"EXPERIENCE THE SOUND" - SUMMERFOLK 2008

Plans for the 33rd annual Summerfolk are well under way. We hope to build on the enthusiasm and energy that permeated the 2007 Festival.
I am pleased to report we have a great Board of Directors for the Georgian Bay Folk Society and President Brenda Scott is back at the helm. Contributing over 1500 volunteer hours a year to the affairs of the Folk Society, Brenda is amazing!
I've been scouting out talent at a number of Folk Music Conferences and have received many submissions from artists from every corner of the globe. Summerfolk is recognized far and wide as one of the most respected Festivals on the circuit.
I urge you to take advantage of purchasing your ticket for Summerfolk 2008 at the early bird rate in effect until New Years Eve. "Experience the Sound" - August 15, 16 & 17.
Suggestions and comments are welcomed at summerfolkad@brucetelecom.com
Thanks to all who have taken the time to write.

IT'S A WRAP

That was some fun this weekend!
Smiles were everywhere, wonderful stories, old friends, new friends and special little surprises. The music surpassed my expectations on many occasions - incredibly great!
Joyous - all the things a festival should be.
Thanks go out to all the team. The Summerfolk community is self-invigorating and we all felt it this weekend.
To quote my Summerfolk mentor Sandi Hogg "it's alive again".
Many people to mention but I must say Georgian Bay Folk Society President Brenda Scott led us with her tremendous enthusiasm, passion and hard work.
Our patrons supported us - you are the best audience I have ever witnessed!
My sincere appreciation to Neil Raynsford, staging/technical coordinator and his crew. The FM Systems crew and Steve Darke, Scott Smith, Hersch, Steve Meacher.
Marty Wood made all the site changes possible by designing and providing electrical services. Steve Rovers and Pepe - John, Fred and Gary re-designed stages and built what I envisioned - all the changes worked.
Pam, Tara - without you it would never happen.
Carolyn Bigley at the office - you are the best. Rene - thank you.
All the Board members chipped in for unexpected duties along with what they already had on their plates.
Brian Low and his crew at accreditation were terrific as usual. Judith Ricker, Rob Memery, Patti Sargent, Shirley Jarvis, Andre, Kathey, Ben, Phil, Suzanne, Helen & John, Matt, Tom, Paul, Jane & Floyd, Brian - Crosby Stills Trash & Young, Mary.
All the above provided the leadership for our 600 volunteers.
To our sponsors, thank you so much for being a part of what happens at Kelso Beach Park each year.
Dave Carr, Pete Miller, Jason Bouchard - thanks for your input when I needed it. Paul Murphy, our web guy - you've been wonderful to work with.
So now it's on to next year. I've started a short list of performers. I've booked one act already - the lovable Pete Devlin, one of my favourite Owen Sound players.
Keep in touch summerfolkad@brucetelecom.com
Please send me your comments and suggestions.

CATCH THE MAGIC AT SUMMERFOLK

Here it comes! The gates will open on Friday, August 17th at 4:30 and another Summerfolk weekend begins.

Some 600 volunteers make sure every detail has been attended to. Kelso Beach Park has been transformed into a Folk Festival site - miles of electrical wire situated to power sound systems and provide night lighting; running water installed for the food vendors; the music stages made ready for action.

Tents and booths of all shapes and sizes have been erected throughout the site. Portable toilets, garbage and recycling containers, picnic tables, signs, fencing - the list goes on.

My sincere appreciation to all those, past and present, who have shaped the Festival into what it is now. Summerfolk has been part of our community for 32 years. It is one of the premier events of its kind in Canada, known far and wide for excellence.

The Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival is presented by the Georgian Bay Folk Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the presentation and development of Canadian folk music, crafts, dance and folk arts.

Summerfolk is the principal event presented by the Folk Society. With responsible management and commitment, the organization has over the years, contributed thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours into enhancing the area's cultural life. Funds have been raised for many up-grades to Kelso Beach Park, winter concerts and youth programming.

Summerfolk provides an exceptional opportunity for professional musicians to perform. For many of them, their unique talents may not considered trendy or included in what we call mainstream music but that by no means diminishes the importance and relevance of their work.

