Down East Music at Summerfolk

It wouldn't be Summerfolk without a taste of East Coast music and this year is no exception. From PEI, the fantastically fun Acadian duo Chuck & Albert and legendary songwriter Lennie Gallant. And from the Rock, Russells in the Corner for their first mainland appearance and Newfoundland's hip traditional band The Dardanelles.


Russells in the Corner

The family group Russells in the Corner come from Bell Island, Newfoundland. Featuring Dad - Kelly Russell, Mom - Tonya Kearley Russell, and daughters Naomi age 12 and Tamsyn age 9. Collectively they are skilled in Newfoundland fiddle and accordion music, folk song, storytelling and traditional dance.

Kelly Russell was an original member of landmark Newfoundland bands Figgy Duff and The Wonderful Grand Band during the 1970s and more recently, The Irish Descendants and The Plankerdown Band. He also spent 10 years working closely with Newfoundland’s late, great fiddle masters, Rufus Guinchard and Emile Benoit. Kelly has collected and transcribed into notation over 500 fiddle tunes unique to Newfoundland.

As well as furthering Newfoundland traditional music, Kelly has also been active in preserving another important Newfoundland tradition - the art of storytelling and recitation, as inspired by his late father, Ted Russell (creator of The Chronicles of Uncle Mose - Tales from Pigeon Inlet).

With wife and partner Tonya Kearley, Kelly runs music and dance events in Trinity. With the expert guidance of Tonya calling the dances, participants quickly and easily learn the basic moves for Newfoundland Set Dancing. She also plays bass guitar in the group. Kelly & Tonya's daughters are talented and seasoned performers in their own right. Both sing, Naomi plays fiddle and guitar, Tamsyn accordion and piano.

Encompassing many facets of Newfoundland's cultural heritage, having Russells in the Corner at Summerfolk will showcase time honoured traditions passed down through generations of Newfoundlanders and onto the next.


The Dardanelles

With a love of Newfoundland music and an energy found more often in punk rock bands than in 5-piece folk acts, The Dardanelles have become one of the hottest acts to come out of the province in years. They pack clubs in their native St. John's and their debut self-titled CD became one of the top 3 sellers on the 'Rock'.

The band members, all in their twenties, firmly believe Newfoundland traditional music doesn’t have to be limited to either loud, boisterous bar scenes or the solemn concert audience. Instead, the folk dance band draws from traditional Newfoundland jigs and reels, and reinvents them to make music that speaks to their own generation.

Founding band member Tom Power, who hosts the CBC Radio 2 program Deep Roots, was asked about the philosophy behind the band. "I think the whole goal is to make traditional music 'cooler'. It’s really wicked, fun, dance music. Traditional music and folk music in general are becoming more accessible - I notice in St. John’s, trios of guitars and banjos and mandolins starting to play around. I don’t think that would have happened a few years ago. It’s nice to see."

Last summer, The Dardanelles played the Mariposa Folk Festival - their first gig off the island. "We got a really good reception, which gave us even more confidence to do what we do. When we went to Mariposa we were like, 'Let's see how this goes,' and we got a tremendous ovation. We got off stage and we said, 'We can't let this die. This is obviously something more powerful than the sum of our parts.'"

Nominated for a 2010 East Coast Music Award, the rest of the world is about to catch on to what Newfoundland has known for years - The Dardanelles will change the way you think about folk music.


Chuck & Albert

Chuck and Albert Arsenault are remarkable showmen in both of Canada’s official languages: French and English - and both of Canada’s un-official languages: comedy and music.

As members of the Acadian group Barachois, a mainstay on the folk/roots touring circuit for nearly a decade, they developed their distinctive musical talents and performed roughly 2000 shows. Performing as a duo since 2004, Chuck & Albert have adapted music from the Acadian repertoire picked up from local singers, fiddlers and historians. Then they added new material in keeping with the traditional style, building everything around their strengths.

As the duo’s bass player, Albert (say Albert in French) Arsenault comes by his talent naturally and continues the fiddling legacy of his father Eddy Arsenault. A talented singer, Albert’s vocal interpretations are one of a kind. His other musical roles are as a percussionist - that is to say an Acadian percussionist: spoons, guimbarde (jaw harp), knives and forks, saw and the rhythm bones.

