Friday at Summerfolk

At 4:30 pm on August 14th, the gates open for the 34th annual Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival.
One of your first stops should be the Food Village. There you will find delicious treats from any one of the 18 food vendors - sandwiches, salads, pizza and hamburgers along with international fare - Indian curries, Caribbean jerk chicken and Chinese dishes.

Take a table at the Cafe of the Senses and enjoy the music of Scatter the Cats at 5:00 pm. The 'Cats' are a collective of well-known Owen Sound area musicians who perform great tunes with a 'wee' bit of an Irish twist. Then you can polish off you meal with some dessert - homemade butter tarts, cookies, ice cream, yogurt or cake.

The sound of bagpipes signal the Opening Ceremonies at the Amphitheatre stage. Bob Dixon has been 'piping in' Summerfolk for as long as I can remember. Dressed in his Scottish tartan, Bob's music echoes throughout Kelso Beach Park and calls all to take their seats for the evening concerts.

The first words you will hear are those from Dave Carr, the 'Voice of Summerfolk'. Dave is a veteran Owen Sound broadcaster and music aficionado. Following greetings delivered by the dignitaries, the music begins!

Friday night's Amphitheatre concert line-up is full of talent! In order of appearance, the schedule looks like this:

Hard Ryde Bluegrass Band - one of Canada's top bluegrass groups gets things started

Erica Wheeler - a singer/songwriter who paints musical portraits and landscapes

Shane Cook - award winning fiddler along with Brian Pickell, Jake Charron and Tiffany Fewster

David Woodhead's Confabulation - an innovative musical interplay of folk, poetry and jazz

Brian McNeill - Scotland's musical treasure

Hoots & Hellmouth - high-energy acoustic quartet

Valdy - Canada's folk troubadour

Trout Fishing in America - Summerfolk favourites Erza Idlet and Keith Grimwood are back


The Amphitheatre at Kelso is magical. The sound system is finely tuned and every seat is a good one. There is nothing quite like listening to music outdoors. Attending an evening concert in the Amphitheatre at Summerfolk is an unforgettable experience.

By Friday night the artisans have their one-of-a-kind works on display. A stroll through the Artisan Village will reveal a fabulous array of handmade items. These creative artists are selected by jury for the quality of their work and are encouraged to demonstrate and discuss their craft during the weekend.

There's more to do on a summer's night at Summerfolk. The licensed Down By the Bay tent has refreshments and some great music to go with it.

Jacob Moon starts things off at 7:00 pm. Next up, bluegrass fans can catch more of Hard Ryde. Then blues band Daddy Long Legs performs 2 sets with the award-winning Suzi Vinnick playing in between.

Celtic music fans will love Poor Angus who take to the Down By the Bay stage around 11:00 pm. Highland pipes and Irish whistles are accompanied by fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bodhran and bass guitar. Swamperella closes off the evening with their infectious Cajun music sound.

Summerfolk also presents the Friday night Young & Hungry concert showcasing the talents of up-and-coming performers. Host Kristan Anderson will welcome young musicians Jonathan Jerome, Flashlight Radio featuring Ben Whiteley and Suzy Wilde, and the ultra-talented Coco Love Alcorn. The Brazilian music group The Aline Morales Band will polish the concert off in fine style.

On the Young & Hungry bill are also four acts from the Grey-Bruce region. Claire McLeish, Jon Farmer, Sarah Hillis and Liam Sanagan were selected earlier in the year for this appearance at Summerfolk.

Wow! Friday night at Summerfolk is action-packed. With three concerts, Summerfolk fans will have plenty of great music to enjoy.

Dancing at Summerfolk

When we introduced a dance tent at Summerfolk two years ago, I hoped to sometime include a Big Band sound as a part of the programming. This year it is happening!

Recalling the days when dancing to a Big Band was popular in this area, "Dance at the Pavilion" has The Lighthouse Swing Band on Sunday afternoon, August 16th, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm.

Directed by Don Johnson, The Lighthouse Swing Band is a 20 piece group featuring vocalist Shelley Parker and numerous solo instrumentalists.



The band was formed in 1984 by a group of players from Kincardine. Paisley's Shelley Parker joined them in 1985. The present lineup draws musicians from Goderich, Port Elgin, Lucknow, Mildmay, Kincardine and Sauble Beach. One trumpet player even comes up from Burlington for rehearsals every week.

"One of the big changes for the band was getting Don Johnson as our director" says Shelley. "Don retired to Sauble Beach and since 2002, he's made all the difference for us."

"We learn something from him each time out. He does not miss an off-note in the band. We are very fortunate to have him."

"It was Don Johnson who initiated the jazz program at Humber College and was on the faculty for many years. He led many Big Bands in Toronto and was musical director for The Juliette Show on CBC television."

When I asked Shelley about their repertoire she said "We go back to the 40's right up to the present day. Songs like Mack the Knife and New York, New York are always favourites. We even do a version of YMCA. A waltz, bosa nova, tango, jive - you have to be prepared to do them all."

Swing music began in the 1920s, distinguished by a more supple feel than earlier jazz and a walking bass line. After 1935, big bands rose to prominence and had a major role in defining swing as a distinctive style.

The danceable music of bandleaders such as Benny Goodman and Count Basie was the dominant form of popular music from 1935 to 1945.

When I was a young musician starting my own career, we often played at many of the dance halls and pavilions scattered throughout this area. I was always fascinated with the history of the buildings. Constructed for dancing and with great acoustics, they held memories from a great era of music.

"Let's Dance: A Celebration of Ontario's Dance Halls and Summer Dance Pavilions", a book written by Peter Young, recalls this history of Big Band dances in this part of the province. The following are some of beach halls that you might know.

The Balmy Beach Dance Pavilion where Lloyd Kibbler's Orchestra played had the recognition of the best dance floor in Ontario during the late 40's and 50's. The building was demolished in June 1962 and the land sub-divided for home building lots.

Oliphant's McKenzie's Pavilion was built in 1921. During the '30s and '40s, McKenzie's Pavilion attracted dancers from up and down Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay shores of the Bruce and from the city of Owen Sound. Mac McKenzie recalls working at the dance hall with his brother Don. Dressed in white shorts and blue blazers, they took tickets as couples entered the dance floor and made certain that all left after the second dance.

The original pavilion at Sauble Beach, called the Octagon after its unique shape, was built in 1933. Wally Scott (who had his own band) and Jack Robertson purchased the hall in 1946. Later they added a terrazzo floor to the east so couples could dance under the stars on warm summer evenings. In 1950, they flattened the old structure and built a new pavilion on the same site, leaving the open-air portion as it was. The new building with its enlarged interior and outdoor floor could hold up to 2,500 dancers. The Pavilion also hosted Wednesday night country dances with Don Robertson's Ranch Boys. During the Big Band era, one of the popular orchestras to play the pavilion on a regular basis was led by Warren Ovens from Kitchener.

The Annex at Southampton's Breakers Lodge was a popular dance pavilion before it was converted into guest rooms. Russell Knowles built the dance pavilion during the 1920s bringing in well-known orchestras such as Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, Ferde Mowry's group and many others.

Port Elgin's Cedar Crescent Casino was one of the crown jewels along the Lake Huron shoreline. Built in 1924, the hall ran dances six nights a week attracting hundreds of eager residents and summer vacationers. From 1950 to 1964 Lloyd Kibbler's Big Band from Owen Sound was the Casino's house band. The Casino burnt to the ground in 1970.

Long before the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station was even a glow in Ontario Hydro's eyes, the small community of Inverhuron created its own unique energy at the Inverhuron Dance Pavilion built in 1930.

The Kincardine Pavilion is the only hall of its kind still operating along Lake Huron. Inside the hall was a large circular light that looked like a moon when it was illuminated during a song with the word "moon" in the title and also, for the last dance of the night. Music of every type from Big Band to country to rock'n'roll has been performed here. Orchestras included Don Messer, Lionel Thorton, Mart Kenney, the John Brenan Band and Johnny Downs.

Summerfolk's "Dance at the Pavilion" hopes to re-create some of the magic of this bygone era. The Lighthouse Swing Band with trumpet, sax and trombone sections brings swing music to life and is perfect for dancing.

Of course there will be lots of opportunity to enjoy other styles of dance at Summerfolk as well. On Saturday night we feature an Evening Country Dance followed by a Cajun dance.

During the day on Saturday and Sunday there are several contra dance sessions, a Quebecois Kitchen Party with Benoit Bourque and a Brazilian dance workshop with The Aline Morales Band.

Come kick up your heels or glide across the dance floor to the best in music at Summerfolk.

World Music at Summerfolk

The term 'world music' is often used to describe a musical genre presented at folk festivals such as Summerfolk. Exploring the history of tradtional forms of music from different countries can be fascinating.

