Crystal Shawanda headlining new Lavigne music festival

Award-winning Juno artist Crystal Shawanda headlines the brand-new Ladies in Waiting music festival taking place at the ball field on Caron Road in Lavigne, Ont. Aug. 27.

The festival features female musicians from Northern Ontario.

Shawanda, well known for her country roots, has recently expanded her singing and song writing repertoire to include modern blues. Her music captures listeners and takes them on a journey that celebrates both the tough and joyous times of life. The festival’s all-Canadian lineup features other well known artists including award-winning rocker Sarah Smith (Stronger Now, Angels and Anchors), rootsy-folk/pop duo Scarlett Jane (Stranger, Little Scarlett), and the charismatic and dynamic francophone chanteuse Mélanie Brulée (Dèbridée,The Old Fashion).

Also hitting the stage are indie-pop artist Sarah Burton (Make Your Own Bed, Fire Breathers), Northern Ontario’s own Faye Blais (On the Bright Side, The Weakness), and the ephemeral songwriter and rock folk artist Kristin Sweetland (Own Sweet Time, Root, Heart & Crown). 

Festival-goers can also anticipate a special appearance from Saskatchewan’s Anique Granger (Les outils qu’on a réalisé).

A fundraiser for the local community centre and park projects, The Ladies in Waiting Festival also offers a unique opportunity for local performers to hit the big stage with performances from Chanelle Albert (How Beautiful We Are), Julie Ann Bertram (Woe is Me, Estatic Songs), Esther Penell and Chelsea Solomon.

Tickets cost $25 in advance and $35 at the gate. A six-pack of tickets is $120. Kids under the age of 12 get in free. The gates open at 11 a.m., and the music lasts until 11 p.m.

- Sudbury.com