More than 45 acts will appear at the Festival this weekend. The palette of music you'll hear ranges from vintage songs of the 1930s & 40s to Brazilian beats; pop and blues to bluegrass; Quebecois to Celtic; jigs and reels to African rhythms; comedy, country and dance music plus lots of original songs by the composers themselves.

Where else would you hear bagpipes, penny whistles, accordions, ukuleles, banjos, fiddles, concertinas, mandolins, harmonicas, all at one location?

With an outstanding Artisan Village, a full complement of activities for children, plenty of good food and a beautiful site on the shores of Georgian Bay, Summerfolk is the place to be!

Come "Inspire Your Senses" and catch the magic at the 32nd annual Summerfolk. I'll see you this weekend.

SUNDAY AT SUMMERFOLK

Sunday morning at Summerfolk is a joyous event. At 10:30, the Amphitheatre with come alive with songs of praise and celebration in a special concert event, 'Jubilation'. Hosted by Ken Whiteley, this concert will also feature Suzie Vinnick, the uplifting songs of Johnsmith and the talents of insightful singer-songwriter Ferron. You can expect additional guest performers to show up, making this a wonderful start to Sunday at Summerfolk.

Headlining the Amphitheatre show that evening, 'The Jim Cuddy Band' is the act that everyone is looking forward to. The night concerts begin at 6:00 with performances by the Summerfolk Choir followed by John Somosi, Dala and Joel Mabus.

The talent-filled 'David Woodhead Trio', then Last Chance Saloon winner Peter Judd are next. The "joie de vivre" of 'The Friends of Fiddlers Green' will get everyone in the right mood for Jim Cuddy's appearance at 9:30.

Between these Amphitheatre shows, there are plenty of other things to take in at Summerfolk!

The Children's Village at the Festival resumes activities at noon. It's a 'bee-hive' of fun where kids create craft projects, frolic in the playground and participate in musical performances presented just for them. Having performed many times at the children's stage myself, I know what a vibrant and exciting place this is!

There are 5 other workshop stages offering music at Kelso Beach Park during the day. The licensed 'Down by the Bay Tent' kicks off at noon and at 3:30, the popular 'Mixed-Up Bands' workshop begins. Festival performers are asked to put their name into a hat. Names are drawn at random to assemble five piece bands. Each band performs two selections in a one-time only performance. Needless to say, this is a unique opportunity for musicians to interact and it is a lot of fun for the participants and the audience!

The 'Gazebo Stage' was built by Summerfolk volunteers and for years now, has been host to many great workshops. This year will be no exception.

The 'Under the Willows' stage will be a new location for the Summerfolk Choir to rehearse. This lovely, shaded area at Kelso Beach Park offers an intimate setting. It will also accommodate workshops in between choir practices.

The 'Over the Hill' stage will feature workshops like 'Cultural Rhythms', The French Connection' and 'Songs I Never Do on Stage'. All in attendance are invited to join in the 'Summerfolk Drum Circle' at 2:00 p.m. and the 'Contra Dance Wrap-Up' at 4:00.

The Open Stage continues on Sunday at the 'Homemade Jam' stage. You can see two scheduled workshops here plus the 5:00 p.m. Dinner Show performance of 'The Dust Poets'.

"The Last Laugh" at the 'Down by the Bay' tent commences at 6:30 and the funny stuff carries on until 8:00. This show features the comedic talents of Wendell Ferguson, 'Modern Man' and Christine Lavin in what promises to be a Festival highlight.

The attention focuses back to the infamous Amphitheatre for the Finale. Summerfolk is not complete without the moving closing ceremony. Stan Roger's song "The Mary Ellen Carter" has traditionally been sung during the Finale. This year, Stan's son Nathan Rogers will have the honour of performing his father's song.

Summerfolk is an amazing event - concerts; workshops; great food; unique arts and crafts. You won't want to miss it!