Fado singer Tony Gouveia was born in Lisbon and came to Canada at the age of 13. His musical career took hold with the formation of the band Tabu. Tony established a reputation in North America’s Portuguese community for his vocal work with this group.

Based in Cambridge, Ontario, Tabu played everything from Latin to Portuguese, Italian to Top 40. Over a 20 year run, beginning in 1986, the band toured extensively. In 2007 they won the prestigious Merit Award for Music presented by the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs & Associations of Ontario.

Tony's wife was the one responsible for his re-connection with traditional Portuguese fado music. She listened to fado at home and loved it. Eventually Gouveia was once again hooked on it too – not only as a listener, but this time as a performer.

He had never forgotten the fados that his father used to sing at family gatherings. By adding elements from his Tabu stage experience with the tradition of fado, his performance style is rivetting. You may not understand the Portuguese lyrics but you will be moved when you hear the songs of Tony Gouveia. The music embodies the essence of the Portuguese soul.

Fado music is arguably the oldest urban folk music in the world. Some say it came as a dance from Africa in the 19th century and was adopted by the poor on the streets of Lisbon. Others think it started at sea as the sad, melodic songs coaxed from the ocean waves by homesick sailors and fishermen.

Whatever its origins, the themes have remained constant: destiny, betrayal in love, death and despair. The essential element of fado music is saudade, a Portuguese word that translates roughly as longing, or nostalgia for unrealized dreams.

By the early twentieth century, fado had become a fixture in the everyday life of Lisbon’s working class. It was played for pleasure but also to relieve the pain of life. Skilled singers known as fadistas performed at the end of the day and long into the night in the Alfama and Mouraria sections of Lisbon.

Like other forms of folk music such as American blues, Argentine tango or Greek rebitika, fado cannot be explained; it must be felt and experienced. One must have the soul to transmit that feeling. A fadista who does not possess saudade is thought of as inauthentic.
Fado can be performed by men or women. A fadista stands in front of the musicians and communicates through gesture and facial expressions. The hands move, the body is stationary. When done correctly, it is a majestic performance.

The towering figure of Portuguese fado was Amalia Rodrigues. From the 1940’s until her death in 1999, she was the diva of fado worshipped at home and celebrated abroad as the most famous representative of Portuguese culture. When she died the country’s prime minister called for three days of national mourning. Such is the hold of fado over the people of Portugal.

Tony Gouveia comes to Summerfolk backed by a trio of fine musicians. This is a unique opportunity to hear traditional Portuguese folk blues performed with intensity and passion.


Ragleela was first founded in India in 1990 by sitar maestro Uwe Neumann. Upon his arrival to Montreal in 2000, he was joined by guitarist Jean-Marc Hébert and tabla player Shankar Das. Ragleela was reborn.

Now a quintet, Ragleela blends the richness of Indian ragas with occidental melodies. The result is a sound very interesting to the western ear. Neumann’s sitar is the centrepiece of their music but it isn’t about revisiting hallowed ragas. Rather, the group revels in the space between jazz, folk and Indian classical music.

In their original compositions, the sitar sets the tune over guitar patterns, violin lines and grooves of both Indian tablas and percussion. Their explorations on melodic hooks are not at all out of place in a western pop context. It is peaceable music with subtle nuances that invigorate the listener.

Ragleela concerts across Canada have left audiences enchanted and inspired by the power of their unique musical fusion.

Uwe Neumann discovered the sitar in a most unusual fashion. He was in Benares, considered to be the holiest of all pilgrimage sites in India. Home to many famous temples, virtually every block in the city features a shrine.

As he walked down a crowded lane, a stranger approached him and offered free lessons in sitar. Neumann, who had played classical guitar in church choirs and was an accomplished folk and jazz guitarist in hometown Nuremberg, followed the man into a shop. He tuned in to the sounds of the sitar and was hooked.

Neumann then studied Indian music for 10 years in the Bengal region. He beame comfortable enough with the lore and theory to shape it in a personal fashion. "We play in a traditional style" says Neumann of their music. "A bit more dynamic maybe, but still traditional ragas."

Improvising is a feature of ragas. "It's always improvisations on a theme," he explains. "To define raga is quite difficult but one has a scale, and each note of that scale has its particular character. The relationship between the notes is defined by how you move from one to the other."

Neumann was also attracted by the unique development of melody in Hindustani classical music. "Most of the popular music we're exposed to has a strong beat and harmonic structure. I realized I needed to work more with melody."

Ragleela's guitarist Jean-Marc Hébert studied classical guitar at the University of Toronto and takes a major role in shaping the arrangements for the band. Tabla player Bertil Schulrabe studied the instrument in India and has appeared on numerous world music CDs.

Violinist Marie-Soleil Bélanger performed for many years with Richard Desjardins and played on a Lhasa CD. Eric Breton plays percussion in many musical styles - those of Africa, Maghreb, Brazil, Haiti and Cuba, and of course, Ragleela's Indian-based music.

There is a stirring beauty and an underlying message of love and happiness to Ragleela's music.

Ragleela and Tony Gouveia, along with Brazil's Aline Morales, Australia's Chloe Hall, the African group Soul Influence and Scotland's Brian McNeill bring a world of music to Summerfolk this August 14, 15 and 16.

The Troubadour Returns - Valdy at Summerfolk

The name Valdy merits mention in the same breath as celebrated Canadian performers Gordon Lightfoot, Buffy St. Marie and Murray McLauchlan.

With some 40 years’ experience as a touring artist, Valdy has sold half a million copies of his 14 albums and has won two Juno Awards. He has been hailed a national treasure and this country's most distinguished troubadour.

His songs have been recorded by Quincy Jones and John Kay of Steppenwolf. But unlike Kay, Valdy was 'born to be mild', writing (as he said himself) songs about freedom and joy.

When he performs, there are plenty of hits to choose from. “People want to hear the older songs.” he says. “When they hear them it makes for a comfort zone where they’re more willing to accept the newer material.”

His concert repertoire usually features some of the best songs other people have written too - like Sonny's Dream by friend Ron Hynes. "They stand the test of time," he said of the covers he performs.

As to his interest for environmental and social causes, he has added a decided political slant with such titles as Living Next to a Candy Store (re the Canada-US Free Trade agreement), Ten Little White Men - The Ballad of Meech Lake and Hey Mr. Michael Wilson (re the Goods and Services Tax).

He has, however, generally been a voice of concern and caution rather than anger. The passion of his message is moderated by his sweet, relaxed tenor voice.

Valdy was born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa. Early on he was influenced by the likes of TV's private eye Peter Gunn and the show's accompanying music by Henry Mancini and his Orchestra. "I learned melody from him," Valdy said of Mancini. Later it was Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. When he took piano lessons, he played a lot of boogie woogie from the 1920s. "The British Invasion had a big musical influence on me too" he said.
Through it all he credits his father, famed portrait photographer Paul Horsdal (mentor to Yosef Karsh) for his encouragement as a youngster. Now Valdy is the one influencing the youngsters.

In 1966 he made his home in British Columbia, where he farmed for several years near Sooke. Adopting a country-folk style, he performed in Victoria coffee houses and in 1972 came to national attention with his hit Rock and Roll Song - the famous song documenting the rejection experienced on stage following a rock act at the Aldergrove Rock Festival circa 1968.

Other popular singles followed: his own songs A Good Song and Simple Life, and David Bradstreet's Renaissance (Let's Dance That Old Dance). Valdy has also recorded several songs by Bob Ruzicka, including Yes I Can.

By 1976 Valdy had recorded five albums and was second to, you know who... Gordon Lightfoot, in record sales for a Canadian folk singer. In August of that year, he represented Canada at the International Song Festival in Sopot, Poland. "That was a highlight of my career up to that point." says Valdy of Sopot. "I was a musical emissary from Canada playing for people behind the Iron Curtain."

Since that time, Valdy has remained a fixture on the Canadian folk circuit. He also performs for children and on occasion, with symphony orchestras, maintaining a yearly schedule of some 200 performance dates.

He was a panelist on CBC-TV's Front Page Challenge and had a lead role on an episode of The Beachcombers. He continues to perform concerts in the US (he is a favourite at the annual Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas), Europe and Australia.

Valdy is famous for jigging and dancing on stage, and establishing rapport with young and adult audiences alike. With a generous spirit and an open heart he is a tireless proponent of folk music. Love songs, protest songs, sad songs, funny songs - any and all ways of touching an audience with music, laughter and positive energy are part of his magic.

His musical talent is augmented by an incredible human spirit. He remembers people. He cares about people. Valdy is a man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and from Texas to New Zealand.

During his career, Valdy has made many friends in this 'neck of the woods' too, performing in places like Tobermory, Kincardine, Walkerton and of course Summerfolk.

Four Women Featured at Summerfolk

SUSAN WERNER was raised in the farm lands of Iowa. Blessed with a great voice and a command of both guitar and piano, Werner is one of the most innovative songwriters of our time.

