Up Here Festival in Sudbury Is Canada’s Most Underrated Must-Experience Event
By Julia Girdharry
This year, Precision Record Pressing visited Sudbury for the 10th annual Up Here Festival to discover an extraordinary weekend of transformative performances and vibrant energy.
If you’re a Toronto-dweller like myself, it might seem strange to visit Sudbury, Ontario for a music and arts festival. However I’m here to tell you that it truly is worth the 4-hour drive or 45-minute plane ride. Up Here is one of Canada’s hidden festival gems, quietly offering something truly extraordinary. For one transformative weekend, Sudbury’s downtown core pulses with energy, tears of joy, and face-melting reverb, coming alive in ways you’d never imagine. If you crave those rare, unforgettable performances and the chance to discover new music, befriend your favorite bands, makes friends and see a part of Canada through a new lens, Up Here is where it all happens.
When I sat down with Christian Pelletier, the festival’s co-founder, I wasn’t sure what to expect of the festival. But his words stayed with me: “Up Here is a festival for people who don’t like festivals.” And it’s true. It’s intimate, kid-friendly, influencer-free, and grounded in a way that feels rare in today’s festival scene. Acts are curated with care, giving you space to take it all in without feeling overwhelmed. Against the gritty and roughed-up, deserted backdrop of Sudbury’s downtown, Up Here channels the spirit of change through art, transforming not only the city’s landscape but the people who experience it.
Sudbury might surprise you—it’s a city with deep musical roots. More and more Canadian artists are making it a must-stop on their tours, drawn by a vibrant, young crowd of leather-clad, tatted music lovers who thrive on the raw energy of live performances. The demand for music here is palpable, and you’d be astonished by the talent that’s emerged from this northern hub.
Take Miriam Linna, the drummer for The Cramps, or local legends like Ox and Strange Attractor—they all hail from Sudbury. In this city, it seems everyone has an instrument in hand, and with little else to do but hike, swim, and visit the Townhouse Tavern to soak up the local music scene.
Scroll down to see the featured artist and photos from the event.
RELATED: Interview: Christian Pelletier Celebrating 10 Years of Up Here Festival In Sudbury
Day One:
Myriam Gendron:
Set at The Reffetorio, an intimate outdoor stage where birdsong flutters through the air and the starlit sky adds a touch of magic, Myriam Gendron’s haunting, raw vocals and guitar beautifully echoed off the crumbling brick walls. A master looper and exceptional songwriter, Myriam joked about her toddler not liking her music, yet her set that evening included powerful original songs from her residency, as well as a memorable cover of Pup.
Beverly Glenn-Copeland:
In an ultra rare show Beverly Glenn-Copeland, with his wife, Elizabeth telling soties and offering her vocal talents as well as Alex Samaras on keyboards, they create a show that is truly one of a kind. The trio weaves together singing, dancing, storytelling, and monologues with stunning talent, crafting a performance that makes you reflect, laugh, cry, and feel more in touch with our inner child. The group performed Sesame Street songs and heartfelt love ballads, including “Harbor,” a touching tribute written for the artist’s wife Elizabeth. This emotional performance was a highlight, showcasing Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s deep personal connection through his music.
Day Two:
Nicolas Cangiano:
Nicolas Cangiano, though a one-man show for now, delivers nothing short of brilliance. Performing at the cozy Knowhere Public House, a charming mid-century modern bar, Cangiano is the kind of artist who reads the room like a pro, tailoring his setlist to match the vibe perfectly and does it minutes before perfoming. With his mellow, bluesy coffee shop covers and captivating original tracks, he loops and layers his way through each song, showcasing his mastery of the craft. His music feels effortless yet thoughtful, creating an atmosphere that draws you in and holds you until the last note.
Population II:
This was one of my favorite sets of the evening. Population II delivered a face-melting fusion of psychedelia, blending punk, jazz, and metal into an explosive show. Having toured the Distro festival circuit and opened for acts like The Osees, this band is poised to inspire new directions in French-Canadian music. Even in the smaller, more intimate setting of Place des Arts in Sudbury, their stage presence and wild dance moves transformed the space with the same high energy you’d expect from a crowd of hundreds at the main stage of LEVITATION.
Yonatan Gat and Maalem Hassan BenJafaar :
While most of the artists at Up Here come from across Canada, one act stood out as exceptionally rare and captivating. At Place des Arts in Sudbury, Yonatan Gat, hailing from New York, brought a mesmerizing blend of punk and psychedelic sounds interwoven with the rich traditions of West African Gnawan music. Gat, an experimental and supremely talented guitarist, wowed the crowd with one of his signature tricks—playing the guitar with a glass of water. He was joined by the legendary Gnawa Maalam (master) Hassan BenJafaar, who played the Sintir, a traditional camel-skin string instrument, adding a hypnotic depth to the performance. Together, they created a fusion of sounds that was truly unlike anything else.
Sydanie:
Sydanie brings a refreshing twist to the Toronto rap scene. While many rappers flaunt their city roots, Sydanie’s Caribbean-influenced, guttural Toronto accent speaks volumes all on its own. Her performances are a vibrant mix of personal storytelling and infectious Caribbean rhythms, making her an exciting and much-needed addition to any lineup.