Chuck Arsenault plays the acoustic guitar and vocals. Chuck’s vocal abilities are well suited to handling ballads and harmonies as well as anchoring acapella arrangements. Unlike Albert, Chuck grew up in Eastern PEI where his grandparent’s language and much of their Acadian heritage had been assimilated into the larger surrounding English speaking community.

Fluently bilingual, the two offer up clever banter in English or French by way of explaining the unique charm inherent to their performance. Laughter after all 'is the best medicine'. As a natural extension of their Acadian background, Chuck & Albert skillfully and tastefully carry their penchant for humour to the concert stage with vibrant characters, stories, songs, physical comedy and one-of-a-kind dance choreographies.


Lennie Gallant

At last fall's Summerfolk Volunteer Appreciation party, I asked for suggestions of whom we should invite to perform at our 35th anniversary Festival. Lennie Gallant was hand's down, the most requested artist.

Not only is he a favourite of folk music fans, Lennie Gallant is recognized by his peers as one of Canada’s best performing songwriters. He has released nine albums (seven in English and two in French) which have won him a host of awards and nominations from both the JUNO and East Coast Music Awards.

Over 30 artists have recorded his songs, including Jimmy Buffett, who invited Gallant to perform it onstage with him. His songs have also appeared in feature films, television series, and in numerous theatrical productions.

As a performer, Gallant’s intense delivery reaches down to touch the very souls of his audience. "Like many Canadian songwriters, my music crosses boundaries and encompasses my musical history which includes folk, rock, Celtic and a touch of Cajun and country." says Lennie of his music.

He was inducted into the Order of Canada where it was said, “Gallant has garnered much respect for his hard hitting songs chronicling the lives of people dealing with tremendous adversity and serious issues. Songs like Peter’s Dream, Island Clay, Man of Steel and The Hope for Next Year, articulate the feelings of many caught up in desperate situations beyond their control, and at the same time celebrate the beauty of lifestyle and landscape with their strong poetry and stirring narratives."

Born in Rustico, PEI, he received his first guitar for Christmas when he was 13. He has come a long way since then. He has just released two new albums, one in English If We Had A Fire and one in French Le coeur hante.

The Youthful Spirit of Summerfolk

This past Sunday, the Summerfolk TuneUp concert at Owen Sound's Kelso Beach Park featured 10 of the finalists from the Georgian Bay Folk Society's youth Discoveries Showcases.

Once again I was reminded of how truly talented all of the acts were and how difficult a task it must have been for the judges to select just four for an appearance at this year's Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival. These 'kids' come from places like Ripley, Barrie, Chesley and Port Elgin as well as Owen Sound. The camaraderie amongst them was clearly evident and it was fun.

Jon Farmer, selected through the same process to appear at last year's Summerfolk, was an excellent and enthusiastic MC. He helped coordinate the 3 song jam at the end of the concert that brought everyone together in the Summerfolk spirit.

Representing this group at the Friday night Summerfolk Discoveries Concert in about two months time will be Jackie Rose Brown and Carrie Davenport who appear as Davenport Brown; brother and sister team Anne & David Beverly-Foster; along with soloists Jill Jambor and Ben Turcotte.

While not young enough to qualify in the 21 and under category, there are two groups in this year's lineup that are youthful enough (in their 20's) to attest to the boundless energy and fearlessness associated with musicians in the early part of their career.


Blue Moose & the Unbuttoned Zippers

The four members of Boston-based Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers met while studying at the Berklee College of Music. Mixing old-time Appalachian tunes and songs with Celtic and Scandinavian sounds, the band has its finger on the pulse of the new generation of folkies.

Guitarist Stash Wyslouch was asked about the band name which is an obvious place to start any talk of Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers. "The 'Moose' part comes from a general appreciation of titanic creatures." My guess is that every large creature needs a colour too - the Purple People Eater as another example.

Stash went on, "The 'Unbuttoned Zippers' part is definitely the duality-of-man idea - you can't unbutton a zipper and you can't unzipper a button." Okay I guess that's true but the name is still a mouthful. To their fans, like those who heard them two years ago at the New York State's Falcon Ridge Festival and voted them the band to bring back in 2009, 'BMUZ' covers the moniker end of things. It is all about the music after all and this band has the chops and inventiveness to make great music.

