Canadiana Fest 2024!

Presented By CN!

Eclectic Events and The Chef and Cook's Association of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Welcome You To:

Canadiana Fest: A Celebration of Music, Food and Culture (and beer EH?!) in Kalamazoo MI September 21, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site.

Benefitting the South Michigan Food Bank, Loaves & Fishes, and the CCA Culinary Scholarship Fund.

Immerse Yourself in the Best of Canada! Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Canada at Canadiana Fest! This annual festival will be held in Kalamazoo, MI on September 21, 2024, the International Day of Peace, and offers a unique experience that you don't want to miss. Discover the rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy of Canada through music, food, and entertainment. Enjoy live performances by award winning musicians, authentic Canadian artists, First Nations Drum and Song, honed tribute bands and cultural sounds. Sip custom crafted Canadian Style beer from the best breweries in the region as well as enjoy your favorite Canadian domestics. Savor mouth-watering Canadian cuisine that will dazzle your taste buds. Come and shop the vetted artists and vendors of all things Canada.

Current Musical Lineup:

Crystal Shawanda Blues Crystal Shawanda | Official Twice Juno Award-winning and 2024 Maple Blues Award winner for Indigenous Artist of the Year, powerhouse Crystal Shawanda is coming to belt out her latest studio album, Midnight Blues, on True North Records. Her fiery blues collection showcases her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authentic appreciation for the genre dating back to her youth. Born in Wiikwemkoong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, in Northern Ontario, Crystal points to early influences like Etta James, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. Her music reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian Indigenous country artist (in the SoundScan-era).

Julius “The Genius” Fisher Julius is a Black musician, singer, songwriter, producer, band leader, and DJ. He is a gifted keyboard player and will be the opener for Crystal Shawanda. He is currently living in Nashville.

Rock Rx (rockrxband.com) Hailing from the Kalamazoo area, like a streaker at a sporting event, you won’t be able  to take your eyes off this high-energy cover band doing their rendition of best Canadian Rock, Pop and R&B. They make the audience feel like they are part of the band, literally. Don’t be surprised if you have a mic in your face during the show, as you sing along to one of your favorite  songs.  

Skye Consort & Emma Björling A Canadian trad/folk band with Trans-Atlantic Nordic-Celtic-Acadian-Quebecois roots offering up the haunting voice of award winning Bjorling and gorgeous vocal of renown shanty artist Seán Dagher joined with multi instrumentalists/vocalists Amanda Keesmaat, Simon Alexandre and Alex Kehler playing fiddle, nyckelharpa, cello, bouzouki, banjo, and percussion riffing on whirling polskas, groovy reels, passionate love songs, breathtaking hymns, and original compositions. Singing in French, English and Swedish, this band will take you back to some of the earliest impact on Canadian culture- through Nordic nuances, French Canadian traditional and Celtic influences.

Andrew Rathbun Ensemble Twice Juno Award nominated Jazz musician, featuring songs from his new recording "The Speed of Time" on Steeplechase Records.

Kalamazoo Pipe Band . The Kalamazoo Pipe Band is dedicated to teaching, performing & promoting highland bagpipe music in Kalamazoo, MI. Originating in the 1950’s, they have had the honor of piping at many Michigan ceremonies and events. Their heart thumping drum and heart wrenching pipes will move you and invoke the spirit of Canada’s Commonwealth origins. 

Southern Straight Singers This group of 20+ Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Odawa and Chippewa drummers and singers will share their sacred drum and music at Canadiana Fest, leading our opening ceremonies with a round dance! 

Activities:

Parade Led by the Kalamazoo Pipe Band – join us in a celebratory romp through the park! We will wind up the opening ceremonies with drum and dance performances by the Southern Straight Singers of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. 

The beloved RedGreen Possum Lodge is coming to the Fest! A must-do for any true RedGreen fan!

There will be a Canada Culture Tent for the kids with fun and educational activities. Hear stories told in French, English, and Cree by Le Caribou a lunettes!

