Strummerfest: Toronto Calling

Yeah, that's what we're going to call it.  If it's a little cheesy, we're hoping you'll still like it.


Here's what we take to 'Hogtown' with us, from our humble beginnings in Old Berlin (Kitchener):

• We're still about supporting local indie music.  We'll be looking to local venues and local bands to fill out part of the festival program.  We hope to make it fun and eclectic ~ a real tribute to the varied styles and sensibilities that Joe embraced in his music.

• And, yes, we're still about Joe Strummer.  In fact, that's why we're setting the date close to his birthday (by contrast with the Kitchener event that falls close to the date of his death).  We're also looking to set up main stage events that are representative of both the era in which he emerged, and the ideas that he espoused.  That is, we're hoping both "New Wave" and punk ethics will dominate the show.

• And, or course, we remain true to our charitable intentions.  Funds raised will still support suicide prevention work, particularly by Your Life Counts.  

These are the things we hope will never change about Strummerfest: eclectic, home-grown music; the long shadow of Joe; and the intention of helping others.  Anything else just wouldn't be Strummerfest, now, would it?