Road to Go North: These guys might be train nerds

In preparation for the second annual Go North Music Festival, SooToday reached out to the participating artists to get to know these hard working musicians a little better. And to have a little fun.

We kick off the Road to Go North series with Jackpine, a four-piece rock band from Waterdown, Ont., consisting of Nik Hirst (keys, vocals, harp), Ryan Gaynor (drums, vocals), Max Boyko (guitar, vocals) and Dave Pearson (bass, vocals).

What are your three favourite things about touring northern Ontario?

Ryan Gaynor: Go North will actually be our first time touring outside of Southern Ontario as a band, but from personal experience, I've always loved the scenery, the crisp air and the complete absence of any GTA traffic.

What are three ways you battle bugs in northern Ontario?

Max Boyko: I battle bugs in Northern Ontario using a flamethrower, broadsword and expert tactical skill.
RG: There is no battle in Northern Ontario, the bugs always win.

What are your top three road trip listening essentials?

RG: As of late I've had Fear Fun by Father John Misty, After The Goldrush by Neil Young and Furr by Blitzen Trapper in healthy circulation. Oh, and not to forget the lovely playlist that my girlfriend made for me.

What are your three favourite Ontario skinny-dipping spots?

RG: Ideally the ones where nobody sees me.
MB: Favourite skinny dipping spot is the shower, easily.

What are your three favourite Ontario craft brews?

MB: Barrelshed craft beer from Shawn and Ed’s in Dundas is pretty good.
RG: There are lots I want to try! Sidelaunch Wheat is delicious, Collingwood Brewery's Downhill Pale Ale is an easy drinker and Collective Arts' Liquid Art Fest IPA is very good, but let's just say *interesting*. Any Algoma/Sault Ste. Marie craft brews I should be trying??

What are your three favourite topics to read about?

RG: I easily fall down the rabbit hole of Wikipedia biographies, the history of obscure towns, and of course anything related to trains.

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

MB: Three things I know about SSM are it’s on the border, there is a canal and huge flies.
RG: Well, I know for certain that St. Joseph Island is the place to be on July 14! The nerd in me also knows that The Algoma Central/Agawa Canyon Tour Train is based out of Sault Ste. Marie and that both SSM and Hamilton are steel towns.

The Go North Music Festival is a one-day event held in Richards Landing on St. Joseph Island on July 14.

Headlining the 2018 lineup is the Juno award-winning trio, Elliott Brood. Also featured are the Fast Romantics, Shred Kelly, the Andrew Parkhouse Band, Jackpine, Ambre Mclean, Harrow Fair, and Andy Chillman.

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 free).

Overnight camping will again be available for tents and trailers and will feature the ‘camp stage’ after hours led by Andy Chillman.

For ticket information, please click here.

Full festival details can be found here.