Sudbury's new spring festival BLOOM 2019 announces headliners

The Northern Lights Festival Boral has announced who will be performing at itsnew spring festival called BLOOM 2019.

"We are proud to announce Bombino", says Max Merrifield,executive and artistic director of the festival.

He adds the West African guitar legend was born in Tidene, Niger and is part of a nomadic tribe called Tuaregs near the city of Agadez. The Tuareg have long been recognized as warriors, traders and travelers of the Sahara Desert.

Another performer announced is accomplished hip-hop artist and former host of CBC'sq, Shad.

Merrifieldsays Shad has a Netflix series on hip-hop. Shad's family settled in London, Ont.,after fleeing the Rwandan genocide.

Battle of Santiago is a band from Toronto who Merrifield describes as "afra-cuban music mixed with psychedelia and post rocks sounds".

"We really wanted every act to draw from a different part of the world and to have its own style musically,"Merrifieldsays.

He says the idea of having a winter or spring event has been in the works for some time. Merrifieldadds he'shad theidea in mind from attending other events which showcasemusic from around the world.

"Why not do it in March to heat things up."

BLOOM 2019 will happen at different venues in downtown Sudbury between March 8-10.

The main shows will be held at The Grand Nighclubon Elgin Street.

Merrifieldsays sincethe performances will be at multiple venues, itmeans tickets are limited.

"All the venues are in downtown Sudbury and then the others mostly will be smaller halls and clubs, bars, so all tickets will be extremely limited. And we're really hoping for a sell out on everything."

"People are really excited that it is something really different and unique in the festival landscape here," hesays.

More elements and performers at the festival will beannounced at a later date.

Merrifield says they're also planninga 'pay what you can' concertduring one of the days and a late night DJ dance partywith aglobal twist. International food will also be apart of the festival.