Learn Scottish country dancing with the Kalamazoo Scottish Country Dancers and the Kalamazoo Pipe Band!

Chainsaw artist Kris Kaleta of Custom Carvings will be demonstrating his carving art, with the finished piece being auctioned when he has completed it live at the Fest!

The Canada Car on display – Halle Halle is traveling all the way from Dundas Ontario to share her Art Car with us!  

Canadian Sports Center: Led by Canadian Olympic athlete and WMU Hall of Famer, Heather Sawyer, the Fest will host WMU athletes and local sports teams. Come out and enjoy skills workshops, experiences and learn the history of these sports! 

• Basketball: Invented in Canada and perfected by America! 
• Lacrosse: Canada’s official winter sport! Learn the art, history, culture and sacred nature of Native American sports with William Griffey, Iroquois educator and elder. Meet the athletes and coaches of many local teams like Kalamazoo United, Portage Central/Portage Northern, and Kalamazoo College.
• Hockey: Led by WMU athletes! 
• Curling Lane for Change! Sponsored by Millennium Group & Kalamazoo Curling Club, they invite you to throw a rock for charity! All proceeds to be donated to South Michigan Food Bank to fight hunger.

Food and Drink:

Check out the Canuck Canteen and local culinary offerings for the best of the best! The Canteen, which will be run by Chefs Channon Mondoux and Austin Shynal, is a joint effort with VFW Red Arrow Post 1527 helping to raise funds for their work in the community. The Canteen will be offering traditional Canadian specialties like Poutine and Peameal Bacon in addition to treats like Buttertarts and Nanaimo Bars!

Get your Poutine Passport and sample the poutines! When you complete it, you'll get a button with Polli Poutine declaring that “I WENT TO CANADIANA FEST 2024 AND I EH'T 'EM ALL!”

Local and regional food vendors will offer delicious takes on Canadian Cuisine and local favorites.

CURRENT LINE UP

• Zkede! First Nations BBQ Truck
• Millenium Restaurants
• Gourmet Small-Batch Popcorn | Good Batch – Good Batch Popcorn
• Heart to Tart Bakery 
• Best Coast Provisions

Beer and Beverage Garden operated by the Chefs and Cooks Association. Enjoy delicious craft beers alongside your favorite imported Canadian favorites.

You will be transported to the heart of Canada as you immerse yourself in the festivities and soak up the authentic Canadian culture. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Canadian music and cuisine or simply looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a fall weekend, Canadiana Fest is the perfect destination for you. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this incredible celebration of Canada. Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable weekend that you will cherish forever!

TICKETS ARE 100% TRANSFERABLE AND GIFTABLE! Why not send them to a friend who would love to go?

THE VIP EXPERIENCE: “The best VIP Tent in Kalamazoo” Enjoy Canadiana Fest in style! 

• NO WAIT GATE- Enter at the west gate on Koopsen’s Alley for NO WAITING! 
• Tasting Ticket includes up to 6 tasting pours of either on tap custom Canadian Style Beers or Canadian varietal wines.
• Canadian sommelier Austin Shynal from the Niagara region of Ontario, will be serving samples of Ontario wines in French and English.
• Mixologists Nyx and Anastasia will serve up creative and delightful mocktails featuring Clearly Canadian sparkling waters. Come taste their enticing treatments and unique flavor profiles!
• NOSH on delicious finger foods and bites across the day by top local chefs. 
• POSH private luxury portable bathrooms, covered tables and seating area. 
• No wait dedicated craft beer trailer, exclusive access to the stage with outdoor cocktail tables and seating. 
• Meet and greet with all of the bands.
• Jones Dairy is bringing their grill trailer with all kinds of bacon (including Canadian!), sausages, and other delights!

Everyone needs a ticket to access the VIP area, including kids. Adults who are drinking will need the 21+ wristband acquired by showing ID at the gate.

DETAILS AS THEY HAPPEN AT CANADIANAFEST.FUN. Follow our socials at Canadiana Fest (Facebook) or Canadiana_Fest on Instagram and Threads.