Each member of the Blue Moose crew comes from strikingly different backgrounds. Wyslouch was influenced by hip-hop and funk. Brownyn Bird plays accordion and nyckelharpa, the traditional stringed instrument of Sweden, where she lived and studied for a year. Fiddler Andy Reiner played for years with his father in the Reiner Family Band and loves the jigs and reels of Cape Breton. Mariel Vandersteel having studied the traditional music of Ireland and Norway, plays the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle.

Attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music expanded the horizons for each of them. One fateful day, all four were in the same room for an informal jam session and found chemistry together. What might seem to be a challenge turned out to be a blessing according to Reiner. "Since we have three fiddle-based instruments, we can't all just play the tune. We're forced by our instrumentation to become creative and come up with unique arrangements. Nobody plays lead for a whole song - it's always changing up."

One thing that helps to set the band apart is Brownyn Bird's 16 string nyckelharpa which is bowed like a fiddle but has keys like a hurdy-gurdy. "We were exposed to many musical styles at Berklee and it feels right for us to be doing this" she says of BMUZ's contemporary, no boundaries approach to performing. "We still try to respect traditional music but also love to do new things. That's how, I think, tradition evolves."

A Blue Moose set inspires lots of toe-tapping so it's natural that the foursome gets booked for contradances around New England. It is different than a concert, with lots of repetition as the dancers learn the steps, but band members love to see folks on their feet.

"Musically speaking, we basically play the same tune over and over again. I love rhythm and for me, it's just getting more and more inside the tune; more of a Zen thing." says Stash.

Bird agreed. "Folk music and traditional music is meant for dancing; it's meant to be enjoyed."


The Human Statues

The Human Statues is actually the name for two acts with the same two people - a musical duo that’s known for tight vocal harmonies and playful onstage antics; and motionless 'human statue' performances.

Zachary Stevenson and Jeff Byant used The Human Statues name for their act as buskers, when they would stand stock-still, slathered in metallic face paint, for hours on end. "One of the first things I did after graduating university to make a living between theatre gigs, was to perform as a human statue that I dubbed Discoman" said Stevenson. "Jeff did the same."

When Zach and Jeff perform as the musical Human Statues, they are frequently compared to other duos like Flight of the Conchords because of the fun elements of their show, and to Simon and Garfunkel because of the close-knit, two voice harmony that defines their sound.

Armed with two guitars and their voices, The Human Statues perform what are essentially catchy pop songs - well-crafted and entertaining. They leap and bounce around the stage and often choreograph their moves - but there is no pretension. The joy translates immediately as they incorporate comedic and theatrical aspects into their show.

Their lofty mission is to 'spread jubilation across the nation'. They have honed diverse skill sets through professional experience as actors, filmmakers, producers, writers, teachers, managers, bookers, buskers, circus performers, and of course, musicians.

“The theme word for us is jubilation” says Zach Stevenson. “Our music generally reflects a positive attitude and is fun. We write songs that initially hook you with a sense of amusement but upon further scrutiny you’ll find deeper ground, honesty and personality.”
The duo formed in Victoria when they mastered the harmonies in Simon and Garfunkel’s Cecilia. “We really connected over that music” said Stevenson. “Then we started jamming Beatles songs and found we have the ability to harmonize effortlessly together. That was the core of our interest."

Originally from the west coast, they are now both based in Toronto. Zachary Stevenson was raised in Parksvillle, British Columbia. He has been featured in theatrical productions across the country and has enjoyed success as a solo singer/songwriter and music producer. Jeff Bryant grew up in Victoria and has written and produced short films and stage productions.

Currently they are back in B. C. performing in a production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Zach is playing the lead role of Buddy Holly and Jeff plays The Crickets’ lead guitarist Tommy. The show runs at the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver until July 11th. Come August, they will be a part of the exciting Summerfolk lineup.

Summerfolk - It's music...and a lot more!

The fabulous music you can hear at Summerfolk receives lots of attention. However many other components make Summerfolk the special event that it is.

Firstly, it is after all, The Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival and crafts have always played a major role at the Festival. The Artisan Village is outstanding. On Saturday there is a juried show of works created by the Summerfolk artisans and Craft Demonstration on Sunday.