Summerfolk Update

It won't be long now! Summerfolk is just about here.
Many volunteers are making final preparations and the excitement is mounting.
I am thrilled about the great music we'll hear at Summerfolk and I hope you've made plans to join us.
On a disappointing note, The Ennis Sisters have disbanded and will not be appearing at the Festival. However the line-up is so strong that it's made room for concert performances by Nathan Rogers and the 'David Woodhead Trio' (Woody, Rich Greenspoon & David Celia) so I feel the programming hardly suffers at all.
I would encourage you to arrive early and take in all you can! There's just too much good stuff. For example, Friday night has Paul Mills performing at 5:00 and Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick opening the Amphitheatre Show at 6:00. How can you resist?
See you next weekend.

SATURDAY AT SUMMERFOLK

In the last message I talked about Summerfolk's Friday schedule. So now it's on to Saturday.

The Summerfolk workshops begin at 11:00 and run until 5:00. These workshops are where exciting things happen - unique and informative sessions where you learn more about the participants and their craft. Musicians, usually 3 or 4 performers, are given a theme on which to base their performances, often with intriguing results.

Here are two examples. "Tiny Instruments" will feature James Hill on ukulele, Mike Agranoff on concertina and Rod Ramsay on harmonica. Another, "Giving it the Hook", is a term songwriters use to describe the catch phrase in their songs. There is also the old showbiz adage of getting pulled off the stage. Whichever way they want to approach it, songwriters Murray McLauchlan, Johnsmith and Ferron will elaborate on what goes into making great songs.

Many other activities get started on Saturday.

The Crafts Demonstration Tent features a display of works by exhibitors from the Artisan Village. A jury will select winners in a number of categories from this is amazing exhibition. There is also a prestigious 'People's Choice' award.

New this year, will be a Food Demonstration Tent. Make sure to catch the hilarious Christine Lavin as she sings recipes and talks food.

The Summerfolk choir will begin to rehearse on Saturday in preparation for Sunday night's performance on the Amphitheatre Stage. Directed by the enthusiastic Tom Leighton, anyone can join in. Share a love of singing and learn a new repertoire.

If you are a performer and would like a chance to play at Summerfolk, there is an opportunity to do just that at the Open Stage. A limited number of spots are available for pre-registration. Contact the Georgian Bay Folk Society office in Owen Sound to sign up. On-site registration is on a first-come, first-served basis at the Festival. Half hour slots are shared by 2 or 3 performers who play 2 selections each. One performer from this year's Open Stage will be invited to Summerfolk 2008. Be sure to see and hear Shaman Ayerhart, last year's representative from Summerfolk's Open Stage.

The ever-popular Summerfolk Quiz starts at 3:30 in the Down by the Bay Tent. Hosted by Dave Carr and yours truly, three teams compete in this fun-filled event. Two teams with 4 performers each, versus team 3 - the Audience. There will be lots of laughs and good fun. Seems every year, the Audience somehow manages to win?

For the first time ever, Summerfolk will feature a dance floor and dance schedule. There will be dancing all day-long at the Over the Hill Tent capped off by an evening Contra dance.

To get you in the mood for the blues, Lance Anderson and Mike Sloski play on the Homemade Jam Stage from 5:00 - 6:00. Then 'Blue Blazes' is the feature at the Down by the Bay Tent on Saturday night. Favourites Rick Fines and Suzie Vinnick will deliver the goods, while Roxanne Potvin and her band have the last spot of the night. Workshop-style concerts are also scheduled including Mose Scarlett, Wendell Ferguson and Rod Ramsay. Along with the best in blues, the bluegrass sound of Nashville's 'The Farewell Drifters' and the compelling music of 'The Undesirables' will make for a rockin' night.

Now, the Amphitheatre Stage. It begins with the precision drumming of 'Samba Squad' with 23 drummers and percussionists who will arrive on stage from all corners of the amphitheatre. A hard act to follow but here comes Bobby Watt and the band Ecosse. Next, the incredible talents of songwriter Bob Snider. Then 'The Blue Flame of Cameroon', Muna Mingole ignites the stage followed by Mr. Folk Festival, Ken Whiteley. Modern Man will make your sides split with laughter, Ferron will inspire and 'The Chucky Danger Band' will close the show with their electric energy.

