On That Note: KOI Makes a Triumphant Return to Downtown Kitchener
Posted Sep 17, 2014 08:52:57 AM.
Last Updated Jun 15, 2015 08:54:06 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s that time of the year again – KOI (Kitchener Ontario Independent) Music Festival plans to dominate the downtown core, kicking off September 19th and running to the 21st.
Notable headliners to the star-studded line up include USS & Danko Jones. And as always, the Crossman brothers (better known as the masterminds behind one of the Region’s hottest indie festivals) have prepped, prepared and invited dozens of bands to rock downtown including The Balconies, The Baudelaires, Every Time I Die and Four Year Strong.
It’s overwhelming – to say the least – the multiple venues, the multiple bands, and the multiple ways to experience KOI. And that is a very, very good thing.
OTN: What is like preparing for KOI?
Cory Crossman: We work on the festival 365 days a year. Plans are already in place for 2015. It’s an on- going process that has us working around the clock and burning the candle at both ends!
OTN: The downtown core is transforming in means of the live music landscape. How has that impacted KOI?
CC: There is a great deal happening in the core these days; many new businesses opening or revamping themselves. This year was a bit difficult for us as there are a number of spaces we have used in the past that are undergoing renovations and weren’t able to host venue. Due to this we have added additional outdoor stages to the festival. Should be our best year yet!
OTN: Every year is bigger and better. What are some of the changes you’ve made to KOI this year?
CC: This year is truly our biggest and best festival to date! We’ve added a full day of programming to the Sunday with performances by USS, Protest The Hero and The Front Bottoms to name a few. We have integrated KOI Con (a Music Business Conference) to run concurrent to the festival, we have a food truck festival take over Ontario street with delicious vendors, we have created a comic book that tells the story of how KOI came to be and we have launched a massive charity drive to raise awareness about a number of local charities.
The festival boasts 20 venues, various genres of musicians and bands (from rock to acoustic), and the ticket prices are ridiculously affordable.
So what are you waiting for? Get yours, the info and the details at koimusifestival.com.
KOI Music Festival
September 19th – 21st, 2014
Downtown Kitchener
www.koimusicfestival.com
