Classified, The Stanfields and local youth to perform at Trunk 7 Music Festival

The Trunk 7 Music Festival in Eastern Shore, N.S., is kicking off this Friday.

Classified, The Stanfields, Charlie A’Court, The Royal Volts, and Jenn Grant are set to headline this year’s Trunk 7 Music Festival, happening this Friday and Saturday in Porters Lake, N.S.

The not-for-profit festival, launched in 2015 by local educators, was created to promote Nova Scotia’s homegrown music scene as well as help young artists get a real taste of the industry.

“We try to have a diverse lineup and accommodate as many different types of musical acts,” said festival founder Nick Pettipas. “People can usually find something to enjoy.”

Award-winning artist Jenn Grant, who has called Lake Echo home for more than a decade, says the festival’s community spirit hits close to home.

“I love being part of this community and it’s so important that there’s a festival down here… it really does bring everyone together,” said Grant.

But what truly sets Trunk 7 apart is its Youth Showcase. It gives young performers a shot at the big stage – including 15-year-old Brooklyn King from West Chezzetcook.

“I think music is very powerful,” King said. “When I perform, to see smiles on people’s faces makes me feel good too.”

Pettipas says watching young artists gain experience year after year is one of the best parts.

“They get more comfortable and really put on a nice show. It’s their hard work that gets them up on that stage.”

Grant says she knows first-hand how valuable that early experience can be.

“I had stage fright for 10 years,” she said. “It’s just great to get experience being on stage – why not start them off young?”

The Trunk 7 Music Festival runs July 18 and 19 in Porters Lake in the Superstore parking lot.