SUMMERFOLK STARTS WITH A BANG FRIDAY NIGHT

I thought it might be fun to take a look at some of the highlights you can expect to experience at Summerfolk this year.

The gates at Owen Sound's Kelso Beach Park will open Friday at 4:30. In what promises to be an exciting first night of the Festival, three separate concert events are planned for the evening. It will be hard to choose which one to go to. Along with an incredible show at the Amphitheatre, the 'Down by the Bay' tent features a 'Down-Home Ceilidh' and the 'Over the Hill' stage has the 'Young & Hungry' concert.

Prior to the concerts, you can enjoy the combination of good food and music at our new 'Cafe of the Senses'. Delicious and nourishing food choices will be available from a variety of food vendors, each one unique. The Cafe will be open all weekend long, but for a special treat from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., you can enjoy your dinner while listening to the music of the multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer Paul Mills.

The sound of bagpipes will signal the beginning of performances in the Amphitheatre at 6:00 p.m. Talented musicians take to the stage at one of the most famous venues in Canada. The sound is superb. The performances match the excitement of the crowd that gathers for an evening of inspiring and entertaining music. Starting with Rick Fines and Suzie Vinnick, you'll want to be there from the get-go. James Hill, Wendell Ferguson, Cindy Thompson and Mose Scarlett follow. Then look out! Christine Lavin, The Dust Poets and Murray McLauchlan polish off the evening.

If you like Celtic and Down-home sounds, then the 'Down by the Bay Tent' is the place to be on Friday night. With an unbelievable line-up of talent, the tent will be hoppin' from 7:00 - 1:00. Bobby Watt and his band Ecosse, Friends of Fiddlers Green and Genticorum will keep your toes tapping. Mark Haines and Tom Leighton will keep the party going with their energy and enthusiasm.

Our third concert area, 'The Over the Hill' stage features the 'Young & Hungry' concert of youth talent. It's rather ironic that with a name like 'Over the Hill', this stage will feature some of the hottest young acts on the circuit. The Chucky Danger Band, who were a huge hit at last years' Summerfolk, will close the show. From Nashville, the bluegrass quintet The Farewell Drifters, new-comer whiz-kid Pat Robitaille and the delightful duo Dala share the bill. Also appearing will be four local acts who proved they have what it takes to perform at Summerfolk. Lauren Best, Pat LaHaye, The Music Box and Kate Dickinson will all showcase their considerable talents.

Wow! What a musical smorgasbord. Friday night will give you a taste of what's in store for the next two days.

In addition to great music, Summerfolk is re-knowned for its 'Artisan Village". It is an integral part of the Festival. Beginning Friday night you will be able to view the works of 40 professional artists as you stroll the grounds. Selected by jury for excellence, these artisans offer a wide selection of original creations for purchase. A look at their work is a must-do! It's the perfect spot for one-of-a-kind gift shopping or to get a treat for yourself.

Homecoming Kick-Off This Friday

Everything is coming together for this Friday's Owen Sound 150th Homecoming Opening Night Concert at Kelso Beach Park. There will be pre-show activities from 7:00 - 8:00 with interactive interpreters in period costumes, large and small puppets and a bi-plane fly-past.

The concert starts at 8:00 - there is no admission fee but donations are recommended. The Cultural Commmunity of Owen Sound will be showcased at this wonderful kick-off to Homecoming.

See performances by dancers from the Sheila Milne School of Dance and First Nations dancers from the M'Wikwedong Native Cultural Centre. Hear the great music of Tim Harrison, Lauren Best, Steve Dickinson, Larry Jensen, David Sereda and the Bobby Dean Blackburn Trio.

This is an action-packed show! Richard Mascall has composed a fanfare for brass quintet specifically for this event. A woodwind septet from the Georgian Bay Symphony will perform a piece written in 1867. Poet Laureate Liz Zetlin, Ross Kentner with excerpts from the Georgian Bay Explorer, Town Crier Drew Ferguson and M.C. Dave Carr will all be on hand. Plus, the Owen Sound Little Theatre has an exciting medley of songs from musicals presented throughout their 47 year history.