Now based in Chicago, Werner has 9 albums to her credit, a busy touring schedule and a string of accolades from the likes of The Washington Post, Village Voice and The New Yorker.

Her songs slide effortlessly between folk, jazz and pop. A clever and versatile performer, Susan's music is sophisticated, witty and engaging.

For her Summerfolk performance, Werner will be accompanied by world-class cellist Julia Biber and harmonica player Trina Hamlin.

PEGGY SEEGER is known for her excellent renditions of traditional folksongs and for activist songwriting. Her best-known pieces are Gonna Be an Engineer and The Ballad of Springhill (about the 1958 Springhill, Nova Scotia mining disaster).

Born into one of North America's foremost musical families, Peggy learned to play piano, guitar, five-string banjo, autoharp, dulcimer and concertina. She cut her first record when she was 18 and in her early twenties became a professional touring musician.

Her travels took her to Europe and in 1959 she settled in London with Ewan MacColl. She is the face of MacColl's song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Performing as a duo, MacColl and Seeger were at the forefront of the British folk scene for three decades.

Peggy is currently teaching at Boston's Northeastern University and tours as a lecturer and performer.

ERICA WHEELER is an award-winning singer/songwriter whose songs and stories evoke a sense of place. She creates an immediacy to her presentation with a keen-edged, conversational singing style.

Based in western Massachusetts, Wheeler combines a lifelong interest in natural and cultural history with her career as a musician.

A troubadour in the classic sense of the word, impressions of people and places eventually work their way into her songs. Human connections to the land and metaphors drawn from nature figure prominently in her songwriting.

With their rural imagery, Erica's songs will resonant with those of us who live in the Grey-Bruce region.

EVALYN PARRY grew up at folk festivals - her father David was a member of the iconic folk ensemble 'The Friends of Fiddlers Green' and her mother Caroline, a children’s music performer, author and folklorist.

“I have a really distinct memory of the 'Friends' singing with Stan Rogers at Summerfolk. I remember being impressed when I learned Stan had written Barrett’s Privateers inspired by one of their concerts.”

Evalyn grew up on a staple diet of sea shanties, ballads and big chorus songs. Although the music she now writes doesn’t come directly from that tradition, “it steals from it and is inspired by it."

Her performances are as thought-provoking as they are hilarious. They are as charming as they are eclectic, as deeply political as they are personal. Evalyn Parry is a singer-songwriter and spoken word artist with a unique perspective on the world.

These four women, Susan, Peggy, Erica and Evalyn, approach their craft differently. Each is incredibly talented and part of the musical mosaic you will find at Summerfolk.

A Summerfolk Moon

Jacob Moon comes by it honestly. His mother is a singer and his father cut his teeth playing 12-string guitar in Kingston Trio-style folk bands.

As for Jacob, he came to music in his teen years. Since then, he has been refining his craft and redefining what it means to be a singer, a songwriter and a guitarist.

I remember seeing Jacob Moon perform at The Festival of Friends in Hamilton and he has been on my short list of performers to consider for Summerfolk ever since I took up the position of artistic director three years ago.

When I visited his website, I was impressed by a video shot on a rooftop in Hamilton. Jacob set up the song with acoustic guitar and part way through switched over to perform a great electric guitar solo overtop of the rhythm part he had played earlier. This was accomplished by his use of a live looping device called JamMan.

"It radically changes how I can add a different complexion to my show. I can communicate everything from percussion to rhythm guitar and lead guitar parts, all in the context of the same song" explains Jacob.

The JamMan device allows musicians to record a musical phrase with the touch of a foot switch. This phrase, again controlled by a foot switch, can be played back as a repeating pattern or loop. Musicians may record additional phrases in time with the first and thus create a sort of virtual band. Once the pattern has been established, the musician is free to improvise over top of the backing tracks.

"Nothing is pre-recorded - it's recorded on the fly so there's an element of danger to it. I use it in about half of my show. I've been working with JamMan for 8 or 9 years now so it's not so scary anymore.".

I have since come to learn that the song Jacob performed on the video was in fact a cover of "Subdivisions", written and performed by Canadian rock band Rush. The band's lead singer Geddy Lee wrote to Jacob to say "The guys have all seen it and think it's terrific."

In conversations with Jacob, I learned more about his musical career. He studied theory and majored in voice at Laurier University. "I put myself through college playing gigs."

After university, he re-located to Hamilton and has been part the music community in that city ever since. "Hamilton is a place artists can afford to live and quite a number a musicians have taken up residence here."

Moon is a terrific vocalist and as such, gets calls for session work on commercials and film soundtracks.

He has recorded six albums and is currently working on number seven. As part of the process for this latest project, he is recording some of the tracks at home. "I'm learning how to record and edit files. The more I know, the more creative control I will have. Down the road I want to be a producer for other artists, so developing a working knowledge of the software that's available will prove invaluable."

Moon has played hundreds of theatres, coffeehouses and churches in his quest to reach new audiences. The popularity of his videos on YouTube, and especially "Subdivisions", has garnered him an international following that is growing rapidly.

He takes a grassroots approach to marketing and promotions and it is starting to pay off. He has developed a reputation as a passionate and expressive musician for church performances.

"A church is great because it's a venue that doesn't have distractions. No matter what persuasion you come from, the church is a place of comfort and it's built for music. Because of my own spiritual journey, I can have a conversation with an audience there. It's been a good angle for me."

I asked about his songwriting. "Sometimes I get impatient. I write a handful of songs every year. I really do believe it's just a matter of pulling them down from the sky. You have to work hard at it but one of my strengths is persistence."

Social justice is also something very close to Jacob's heart. For many years he has been active in raising funds for many worthy organizations including Compassion Canada, the Mennonite Central Committee and Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

He recently performed at The Street Level Conference in Ottawa, an event organized to bring attention to poverty in Canada. In mid-July, he and his wife will depart to El Salvador with a Compassion Canada team. Compassion's mission is to serve the spiritual, economic, social, and physical needs of a children in over 25 developing countries around the world .

Jacob performs Friday night at Summerfolk's Down By the Bay tent and is featured in the 'Summerfolk Sunday Morning' concert.

You can get an preview of Jacob Moon and his music before Summerfolk. On July 4th plays Massie Hall - as in the village of Massie, located southeast of Owen Sound. Concert presenter for this show and long-time music fan Pete Miller has this to say about Jacob:

"Jacob Moon's folk, rock and pop fusion is the most innovative solo work I've heard in eons. Imagine a folk singer, wired to a digital effects loop, with a social conscience to boot."

The Adventure Travels and Music of Ian Tamblyn

Ian Tamblyn began his career in the mid-1960s. He sang pop songs and traditional blues at the Fourth Dimension coffeehouse in his hometown of Fort William - now Thunder Bay.

"It was an international port, an industrial town and as an isolated northern city, there was a sense of drama to it" recalls Ian. "In my younger years, I was a part of the artistic community there."

Then after studying liberal arts at Trent University in Peterborough, he decided to take on a full-time musical career. He moved to Chelsea, Quebec, where he has lived since 1971. "The rent was so affordable. That helped take the financial pressure off and made it possible to commit to being a writer. I always believed you had to do it full-time."

"I love the Gatineau Hills" he says. "In comparison to the extreme places I go to, it's almost like neutral territory for me. It's not a wilderness, and yet, it's outdoors."

His first big 'break' came when Sylvia Tyson performed one of his songs on the popular Canadian television show Ian & Sylvia. That led to the release of his debut self-titled album in 1976, which garnered him a Juno Award.

Since then, he has recorded 29 additional albums and penned some 1,500 songs. He has performed at coffeehouses, concerts and festivals but has also discovered other avenues to make a living as a musician.

Tamblyn has scored several films and produced theatre soundtracks. He has written nine plays, beginning with Dream Children which ran at the National Arts Centre, and several for the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Most notable among these is Legends of the Northern Swamp, which is still touring Quebec.

Being an avid naturalist, Ian started mixing music with his love of nature. His Over My Head CD was recorded in-studio after a successful live concert commissioned by the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Instrumental music was composed around tape-looped field recordings of birds. Ian explained "In the case of Knock on Wood, for example, I composed the piece around the percussive hammering of a Pileated Woodpecker."

That album sold more than 100,000 copies. "Over My Head caught on," recalls Tamblyn, "with everyone from midwives to palliative-care wards. From cradle to grave."

But perhaps his most important development was connecting creative skills with adventure travels to remote places such as the Nahanni River, the north shore of Lake Superior, Greenland, Baffin Island and the Chukchi Sea.

The Nahanni, for example, is situated in the mountains of the Northwest Territories. It flows through deep canyons and geological features so unique that the Nahanni River was declared the first World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1978. Its' Virginia Falls are nearly twice the height of Niagara.

