My most memorable Harvest Jazz and Blues experience had me in a crowd surrounding a busker playing Latin music on a guitar with a percussion track. A few songs in and people were dancing, cheering and clapping.
I remember thinking “I wish I had a camera.” The colours, the movement underneath the warm glow of the street lights was vibrant and joyful.
Whether you are a first year or a fourth year, new to Fredericton or born and raised here, Harvest can be overwhelming. From tent shows, fire-spinning street performers and live music playing in downtown bars, it can be difficult to know where to start. For many students, the free shows and buskers on Queen Street offer the most authentic Harvest experience.
Matt LeBlanc, third-year St. Thomas student and Frederictonian, has been going to Harvest since he was nine years old.
“All of Fredericton goes, it’s a lot like the market I think. You know, if you’re going to the market on Saturday, or you’re going to walk down the street at Harvest, either way you are going to run into seven people you know and three people you don’t want to see,” he said.
“When Fredericton comes alive the most is Harvest.”
He recommends that students who are interested in experiencing the music should do their research before buying tickets. Students also shouldn’t write off a tent because the shows one night are expensive. Prices fluctuate, so checking to see when the cheapest night is can get you into some good shows for little money.
“Sometimes two $25 tickets are worth it, and then sometimes one $50 ticket is worth it,” he said. “But I’d say the most memorable shows though, you will have to dip into your wallet to see.”
There is another alternative to gouging your pockets to see one of the big jazz bands or blues artists.
Vanessa Meehan, a fourth-year student at STU who has been volunteering at Harvest since her first year, said volunteering your time is a great way to see the shows for free.
“Volunteering is definitely a VIP experience kind of thing, because you get to see everything up close, you get to meet the artists depending on where you volunteer and you get to see the whole festival,” she said.
She recommends the merchandise booths and security as both good areas to volunteer, and said the Mojo Tent is always a good area. First-year students, however, should be aware of age restrictions.
When it comes to food, Meehan said she always gravitates toward the chip trucks, while LeBlanc said the mini donuts and salted nuts are his must-haves because they smell so good. Meehan also said students should make sure they have cash on them to avoid having to look for an ATM.
LeBlanc said the Pubs and Clubs shows are a great way to hear some live music while also enjoying a night out with friends or a significant other.
“Kill two birds with one stone … and plan to go out to a bar or club on a night where there is also a Harvest event going on.”
Community stages in Officers’ Square, Kings Place stage, and the buskers on Queen Street are free, so students can take advantage of those without spending a dime. LeBlanc said to check if a big headlining band is playing two venues – one night they might be playing in an expensive tent show, the next you might be able to see them on a community stage for free.
LeBlanc also said that for students, going with new acquaintances is a great way to cement new friendships.
“All the friendships I have now I remember spending the night at Harvest with them my first and second years [at university].”
And for the journey home after a night of good music, Meehan recommends leaving a few minutes early if you are at a tent show, to avoid the rush for cabs home.
