On Saturday May 4th, Homegrown Live Music Festival will be showcasing some of the region’s best musicians in a variety of downtown Kingston venues.
Since 2008, the annual festival has raised over $100,000 for the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library (Joe’s M.I.L.L.) and 2019 is set to be the biggest yet.
This year’s lineup includes over 130 bands and musicians – ranging from local artists playing their first ever show to veteran musicians coming out to support a great cause – in 15 downtown Kingston locations.
https://twitter.com/homegrownlive/status/1113829886727213058
“I’m continually blown away by the Kingston music community,” said festival coordinator Chris Morris. “Every year, we have musicians lined up to play at this event, and even more local music fans are lined up to support them. That’s not to mention the many volunteers, venues, and other supporters that are such an important part of Homegrown.”
“Joe’s MILL is the first musical instrument lending library anywhere and Homegrown Live is unique to Kingston,” added Terry Snider, president of Joe’s M.I.L.L. “Together they have helped to change the musical landscape and create a culture unique to this city.”
All access Festival bracelets are $10 – allowing access to the entire event, with performances from 11:45am to 2am – and available at the door of every venue. A full list of venues, performers, and sponsors is available now at www.homegrownlive.ca.
Are you in love with #countrymusic? Well we have the venue for you! The Royal Tavern will host this years country music – 344 Princess Street. #YGKlive #HomeGrown2019 pic.twitter.com/vsTdkcwbgI
— Homegrown Live! (@homegrownlive) April 8, 2019
According to its website, the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library (Joe’s M.I.L.L.) is a registered charity in Kingston founded by musician Wally High in memory of his friend and band member, the late Joe Chithalen, who was a talented bass player in several well-known Kingston bands.
The library has over 1000 instruments and resources including guitars, keyboards, drums, horns, violins, percussion, amplifiers, exotic instruments, sheet music, and much more – and they’re all available to borrow, free of charge (registration is $15).
Article has been updated with recent additional details.