With Ian's Magnetic North CD, he began to blend instrumental music with environmental sounds, incorporating field recordings from his travels.

"It all started with my fascination of the north shore of Lake Superior in the early seventies. I became interested in exploring the concept of a spiritual north perhaps in a similar vein as Glenn Gould's Idea of North series that he did for the CBC."

In 1984 Ian was invited north as a writer-in-residence on a scientific trip to the Chukchi Sea, north of the Bering Strait. “Science needs you in the Chukchi Sea” was the first line of a letter he received from John Oliver from State University of California.

The letter went on to say John and several of his co-workers had seen Ian perform at a concert in Barclay Sound on Vancouver Island. "We talked about it after and came to the conclusion that you should probably join us for a month this summer on the Research Vessel Alpha Helix. We will be studying the feeding habits of Gray Whales and walrus and so we invite to come along as a writer-in-residence." the letter summarized.

After five expeditions to the north with John Oliver, Ian has also made two trips with the team to explore the under ice worlds of Antarctica. "Mixing artistic and scientific work is given a lot of lip service, but I've never found another person like John - somebody willing to take it on."

"Creativity is seen as not factual and hence doesn't necessarily sit well with scientific types. There is also a hierarchy of positions and the 'artist' is often seen as entertainment - which is a lesser form in the chain. At times it's been an interesting experience, and at times frustrating."

But Tamblyn has created music inspired by these trips. "It's a huge panorama of songwrting being a part of the ocean. What happens to one's psyche when being surrounded by such a massive force. Through the years of being out on the ocean, I have had a number of quiet revelations about why sailors don't come home. It's so big. It takes a part of us."

"Three quarters of the world is ocean. It is fundamental to being on the planet itself."

While he has travelled to exotic locations throughout the world, Tamblyn remains rooted in the Canadian landscape. His music in infused with this country's environment.

He has travelled to the north of Canada many times. Prior to Summerfolk he will be guiding a Students on Ice expedition to the Arctic. Then following the Festival, he will be going through the Northwest Passage from the west and coming down the east coast of Canada. Always with pen in hand, Tamblyn looks for inspiration in places that few people get to see.

He has recently completed 2 discs of a 4 disc set based on Canadian bodies of water. His Spirit and Light CD, released in 2007 is all about the Lake Superior area of Ontario. Raincoast, the second disc, features songs about the west coast of Canada.

His songs reflect the places he has seen and those he has met along the way. "In terms of arriving at a musical description of this country, I've been very active. That's what I do."

Tanglefoot's Farewell Tour Includes Stop at Summerfolk

For more than 25 years, Tanglefoot has been a fixture on the Canadian music scene. But nothing lasts forever and 2009 will be the final year of performances for the band.

It is fitting that this group has included a Summerfolk appearance as a part of their farewell tour. This will be the final opportunity to catch Tanglefoot on Summerfolk's amphitheatre stage at Kelso Beach Park.

The band is made up of five distinctly talented individuals - bass player Al Parrish, violinist Sandra Swannell and Terry Young on mandolin, guitar and banjo. Then there are the two brothers, guitarist Steve Ritchie (who joined Tanglefoot co-founders Joe Grant and Bob Wagar back in 1988) and piano player Rob Ritchie.

I talked to Steve Ritchie about the upcoming appearance at Summerfolk. "We wanted to hit all the places are special to us and of course Summerfolk is one of those places - it's a prestigious festival. The fact that we're based here, with 4 out of 5 of us living in the area, Summerfolk is an event that we have a lot of affection for on a number of levels."

"I was a sound man at Summerfolk back in the early 80's. I remember mixing Stan & Garnet Rogers at a side stage concert and I didn't even know who they were - this was way back. I still remember some of the songs they did."

"Summerfolk was the first place I heard people like Mose Scarlett, Gamble Rogers and Utah Phillips. I was 20 years old at the time and had no inclination I'd end up playing this kind of music....and doing it on a full-time basis for 25 years or so."

Tanglefoot has made headlines throughout the world of folk and acoustic music, attracting a large and enthusiastic audience throughout Canada, the United States and Britain.
Named best vocal group in the 2007 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Tanglefoot delivers their music with intensity. Well-known for their full-throated harmony singing, they are also a band with great instrumental agility. Their music has an unmistakable driving sound.

"When I was young I played drums" says Steve. "I was a 'rocker'. My whole ambition was to be Kim Mitchell's drummer. When I was in high school that's what I wanted to do. Al Parrish was in a Led Zeppelin tribute band and Terry comes from that background too. That's how we play - really slamming, only on acoustic guitars instead of with a stack of Marshall amps."

I then asked him about the way they handle the vocal arrangements for the group. "Our harmony approach with Tanglefoot comes out of a specific tradition. It's an all for one, everybody-in style that comes from shanty, lumber camp, mining, railroad and voyageur worksongs. All those kinds of songs are robust in their vocal delivery."

Tanglefoot certainly knows how to deliver traditional songs with vigour but they also take a similar tact when performing their own compositions. They have the ability to write engaging songs that connect with an audience. They tell human stories of folklore, fake-lore, family history, quirky characters, danger, romance and drama.

One can't help but be moved by their endearing themes and true-to-life stories in songs like "Secord's Warning", "Awkward Donald", "Seven a Side" and "Jack the Green".

Their acapella song “Vimy” led to their taking part in the dedication of the restored memorial at Vimy, France on April 9, 2007 (at the same time, the Canadian Celtic Choir was performing the same song on Capitol Hill in Ottawa).

Tanglefoot enjoys the unusual claim-to-fame of having had one of their CDs fly aboard the space shuttle. "The Music In The Wood" CD accompanied Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in April of 2001.

Tanglefoot will play an important role in the Stan Rogers tributes that are a Summerfolk feature this year. I asked Steve about the obvious connection between Stan's work and that of Tanglefoot.

"I always found his voice very compelling. He had a voice that grabbed you. Stan also had a tremendous sense of melody and could really tell a good story. His was a benchmark for muscular Canadian songwriting."

"Stan Rogers came to my high school (OSCVI) and this was not the kind of music I was particularly interested in but I remember sitting in the front row with a bunch of my friends and just thinking he had a cool voice and a lot of stage presence. When he sang "Jeannie C", that was really chilling. "Every seam poured water" - what a powerful image that was. It got through to me."

As with many things in life, what goes around, comes around. The influence that Summerfolk has had on the musicians from this area is clearly displayed in Tanglefoot's Steve Ritchie. "By a kind of osmosis, I discovered I had a proclivity for this kind of music - storytelling, acoustic music."

Tanglefoot has seen many changes in personnel over its existence. Steve performed along with Joe Grant and Bob Wagar, the original Tanglefoot band members, at Summerfolk in 1989. That was one of their first folk festival appearances.

Steve notes the current lineup is one of the strongest. "When Al Parrish joined, the sound got bigger and more aggressive. He brought a physical presence and charisma that took the band up a notch. Then Terry Young joined and he's a very energetic player as well. That took us up even more. The addition of Sandra was something new for us and having my brother Rob back is a real treat for me."

Seeing Tanglefoot one last time on the Summerfolk stage will be special. "Everywhere we play now is a farewell somewhere. There are going to be some poignant moments and I can't help but think that will be one of them. It is going to be a big deal for me, and for all of us, to be out on that amphitheatre stage one last time."

Special Features at Summerfolk

Todd Crowley's Musical Petting Zoo

Among the many special features at this year's Summerfolk will be Todd Crowley's Musical Petting Zoo.

Ever play a balalaika or balafon? Have you ever blown into a didgeridoo or shofar? Ever strummed an autoharp or plucked a psaltery? All of these traditional folk instruments and about 100 more, covering the musical alphabet from accordion to zampoya, are part of Todd's Musical Petting Zoo.

This fully interactive and hands-on exhibit is a unique opportunity to explore the workings of the instruments and to actually play them.

Todd Crowley is a recently retired high school English teacher from Virginia. His musical instrument of choice - the autoharp. "I have found the diatonic autoharp to be the perfect accompanying instrument for the songs I sing".

"The autoharp lets me keep the instrumental part of the song simple, so the words in story and poetry can take center stage". Todd's M.A. studies at university included research into the life and songwriting of Woody Guthrie. "As a folk singer I want to be part of the oral tradition that gives voice to promoting peace and justice".

Along with the Musical Petting Zoo, Todd is also providing an instrument play station for the Children's Village. Young and old will have a chance to explore the new musical sounds at Summerfolk.


Painting Summerfolk

Artist Peter Beckett will be painting at the Festival using music as inspiration. One day he will work alongside jazz sax player Kenny Baldwin, the next, he will set up near the Gazebo stage.

Beckett and Baldwin are both familiar with improvisation. Their free-jazz, abstract painting collaborations become conversations between two completely different forms of expression.

