A wonderful way to start your morning! The 'Summerfolk Sunday Morning' concert celebrates the day with song. Hosted by Susan Werner, the 10:30 am show features the African acapella group Soul Influence, the uplifting talents of Jacob Moon, harmonies of The ChoirGirlz plus Vance Gilbert and Suzi Vinnick.
At noon the musical action swings over to workshop stages.
~ On Sunday there are 5 workshops on the Gazebo Stage beginning with a fiddle workshop. Then 'Portuguese' at 1:00 with Tony Gouveia and The Aline Morales Band. Following these great acts, check out 'Fishin' For Love' that includes Trout Fishing in America and Coco Love Alcorn. Next Valdy, Ian Tamblyn, Paul Mills and Cedric Smith perform in 'Coffeehouse Reunion' and 'Vocal Harmonies' at 4:00 wraps up the schedule.
~ Starting things off at Homemade Jam, 'Guitar Pull' highlights some of the best guitar 'pickers' at the Festival. For those who love guitar, this is a must-see. There are Open Stage slots and 'Cultural Exchange II' at 2:00 features Scotland's Brian McNeill, Australia's Chloe Hall and the sounds of Africa with Soul Influence. With more Open Stage slots after that, there are ample opportunities for everyone to play their music at Summerfolk.
~ At the Down By the Bay tent there is a great mix on Sunday - Celtic music at noon, pop songs from England in 'The British Invasion' followed by 'Bluegrass'. Then the wildly-popular 'Mixed-Up Bands' session which is a sight to behold. Performer names are drawn at random and five piece bands are assembled for a one-time only performance at Summerfolk.
~ Two contra dances are planned for Over the Hill - noon and 3:30. 'Mardi Gras' at 1:00 will feature the Cajun and zydeco sounds of Swamperella. 'Dance at the Pavilion' at 2:00 will be your special chance to dance to the Big Band music of The Lighthouse Swing Band - a Summerfolk first!
~ A highlighted performance at The Children's Village will be 'Valdy for Kids'. More smiles await with shows from Benoit Bourque, Bill Russell, Evalyn Parry, Coco Love Alcorn and Mike Stevens. In addition to the music, the hands-on craft activities will ensure children have lots to do at Summerfolk.
~ Summerfolk Choir members return to Under the Willows to prepare for their evening amphitheatre concert. This location is also the home for two workshops on Sunday afternoon - 'A Way with Words' and 'Historically Speaking'
~ Kristan Anderson and his poetry team bring their talents to The Sharing Circle in the afternoon. There will also be a vocal workshop, the annual 'Summerfolk Drum Circle' and an 'Old Tyme Music Jam'. All are invited to participate in these sessions.Along with the musical fun at the workshops, there is much more to do in the afternoon. Attend the information session on organic food with Ann Finlay-Stewart and Hoots & Hellmouth in the Food Village. The First Nations Villlage features sash making, drumming, Metis fiddling and bannock making.
At the Crafts Demonstration tent you can view the work of stained glass artist Mallori McArthur and learn techniques of the craft.
The Cafe Concert at 5:00 pm is the first of the evening concerts. It will feature the music of Ragleela with a sound that comes from the East Indian music tradition. This quintet features sitar, tabla, percussion, guitar and violin.
The 6:30 set at Down By the Bay is a comedy feast. 'The Last Laugh' will showcase the wit of The Austin Lounge Lizards, Trout Fishing in America and Wendell Ferguson at their side-splitting best.
The Sunday night Amphitheatre Concerts begin at 6:00 with a performance by The Summerfolk Choir. After their weekend rehearsals, the Choir will be ready to take to the stage. Joined by guest performers, the Choir concert at Summerfolk is always a heart-warming moment.
Next up is Australia's Chloe Hall Trio. Following is Owen Sound's own Al Walker with his group Suitcase Walker. The artistry of Evalyn Parry and the musical magic of Vance Gilbert will compliment the terrific Sunday night lineup.
Betty & the Bobs are a seven piece group that oozes talent. Made up of familiar names in folk music, this all-star band is a celebration of song and instrumental prowess - Katherine Wheatley, Wendell Ferguson, Suzi Vinnick, Rich Greenspoon, David Matheson, Soozi Schlanger and David Woodhead.
Tanglefoot's farewell performance on the amphitheatre stage will be a concert to remember. The group has won the hearts of music fans around the world.
Leading up to the Finale, we will have the opportunity to hear songs of Stan Rogers performed by artists who have been inspired by his work. Stan died 1983 in an airplane fire while returning from the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. Hearing his work again will remind us of what a great writer he was. Poor Angus, Ariel Rogers, Dan McKinnon and Tanglefoot will each play one of his songs before we get to our tradiional Summerfolk closing - the singing of Stan's "Mary Ellen Carter".
Summerfolk weekend is here! I hope you will join family and friends for the 34th annual Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival.
