Check out your can’t miss Supercrawl guide
Hamilton’s massive festival and its three stages presents a huge challenge for music fans: how to cover all that ground? That’s where HCM music writer Kerry Doole comes in, bringing us a rundown of all the talent on display over three days this weekend, along with his recommendations and some hints at potential surprise guests.
The countdown to Supercrawl 2024 is on. Hamilton’s famed free street festival happily invades the James Street North strip again in just a few days, running from Friday to Sunday.
Now in its 16th year, it is well-established as one of Canada’s biggest and best festivals. Supercrawl (and Sonic Unyon) head Tim Potocic has a very clear vision of how to run a successful event, and he adheres to that formula again this year. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The key musical component of his Supercrawl template once more sees Potocic and his close-knit team curate a lineup of local, regional and national artists that cover a diversity of musical genres.
This year features one international act, Texas band Explosions In The Sky, a personal Potocic favourite. More than 30 other artists are featured over the three days of Supercrawl, and the lineup neatly balances well-established names with new and emerging talents.
In the former category are the likes of Toronto roots-rock heroes The Sadies, Juno-winning locals Elliott BROOD, indie rock veterans The Dears, Danko Jones and Zeus, and east coast blues/soul powerhouse Matt Andersen. Featured newer artists quickly making a splash include avant-folk band MOONRIIVR, Maritime singer-songwriter Mia Kelly, and rockers The Wild High, led by Monster Truck’s Jon Harvey. Somewhere in-between you’ll find such critically-acclaimed folk/roots artists as recent HAMILTON CITY Magazine cover subject iskwē, Charlotte Cornfield, and Kaia Kater.
The musical action takes place at the TD Stage (James North by King William), the North Stage (James North, north of Barton), and the Grant Avenue Studio Stage. A new addition this year, the latter stage is sponsored by the famed Hamilton recording studio, and primarily features emerging local performers.
To assist you in the selection of your listening selections, here are some brief notes on the headline acts and some of the other notables appearing at Supercrawl 2024. Check out the full schedule here.
RELATED: 'SUPERCRAWL: 'THE HOLY GRAIL OF GIGS'
SUPERCRAWL FRIDAY
SEPT. 13
Charlotte Cornfield (TD Stage: 7:45 p.m.–8:45 p.m.)
This Toronto singer/songwriter has earned serious respect for her eloquent folk-rooted material and pure and expressive vocals. Rolling Stone once called her “Canada’s best-kept secret,” but word of her talent is now getting out. She has toured across Canada and the U.S., and released five full-length albums.
Zeus (North Stage: 8:15 p.m.–9:15 p.m.)
Since forming in 2009, this Toronto indie-rock band has gained national popularity. Signed to the prestigious Arts & Crafts label, they have released three albums and one EP, all showcasing a melodic and hooks-heavy sound that makes for entertaining shows.
Elliott BROOD (TD Stage: 9:15–10:15 p.m.)
Now considered a Hamilton band, Elliott BROOD has a dynamic sound that incorporates country, folk and bluegrass elements and features powerful vocals, poetic material and strong instrumental chops. Together since 2002, this prolific trio has released 10 albums and EPs, and earned multiple Juno nominations, winning in the Roots & Traditional Album of the Year category in 2013, for Days Into Years. This will be EB’s third Supercrawl performance, and they’re pumped for it. “It really is the Holy Grail of gigs, percussionist Steve Pitkin told HCM’s Meredith MacLeod recently. Recommended.
The Anti-Queens (North Stage: 9:45 p.m.–10:45 p.m.)
Active on the Toronto scene for over a decade, they describe themselves as “an ultra hard-working, punked up rock ’n' roll quartet of super high-powered women who give the male-dominated music industry a run for their money.” They’ve toured across North America and in Europe, and are no strangers to delivering the high-decibel goods at festivals.
The Rural Alberta Advantage (TD Stage: 10:45 p.m.–midnight)
Since forming in 2005, this roots-inflected indie rock band from Toronto has released five albums and two EPs on noted independent labels Paper Bag Records (Canada) and Saddle Creek (U.S.). They’ve gained critical respect and in 2011 their second LP, Departing, earned a placement on the prestigious Polaris Music Prize longlist.
Danko Jones (North Stage: 11:15 p.m.–12:15 p.m.)
This fiery rock ’n’ roll trio is best experienced live in a festival setting, as European festival-goers have long appreciated. The band is actually better known across the Atlantic than at home. Expect no-nonsense riffery, with titular frontman Jones leading the action in entertaining fashion. Of interest: Danko Jones started a heated debate with local rockers Monster Truck over their collaboration with Kid Rock three years ago.
SUPERCRAWL SATURDAY
SEPT. 14
MOONRIIVR (North Stage 5 p.m.–6 p.m.)
This is a comparatively new project built around the formidable talents of singer/songwriter Gavin Gardiner (The Wooden Sky) and guitar ace Champagne James Robertson. As explored in an uncoming HCM profile, CJR (a current member of Junkhouse, Dwayne Gretzky and more) recently moved to Hamilton. MOONRIIVR has an indie-folk feel that is quickly gaining traction, especially in Europe, and this dynamic duo has begun producing other artists, too. This writer is especially excited about catching this show.
The Wild High (North Stage: 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.)