TOBi:
Funny enough, TOBi isn’t a rare sight—he might just stroll down Queen Street in Toronto on any given day. But onstage, he truly shines. At Up Here’s main stage, set in a classic outdoor festival setting, TOBi delivered an evening of smooth, grooving R&B, electrifying the crowd with Witch Prophet and Janette King opening. His music blends soulful melodies with gritty, authentic storytelling, weaving together R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeat into a rich, layered experience. Even with the rain pouring down, the energy stayed high, and everyone had an unforgettable time.
Day Three:
Sebastian Gaskin:
On the second day at the main stage, Sebastian Gaskin began with soulful, intimate tunes that showcased his personal stories and love. Their relaxed afternoon set soon ramped up to a dynamic fusion of metal, punk, and hip-hop, reaching a high point when they played the guitar with their tongue. Although this daring move was unconventional for a Saturday afternoon, it made for a truly remarkable and memorable performance.
Diva Worship:
Last year at The Reffetorio, Diva Worship brought their energy to a whole new level, shredding at the main stage this time around while still joining as spectators for the weekend. The band, masters of getting the crowd to shake it, delivered a double shot of the adrenaline needed to ignite the audience in the sweltering heat.
Casper Skulls:
I couldn’t think of a better opener than PUP, a band that Casper Skulls has previously toured with. Casper Skulls, whose lead singer is a Precision Record Pressing alum, brought a special energy to the stage. There’s a running joke in Sudbury that once you leave, you always come back, and it’s spot-on for the members of this band. They left Sudbury to chase their dreams and returned to share their success with their tight-knit hometown. Their punk-infused surf riffs drew the crowd in closer, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festival and the warmth of the community.
PUP:
For many, this was the big draw of Up Here. People traveled from all corners of Canada, finding it more appealing—and cheaper—to catch a show in Sudbury than to navigate the chaos of city traffic and the sprawling Scotiabank Arena. Why pay $175 to stand in a faceless crowd when at Up Here’s main stage, you’re so close to Stefan Babcock that he could sweat on you? And for those who enjoy a proper mosh pit, the energy didn’t disappoint. The Canadian-style moshing added a unique twist to an already electric atmosphere, making this performance a highlight.
Alix Fernz:
Following the release of Bizou (pressed at PRP through our exPRESS program), witnessing it live was a game-changer. At the Townhouse Tavern—a gritty, greasy bar where local music thrives—Alix, a kind and humble soul offstage, did a complete 180° during his performance. He transformed into a seasoned rockstar, doubling his energy and ensuring no one stood still. Prior to the set, he bluntly mentioned, “Stiffs aren’t cool.”
Read more about Alix Fernz
La Sécurité:
La Sécurité, the art-punk band with whom Alix Fernz has overlapping project ties, brought their eccentric energy to the Townhouse Tavern. When chatting with lead singer Éliane Viens-Synnott, she humorously referred to their travels as playing “up there” in Quebec, and now, they’re “Up Here.” The vibrant five-piece group absolutely rocked the venue, a rare low-ceiling bar perfectly suited for bands like La Sécurité.
Day 4:
Mistake for Wayne:
By Sunday, everyone was wiped out, sipping Caesars after a late afternoon sleep-in, chatting and soaking in Mistake for Wayne’s short but sweet set at the Townhouse Tavern. In the cozy, dimly lit space, the band’s mellow string arrangements and laid-back, lazy drums created a soothing, intimate vibe. Their gentle melodies provided the perfect soundtrack to ease everyone into the festival’s final evening.
Anachnid:
On the main stage, Anachnid brought the spirit of the Sudbury nations to life, drumming on a hand drum and channeling ancestral songs with a fresh, modern twist. Blending Indigenous stories like the Deer Lady with electronic beats and haunting, howling vocals, they had the audience completely captivated. The highlight? Getting the entire crowd to howl like wolves—a playful, powerful moment that embodied her unique fusion of tradition and modern energy.
Allie X:
Allie X was pure electric energy, lighting up the stage with a blinding light show that made sunglasses practically mandatory. Stomping around in sky-high platform boots, every step thundered as she stomped around on stage. She danced like a firecracker, belted out powerful vocals, and effortlessly switched between the synth and tambourine. The crowd couldn’t get enough of her wild, unstoppable presence.
The main takeaway is that overcrowded festivals are out of style, and supporting smaller, indie festivals is where it’s at.
For next year, don’t let what others say about Sudbury keep you from the festival. Sure, the city has its quirks, but that same rugged backdrop is what makes the Up Here experience so unique. It’s part of the charm that reminds you to stay grounded and kind, something often lost at bigger festivals. Amidst the lakes and forests, there are cultural pockets that deserve more spotlight. The Up Here concert series is all about giving the community a boost and offering a reason to visit. With special acts like Beverly-Glenn Copeland or Yonatan Gat and Mallam BenJafaar, you’ll find one-of-a-kind moments and surprises that make the trip unforgettable. You never know what you’ll discover or who you’ll meet while you’re there!
For more information about Up Here Festival, please visit: uphere.com