Then there's the wonderful food available on site plus opportunities for all to get involved playing music or joining in the folk and multi-cultural dance sessions. For kids and families there's The Children's Village. Young and old enjoy the Summerfolk experience!

Below is more detail on these Summerfolk features.


The Artisan Village

Summerfolk's Artisan Village is a showcase of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted work. It is the perfect spot to find a unique gift or something special for yourself.

A total of 42 vendors were chosen from nearly 100 applicants to be included in this year's Festival. The standard is high. Festival artisans sell only their own hand-crafted products. The selection process for these artisans is based on the quality of their work and a willingness to demonstrate and discuss their craft with festival goers.

During Summerfolk, tents and booths adorned with a wide array of gorgeous handmade products line the pathways at Kelso Beach Park. The artistry represented takes many forms - glasswork, jewellery, textiles, paper, instruments, wood, pottery and metal. Vendors are happy to show off their latest creations. The open-air market is a vibrant display of fine professional craft work.

Information on all the 2010 artisans can be viewed on the Summerfolk website.


The Food Village

Enjoy food from around the world and close to home all imaginatively presented in the Food Village. Sixteen different food vendors offer delicious choices such as Indian curries, pulled pork, fine local meat products, pizza, hamburgers, Chinese, Caribbean, steamed corn and potatoes.... and then specialty coffees, lemonade, yogurt, brownies, sundaes and ice cream to finish off.

Also included this year will be Food Preparation Demos with local chefs using local foods presented in cooperation with The Grey Bruce Agricultural and Culinary Association.


Summerfolk Kids Just Wantta Have Fun!

Summerfolk is a wonderful place to bring the family. The Children's Village, with its hands-on craft projects, games, playground equipment and terrific musical line-up is a place where kids will be inspired and totally entertained.

When children arrive at Summerfolk, they are assigned a number on their wristband so they, or their parents, can be identified that way instead of by name. Safety and security issues are always considered when planning the Festival. Many parents have commented that Summerfolk was the very first place they felt comfortable enough to allow their kids to be 'on their own'.

All of the activities in the Children's Village are contained within a fence and the area is well supervised. Tents provide protection from the elements, washrooms are available and the friendly crew of volunteers make sure the kids have lots to do.


Open Stage

Want to play your music at Summerfolk? Then signing up for the Open Stage is something to consider.

Open Stage slots at Summerfolk take place on the Homemade Jam Stage, Saturday and Sunday. Each spot is shared by 2 or 3 performers. You can reserve an 'Advance Sign-up' spot by contacting the Georgian Bay Folk Society office (a limited number are available) or you can sign-up on-site. 'Festival' registration for patrons and volunteers is on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop by and sign-up with the Homemade Jam crew.

One performer from the weekend's Open Stage will be booked for the performer lineup of the 2011 Summerfolk!


The Sharing Circle

Everyone is invited to bring musical instruments, songs and stories to actively join in the sessions at Summerfolk's Sharing Circle. Those wishing to leave instruments on site can store them safely at 'Stash Yer Stuff' located next to the Sharing Circle tent.


First Nations Village

Visit the teepee and learn more about First Nations cultural traditions from hosts John Somosi and Kathryn Edgecombe. Special guest Virginia Barter will also be on hand to help celebrate the 'Year of the Metis' - the 125th anniversary the Northwest Rebellion.


Fire Poi

Join Vita Twirlin' Diva and friends at the Summerfolk Circle around 11:00 pm on Saturday night to witness the wonders of Fire Poi.

Fire Poi employs two weights, either glow balls or kevlar fire wicks, on the ends of chains which are spun around the body in an expressive way to create beautiful patterns and visual effects. Poi originated from the Maori people of New Zealand and has since evolved around the world as performance art.


JumbleJam

Jam with the pros, create an original piece of music and perform it on stage at Summerfolk - all on the same day! If you sing or play an instrument and you can spare a few hours on Saturday, apply for the JumbleJam workshop.

JumbleJam workshops are about creating songs through a unique songbuilding process. The guided approach makes it possible for anyone to participate in the creation of a song, regardless of musical background.

Facilitators Ken Dow and Martin Cooper will 'curate' 15 volunteer players into three bands, each anchored by a Summerfolk performer. The bands create an original song and perform it on the Down by the Bay stage on Saturday evening. Sign-up sheets are available at the Information Booth inside Summerfolk's Main Gate.

