Northern Tip Rocks coming to St. Anthony

Caroline Hillier hasn't forgotten where she came from.

The St. Lunaire-Griquet native who created and organized Northern Tip Rocks 2007 has announced another festival - this one featuring three-time East Coast Music Award winners Hey Rosetta!

The St. John's based-band, presented by the St. Anthony Recreation Department, will headline the second night of the event, scheduled for Aug. 21 and 22.

The band's newest album, Into Your Lungs, has won the inaugural XM Satellite Radio Verge Music Award and two CMW Indie Awards. They have also recently been featured in Billboard Magazine as one of the top 5 new Canadian bands.

"I'm personally really excited to be part of Northern Tip Rocks - a festival and a movement and a celebration of music on the Northern Peninsula," explains lead singer Tim Baker.

The event begins on Friday, Aug. 21 with a songwriters' circle at St. Anthony's Haven Inn. Musicians from the Northern Peninsula will get the chance to discuss their craft and share ideas.

"This will be an up close and personal, intimate showcase that will give local musicians the chance to share their talent. I know there are a lot of aspiring musicians in the area. This will serve as a creative outlet for them," explains Ms. Hillier.

After the songwriters' circle, there will be an information sharing session about the music business. Representation will come from Music NL and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council.

"I want people on the Northern Peninsula to understand that music as an art form is both a legitimate industry and a realistic career option," says Ms. Hillier.

On the second night of the event, a concert will be held at the St. Anthony Olympia.

Nasty Weather, originally from Croque, will be opening for Hey Rosetta! The band was impressed by the overall message and organization of Northern Tip Rocks 2007.

"We are always looking for new windows of opportunity," says lead singer Mitchell Hunt. "The chance to open for Hey Rosetta! Doesn't come along every day."

He adds that joining other young talent and playing before a crowd of 500 at Northern Tip Rocks was a thrill for the band.

"I'm a really big Hey Rosetta! fan and was honoured when Caroline offered us the opportunity to share the stage with them," notes Mr. Hunt.

Director of parks and recreation with the town, Brandon Reardon, says he's excited to be on board with the project.

"Northern Tip Rocks will provide the Great Northern Peninsula with a tremendous experience," he notes. "It will give residents a better understanding of our cultural background and will unite our town."

The show will be open to all ages, with the Olympia being split into wet/dry areas.

Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. They go on sale at locations on the Northern Peninsula and in Southern Labrador on July 2.

Northern Tip Rocks is aimed at developing, promoting and celebrating music on the Northern Peninsula.

"This event is full of artistic merit and will serve as a rare opportunity for the area," adds Ms. Hillier.

For more information about Northern Tip Rocks, contact Ms. Hillier at c_hillier17@hotmail.com.