Having spent over half my life in Northern Ontario seeing this week's all-star announcement by the Stars and Thunder International Fireworks & Music Festival got me very excited!
Over the last decade or so good news is not a regular occurrence for Northern Ontario as the governments of the day seem to forget that people live amongst its valuable natural resources.
It shouldn't surprise me that Ron Sakamoto is behind the all star music lineup that will descend on Timmins, Ontario (best known as the childhood home of Shania Twain located just shy of 8 hrs north west of Ottawa). Inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014 Ron is well known throughout the Canadian music industry as one of the best promoters and talent buyers in the business.
The Stars
The Stars and Thunder Timmins International Fireworks and Music Festival runs June 24-July 1 and features some of the biggest names in Canadian music today including Johnny Reid, Hedley, Cold Creek County, Simple Plan, Tom Cochrane, The Washboard Union, April Wine, Lights, David Wilcox, Meghan Patrick and more. The event will feature a headlining performance by country music superstar Keith Urban on Canada Day.
The Thunder
Each of the 8 nights will feature a fireworks presentation by one of 8 professional international fireworks teams from countries like France, Italy, The Ukraine, China, Brazil, The U.K., Finland and, of course Canada!
Ticket Details
Residents of Timmins get first dibs on tickets during a local pre-sale on December 1 whereas general public can purchase their tickets beginning on December 2.
Ticket Prices:
General Admission 8 day pass - $240 (includes HST and all fees)
VIP Admission 8 day pass $400 (includes HST and all fees)
VIP includes:
✓ Spectator area closer to stage
✓ Separate toilet area
✓ Separate food and beverage vendor
✓ Separate event access
Individual day passes also available TBA
All ages show
For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.starsandthunder.com
As far as summer festival lineups go in Canada to date Timmins has set the bar very high. It's looking like Northern Ontario should enjoy an excellent festival season in 2017 with Kirkland Lake Homecoming, North Bay Summer in the Park and Mattawa Voyageur Days still to announce their lineups.
Field Service Tech by day, Live Music Nut by night! My family and I call the Thousand Islands region of Ontario home. I'm a blogger, social media geek, tech, and live music fanatic. I founded Sound Check Entertainment in 2010 to help promote festivals and emerging artists from across Canada and the world! I now act as festivals liaison, manage media relations and, of course, cover events in the National Capital region. I'm also a diehard Habs fan but Sens fans fear not; as long as they aren't playing against my Habs I cheer just as loud for the Sens.