The theme for the concert is "A Walk Through Time" and all the performances showcase the achievements and attractions of the City of Owen Sound.

It all closes with a bang - a dynamic fireworks display at 10:00. Kevin Moyse will be accompanying the fireworks on his keyboards.

The Georgian Bay Folk Society is proud to play a major role in this event - you don't want to miss it!

The Artisans @ Summerfolk

Wow! Make sure you take a look at the "Artisan Village '07" page on the website.

There are some fabulous photos to get you thinking about the one-of-a-kind works of art you'll see at Summerfolk.

Thanks goes out to the Artisan Committee for their great work in putting it together and to the artisans who share their talents with us.

OPEN STAGE AT SUMMERFOLK

Want to play your music at Summerfolk? Want an opportunity to become a part of next years' Summerfolk perfomer line-up? Sign up for the open stage.

Open stage slots at Summerfolk take place on the Homemade Jam Stage on Saturday and Sunday during the day. Each 1/2 hour spot is shared by 2 or 3 performers, providing each participant with approximately 8 minutes time (2 selections).

HOW TO "RESERVE" YOUR SPOT: A limited number of slots are available for pre-registration. Contact the Georgian Bay Folk Society office to sign up. On-site registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be in possession of a ticket for that day or be on site as a volunteer. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your assigned performance time and check-in with the Homemade Jam Tent crew.

One performer from the weekends' open stage will be offered the opportunity to join the performers' line-up for next years' Summerfolk! That selection will be done by our Homemade Jam Tent crew and will be announced from the Amphitheatre Stage at approximately 8:30 on Sunday evening.

Georgian Bay Folk Society office (519) 371-2995 - gbfs@bmts.com

Youth Mentoring Day

Gregg Dechert (left) chats with Steve Ritchie at Youth Mentoring Day. Corin Raymond (partially hidden behind Gregg) and Greg Ritchie at rear right.

Photo courtesy of Don Miller. Thanks Don.

Youth Mentoring Day

It was a "hot" afternoon on Sunday for our Youth Mentoring Day - temperature-wise and energy-wise. Lots of great ideas flew around the room and a great jam session broke out during the last hour. Thanks to The Undesirables, Justin Burgess, Gregg Dechert and Steve Ritchie for their insights into the music biz.
The future's looking bright - the "kids" have talent! ..... and a great love for music.

Youth Mentoring Day

There is still space available for those who would like to participate in Sunday's Youth Mentoring Day.
That's this Sunday, June 3rd from 1:00 - 5:00 at the Old Courthouse Building (home of the Georgian Bay Folk Society office) 1235 3rd Avenue East, Owen Sound.
There will be panel discussions, lots of playing and a chance to get tips from professional musicians on how to improve your musical skills.
Drop me a line at summerfolkad@brucetelecom.com if you'd like to come.
Summerfolk favourites "The Undesirables" will be there and later that evening you can catch them in concert at "Mudtown" 1835 3rd Avenue East. Doors open at 7:00, show starts at 8:00.

Good News/Bad News

The good news first - The Jim Cuddy Band are officially signed up to perform at Summerfolk on Sunday, August 19th. Wow! This is your chance to see and hear one of Canada's top male artists.
Everyone is familiar with Jim's voice and he has string of hits, both as a solo performer and with Blue Rodeo. Be sure to take advantage of the early bird festival ticket price and be a part of the Summerfolk Magic this year.
On the bad news side of things, Ustad Shahwali has developed a serious illness and has cancelled all of his summer and fall appearances. After all he's been through I sincerely wish him well. The Summerfolk line-up is always subject to change and personally, I was captivated by his story - no one can replace what he offered. We will proceed without him this year but we will not forget him.

