Staying unique and affordable has been a mantra of
And while the popular music and arts festival has certainly grown - this year's event features roughly 50 performers - it has still managed to stay true to its roots.
Kazoo! goes April 5 to 9 at a host of city venues. Check out www.kazookazoo.ca for a full list of events.
It's much more than a music festival, says Kazoo! board member and music programmer David Lander.
"It's kind of hard to put into words because it's kind of a lifestyle that a lot of us live," said Lander.
"It's about treating artists right, it's about opportunities for the community that they wouldn't necessarily have and creating a space that feels safe, comfortable and exciting," Lander said.
"That space can be a physical space or a mental space."
One of the ways it manages to stay focused on being as affordable and accessible as possible is by being largely volunteer driven, Lander said.
"Somebody like Brad has never made a cent. He just does it because he sees it as valuable. That's why a lot of people do it."
An all-access
The music is focused on emerging artists.
So while a fairly well-known band locally like the
Even Violet Ice, a band from March break's Girls Rock Camp in town, will get to do a set, helping open up for the
Several art exhibits will happen over the five days. The popular night market goes Thursday Apr. 6 from
"It's a mixed bag of things and that's the whole point," Lander said.
"I've been to many music festivals and stood in a field and seen 10 bands in a row. I've thought 'great' but never had any other experience than that," he said.
"I think that's why an event like
