The 2018 CBC Music Festival is fast approaching, and we want to help you plan your day out.
Below, we've broken down every performer at the q stage, which will be hosted all day by Tom Power. While the festival's main stage promises all the big headliners, the q stage will be the ideal place for discovery, to perhaps learn about artists you've never heard of before. From singer-songwriters and rock bands to reggae acts and hip-hop pioneers, this stage will have something for everyone.
CBC Music Festival takes place this Saturday, May 26. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
2:05 p.m.: aquakultre
Every year, CBC Music’s Searchlight winner gets the chance to perform live at the CBC Music Festival (among many other amazing prizes). This year, Halifax singer-songwriter aquakultre came out victorious with his acoustic song “Sure,” which he wrote while serving a five-year sentence in jail. (He was released after 19 months for good behaviour.) It was there that he picked up the guitar and taught himself how to play.
“Aquakultre brings us a very unique sound based on his unique experiences,” Searchlight judge Ian Campeau (formerly of A Tribe Called Red) said. “I can’t wait to hear more.” Fans can hear much more at this year’s festival, and they can expect the same personal, moving songs that first won us over back in March.
Water Temple by aquakultre2:50 p.m.: Ammoye
Ammoye's effortless tunes fuse her reggae roots with R&B, soul and gospel elements. Over the years, Ammoye's music has garnered her three Juno nominations as well as opening slots for Ziggy Marley, Chronixx and Beenie Man. "Gotta chase the darkness outta town," she sings on "Outta Town," off her 2017 album, The Light. With a sound so light and effervescent, it'll be tough to dampen Ammoye's good vibes.
3:45 p.m.: Boogat
For his latest album, San Cristobal Baile Inn, Montreal's Boogat spent a year exploring his roots in his mother's homeland of Mexico. The rapper, who performs in Spanish, has created a brand of Latin-inspired hip-hop music that is truly his own, and won't sound like anything else on the q stage.
4:40 p.m.: Fortunate Ones
Newfoundland folk duo Fortunate Ones just released their sophomore album, Hold Fast (which you can listen to via our First Play series until May 25). An East Coast affair that featured collaborations with artists like Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle, Hey Rosetta! singer Tim Baker and Repartee’s Meg Warren, Fortunate Ones' latest release is filled with big harmonies and uplifting choruses. These songs will easily translate into festival anthems, so get ready to sing along.
5:50 p.m.: Milk & Bone
Over the past few years, Montreal duo Milk & Bone has become one of the most captivating synth-pop bands in the country. Camille Poliquin and Laurence Lafond-Beaulne's striking melodies and gorgeous harmonies are mesmerizing on record (as evidenced on their latest album, Deception Bay) and live onstage. Their performance will transport you into a beautiful dreamscape, the perfect soundtrack that’ll transition festival goers into the evening.
7:05 p.m.: Northern Touch All-Stars
If you grew up in the '90s, then you’re probably familiar with Northern Touch All-Stars, a.k.a. the members of the Canadian hip-hop group Rascalz. Featuring MCs Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, CheckMate and Thrust, the group was best known for hits like “Northern Touch” and “Top of the World,” calling attention to Canada’s burgeoning rap scene long before Drake entered the picture.
Northern Touch All-Stars appeared at this year’s Juno Awards, giving fans a short, impromptu performance of “Northern Touch” before handing out the award for rap recording of the year. (They later performed a few more songs at CBC Music’s Playlist Live afterparty.) If you’re looking for a dose of energy and nostalgia, this special reunion is a must-see.
8:40 p.m.: Yukon Blonde
Yukon Blonde is set to bring some new tunes to its festival set, closing this year's q stage. The Vancouver rock band will release its fourth album, Critical Hit, on June 22, and if their grooving lead single, “Love the Way You Are,” is any indication, then you'll have even more Yukon Blonde songs to rock and dance along to. Guaranteed, the band will deliver some guitar-driven anthems that you'll find yourself humming along to long after the festival is over.
Visit CBCmusic.ca/festival on Saturday, May 26 to stream the 2018 CBC Music Festival performances.
More to explore:
Everything you need to know about the 2018 CBC Music Festival
Your guide to the CBC Main Stage lineup at the 2018 CBC Music Festival
Your guide to the River Bar stage lineup at the 2018 CBC Music Festival
Your guide to the CBC Festival Stage lineup at the 2018 CBC Music Festival
Your guide to the CBC q stage lineup at the 2018 CBC Music Festival