Though Petula Clark may disagree, life doesn’t have to be making you lonely to go downtown for the Up+Downtown Music and Arts Festival (October 9 – 11) and listen to more than “the music of the traffic in the city”! Not only will you get to savour Edmonton’s animated downtown scene as you hop between buildings-turned-music-venues throughout the evening, you’ll also get an extensive taste of the city’s vibrant music scene.
As the festival features over 70 diverse local and international acts, you’re sure to find a new eccentric sound to experiment with, including psychedelic dreampop, alt country, and live electronic. Artist intimacy reaches new heights as each small but superb venue offers a distinct atmosphere to get up close and personal with artists. At bar venues, such as Brixx Bar and Cask & Barrel, you can relax with a cold beer or a fine whiskey drink while you take in the live music. Several new venues are shaking up the sound at this year’s fest, including the historic gothic-inspired Freemasons Hall, the hip Rocky Mountain Ice House, and the acoustically pleasant All Saints Church. And Beaver Hills Park will host a free block party showcasing Edmonton’s DJ culture on October 10!
Every artist adds a unique modern flavour to the music scene, including headliners post-punk Viet Cong, electro pop stars Humans, and psychedelic rockers EARTHLESS. Or if you want to experience something beyond music, experimental sound and film acts will twist your perspectives on their heads. Even if your inner hipster is telling you, “you’ve probably never heard of these bands”, any of these awesome acts will make you move up and down the city!
For a complete list of performers and showtimes, head to the festival’s website!
