Joel Plaskett to play acoustic performance at 2016 Indian River festival

This year's edition of the Indian River festival will feature performances in the centre stage section by Jill and Matthew Barber, Fred Penner and an acoustic show by Joel Plaskettin his first appearance at the festival.

"In the past we had been known primarily as a classical [music] festival but we've sort of branched out to do about half classical and half more popular and contemporary music," Executive Director Andrea Ellis told Matt Rainnieof Island Morning.

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Shesaid the season is now divided the season into four series, a change that was made in 2015.

"We have centre stage, the voice, classical and songwriters circle."

The 21st season will begin on June 19 with a performance byThe Once with The Atlantic String Machine and Friends and end Sept. 18 with a performance byEnsemble Made in Canada.

The festival has launched a new website that allows users to access sections of the site and music they are interested in.

Upgrades to the venue were also made. Ellis said an outdoor pavillion was added to the venue at St. Mary's Church in 2015. There were also renovations to the washroom area and artist space.

"We are still doing a little bit of work, finishing up all those renovations but everything will be completely finished by this season" said Ellis.

"I think the pavillion adds a great space that you can show up early and wait for shows."

Ellis says people can enjoy a drink, the scenery before the shows begin.

"It's a laid back atmosphere but at the same time you are able to hear some really top notch music."

The concert series feature two concerts per weekend over the summer season, one that is contemporary and one that is classical.

"We often have artists write us and agents looking for shows so we start slotting them in as we see fit. We also keep a wish list," said Ellis. "It just sort of magically comes together."

Tickets for the concert season are on sale now.

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