Road to Go North: The toque – Not just for winter anymore

In preparation for the third installment of the annual Go North Music Festival on St. Joseph Island, SooToday reached out to the participating artists to have a little fun getting to know these hard working musicians.

Next up on our Road to Go North series, we meet Sarah Smith from London, Ont.

What are your three favourite things about touring northern Ontario?

• Of course the scenic drives are just so peaceful. I find I have a lot of time to be creative while driving on those Northern Hwys and have written many songs on those long drives through the forests and beside the blue waters.
• The amazing hospitality of the people of Northern Ontario.  Everyone is so welcoming and kind and ready for a good time!
• The live shows are amazing!  The people of the North really know how to show their gratitude to artists and always make us feel like rock stars!

What are three ways you battle through bug season in northern Ontario?

• RUN from vehicle to house as quickly as I can. Same answers for #2 and #3!

What are the three most important things to pack for festival season?

• Comfy hoodie x2 (in case it rains)
• A toque for the cool evenings and bed head in the mornings
• A clean pair of socks and an extra pair of shoes!

What are your top three road trip listening essentials?

• I love listening to podcasts, especially motivational videos that keep me on track spiritually, emotionally and physically

What are your three favourite ways to pass time on a long tour?

• Jogging / working out daily
• Yoga / meditaiton
• Eating at local restaurants

What are your three favourite topics to read about?

• Self help
• Spirituality
• Autobiographies from my mentors and inspirational people

Besides being a musician, what are three skills you'd like to learn?

• One day, I’d like to master a second language
• Graphic Design (I’m horrible at physical art, and this would be a great challenge for me)
• How to love more effectively

What are three things you know about St. Joseph Island and/or Sault Ste. Marie?

• I know it is one of the most beautiful areas in this country.
• I know that we will be on magical land amongst magical people where magical music will be heard across the waters! Haaaa
• I am excited to be around all of you and all your energy!  CAN’T WAIT!

The Go North Music Festival is a one-day event held in Richards Landing on St. Joseph Island on July 13.

Headlining the 2019 lineup is the Juno award-winning blues/country artist Crystal Shawanda. Also included on the entertainment roster are Birds of Bellwoods (alt-rock), Sun K (rock), Skye Wallace (folk-rock), Sarah Smith (singer-songwriter), and Another Crush (indie rock), as well as local acts Jesse Merineau (indie pop-rock) and Dustin Jones and The Rising Tide (celtic punk rock).

Other festival highlights include food vendors, locally-crafted beer, and local artisans and producers. In addition to the main stage, there will be activities for kids and a kids stage with performances by the main stage acts (kids 12 and under are admitted to the festival for free).

Overnight camping will again be available for tents and trailers with an additional night of camping available on the Friday night before the festival.

Full festival details and ticket information can be found here.