A concert dubbed a "celebration of Canadian music" returns this summer to Sarnia's scenic Canatara Park.
The lineup for the fourth Revelree Music Festival, on July 18 and 19, was announced Wednesday, with a total of 12 acts performing.
Festival Director Scott Palko said Saskatoon-based rockers The Sheepdogs will headline Friday's opening night with support from London's Texas King.
"We've also got JJ Wilde, and The Action Figures who are big in Sarnia," said Palko. "They have been great in contributing to the local music scene here for a long time. We've got A Short Walk to Pluto out of Guelph, they're a huge riser. We also do the Road to Revelree each year. The two winners from the Emerging Artists contest, one opens on Friday and one opens Saturday."
Palko said Saturday's performances include a couple of internationally recognized names, The Strumbellas and Bedouin Soundclash.
"It also includes The Darcys who have been on the rise and shooting through the charts, we're happy about them," he said. "We also have Misty Blue out of Toronto, who has been a great ambassador for Revelree, and Jeremy Voltz who is also from Toronto."
Palko said Canatara Park is one of the gems of Sarnia, and they're lucky to be able to showcase it to visitors who love the area.
"We're very fortunate to be able to be on the shores of Lake Huron and it's just such a perfect setting," said Palko. "The park is outlined by the trees, and it's just a phenomenal weekend. It's one of those things that shows what summer in Sarnia is really about. If we can throw some great music and a great time on top of that, it's a perfect mix for a great weekend."
Palko said they've decided to make tickets about 25 per cent cheaper this year, which is a rarity for any event.
"I think, in general, prices seem to be increasing across the board," he said. "So, we've kind of looked at what we could do this year. Maybe it's not much, but we at least wanted the opportunity to lower those prices a little bit and add some value in. Times have been a little bit tough for a lot of people, and we just wanted the opportunity to give people a break and come out and enjoy a summer event."
Palko said there's usually a charitable aspect to Revelree.
In the past, they've held 50-50 draws in support of organizations like the Bluewater Health Foundation, Sarnia Taekwondo, Pathways and Bluewater Cheer.
He said something similar will happen this year but details haven't been released.
Tickets are available at www.revelreemusicfestival.com.