Kenny Baldwin played music with Graham Caughtry, one of Beckett's favourite Canadian abstract painters from the 60s. Baldwin was part of the Canadian "avant garde" before anyone noticed. At 79 he remains fearless, "Yea tho I walk through the valley of banjos I will fear no evil for I have my alto and tenor to comfort me," he says with a smile.

Peter Beckett is well known for creating large canvases full of colour and movement. "While I was painting outside, the idea of 'painting for landscape' came to mind. If a painter acted as a conduit, taking on the voice of the environment while painting out doors, what would the painting reveal?""It is considered that the studies of Tom Thomson, for example, contain so much more of the experience of spending a day on a northern shoreline than simply, an image. Through all the senses, the inexplicable inclusion of such things as the smell of the woods or the sound of waves meeting the rocky shore are evident".

There will be more on the painting theme at Summerfolk. Dorothy McDonall, one of the 'ChoirGirlz' trio, will be working on a 'Veil Painting'. The technique consists of overlapping transparent veils of watercolors on dry paper. Responding to the atmosphere at Summerfolk she will be layering colours inspired by the ever-changing environment.

"I just never know what will appear, but that's the fun part of the process. It is important to understand that the image is not pre-conceived. It is simply an exercise about being in the moment. And what a fabulous moment a festival is!"

I will be interested to view the works-in-progress of both these artists over the weekend, as I'm sure you will be too, and intrigued to see what the results will be.


David Woodhead's Confabulation

David Woodhead has been a fixture in the Canadian folk music scene for as long as I can remember. His incredible talents on bass guitar have enhanced the performances of many well known musicians on festival stages across the country.

David is bringing his latest project, David Woodhead's Confabulation, to Summerfolk. "It's all about interplay - musical conversations and fabrications from the outer boundaries when folk, poetry and jazz met in an imaginary coffeehouse late one night in a distant past, or an imminent future...".

Joining him will be Cedric Smith, Joran Freeman-Fox, Emilyn Stam & Rich Greenspoon.


Performance Poetry

Lead by Owen Sound's newly appointed poet laureate Kristan Anderson, a team of creative wordsmiths will be exploring the art of spoken word at this year's Festival.

Performance poetry features a broad range of styles, cultural traditions and approaches. Some poets are closely associated with the vocal delivery style found in hip-hop music and draw heavily on the tradition of rhythmic dub poetry. Others employ an unrhyming narrative formula.

Some use traditional theatric devices including shifting voices and tones, while others may recite an entire poem in ironic monotone. Some poets use nothing but their words to deliver a poem, while others stretch the boundaries of the format, tap-dancing or beatboxing or using highly-choreographed movements.

As both a teacher and youth worker, Kristan has a natural passion for helping develop the potential of young people. His goal is to see a spoken word and 'slam scene' develop in the Grey-Bruce region as a creative outlet for youth to develop both confidence and self-esteem.


JumbleJam

JumbleJam workshops are about creating songs through a unique songbuilding process. An innovative approach makes it possible for anyone to participate in the creation of a song, regardless of musical background. Response to last year's inaugural JumbleJam was so positive, we just had to do it again.

Facilitators Ken Dow and Martin Cooper 'curate' 15 volunteer players into 3 bands, each anchored by a Summerfolk performer. The bands create an original song and perform it on the Down by the Bay stage Saturday evening. Within 8 hours, three songs are written and performed - the energy and excitement of the process is contagious.


Plus...

The Sharing Circle is a place where everyone is invited to bring musical instruments, songs and stories to actively join in the sessions. You can witness the wonders of Fire Poi with Vita Twirlin' Diva and friends at the Summerfolk Circle on Saturday night. Visit the teepee and learn more about First Nations cultural traditions from hosts John Somosi and Kathryn Edgecombe. And last but not least, you can play your music on the Open Stage.

Summerfolk is known for great music, beautiful craft art and delicious food but adding features like these to the mix makes it extra special.

Honouring Stan Rogers a Summerfolk Feature

Summerfolk has always been more than a series of concerts. The most memorable moments often occur at the workshop sessions and special performances that happen within the Festival.

One of the highlights this year will be two tributes dedicated to Canadian folk legend Stan Rogers. Summerfolk and Stan shared a mutual admiration. The amphitheatre stage at Kelso Beach Park is named in his honour. Each year we close the Festival with his song "The Mary Ellen Carter" and its joyous refrain of "Rise Again".

Part I of the Tribute, hosted and coordinated by Paul Mills, will be held Saturday afternoon in the Down By the Bay tent. "Stories and Songs of Stan Rogers" will feature Ariel Rogers, Tim Harrison, Dan McKinnon, Bill Bourne and the group Poor Angus.

Paul Mills was well acquainted with Stan; he performed alongside him at concerts throughout Canada and the States. Paul was also the producer for several of Stan's recordings.

Part II will be held at the amphitheatre stage on Sunday night. As a lead up to the Finale, some of Stan's most popular songs will be performed by artists who were strongly influenced by his music. For fans of Stan Rogers, this year's Summerfolk will be a special event.

Who was this Stan Rogers fellow and what makes him so celebrated?

Stanley Allison "Stan" Rogers was noted for his rich, baritone voice and his finely-crafted, traditional-sounding songs. His material was often inspired by Canadian history and the daily lives of working people, especially those from the fishing villages of the Maritime provinces and, later, the farms of the prairies and those who toiled on the Great Lakes..

His songs often had a Celtic feel which was due, in part, to his use of DADGAD guitar tuning. Some were in the style of sea shanties, though his brother Garnet once remarked that he would "get seasick crossing a wet lawn". Rogers' legacy includes his recordings, songbook and plays for which he was commissioned to write music.

Stan's songs are often performed by other musicians and are perennial favourites at campfires and song circles. His best known pieces include "Barrett's Privateers", "Northwest Passage", "Make and Break Harbour", "The Field Behind the Plow", "Fogarty's Cove", "White Squall" and "Forty-Five Years".

Stan Rogers died June 2, 1983 at the age of 33 in a fire aboard Air Canada Flight 797 forced to land at the Cincinnati Airport. He was returning from a performance at the Kerrvillle Folk Festival in Texas.

Rogers was born November 29, 1949 in Hamilton, Ontario. He was the eldest son of Nathan Allison "Al" Rogers and Valerie Rogers (née Bushell), two Maritimers who had relocated to Ontario in search of work shortly after their marriage in July 1948. Although Rogers was raised in Dundas (a community in the westernmost part of Hamilton), he often spent summers visiting family in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia.

It was there that he became familiar with the way of life in the Maritimes, an influence which was to have a profound impact on his subsequent musical development. He was interested in music from an early age, reportedly beginning to sing shortly after learning to speak. He received his first guitar, hand-built by his uncle Lee Bushell, when he was only five years of age.

He was exposed to a variety of music influences, but among the most lasting were the country and western tunes his uncles would sing during family get-togethers. Throughout his childhood, he would practice his singing and playing along with his younger brother Garnet Rogers, six years his junior.

By the time Rogers was attending high school in Stoney Creek, he had met other young people interested in folk music. He was also dabbling in rock and roll, singing and playing bass guitar in garage bands such as "Stanley and the Living Stones" and "The Hobbits".

Rogers briefly attended both McMaster and Trent Universities but a full-time career in music was calling. He hit the road pursuing his dream of establishing a national identity for Canadian songwriting. It was a dream fulfilled; through his dynamic performances and brilliant songs, he became known throughout most of the English-speaking folk music world.

He was a big man - six feet four and 'built like a fire truck'; with a voice that rumbled from his toes. He could bluff and bellow yet was at heart, a poet and intellect. Often as not, he would sneak away from a gathering to curl up with a book. He made friends and enemies easily, gaining the former for life and often, in time, converting the latter.

Stan appeared at Summerfolk in 1977, 78, 80 and 81. I remember watching the steam rising from his bald head on a cool August night as he worked his magic on us. Once he took the stage, he commanded it with a presence seldom seen since.

When CBC's Peter Gzowski asked Canadians to pick an alternate national anthem, Stan's song "Northwest Passage" was the overwhelming choice. His influence on Canadian folk music is deep and lasting.

The Summerfolk Lineup

Our theme for 2009 is "The Beat Goes On". For the past 33 years, Kelso Beach Park in Owen Sound has been home to one of the most beloved events in folk music. The Festival in August promises to maintain that tradition.

Summerfolk performers are chosen to represent a wide spectrum of musical tastes. You may not recognize all of the names in the lineup but in this and future articles, I hope to give you a sense of what each of them do. When you come to the Festival, I guarantee that by the end of the weekend, you will have discovered a new act or two that will really impress you. That is part of the magic to discover at Summerfolk.

This year's Festival features first-class Canadian songwriters. Valdy, one of Canada's most successful folk musicians; James Keelaghan who possesses one of the most distinctive voices in folk and musician/adventurer Ian Tamblyn.

