Kiwanis music 1Dr. Kevin O’Grady (Left) and Festival Chair Ralph Celentano look at a participation certificate from the very first Kiwanis Music Festival in 1966.

The 50th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Music Festival is coming up next month. The Kiwanis Club of Nipissing North Bay held a kick-off announcement Thursday.

Celentano says there will be 375 entries this year with performances including everything from piano, to guitar, to full bands.

He says the festival has been the starting point for many famous musicians over the years; including Jane Arden, Gordon Lightfoot and Diana Krall.

Dr O’Grady was a part of the very first Kiwanis Music Festival in 1966 – and is an Honorary Co-Chair this year.

O’Grady says it’s important to keep this festival going for the students who take part in it.

He says it’s giving young people a chance to improve their skills, and a little competition helps. 

The Festival will begin on Monday, April 13th and will take place at three venues; Calvin Presbyterian Church, Christ Church on Greenwood Avenue and Chippewa Secondary School.

Written by matthew.sookram@northbayradio.rogers.com