Todd Crowley's Musical Petting Zoo


Todd's Petting Zoo was a huge hit at last year's Summerfolk and he's back! This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with more than 100 acoustic instruments covering the musical alphabet from accordion to zampoya.

Fully interactive and hands-on, this is your chance to explore the workings of the instruments and to actually play them. Along with the Musical Petting Zoo, Todd also provides an instrument play station for the Children's Village.

Red Horse - Three Gifted Songwriters Together

This year's Summerfolk offers a rare opportunity to see the emergence of a new trio that combines the talents of three truly gifted American songwriters. Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky have teamed up to form Red Horse and their appearance at the Festival is one I am eagerly anticipating.

John Gorka I've always loved. A gentlemanly figure with a calm demeanor, yet capable of delivering some of the most powerful songs ever performed at Summerfolk. Eliza Gilkyson whom I first saw showcasing at a music conference where she captured the entire room, creating an environment from which no one wanted to leave. Lucy Kaplansky whose work with the group Cry Cry Cry I have long admired.

Friends for many years, these three crossed paths on many occasions and have sung on each others' recordings. I am sure it was one of those crazy ideas musicians seem to have - "let's start a band".

“We’ll be doing a number of songs with each of us as the main singer" said Gorka of the collaboration. "I think Eliza was the one who probably suggested we do this."

"For the album, we each take the lead on 4 songs. I will sing a Lucy song, an Eliza song, the Stewart MacGregor song Coshieville plus a new one of mine. Lucy and Eliza will each be doing one of mine along with one of each other's songs and a song from outside of the group."

Lucy Kaplansky was asked how Red Horse differed from the Cry Cry Cry trio. "Well, it's a little bit different - it's a mix of originals and covers. Cry Cry Cry was virtually all other people's songs, and this one is more a mix of originals with each of us doing each other's songs, which I've never heard of anyone doing before."

The CD is in the works and will be released this summer. The artwork all ready to go - Texas singer/songwriter Tom Russell painted the cover picture.

Individually, each of these performers has achieved a high level of success and admiration in folk music circles. To see and hear them in action together as Red Horse will be an absolute delight.


Eliza Gilkyson

When you listen to Eliza Gilkyson, you are presented with a woman who is unafraid to lay her emotions on the table. Her lyrics are stories of love and loss, of political angst and a genuine concern for the planet. However the songs are not set in a plaintive, complaining tone. They are delivered with confidence and honesty, set in exquisite melodies that stay with you.

Gilkyson has become one of the most respected songwriters in roots, folk and Americana music. She has been inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame and recognized with 4 Folk Alliance Music Awards. Her 2004 release Land of Milk and Honey was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Folk Album category.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Gilkyson first recorded demos and soundtracks produced by her father, songwriter Terry Gilkyson. He penned several hits in the 1950s and early 1960s including Green Fields, Marianne and The Bare Necessities. His song Memories Are Made of This was recorded by both Johnny Cash and Dean Martin.

But Eliza had to leave California to define her own path. She spent time in New Mexico and Europe before moving to Austin, which she has called home for more than two decades. She built a respectable fan base along the way and her career hit full stride in 2000 with the release of Hard Times in Babylon.

Gilkyson's Paradise Hotel CD is one of my personal favourite recordings. If you don't own a copy, consider it one for your collection...and it's not just me who likes it. The album received rave reviews from around the world.

Over the course of 15 albums, Eliza Gilkyson has built a reputation as one of the most original and influential folk artists of our time. The job of folksingers, she has said, "is to take a simple thing and elaborate on it until it becomes a jewel."


John Gorka

One of the oldest and most venerable music institutions in eastern Pennsylvania, 'Godfrey Daniels' is a small neighborhood coffeehouse and listening room. It has long been a hangout for music lovers and aspiring musicians. In the late 1970s, one of these was a young college student named John Gorka.

Though his academic course work lay in Philosophy and History, music began to offer enticements. Soon he found himself living in the club’s basement and acting as resident M.C. and soundman; encountering legendary folk troubadours like Stan Rogers, Eric Andersen, Tom Paxton and Claudia Schmidt. Their brand of folk-inspired acoustic music inspired him, and before long he was writing and performing his own songs.

