A September without a Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival is unimaginable! As most everyone is aware, Harvest’s 30th anniversary celebrations had to be paused due to COVID-19 safety regulations and what is normally my very favourite week of the year will just not be the same. BUT the fantastic festival organizers (and sponsors) have come through for us and won’t let this year slip by without providing an alternative. Although we can’t gather in person under the big tents with thousands of our friends we will be able to enjoy ‘Harvest 29.5’! This online special presentation will feature some of the most memorable moments in Harvest history, along with spectacular new performances from some of our Harvest favourites! In this way we will experience amazing music, celebrate our community and enjoy a few surprises along the way. Harvest 29.5 is an event not to be missed!

The main event will take place via Harvest’s Facebook and YouTube pages on Saturday, September 19^th starting at 7PM. Here’s what you need to know:

Attend a watching party

A few of our favorite Fredericton establishments will be hosting their own Harvest 29.5 viewing parties! So grab a table, order up a meal, and take in Harvest 29.5 at participating establishments. Seating may be limited so please plan ahead. Click here for a list of planned parties being organized around the city.

Host your own watching party

Why watch Harvest 29.5 by yourself when you can have your own Harvest 29.5 party! Set up the backyard, head out to the cabin or get comfy on the couch because those are all the perfect places to have a Harvest 29.5 gathering with friends and family. Get your laptop, a TV or maybe you even have a projector to watch Harvest 29.5 via Facebook and YouTube!

Remember to keep your gathering small and adhere to social distancing while hosting your Harvest 29.5 party. Everyone’s safety is top priority! Click here for directives on how to stream the broadcast.

Don’t forget the food & drink

You’re likely going to get hungry while watching Harvest 29.5 and you can satisfy your needs by supporting local restaurants by ordering the tastiest bites this city has to offer while you enjoy the show! Click here for a list of all participating vendors.

I’ve also taken note that venues around Fredericton have programmed safe LIVE shows for our enjoyment. Seating will of course be limited and it’s best if you contact each venue directly to get all details. Here is a rundown on some of the events planned around the city that I’m aware of…

The Delta Fredericton will present local favourites Josh Bravener on Thursday (17^th), Anthony Gray on Friday (18^th) and Keith Hallett will get things warmed up before the watch party planned at the hotel.

Dolan’s Pub is presenting the high-energy classics playing Maggie’s Farm Revival on the Thursday (17^th) and Certified on Friday (18^th) and Saturday (19^th).

Theresa Malenfant & Scott Medford will take to the stage at the Tribute Bar & Lounge on Friday (18^th).

The Tipsy Muse Café has lined up local greats Katherine Moller on Friday (18^th) and Chill Chicago on Saturday (19^th).

The Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton will host a Gin & Jazz weekend at their bar the Southside Shake featuring Bridge Jazz on both Friday (18^th) and Saturday (19^th). You can expect a vibe that moves between upscale modern jazz and some more traditional vocals.

The Cap (The Capital Complex) has put together a few events for us all to check out …

Wednesday (16^th) they will present Pallmer, Blue Lobelia & Kurtis Eugene on The Cap patio.
Friday (18^th) they’ve lined up The Montgomery Street Band with Womb to Tomb at Charlotte Street Arts Centre.
Saturday (19^th) a couple things are planned -
Feeding The Future (Fundraiser) in The Tannery between 12 noon and 4PM with chillteens, Cesar Morales & Miramichi Cello Group
Harvest 29.5 Saturday on The Cap patio featuring The Downtown Blues Band, The Tortoise The Hare & The Millionaire, Jessica Rhaye Trio and a special public viewing the Harvest Live Stream.
Sunday (20^th) delivers SUNDAY FUNDAY on The Cap patio with Dub Antenna, Stephen Lewis & the Big Band of Fun, McKinley Morrison & Williams, Hum & Hollow and Michelle Morrison

I’m sure there will be more events added so please take a look around and plan to get out in support of Fredericton’s businesses which are so deeply affected by the absence of this internationally renowned event which always provides such a huge boost in their year. The entertainment and hospitality industry are among the hardest hit by the emergency measures that have had to be put in place to protect our community as a whole. Please remember to support them now in hopes they will continue to be there for us in the years to come. 

However you choose to mark the occasion, be sure to share all your fun on social media by tagging #myHarvest – things like your favourite Harvest attire, where you’re watching and who you are watching with. That way we’ll all feel connected in our celebration and can enjoy everyone’s adventure surrounding the event. Let the music run through everything as we embrace this alternative version of a festival that is so near & dear to many people near & far!