Four-time Grammy nominees and Summerfolk favourites, 'Trout Fishing in America' bring their lovable sound back to Kelso Beach Park. This delightful duo of Keith Grimwood and Izra Idlet have carved out an amazing musical career in nearly three decades of writing, recording and performing together. Their pals from Texas, 'The Austin Lounge Lizards' may just steal the show at the Festival with their inventive style of satirical folk, country and bluegrass. This entertaining 5-piece band pokes fun at politics, love and culture in general. Not to be missed!

Alberta-based Bill Bourne will perform with his new trio the 'BOP Ensemble', highlighting the songwriting talents of a hidden gem, Wyckham Porteous and the exuberant, youthful Jasmine “Jas” Ohlhauser.

Summerfolk co-founder Tim Harrison returns to Owen Sound from his new home base in the Gulf Islands. It will be great to have Tim back at the Festival and hear his latest collection of songs. Then there is Evalyn Parry who grew up around folk music and performs a unique blend of music, storytelling and spoken word. From Halifax, Dan McKinnon is an engaging and genuine performer with a warm baritone voice.

A veteran of the folk circuit, Susan Werner has graced the stages of Summerfolk before. Over the course of her career, she has cultivated a reputation as a daring and innovative songwriter with an excellent live show. She composes skillful songs that effortlessly slide between folk, jazz, and pop, all delivered with a sassy wit and Midwestern charm.

Fellow American Vance Gilbert also returns. Vance is another artist who really shines on stage. Or off it as the case may be. During his last visit to Summerfolk, Vance stepped off the stage, away from the microphones. No one in the Amphitheatre had any difficulty hearing him. All were spell-bound by his electrifying presence.

Philadelphia's 'Hoots & Hellmouth' deliver an energetic, revival-like live show blending soul, folk, country, gospel and rock. Originally formed around the acoustic guitars of Sean Hoots and Andrew "Hellmouth" Gray, this quartet embodies a feisty, independent spirit. This is a band that has energy to burn.

Speaking of bands with energy, 'Tanglefoot' will be making their finale appearance on Summerfolk's Amphitheatre stage. For everything there is a season, and 2009 will be the last for this iconic Canadian folk/roots band. With a huge sound and stunning harmonies, Tanglefoot has become an institution over their two-plus decades. Their infectious music, inspired by the mythology, folklore and history of early Canada, has earned them an international reputation.

And... it doesn't stop there. 'The Aline Morales Band' is a Brazilian percussion troupe. They feature traditional folk styles (forro, coco, afoxe) with tastes of samba, reggae and soul. If some part of your body isn't moving when you hear this group; then there's a serious problem. Lively and youthful, the 'Aline Morales Band' embraces rhythm.

Fans of the "blues" - you'll want to see and hear 'Daddy Long Legs', winners of the 2009 Maple Blues Award for Best New Artist. Then for something completely different, 'The McFlies' travel through time to 'un-cover' the 1980s. Yes that's right - fiddle, accordion, ukulele, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, bongos and congas replace synthesizers and drum machines. 'The McFlies' deliver acoustic versions of the 80's decade in a way that you've never heard before (picture Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon" with fiddle and accordion!).

Harmonica virtuoso, Mike Stevens has released a series of acclaimed albums and written several harmonica instruction booklets. He is one of the few players who can play every note of the scale on one harmonica - for anyone who's tried, this is an amazing feat. Mike is credited with pioneering the use of the instrument in bluegrass music and he’s backed the likes of the legendary Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse and The Carter Family.

Peggy Seeger is the quintessential hip grandmother. A member of the "First Family" of American folk music, Peggy has performed for more than 50 years, produced 20 solo albums and 200 original songs including the classics "Ballad of Springhill" and "Gonna Be an Engineer".

Sounds great so far doesn't it? But that's just the start.

More on the Summerfolk Lineup

Let's start off with a look at Summerfolk's dance stage.

The first bit of exciting news, The Lighthouse Swing Band will provide dance music on Sunday afternoon at the Festival. This will be a unique opportunity to dance under the Summerfolk tent to the swing era sounds of a big band.

For those who love to contra dance, and there will be many opportunities to do so, the music of Scatter the Cats will be the perfect fit. Dance caller Bill Russell will be on hand for the weekend along with fiddler Anne Lederman and the enthusiastic Tom Leighton, director of The Summerfolk Choir. Champion fiddler Shane Cook, accompanied by Brian Pickell and Jake Charron, will also keep the contra lines moving.

Quebecois music and dance is a specialty of Benoit Bourque who recently joined the celebrated La Bottine Souriante. His energetic expertise will be welcomed back at Summerfolk.

With cajun twin fiddling, accordion tunes and washboard zydeco, Swamperella is a band that plays infectious music. You won’t be standing still for long - their sound won’t let you!

The 2009 Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival will also highlight music from many other cultures.

Ragleela performs East Indian Music based on traditional form with melodies that take on a familiar and engaging sound. Featuring Uwe Newmann on sitar along with guitar, violin and both Indian tablas and world percussion, this is mesmerizing music.

The acapella group Soul Influence present layered harmonies over the intricate rhythms of Africa. The group is comprised of young people from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and The Democratic Republic of Congo. They deliver a spiritual message - pleasing to the ear and inspiring.

Portuguese Fado music is usually sung by women but you'll be amazed when you hear Tony Gouveia at Summerfolk. Gouveia has emerged as an impressive voice of a new generation of fadistas in North America. He sings this traditional Portuguese folk blues with intensity and passion.

From her early days as a teenage-troubadour on Australia’s folk-circuit, Chloe Hall has blossomed into an engaging and charismatic performer. Chloe is coming with her new trio to give us some music from down-under.

Moving elsewhere around the globe, Scotland's Brian McNeill (of Battlefield Band fame) is one of that country's best traditional players. Head of Scottish Music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance in Glasgow, he is an exceptional performer who commands the stage.

Then there are several additional bands to tell you about.

The full-throttle group Poor Angus will be on hand with highland pipes and Irish whistles accompanied by fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bodhran and bass guitar. The driving bluegrass band Hard Ryde includes some of the hottest pickers in Canada. They were winners at the Last Chance Saloon and as such will perform on the amphitheatre stage at Summerfolk.

Betty and the Bobs are coming. Who's Betty? Who exactly are the Bobs? Well...I'm not sure but I do know Betty and the Bobs are an all-star Canadian 7 piece band that includes the talented and hilarious Wendell Ferguson, folk artist Katherine Wheatley and ex-Moxy Fruvous member Dave Matheson. Rich Greenspoon is on percussion, Soozie Schlanger on fiddle and then there's the fantastic Suzie Vinnick and bassist extraordinaire Dave Woodhead.

Other performers of note include David Celia, Hamilton's Jacob Moon, vocal trio The ChoirGirlz and from Western Massachusetts, Erica Wheeler.

The Festival also highlights the talents of local performers and rightly so. Owen Sound produces some of the best musicians anywhere. The latest songs by Al Walker are featured in his band Suitcase Walker. This band format is an excellent vehicle for his catchy melodies and fine guitar licks. I am also very pleased that Tara & Trevor MacKenzie will be joining us. Both are well-known figures in Owen Sound's music scene.

Dave Carr will be celebrating his 25th year as a Summerfolk MC and the bagpipes of Bob Dixon will continue to be a Summerfolk tradition.

Youth performers abound at Summerfolk. Jon Farmer, Sarah Hillis, Claire McLeish and Liam Sanagan all made their way to Summerfolk via the Discoveries Showcase and Knox Acoustic Cafe. From last year's Open Stage comes Jonathan Jerome.

Ben Whiteley and Suzy Wilde team up in Flashlight Radio. Both come from musical families. Coco Love Alcorn also has a creative family background and with her playful character Ms. Alcorn fearlessly engages audiences in a very unique way.

So these are the performers you can see and hear at Summerfolk 2009. Each have their our sound but when given the opportunity to interact at the Festival, exciting things can happen!

Summerfolk TuneUp

There was a cool wind but the sun was shining for our first ever Summerfolk TuneUp.
Thanks to Don Miller, we have a nice collection of photos from Sunday, May 31st at Kelso Beach Park.
The concert featured young performers who came through the Georgian Bay Folk Society's 'Discoveries Showcase' and Knox Acoustic Cafe's 'Youth Showcase'.