Soon he started traveling to New York City, where the legendary Fast Folk circle became a powerful source of education and encouragement. Folk meccas like Texas’ Kerrville Folk Festival, where he won the New Folk Award in 1984, and Boston followed. His soulful baritone voice and emerging songwriting began turning heads. Those who had at one time inspired him - Suzanne Vega, Bill Morrissey, Nanci Griffith, Christine Lavin, Shawn Colvin - had become his peers.

His songwriting gained increasing attention from critics and audiences across North America, as well as in Europe. Rolling Stone magazine called him “the preeminent male singer/songwriter of the new folk movement”.

John Gorka's albums and touring (over 150 nights a year at times) continue to bring new accolades for his craft. His keen ear picks up the stories of those along his path, folding them into poetry and song. Few contemporary songwriters coax language as deftly as he.

With his low tenor voice, elegant melodies and restrained instrumental accompaniment, John Gorka's sound could be considered 'easy listening' music. Indeed, with a casual first time listen, his music can easily be dismissed as just that and nothing more (and I am not suggesting that there is anything wrong with that style of music). However upon more attentive listening, a major strength in Gorka's work is revealed. That strength lies in the lyrics. Low on clichés and high on originality, he artfully constructs songs that are beautifully well-crafted.


Lucy Kaplansky

It’s always nice to have options as a struggling musician, and Lucy Kaplansky has one of the best side gigs imaginable: She’s a clinical psychologist. Amazingly, the New York-based folk singer/songwriter has managed to balance and prioritize both disciplines across long careers in both fields.

Kaplansky’s journey began in 1978, when the Chicago native chose to skip college and then carved out a niche for herself in the Greenwich Village folk scene, where she met and worked with budding stars like Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega and Richard Shindell. But after five years, Kaplansky decided to pursue a psychology degree, although she maintained her music career while working toward her Ph.D. A 'big fork in the road' appeared when labels expressed interest in her duo work with Colvin. Kaplansky chose to follow her other career and opened a private practice, while Colvin got signed and made a fairly big splash in the mainstream.

Kaplansky focused on her psychology practice but eventually the allure of music proved too strong and she decided to return to her creative endeavors, recording her debut The Tide in 1994 assisted by Colvin, who produced the album. The CD garnered critical acclaim and rose quickly up the new Americana radio chart. Kaplansky found herself in high demand for touring and something had to give - it was the psychology career. She became a full-time musician and has never looked back.

In 1998 Kaplansky teamed with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell to form the folk supergroup Cry Cry Cry. Their album and subsequent tour, which was one of the highest grossing musical tours of the year, greatly enhanced the popularity of all three.

"There is no question that the Cry Cry Cry tour exposed me to a much larger audience." Kaplansky admits. "And the fact that it triggered new sales in our own records was a wonderful, added perk. The tour was really good for all of us, not just the artists whose songs we covered on the album."

Kaplansky’s voice continues to remain in high demand by her peers and her most recent release Over the Hills is a fine collection of songs. The album reflects on a new turn in her life. Motherhood has not hindered her musical life but enhanced it; deepening the emotional depth of her songwriting.

The International Musical Flavours of Summerfolk

In a lineup that boasts musicians from many Canadian provinces and top-rated folk performers from the U.S., this year's Summerfolk offers the opportunity to see three unique groups from other parts of the world.

Namgar

The music of the band Namgar is based on traditional Mongolian songs. Over a blend of ancient Asian string instruments and contemporary electric rock, this seven-piece group performs a unique repertoire dating back centuries.

Lead singer Namgar Ayushievna Lhasaranova, from whom the band's name is taken, brought these songs from her Buryat family background. The Buryat tribes historically were supporters of Genghis Khan and important commanders of the Mongol Invasion. They live in the far reaches of what is now the Russian Federation where Buddhism, Shamanism and the natural beauty of South Siberia have contributed to their culture.

Separated from each other politically since the XVII century, Buryats and Mongolians still share many common traditions but many genres, dance tunes and songs that have become extinct in parts of the Mongolian world are still performed on the Russian side. These songs and dances date back to the glorious times of the Mongolian Empire.

