photo by Richard Saethang

This year’s annual Sled Island Music and Arts Festival will take place in Calgary, Alberta from June 21-25 and Flying Lotus has been tapped as the guest curator. Sled Island has announced its first wave lineup of 15 of the 250+ bands today. The annual festival presents a lineup of music, comedy, film and art in more than 35 venues across Calgary, Alberta each June.

Each year, Sled Island’s guest curator puts their mark on the festival by choosing special programs and including as well as performing at the event. This year that seat was filled by none other than producer, rapper, DJ, label owner and filmmaker FLYING LOTUS. Flying Lotus’ program selections will be announced in the coming months, as will with other festival acts and additional headliners. Past curators include Peaches, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Kathleen Hanna, Tim Hecker, Scott Kannberg, and many others.

Sled Island’s first wave of 2017 artists includes plenty of heavy acts; including metalcore artists Converge as well as Wolves in the Throne Room, Daughters and King Woman. Also in attendance will be EX EYE, a super(metal)group made up of Colin Stetson, Greg Fox, Toby Summerfield and Shahzad Ismailyl.

In addition to metal there is a heavy contemporary indie influence included in the first announcement with folk-rock act Waxahatchee performing a special solo set as well as performances by noise rockers Cloud Nothings, Georgian folk-based art rockers Mothers, Toronto no wave renegades New Fries, experimental pop act Weyes Blood and Land of Talk are set to appear amongst rumours that new music is coming from the heartbreaking group.

Passes And Tickets
Sled Island passes are on sale at savings of 15% until March 13, 2017 at the Sled Island website.

Discovery Pass ($191): Our first recommendation for anyone wanting the full Sled Island experience! Access to all Sled Island events (250+ bands, comedy, film and art), subject to capacity.

Discovery Plus Pass ($327): The ultimate Sled Island experience! Priority access (subject to capacity) to all Sled Island events (250+ bands, comedy, film and art), artist lounge access, a Sled Island 2017 t-shirt, tote bag, limited edition screenprinted poster and more!

Sampler Pack ($112): Not sure where to start at Sled Island? Let us be your guide! We’ve handpicked nine of the festival’s hidden gems to give you a taste of the Sled Island experience. Show details will be released alongside the Sled Island 2017 schedule in late spring 2017.

All-Ages Pass ($35): Exclusively for attendees under 18 years of age! Access more than 50 all-ages events for the price of a single show ticket

Sled Island Music and Arts Festival Full Lineup
Flying Lotus
Cloud Nothings
Low
Wolves in the Throne Room
Hailu Mergia
Land of Talk
King Woman
Ex Eye
Converge
Waxahatchee
Silver Apples
Weyes Blood
Mothers
Thor & Friends
Daughters
New Fries

UPDATE 5/2:

Sled Island has announced the addition of a slew of new artists to the June event. The additions include DJ Quik, MONO, Shonen Knife, Jimmy Edgar, Mike Watt + The Missingmen, Guitar Wolf, DIANA, Simply Saucer, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, OZZIE, Meatbodies, Pinkish Black, Les Filles de Illighadad, Uniform, Mrs. Magician, American Lips and Half Waif.