Due to popular demand, Freshfest 2018 has not only got a more indie-rock look, but has also been expanded to two big days.
The popular start of the year student welcoming bash goes into it’s eleventh year outside the Student’s Union building, Sept. 7 and 8.
“Last year we focussed on more electronic music, but we didn’t get the vibe we expected. The most popular band was Said the Whale,” observed organizer Riley Miller, noting the audience told organizers they wanted to see more indie rock.
“So we booked Wintersleep and Hollerado, who are always popular,“ Miller said, adding there are also several local acts including the Silkstones, who have played Freshfest before, plus Biloxi Parish and local country singer Tyson Ray Borsboom plus trap and bass DJ Zodiaque.
“The Silkstones also played our Last Class Bash,” Miller observed.
Day 1 features Halifax indie Rock band Wintersleep, Ottawa rock band Hollerado, local indie rock bands the Silkstones and Biloxi Parish and the Zolas from Vancouver.
Saturday features Calgary power trio the Static Shift and Calgary pop singer Jocelyn Alice plus Toronto pop band Valleys. New York City based pop/soul singer Max is on the bill as is local country musician Tyson Ray Borsboom. Local DJ Zodiaque performs each night.
“And if you close your eyes, Max sounds like Bruno Mars. It’s going to be a party,” Miller enthused.
“Static Shift were in on CBC’s ‘the Launch’ and the last time Jocelyn Alice was here there was a big snowstorm, so there weren’t many people there so we‘re excited to have her here,“ he said.
Miller, who is in charge of booking events at the U of L pub the Zoo, is teaching new VP of student affairs Jessica Jones the ropes of organizing a big event like Freshfest.
“It’s been really a lot of fun. I’ve learned a lot. It’s going to be a really good year,” Jones said.
“I’m just really excited about it,” she continued.
Miller noted, smaller events like the slip and slide and the movie, which are usually part of Freshfest week, won’t be happening this year.
“There just wasn’t enough student demand for them,” Miller said, noting they decided to focus on the music for the expanded two day event.
Tickets are selling quickly for the event with the first three tiers selling out quickly.
The music begins at 5 p.m. each day.
Due to licensing requirements, the event is only open to University of Lethbridge students and their guests. Tickets are $40 and $45 through https://www.showpass.com/fresh-fest-2018/ when those sell out.
They will also be on sale at the Student’s Union building when school begins.
