The Last Chance Saloon & Discoveries Showcases

March is a busy and productive time of year for the Georgian Bay Folk Society. By the end of the month, the last additions to the 2011 Summerfolk lineup will be determined.

It all culminates on Saturday, March 26 with the afternoon’s Discoveries Showcase Final and The Last Chance Saloon in the evening.

The ever-popular Last Chance Saloon was established several years ago because of the number of applications submitted for consideration to perform at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival. It was decided that an open audition/showcase be organized to fill the last spot in the lineup and offer a main-stage appearance at the Festival. Hence the event is appropriately titled, the Last Chance Saloon.

This year, artists were asked to submit samples of their work so a Selection Committee could ‘pre-screen’ their material and bring the highest quality of music to Last Chance. Twelve acts perform at The Bayshore Community Centre on March 26th and a panel of music presenter judges will choose one of them for Summerfolk.

The evening will be hosted by David Newland from Roots Music Canada. For a modest admission fee, paid at the door, music fans can witness some of this province’s finest musicians as they vie for the coveted spot at Summerfolk.

The Discoveries Showcases are designed to bring the brightest and best young performers to the Summerfolk stage. Discoveries is open to musicians 21 years of age and under, and a full slate of 36 performers have signed up to participate.

Discoveries begins with three Preliminary Showcases: the Owen Sound Library on March 6, Back Eddie’s in Paisley March 13 and the Meaford Hall on March 20. From these performances, 12 acts will advance to the Final Showcase at The Bayshore Community Centre commencing at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 26. That is where 3 acts will be selected to play Summerfolk.

While the majority of the performers are from Owen Sound and area, there are young musicians coming from as far away as Barry’s Bay, Dunnville, Toronto and Barrie.

The public is invited to follow the progress of the favourite young performers through the Showcases and on to Summerfolk where a special Discoveries Concert is featured on Friday night of the Festival – August 19th.

There is no admission charge to any of these youth Showcases but donations are gratefully accepted to help support the Folk Society’s community programming.

OPEN MIC NIGHTS to LAST CHANCE SALOON to SUMMERFOLK

Mondays - February 21 and March 21

There are 2 more Open Mic nights at The Downtown Bookstore where performers can earn a spot in the Last Chance Saloon.

At Last Chance, a total of twelve acts will vie for a coveted place in the Summerfolk lineup and a main stage appearance. Submissions are being accepted until February 21 but one of the 12 spots is filled by a performer from the Bookstore Open Mic nights.

If you’re a musician, be sure to come out and play your music at The Downtown Bookstore. There is time for 10 acts to perform – sign-up at the door begins at 7:00 and the music starts at 7:30.

If you’re a listener, you’ll want to be a part of things as we get rolling on the road to Summerfolk 2011.

Coming Up at The Bookstore:
February 21 – Open Mic with host Michael Crowley
February 28 – Acoustic Jam with host Richard Knechtel
March 7 – Concert Night – Coco Love Alcorn
March 14 – Songwriters Circle with Beckon and special guest Trevor Mackenzie
March 21 – Open Mic with host Beth Hamilton
March 28 – Acoustic Jam with Host Sue Séguin
April 4 – Drew McIvor in concert
May 2 – John Wort Hannan & Maria Dunn in concert
May 16 – Hundred Mile Music Show special night

The Downtown Bookstore, 945 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound
Last Chance Saloon – Bayshore Community Centre - Saturday, March 26 at 7:00 pm
Discoveries Showcases – March 6, 13, 20 & 26 (for musicians 21 and under).