The Music Niagara Festival’s 26th season will conclude with a five-night series of performances at Ironwood Cider House this week.
Kicking off on Monday, August 12, the festival’s Pops Series will showcase a diverse lineup, including world music, jazz, Celtic fiddle tunes, energetic dance performances, inventive classical music, classic soul and pop, and a touch of humor.
The series begins with a performance by Quartetto Gelato, a familiar ensemble to festival-goers, at the Music Niagara tent on Ironwood’s Lakeshore Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This week’s show promises a twist, as the quartet will be joined by soprano Sarah Albu, a Montreal-based singer, composer, and performance artist. Albu is known for her innovative approach to experimental music and 20th-century repertoire, drawing on her theatrical background and fascination with science fiction. Her diverse influences span traditional Balkan music, ancient sacred polyphony, film soundtracks, and psychedelic rock.
Albu’s collaboration with Quartetto Gelato—comprising Colin Maier (oboe), Konstantin Popović (violin), Kirk Starkey (cello), and Matti Pukki (accordion)—is expected to add a fresh, intriguing element to their typically dazzling and entertaining performances.
On Tuesday, the festival features The Fitzgeralds, a high-energy family act renowned for their Celtic fiddle music and traditional step dancing. The Fitzgeralds—Tom, Kerry, and Julie—along with guitarist Alanna Jenish, bring their exceptional musicianship and engaging stage presence from their Ottawa Valley roots. Their performance promises to combine impressive step dancing with an authentic sibling connection and audience interaction.
Wednesday, August 14, will highlight world music with Los Variants, a band celebrated for their eclectic blend of Afrofunk, reggae, jazz, blues, Caribbean, Flamenco, and Middle Eastern genres. Led by drummer Vince Maccarone, the group will include returning talents Fethi Nadjem on violin and Maryem Hassan Tollar on vocals, alongside new members guitarist Michael Occhipinti, bassist Ryan Spratt, and percussionist Lucho Orbigoso.
The festival will conclude with performances by the trio of Luke McMaster, Kevin Pauls, and Joel Parisien on the final two evenings.
Attendees can enjoy food from Ruffino’s Pasta Bar and Grill, available for purchase on-site.