Homecoming Opening Night Concert

Owen Sound has a big 150th Homecoming coming up this summer. As a part of the celebration, the Georgian Bay Folk Society is helping produce the Opening Night Kickoff Concert that will take place at the Kelso Beach Park amphitheatre on Friday, July 27th at 8:00 p.m.
There will be some exciting performances by members of the Georgian Bay Symphony - composer-in-residence Richard Mascall is working on a special fanfare for a brass quintet; Brenda Dimoff is preparing a medley of hits from past Owen Sound Little Theatre Musicals and the folks from the M'Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre will give us some inspirational drumming and dancing.
And, look at this - Larry Jensen, Tim Harrison, Lauren Best and David Sereda will all be performing! The Sheila Milne School of Dance, Town Crier Drew Ferguson and Poet Laureate Liz Zetlin are on the bill too.
What a great way the start the Homecoming festivities. This promises to be an event that you shouldn't miss!

Knox Acoustic Cafe

There's lots of great music happening in Owen Sound. The "Knox Acoustic Cafe" features BriAnne Swan & Shawn Sage on Saturday June 16th, Dame Gillian Weir on Wednesday June 20th and Brian MacMillan on Saturday July 14th. More info available at knoxowensound.ca/acousticcafe

Fiddlefern Spring Fling

I had my first go at contra dancing this past weekend at the 11th annual "Spring Fling". It was a tremendous amount of fun! For a novice like myself, the moves are easily learned and when I goofed up, the more experienced dancers were there to guide me through.
There were lots of smiles and laughs. There's nothing like dancing to live music!
Congratulations to the Fiddlefern Country Dancers for a wonderful event.

May 1st Board Meeting

Whew - it was a long one. Brenda Scott, president of the Georgian Bay Folk Society, is doing an amazing amount of work getting everything in place for Summerfolk 2007. All the Board members are to be commended for their dedication. Details, details .......but it's all coming together. And hey, it was Derek's birthday so we had a little cake to celebrate.

Twisted Pines Festival

A new festival event takes place May 18 - 21 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre In Midland. Featured performers include Fred Eaglesmith, Downchild Blues Band, Fathead, Ken Whiteley, Ndidi Onukwulu, Madagascar Slim, Digging Roots, Creaking Tree String Quartet, Treasa Lavasseur, Porkbelly Futures, Cindy Thompson, Anderson & Sloski and lots more! Yours truly "Dickie Bird" will be there as a part of the kids' performances. Summer's on the way - the festival season is here!
For more information www.twistedpines.com

Note From Glenna

The following is taken from Glenna Garramone's covering letter as a part of her submission to perform at Summerfolk. Glenna now resides in Victoria, BC and is pursuing a music career.
"I hold many fond memories of attending Summerfolk: dancing beside the main stage under the stars, being captivated by an a cappella performance, and even performing on the open stage as a teenager. Summerfolk embodied a spirit of celebration and exploration, and inspired my own musical journey".

Ustad Shahwali - Rise Again!

I am honoured to announce that Ustad Shahwali will appear Sunday at Summerfolk 2007. His story epitomizes the strength of the human spirit.
In the early 1980s, Afghanistan-born Shahwali was a refugee in Pakistan due to the Soviet invasion of his homeland. Studying Hindustani classical music under Ustad Nawad Ali Khan, he earned the greatly respected status of Ustad - Master. In 1996, music was outlawed by the Taliban regime - soldiers stormed the school Shahwali had established; destroying all the instruments, beating up students and killing one.
Almost unbelievably, Shahwali was held captive in a makeshift cell. "I thought my life was over, never mind my career," he says. But two of Shahwali's guards were starstruck by the famous musician and let him go.
In 2000, Shahwali arrived in Toronto and was joined later by his family. Considered the "custodian of Afghani musical heritage", Ustad Shahwali and his 3 sons, spin a magical musical journey. Their performance speaks of joy, not the pain - Rise Again!
Known as "The King" to Afghans, Ustad Shahwali celebrates life with his music in a way few of us can.
"I love Canada. It's so peaceful and you have the chance to do whatever you want".

Music @ Mudtown - Friday, April 27th

Catch some great young talent!
Chris Yang, Richard Laviolette, Michael Snider and Kevin Griffin appear at Mudtown Pottery Shop & Studio this Friday night, April 27th.
Show starts at 7:00.
Tickets ~ $5 in advance, available at Jensen Music ~ $7 at the door.
Mudtown is located at 1835 3rd Avenue East in Owen Sound.