Aug. 1 will feature a diverse mix of music, from folk to heavy metal, and a wide array of workshops, from belly dancing to comic books.
The music and cultural celebration will have a variety of entertainment, food and workshops for all.
Musical acts will kick off the first day of the festival with local musicians filling the schedule. Two First Nation bands are also on the bill, Northern Eagles from Summer Beaver and Rezmyth, whose band members hail from a variety of communities. Headlining the music festival are Big Rude Jake, a jazz musician from Toronto and Marc Ekin, a country musician from Oakwood, Ont.
The second day has a mix of performers and workshops throughout the day including belly dancing and a comic book workshop. Lac Seul artist Ahmoo Angeconeb will also have his work on display. Children activities and performances are also planned.
As always, events are free for the public.
“It’s one of the best things about the festival,” said Mike Laverty, festival organizer. “All the money goes back to the artists.”
Laverty said $200 was raised during a Battle of the Bands music contest July 14. Local musician Tashiina Buswa won the event and the opportunity to pick her performance time at the Sioux Mountain Festival. Other musical acts that night included Tim Ronan, Red Radio and Dressed In Black ‘N Blue.
Wawatay Radio Network will have a live broadcast of the musical acts on July 31.