Left, Sarah Hillis




Tyler Firestone

Below, 2 of Erica Knight

First Rate People:

Claire McLeish, Liam Sanagan &

Lindsay Beckett (missing from

photo the sparkplug Jon Lawless)

Kate Dickinson

Upcoming Concerts - April/May

Treasa Levasseur - Saturday, April 25
Knox Acoustic Café www.knoxacousticcafe.ca

Layah Jane - Saturday, April 25
Back Eddie's - Paisley Town Hall Theatre www.layahjane.com

Sheesham & Lotus - Thursday, April 30
Mudtown, Owen Sound www.fiddlefern.net

Spring Fling Dance Weekend - May 1 & 2
featuring.....Nils Fredland, Sheesham, Lotus & Tea Time Taylor, Kate McLaren & Scatter the Cats
St. George’s Church Hall, 1049 Fourth Ave. East, Owen Sound www.fiddlefern.net

Ken Hamm - Sunday, May 10
Irish Mountain www.irishmountainmusic.com

Saugeen Songwriter's Circle - Friday, May 29
featuring...Dean Mctaggart, Natalia Zukerman & Danny Brooks
Victoria Jubilee Hall, Walkerton www.deanmctaggart.com

Anne Lindsay & Jason Fowler - Saturday, May 30
Knox Acoustic Café www.knoxacousticcafe.ca

The Arrogant Worms - Saturday, May 30
Victoria Jubilee Hall, Walkerton www.vjhall.on.ca

Discoveries, Last Chance & the 2009 Summerfolk Line-up

Saturday was a busy and exciting day at the Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound!
Three young performers were selected from the afternoon's 'Discoveries Showcase' to play the 'Young & Hungry' concert, Friday night of Summerfolk - Liam Sanagan, Sarah Hillis and Jon Farmer. (They will join Claire McLeish who was previously selected at the 'Knox Acoustic Cafe Youth Showcase').
Then the 'Hard Ryde Bluegrass Band' was picked for a Summerfolk appearance at the evening's 'Last Chance Saloon'. The judges' decision was not an easy one as all 11 acts that performed were excellent!
I also had the pleasure of announcing the Summerfolk 2009 line-up on Saturday. There will be some amazing performers at this year's Festival:

Coco Love Alcorn
Kristan Anderson
Austin Lounge Lizards
Peter Beckett
Betty & the Bobs
Benoit Bourque
Bop Ensemble featuring Bill Bourne & Wyckham Porteous
Dave Carr
David Celia
The ChoirGirlz
Shane Cook with Brian Pickell & Jake Charron
Todd Crowley's Musical Petting Zoo
Daddy Long Legs
Bob Dixon
Flashlight Radio - Suzy Wilde & Ben Whiteley
Vance Gilbert
Tony Gouveia
Chloe Hall
Hard Ryde Bluegrass Band
Tim Harrison
Hoots & Hellmouth
Jonathan Jerome
James Keelaghan
JumbleJam
Tom Leighton with Anne Lederman
Lighthouse Swing Band
Tara & Trevor MacKenzie
The McFlies
Dan McKinnon
Brian McNeill
Paul Mills
Jacob Moon
Aline Morales Band
Evalyn Parry
Poor Angus
Ragleela
Ariel Rogers
Bill Russell
Scatter the Cats
Peggy Seeger
John Somosi
Soul Influence
Mike Stevens
Suitcase Walker
Swamperella
Ian Tamblyn
Tanglefoot
Trout Fishing in America
David Woodhead's Confabulation with Cedric Smith, Joran Freeman-Fox & Emilyn Stam
Valdy
Vita Twirlin' Diva
Susan Werner
Erica Wheeler

Summerfolk Fans Get Ready

This Saturday is the Last Chance Saloon in Owen Sound. Hope you can make it and cheer on the performers. One of the 11 acts performing at Last Chance will be selected for inclusion in the Festival programming, joining the 52 already booked. I will be announcing the performer line-up for Summerfolk 2009 at this event.
I also look forward to the Young & Hungry Discoveries Showcase in the afternoon on Saturday. Over the last couple years, I've had the opportunity to book and work with some wonderful young performers who came into the scene through this event as well as through the Knox Acoustic Cafe Youth Showcase.
Come out Saturday if you can and join us for our Spring get-together.
Be sure to check back here at the Summerfolk website - we'll be posting the line-up shortly.
Summerfolk 2009 "The Beat Goes On" - you've gotta be a part of it!

September/October Coming Events

Owen Sound Celtic Festival - Saturday, September 13
Grey Roots Museum & Archives
www.oscelticfestival.com

Sultans of String - Friday, September 19
Old Courthouse, Owen Sound
Ph: 519-371-2995 gbfs@bmts.com

Volunteer Party - Georgian Bay Folk Society - Saturday, September 20
Shallow Lake Community Centre
Baseball game 3:30 - 5:00, Dinner 5:30 - 7:00, Music Jam 7:00 - 12:00
Ph: 519-371-2995 gbfs@bmts.com

Mark Haines and Tom Leighton - Saturday, September 20
http://www.knoxacousticcafe.ca/

Dean McTaggart, Chris Whitley & Michael Johnston - Saturday, September 20
Above Stedman's, Durham - 8:00 pm
www.deanmctaggart.com

Tony Bird - Friday, September 26
Back Eddie's, Paisley
Ph: 519-353-4787 backeddies@bmts.com

Arlo Guthrie - Tuesday, October 28
http://www.collingwoodmusicfestival.com/

Summerfolk 2008

Wow!!!
Hope you all enjoyed the 2008 Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival. Send your photos and comments summerfolkad@brucetelecom.com

Thanks to Jody Iverson for this photo

Audience Sport for the Summerfolk Quiz ..."Coxless Pairs"

This year's Summerfolk Quiz will have a "Summerfolk Olympics" theme. You can be part of the audience team - "Team World".

In addition to fun with trivia and musical games we are asking you to compose a song/ditty/verse you can perform at the 'Quiz'.

The Summerfolk Quiz takes place at 3:30 on Saturday at the Down By the Bay Stage.

As you know (and if you don't), The Marathon is the final event of the Olympic Games. And so we come to The Marathon or simply the final event in our Olympic-tinged quiz. In our version, we are asking members of each team to perform a song/ditty/verse... whatever....that incorporates a specific word or phrase about a sport - there will be 9 in all, one for each of 8 Summerfolk performers plus one for the audience.

In the past, they have included items related to Summerfolk, and items that could be seen from the Summerfolk site. Last year, they were quintessentially Canadian!

Now, with the Olympics currently on in Beijing, and the next winter games slated for Canada, we have chosen what we believe are important Olympic competitions.

Your competitive sport (selected in an impartial, random draw) to write about:

Coxless Pairs (rowing)

We wish you good writing. It's good fun!! We look forward to hearing your song at the Summerfolk Quiz.

Your hosts, Richard Knechtel and Dave Carr

Sunday at Summerfolk

Sunday at Summerfolk begins with a special concert in the Amphitheatre. 'Oh What Joy!' celebrates the day with songs of thanks. Hosted by Connie Kaldor, the 10:30 am show features the uplifting talents of David Roth, the four part gospel harmonies of 'House of Doc' and inspirational messages in song from Kim & Reggie Harris. Being a part of this concert will be the perfect way to start your Sunday at Summerfolk.

At noon the musical action swings over to the workshop stages.

The GAZEBO STAGE hosts 5 workshops on Sunday. 'French Fireworks' will be an explosive display of musical talent with 'The McDades' and 'Le Vent du Nord'. 'Music of the East' has Harry Manx matched up with the Chinese music group 'Red Chamber' and East Indian tabla player Rakesh Tewari from 'DiggingRoots'.

The HOMEMADE JAM schedule starts with 'The Young Writers' workshop followed by Open Stage slots. At 2:00 pm catch Toby Walker, David Amram and Tim Ronan in a workshop exploring 'Blues Music' from 1900 to the present. With more Open Stage slots after that, there is ample opportunity for anyone to play their music at Summerfolk.

At the DOWN BY THE BAY tent you can join in the fun at the 'Canadian Highway' workshop. With 'The Cottars', Stephen Fearing, Mike Ford and 'The Arrogant Worms', there will be lots of laughs, tunes and songs with a Canadian theme. The 'Mixed-Up Bands' session which closes the afternoon is a sight to behold. Performer names are drawn at random and five piece bands are assembled for one-time only performances at Summerfolk!

On Sunday afternoon, two contra dances are planned for OVER THE HILL. 'One O'Clock Stomp' features the music of 'Crowfoot' with dance callers Myra Hirschberg and Tom Calwell. For the second contra dance, 'Hands Four - More Contra', Becky Hill will be the caller with 'Scatter the Cats' providing the music.

'Drum Stories' with Adwoa & Fule Badoe will start off the performances at THE CHILDREN'S VILLAGE. Kids will love hearing Sara Hickman, seeing the magic of Marc Trudel and joining in the action with 'Sheesham & Lotus'. More smiles await with shows from James Gordon, Michael Johnston and Mike Ford to complete the fun-filled music schedule at The Children's Village. 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 - 'The Folk Game' and 'The Heart of the Matter'.

Leslie and Paul Conway of Voyageur Storytelling bring their talents to THE SHARING CIRCLE on Sunday. There will also be a 'Tune Players Circle', Summerfolk's annual 'Drum Circle' and a 'Song Circle'. All are invited to actively participate in these sessions.

