Attention, Victoria — there’s an awesome music festival coming your way!
Returning to the city for its 3rd year, the IYAḴT Indigenous Music Festival will be taking over Hampton Park on Friday, July 28th and Saturday, July 29th.
All of the available performances are free to attend and there will be food and beverages available for purchase from their selection of food trucks!
In an interview with Denis Johnston, organizer of IYAḴT and owner of a music production company called Soundbox, he expressed his excitement for another year — hoping it will be even bigger than previous years.
“We’re still just getting started…but we added an extra day and a couple more groups,” he said.
“All the singers are really good.”
Artists to expect include Annishinabe Mitchel Sisters, Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk, Paint the Town Red and Johnston’s very own band known as OTR.
Johnston highlighted singer Nate Harris in particular, a Ladysmith-born artist that has begun to gain some traction in the music scene.
Additionally, if you’re looking for artisanal gifts and items there will be a variety of vendors on site for you to browse.
So, you can take home some wonderfully crafted items for yourself or for friends and family!
Next year, Johnston is hoping to secure some additional funding to assist in the festival’s endeavors and growth, and continue to support local Indigenous artists by bringing them the recognition they deserve.
“The price [for artists] gets super expensive…so [no one] gets to see our people grow up and play music…so, that’s why I started doing this,” Johnston told Victoria Buzz. .
“I’d love to bring in bigger names. I want to focus on this island, but we’ll bring in some acts from [all over].”
Johnston is thankful for the opportunity to present these talented artists and is grateful for Saanich’s help regarding funding and the organizing of food trucks.
He invites everyone to come and check out what they’ve created!
“Everyone is welcome.”
IYAḴT Indigenous Music Festival
- Where: Hampton Park, by Tillicum Road and Burnside Road
- When:
- Friday, July 28th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 29th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
