The University of Lethbridge is getting ready to get Fresh for their tenth annual Freshfest outside the Student’s Union Building, Sept. 7-9.
“If you don’t have your tickets, I don’t know what you’re waiting for,” said organizer Ameet Kumar, who has been involved in the past three Freshfests, since he was in his second year and who steps up as coordinator for this year.
“We‘re moving away from rock like the last couple Freshfests. This year our two main acts for the jamboree, Sept. 9 are EDM,” Kumar said.
“We have Haywyre. He plays keyboard and does remixes of classic pop. He’s known for his remix of ‘Smooth Criminal,’ by Michael Jackson,” Kumar continued.
“Our headliner is Walshy Fire. He’s one third of Major Lazer. They’re a team who have worked with everyone from Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber.” Up and coming Halifax EDM/pop trio Neon Dreams are also on the bill. They have a couple of hit singles including “Find Away” and “Marching Bands.”
On the rock side, Vancouver indie rock band Said the Whale return to Lethbridge for Freshfest. Juno nominee Scott Helman, known for his hit “Bungalow” is also on the bill.
“We also have local support with TreyMark and Scotch Whiskey Limousine,” Kumar enthused.
“And for the first time, we’ve hired an MC— Dylan Playfair of Letterkenny. I’m super pumped about it,” he continued, adding there will also be food trucks at the jamboree including Two Guys and a Pizza Place.
But there are several other activities as well. There will be a luau on the hill by Parking lot E from 1-5 p.m. followed by a barbecue in the Student’s Union Zoo. That will be followed by this year’s “Fresh Flicks— a screening of “Guardians of the Galaxy 2 in the Zoo.
There is Freshfest fun on Friday too with the annual Rumble in the Jungle cabaret from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
The event is open to University of Lethbridge students who are allowed to bring a plus one who is not attending the school.
“Tier one and two sold out ASAP in about 24 hours, so we’re on Tier 4 now, which costs $45 for just the jamboree. But you might as well get Freshfest pass for $70 which includes admission to all events and a swag bag including T-Shirt and coupons and things,” Kumar advised, adding there are a total of 2,000 tickets available, which are 80 per cent sold out.
“There is a lot of nostalgia for Freshfest,” Kumar observed.
“It’s been exciting. It’s really been a team effort to organize. When I first took on this position three months ago, had a million questions. I’ve been lucky to have such a great board and volunteers.And now it’s 15 days away. The best part is year to come, in a moment when I’m not running errands, that I’ll be able to sit back and watch 2,000 students having the time of their lives in the grove,” he continued.
