By David DeRocco

The co-organizer of LIVESTOCK NIAGARA is putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to supporting independent live music in the region.

Rafik Guirguis, co-founder of the one-day indie music festival coming to Taps Brewhouse in the Falls this Sunday, says that any expenses incurred in the staging of the event are worth it considering the impact such festivals have on the long-term careers of local artists.

“This event is really all about supporting new music in the region,” said Rafik, a former employee at Taps, the Queen Street bar and grill that will be hosting the indoor/outdoor music event July 17^th.  This is the second year for Livestock, a festival with aspirations to potentially become the replacement for the S.C.E.N.E. music festival. That legendary St. Catharines-based music festival is no longer being staged in the Garden City after over 20 years of hosting the very best in independent Canadian music.

“It’s kind of come full circle, because S.C.E.N.E. founder Steve Stumble’s band The Lucky Ones will actually be playing in Livestock this year,” said Rafik, who’s relying on a team of committed volunteers and sponsors to help ensure this year’s festival runs smoothly. He’ll definitely need the support of the team involved in organizing the event, as Livestock 2016 is nearly double the size of last year’s festival. Spread across two indoor and two outdoor stages, the Livestock line-up features a who’s who of Niagara’s independent music scene; The Matadors, Mel Monaco, A Book for Wanders, Street Pharmacy, Majora and The Perpetual Peace Project are a few of the over 40 bands that will be performing at the music and arts festival. 

As is the case with the well-connected indie music community, word has spread about the festival; as a result, Rafik has been receiving applications from bands as far away as Montreal. “The response this year has been amazing, and there’s a great variety of artists who’ll be playing this year,” he said.

Despite being a free event, Rafik says all artists on the bill will be paid, which is an ongoing mandate of the festival to adhere to the standards set by local musicians unions. “We’re definitely hoping to grow the festival, and the union understands the long-term goals.  All bands are being paid, and that's a good thing for local artists.”

For more information, visit www.livestockniagara.com.  

• WHAT: Livestock Niagara 2016
• WHERE: Taps Brewhouse; 4680 Queen Street; Niagara Falls
• WHEN: July 17, 11 a.m. To 2 a.m.
• ADMISSION: Free www.livestockniagara.com