More than just beer will be brewing at the Longwood Brewery this coming Saturday.
On Aug. 15, the brewery will be the site of a one-day music festival dubbed Longwoodstock.
Event organizer and Dope Soda band member, Dave St. Jean says the idea for Longwoodstock came from wanting to create a festival-style event in the community.
“We wanted to have a party or festival in Nanaimo that was different from Bathtub races,” St. Jean said.
Longwoodstock will feature performances by Vince Vaccaro, Dope Soda, Carmanah, Lovecoast, J.P. Maurice, Band of Rascals and Hazen Sage.
The Longwood Brewery will be offering five different craft beer selections during the festival, including a brand new drink specially made for the event.
The event’s name is inspired by the famous 1969 music festival, Woodstock.
For St. Jean, it is the first time he has organized a festival-style event before. He says going from performer to planner is challenging but also enjoyable.
“I have been to a lot of festivals, but I have never been in the shoes of running a festival before, so I am finding out all sorts of things,” St. Jean said. “It is definitely a lot of my time spent on phone calling and texting.”
In order to generate interest, St. Jean organized a pre-party event at the Queen’s, where singers competed for a chance to become the opening act for Longwoodstock. The winner was Sage.
Longwoodstock will be held at the Longwood Brewery, 101A-2046 Boxwood Rd. The gates open at 1 p.m., with music beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$40 and can be purchased at Lucid, The Dog’s Ear, Desire Tattoo, Fascinating Rhythm, Longwood Brewery and Longwood Brew Pub.
For more information, please visit http://on.fb.me/1TFlf57 or call 250-591-2739.
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