Quickly grabbing attention locally is this new band started by Jon Harvey after he left hard rock heroes Monster Truck. He’s reportedly having a great time playing with his new bandmates, and this gig is sure to bring out curious MT fans.
My Son The Hurricane (TD Stage: 7 p.m.–8 p.m.)
Don’t be surprised if this outfit delivers a Supercrawl highlight this year. The Niagara-based MSTH is a 12-piece band fuelled by a horn section that has already carved out a reputation as festival favourites (from Mexico to Lithuania) via its full-blooded sound and high energy. Last year’s track “Mr. Holland’s Locust” has generated more than 6 million online views.
Peter Dreams (North Stage: 8 p.m.–9 p.m.)
This is the comparatively new solo project of Pete Dreimanis, best known as the deep-voiced vocalist and co-leader of highly popular Toronto rock combo July Talk. His solo work has more subtle shadings than that band, and it’ll be intriguing to see how that translates live.
The Sadies (TD Stage: 8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.)
Long and deservedly recognized as Canada’s best rootsy rock ’n’ roll band, The Sadies’ future was placed in serious jeopardy with the tragically premature passing of co-leader Dallas Good two years ago. His brother Travis Good and the ace rhythm section of Mike Belitsky and Sean Dean have bravely soldiered on, and the group remain festival favourites via their eclectic and energetic sound, one moving from surf to twang to bluegrass to rock ’n’ roll with ridiculous ease. Their most recent album is a collaboration with Eric Trip’s founder Rick White, so perhaps a surprise appearance is in the cards? The Sadies have a loyal Hamilton following, and this show tops my personal “must-see” Supercrawl list.
The Dears (North Stage: 9:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.)
After making a splash with 2000 debut album End Of A Hollywood Bedtime Story, this Montreal band became part of the early/mid-2000s boom in Canadian indie rock, alongside the likes of Broken Social Scene and Stars. Frontman Murray Lightburn has a soulful voice, and the group’s sound has been dubbed “orchestral dark-pop.” Polaris Prize and Juno nominees, they have an extensive back catalogue from which to draw and reportedly remain in fine form.
Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle Of Joy (TD Stage: 10:15 p.m.–11:45 p.m.)
Being chosen to close out Supercrawl’s mainstage on Saturday night reflects the reputation Maritime blues/soul/roots star Matt Andersen has built. A Juno nominee, Anderson has won multiple East Coast Music and Maple Blues awards, and in 2010 he won the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He comes to Hamilton armed with his eight-piece band, the aptly-named Big Bottle Of Joy, so look for his powerful voice to be complemented by muscular instrumentation and female backing vocals.
Rich Aucoin (North Stage: 11 p.m.–12:15 p.m.)
Another Atlantic Canada star closes out the night at the North Stage. A compelling entertainer, Aucoin is renowned for getting crowds on their feet with his bright and effervescent sound, and he now has an international following. He has released six full-length albums, and employs different media forms in inventive ways. Bring your dancing shoes to this one.
SUPERCRAWL SUNDAY
SEPT. 15
iskwē (TD Stage: 5 p.m.–6 p.m.)
A former resident of this city, this highly regarded Indigenous singer-songwriter iskwē will make her third appearance at Supercrawl this year. Expect plenty of material from her fourth solo album nīna, released in April. She has collaborated with Tom Wilson, so could a surprise appearance by the ubiquitous local hero be on the cards? Learn all about her in this extensive recent HCM Supercrawl preview.
MonkeyJunk (North Stage: 5 p.m.–6 p.m.)
Since emerging in 2008, this Ottawa trio has long been in the forefront of Canadian blues artists, and they have the stuffed trophy case to prove it, via an awards tally of 23 Maple Blues Awards, 2 Indie Awards, 2 Junos and 1 USA Blues Music Award. Their motto is “3 Guys, One Hell Of A Racket!” and their mix of swampy blues and rock is a crowd-pleasing one.
Hamilton Superstars (North Stage: 6:30 p.m.–7:45 p.m.)
For blues fans, a regular highlight of Supercrawl in recent years has been this all-star grouping’s dynamic performances. It features an elite band of top local and regional players, headed by ace guitarist Steve Strongman. As artistic director, he invites notable blues vocalists and players to participate, and the lineup he shared with HCM is a typically strong one. It comprises Strongman, Dawn Tyler Watson, Joel Parisien, Alfie Smith, Roly Platt, Colin Lapsley, and Dave King. Expect another stellar show.
Explosions In The Sky (TD Stage: 6:45 p.m.–8 p.m.)
Since forming in Texas in 1999, this quartet has earned an international following for its powerful and atmospheric post-rock instrumental sound. EITS have released eight studio albums to date; their most recent, End, coming out a year ago. Expect intricately developed guitar work and narratively styled instrumentals, which they refer to as "cathartic mini-symphonies." This scribe caught one of their shows outside Toronto City Hall some years back and can attest to their power. Should be a storming finale for Supercrawl 2024.
Check out the full festival music schedule here. Happy Supercrawling, y’all!
HAMILTON CITY Magazine is proud to be a Supercrawl partner. Check out our booth at James and Robert streets all weekend! And in the Authors Tent hosted by Wolsak and Wynn, our editor and co-publisher Meredith MacLeod will interview Denise Davy about her book Her Name Was Margaret: Life and Death on the Streets on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
