CRANIUM 2021 will feature performances by over a dozen local hip-hop and R&B artists

After a successful online edition last year, CRANIUM Festival and Conference returns for in-person fun for 2021! Here’s the official release about the upcoming event:

Following up on their successful virtual event in 2020, the Cranium Arts Project is set to host the third annual Cranium Festival and Conference and this year's edition will be even bigger and better.

This year it will be presented in front of a live audience at some of downtown Ottawa’s leading venues, and will feature some of the Capital Region and Canada’s top hip-hop and R&B artists.

Day one of the festival opens with a block party hosted by Bobby Brugal and featuring a headlining performance from blazing hot Montreal rapper Nate Husser and opening performances from Eazy Finesse, Mazyn, Blue Will, Mélissa Vales, and Lindasson. Holding down DJing and duties is DJ Tdot from Hot 89.9.

Day two features a headlining performance from the now Montreal-based Tika with opening performances from Hueso, Liyah, Lonely Boy, Keysha Freshh, and Jessie Simmons. Setting the tone for the evening is the host and DJ duo of Bo Jangles and DJ Mel Boogie from Vibe 105 FM.

The final day of the festival features a headlining performance from Toronto rapper, singer, and former Polaris Prize winner, Haviah Mighty, with opening performances from Jeff Sanon, Charmaine, and Wasiu. The closing night will be hosted by Pearly B with DJ Mace DJing.

For Cranium Festival Music Director, Justin Gunderson, getting back to a high energy, live in-person experience is long overdue, especially after the events of the past year.

“We’re really excited about our lineup and venues for this year’s edition of CRANIUM. We have a little bit of everything. We have some big names that are on their way to becoming stars, as well as some up and coming artists who are really making noise in the Capital Region and beyond. After everything we’ve all been through with COVID, we’re looking forward to helping people to get back out there with their friends, vibe, and enjoy some dope music.”

Venues include the 27 Club at 27 York Street in the ByWard Market and the Bronson Centre.

The CRANIUM Festival and Conference runs from October 1-3, 2021.

For more information about Cranium 2021 and to buy tickets, visit craniumfestival.com.