Drawing on this traditional repertoire, Namgar first appeared in Moscow in 2001 and their international debut came at the Riddu Riddu Festival in Norway the following year.

Soon after that, their inaugural CD, Hatar (round dance) was released on the Sketis Music label which was started by a group of enthusiastic young Muscovites who loved the sound of the band and wanted to specialize in world music. It boasts a first ever collection of Buryat songs.

In 2006, the arranger and producer Leonid Vorobyev joined the group and brought modern electronic, rock and jazz elements to the authentic sound of the group. He produced their most current CD, Nomad.

Looking like characters from the ancient legends of Asia on stage, the group delivers music that is exotic yet easily accessible. They perform with traditional instruments such as the chanza, a 3-stringed Mongol lute covered in snake skin, flutes and drums. Added to that are a drum kit, keyboards, electric bass and guitar to give it a 70s heavy rock feel. It is an unusual combination that will make your jaw drop.

Their visit promises a rare glimpse into a rich and mystical tradition; delivered in a most unique way.

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Baskery

Based out of Stockholm, Baskery is composed of three Swedish sisters - Greta, Stella and Sunniva Bondesson. They describe their music as "high voltage" and use expressions like "killbilly", "banjo punk" and "mud-country" rather than traditional ones.

This is an acoustic band that rocks! Think something along the lines of a jam between Johnny Cash, an acoustic blues Led Zeppelin and the harmony singing of the Andrew Sisters. Then take it up a notch.

The sound is driven by Greta's six string distorted slide banjo while she provides kick and snare beats from a customized drum kit. Stella adds solid slap upright bass playing to guitarist Sunniva’s emotive twangy vocals. Then there is something about sibling voices that is extra special. When the three of them click in on the harmony parts, it is amazing music.

Baskery is a natural progression for the Bondesson sisters from their former band Slaptones which featured their Dad on drums. All three write songs for the band and they perform totally in the English language.

Since the debut album Fall Among Thieves was released in Sweden in 2008, Baskery has successfully toured Ireland, USA, Sweden, France, Canada, Denmark and Norway. The band recorded that CD live-off-the-floor - getting the perfect take in the studio was essential to capturing the emotional essence of the songs.

Baskery is all about playing for real, creating energy and putting on an electrifying show.

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Artisan

The harmony singing U.K. trio Artisan decided to 'retire' as a group in 2005 but a request to play the 2010 Lunenburg Folk Festival tempted them into re-uniting for a reunion tour. The word got out and now their entire summer is fully booked including a stop at Summerfolk August 20, 21 and 22.

Gestated in 1984 and birthed in 1985 as a fun thing to do, Artisan kept getting invited to play more and more gigs until finally they left their day jobs and went full time. After that they toured relentlessly throughout the UK, Canada, the USA, Europe and Australia.

When they first appeared at Summerfolk in 1994, they quickly became fan favourites and subsequently returned to the Festival several times. Artisan concerts are always lively affairs, known for their audience participation, antics and all-round fun.

During their recent hiatus from performing, Jacey Bedford has been operating a music booking agency in England - Jacey Bedford Tour Management. In fact, she was instrumental in making many of the U.K. bookings for Tanglefoot when they toured there. Her partner Brian Bedford has busied himself running a small record label and publishing company Bedspring Music with an in-house state-of-the-art recording studio. Hilary Spencer has been performing duo gigs with Grant Baynham as Quicksilver.

Their repertoire is a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs, including many penned by Brian, all performed a cappella and in close three-part harmony. Their trademark sound was developed with Hilary singing strong lead in the lower range of her three and a half octave voice, Jacey's softer vocal providing a lighter and usually higher harmony combined with Brian's top end of his bass-baritone. The end result is Hilary and Brian singing fairly close together in range, 'glued' together by Jacey's voice.

The group has been rehearsing old songs and working on new ones for a return to the stage together. A CD is being released in July to accompany the tour. Welcome back to Summerfolk - Hilary Spencer, Jacey Bedford and Brian Bedford.
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All three of these groups are scheduled for Summerfolk's amphitheatre stage on Friday night, August 20th. Along with Francophone chanteuse Caracol, Mose Scarlett, Sheesham & Lotus, Newfoundland's The Dardanelles and songwriter Danny Michel, Friday night promises to be an adventuresome musical start to the Festival.