Sommo Festival kicks off in Cavendish, P.E.I. for two days of music, fun and food

Maria Sarrouh reports on ‘Sommo Festival’ kicking off in P.E.I. and how an artist no-show at the event made for some mixed emotions among festival goers.

With a scan of their festival bracelets, fans strolled onto festival grounds on P.E.I.’s North Shore, ready to make the most of Sommo.

Back for its third year in Cavendish, the two-day event blends major music headliners with a strong culinary program, drawing visitors for concerts, chef demos and local food.

“It’s just a good time and good vibes and beautiful weather and great people,” said Dyllan Humphrey, waiting in line for merch.

The weekend features huge headliners, like Canadian-American artist Alanis Morissette and singer-songwriter Hozier.

“She was definitely on my list of people that I need to see before I die,” said Emma Chase.

“I’m most excited to see Hozier tomorrow,” said Alissa Cyrino.

However, one name is missing from the lineup. Up-and-coming artist Alex Warren, who recently won the MTV Video Music Award for best new artist, was set to play.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, in a now deleted post, Sommo said Warren “decided not to join this year’s festival due to a recently booked scheduling conflict,” adding it left organizers “in a difficult position” with the team working to complete the lineup.

Warren later responded on TikTok, saying he asked his team for time off weeks earlier—to see a therapist and spend time with family—not to make a bigger or higher-paying commitment, and suggested fans should have been informed earlier.

“I’m going through a lot of stuff, I’ve been touring all year, I have rehearsals on my birthday, all these different things,” he says in a video that now has more than 20 million views. “To P.E.I., I’m sorry.”

Asked if there was a delay informing ticketholders, organizers say that’s not the case.

“When we book 25 some artists and 10 chefs… there are some cancellations.

“There’s so many people that are involved in the booking process of these worldwide artists. And obviously there’s a miscommunication around some parts around the world,” said Ben Murphy, Whitecap Entertainment CEO.

East coast favourite Adam Baldwin & The Jenny Wren are performing instead.

For many, the replacement is a plus.

“I am so excited because we got Adam Baldwin,” said Jessica Pellerine. “He was here last year. It was amazing. We saw him in Halifax, he’s awesome.”

“I don’t mind the switch-up,” said Sarah Parsons. “We get to see someone new, someone we’ve never seen before.”

The festival’s benefits go beyond the music – it’s a big boost to the local economy. Organizers expect between 30,000 to 35,000 people to stream through the gates, with around 80 per cent from other provinces.

“It’s a little bit smaller than the festivals we’re used to in Ontario, and I think it’s a better environment,” said Maggie McColl. “It’s a little bit more chill. And I think with the culinary stage and everything, it’s really cool and different.”

Food is a big component.

“We’re excited to try some of the local food and drink,” said Gibson Savell.

Vegan chef and content creator Lauren Toyota was ready to demo a recipe on the culinary stage.

“I have never really seen, maybe other than Coachella, a festival take the food into this much importance and be very organized, bringing guest chefs and collaborations,” she said. “So I think it’s next level.”

On the menu at her booth was crabless cakes, with chef Brandon Perry helping prep plates.

“In the day and age we live in, it’s very important to have a vegan option on any menu,” he said.

The fun continues through Sunday. Sommo’s team says next year’s lineup is already in the works, with first artist announcements expected before the end of the year.