At the CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION tent you can view the art of wood marquetry presented by Diane Edwards. Wood marquetry involves gluing carefully cut pieces of veneer onto a rigid base. Various species of wood gives the craftsperson a diverse palette of colours from which to choose.

The CAFE CONCERT at 5:00 pm features the music of 'The Cottars'. Their trademark - Celtic-infused singing, playing and joyous step-dancing in the spirited musical tradition of Cape Breton .

The final 6:30 set at DOWN BY THE BAY is a comedy showdown. 'The Last Laugh' will showcase the wit of 'The Arrogant Worms' up against another hilarious comedy trio, 'Modern Man'. This is bound to be side-splitting fun!

The AMPHITHEATRE CONCERTS for Sunday night begin at 6:00 with a performance by The Summerfolk Choir. After their weekend rehearsals, the Choir will be ready to take to the amphitheatre stage at Summerfolk. Joined by guest performers, the Choir concert at Summerfolk is always a heart-warming moment.

Next up is Last Chance Saloon winner David Gillis who hails from Vineland in the Niagara region. David is a well-rounded artist of the highest standard. He will be accompanied by his daughter Ariana who is an up-and-coming performer in her own right.

'Crowfoot' not only play wonderful music for contra dances, but they are a fine Celtic trio in concert. Following them is Summerfolk favourite Jory Nash, then the 'pocket-sized powerhouse' Little Miss Higgins. The songs of 'Little Miss' reverberate with the twang of pre-rock blues and post-Carter Family country music delivered in her signature 'kick up your heels' style.

We are in for a treat as David Roth is up next. His "heavy-mental-easy-listening-protest music" covers a wide variety of subjects, poignant to political, holistic to hilarious. Seeing David in concert is an enriching experience.

A display of high energy Celtic jazz by 'The McDades' is next. The sound of this adventuresome quintet is immersed in the spirit of improvisation. Their arrangements are characterized by the band's virtuosity and interaction on stage.

To close the set of evening concerts, Summerfolk welcomes the return of Connie Kaldor to the amphitheatre stage. Connie is one of Canada’s most significant contemporary folk musicians whose performances are legendary.

The 'Amphitheatre Finale' at Summerfolk touches all present. The singing of 'Irene Goodnight' and 'The Mary Ellen Carter' means Summerfolk is over for another year. We follow the sound of Bob Dixon's bagpipes out of the amphitheatre knowing that the songs, the stories and the spirit of Summerfolk will stay with us.

It has been my pleasure to write these weekly columns on behalf of the Georgian Bay Folk Society. Thank you for reading them and your welcomed responses. Summerfolk weekend is here! I hope you will join family and friends for the 33rd annual Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival.

Saturday at Summerfolk

The Summerfolk gates open at 10:30 on Saturday morning. The musical adventures begin with the workshops at 11:00.

Each workshop has a theme to guide the performers. The musicians, selected for their ability to relate to the theme, take turns performing. Others on stage may join in - it's loose, informal and often revealing. Workshops offer unique insights into the interaction and collective knowledge of the participants.

Here are some of the highlights for each of the workshop stages at Summerfolk on Saturday.

The GAZEBO STAGE has 6 one hour workshops on Saturday. 'History Class' includes Kim & Reggie Harris, Mike Ford and Shoshona Kish & Raven Kanatakta from DiggingRoots. 'World Class' features the music of David Amram and Red Chamber.

HOMEMADE JAM has 2 'how-to' workshops to kick things off. 'Songsmithing' will explore songwriting techniques while 'Fingerwork' will highlight the guitar styles of Toby Walker, Stephen Fearing and David Gillis. HOMEMADE JAM is home to the Open Stage where Summerfolk patrons are encouraged to sign up for a chance to play their music at Summerfolk.

'The Summerfolk R & B Revue' and 'Blues Ain't Feelin' Bad' are two of the exciting workshops scheduled for DOWN BY THE BAY. The afternoon sessions conclude with the 'Summerfolk Quiz'. Hosted by Dave Carr and yours truly, two teams of musicians are pitted against the audience in games of musical knowledge and fun.

The join-in dance sessions are back in a big way at Summerfolk! At OVER THE HILL..., you can participate in contra dancing, enjoy African drum and dance, learn to clog or swing your partner in the 'Country Round-up Swing Dance'.

The shows in THE CHILDREN'S VILLAGE will be spectacular this year. Where else could children see performances by Connie Kaldor, David Roth, Adwoa & Fule Badoe and the magic of Marc Trudel; all in one place!

UNDER THE WILLOWS is the rehearsal area for The Summerfolk Choir. Under the direction of Tom Leighton, audience members can share their joy of singing together. Under the Willows also has 3 workshop sessions between choir practices. 'Lessons in Love' should be an interesting and often visited song topic to investigate.

THE SHARING CIRCLE is a new addition to Summerfolk this year. It is my hope that Summerfolk fans will have an opportunity to bring their instruments, stories and songs... and join-in the circle sessions!

Each of the circles will be hosted by performers from the Summerfolk line-up. Some of the Saturday sessions include 'Spirit Drums', a 'Song Circle', 'Playing with Words' poetry and 'Fiddles & Flutes'. In conjunction with the Sharing Circle we are bringing back STASH YER STUFF - a secure place to store musical instruments on site.
Audience members can also participate in JUMBLEJAM. This is a chance to jam with the pros, create an original piece of music and perform it on stage at Summerfolk. If you sing or play an instrument and can spare a few hours on Saturday, apply for the JumbleJam workshop - you might just end up in a band with Michael Johnston, James Gordon or Mike Ford.

JumbleJam workshops are about creating songs through a unique songbuilding process. An innovative, 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 3 bands, each anchored by a Summerfolk performer.

Applications will be available at the Information Booth inside Main Gate. Space is limited and participants will be selected purely for the way they fit the mix. The 2 hour song-building sessions will run at noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. JumbleJam bands take the stage at 7:00 pm Saturday in the Down By the Bay tent.

Another interesting 'how-to' workshop will be one on FIRE POI in the Summerfolk Circle at 5:00 pm. At 11:00 on Saturday you can see 'Fire Poi' at night - a unique experience, only at Summerfolk!

Make sure to drop by the CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION tent on Saturday afternoon to view the best work of the 44 exhibitors from The Artisan Village. These artists are invited to submit two of their finest pieces to be included in the Exhibition. Cast your vote for the People's Choice Award.

The CAFE CONCERT at 5:00 pm has the acoustic quartet 'House of Doc' performing their mix of gospel, bluegrass and pop music.

So that's an overview of Saturday's daytime activities... now on to the AMPHITHEATRE CONCERTS for the evening.

Red Chamber - featuring the unique sounds of China
The Bebop Cowboys - jazzed-up western swing music at its best
David Amram - a magnetic presence armed with charm and incomparable talent
Sara Hickman - playful music from this Austin, Texas performer
Marc Trudel - a performance of this magician's 'Card Solo' routine
Modern Man - with songs that are intelligent, lively and hysterically funny!
Harry Manx - a hypnotic show blending Indian music and the blues
Le Vent du Nord - showcasing the vitality and joy of Quebecois music

Summerfolk's highlight 'CONTRA DANCE NIGHT' also takes place Saturday evening at 7:30. It features the music of 'Crowfoot', one of the hottest bands on the contra band circuit, and the renowned Becky Hill as caller for the dances.

If you head on over to the DOWN BY THE BAY tent, here is what you'll see there on Saturday night.

Things start off with the aforementioned 'JumbleJam' bands at 7:00 followed by the authentic acoustic blues of Toby Walker. Then there is a workshop-style session - 'Twilight Time', showcasing the talents of Stephen Fearing, Michael Johnston and the Winnipeg duo 'Twilight Hotel'.

Next up are 'The McDades' with their fiery blend of Celtic jazz. The festivities at Down By the Bay wrap up with sets by Little Miss Higgins and 'The Cottars'.

So that's Saturday at Summerfolk. Looking over all that is offered, it is amazing that all this music can happen in one place, in one day. But that's Summerfolk for you!

The Sharing Circle at Summerfolk

A new addition to Summerfolk this year will be The Sharing Circle.

You'll find the Sharing Circle tent just east of the permanent washrooms on site - out on the former beach area. My hope is that Summerfolk fans will have an opportunity to bring their instruments, stories and songs... and join-in!

In conjunction with the 'Circle' we are bringing back 'Stash Yer Stuff' - a secure place to store your instruments on site. The 'Stash Yer Stuff' trailer will be located near the Circle and tended by a volunteer crew.

You can see all the sessions being offered on the workshop schedule. Just click on '2008 Workshop Schedules' on the top righthand corner of the Summerfolk website.

Take a look - find a session or two that interests you and plan on participating. I think it's going to be a really great thing!