Sled Island Festival 2009

Sled Island Festival is a 4-day long, multi venue festival that showcases a wide variety of emerging and established talent. Approximately 17,500 people attend the various rooms and the central venue over the course of the festival.

Last year, Sled Island hosted 190 acclaimed artists including Broken Social Scene, Spiral Stairs, Yo la Tengo, Wire, RZA, Of Montreal, Jonathan Richman, Mogwai, No Age, the Gutter Twins, Tegan and Sara, Portastatic, José Gonzalez, Okkervil River, Deerhunter, Dan Deacon, Blitzen Trapper, Qui, Secret Machines, the Dodos, Drive-By Truckers, Extra Golden, Beans, the Broken West, Elliot Brood, Carolyn Mark, and more, alongside local and national independent acts, many of which are poised on the verge: Woodpigeon, Chad VanGaalen, Jain Vane & The Dark Matter, Women to name a few. Last year's guest music curator was Scott Kannberg. This year's guest curator is Colin Newman from Wire

Sled Island is looking for a wide range of bands that stray outside the boundaries of commercial rock - whether you've been around for 6 months or 6 years.

Selected artsists will provided the opportunity to perform in unique, intimate venues to music fans from across Western Canada who will be making the trip to Calgary. Besides receiving artist passes for the event, all selected artists will receive $100 and a range of benefits including excellent exposure through Sled Island's website, international media partners and extensive marketing campaign. Backline and lodging are the responsibility of the artist.

Participating venues include Broken City, The Ship and Anchor, The HiFi Club, #1 Legion, and many more centered in the Beltline and Downtown districts of Calgary.

Here is what people said about last year's festival:

Calgary Herald

Pitchfork Media