So Much Summerfolking Fun

There was definitely special magic at the festival this year.  And there are many highlights to mention.

This weekend, I took to referring to Todd's Musical Zoo as SAINT Todd's Musical Zoo.  Because no matter how much the cheque is that the festival issues him, for the hands-on interactive instrument exhibit, it is not enough.  His petting zoo is so fantastic!  And the work he puts in driving 100 instruments up from the States to unload them all, set them up, tune them all and then relax while hundreds and hundreds of people, including lots of little folks try them out is so magnificent.  Have I mentioned how much repair work he must have to do the collection after being so actively explored by so many?  And, what about the cost of just strings??  I don't know where he finds the energy to pack up again.

Are there any turtle shell instruments there? I wasn't sure when a young friend asked me, but I hoped he would stop by so we could check together...

I didn't even have a tuner with me for my shift(s) as zookeeper, because I've finally realized that most of the experimenters that descend on the instruments aren't actual musicians yet, and didn't need that extra step.

I also did not feel tethered to the zoo at all and enjoyed the festival.  Yes, we do put rosin on the bass bow in the zoo, but the only rule is really to keep all of the instruments IN the zoo!  I remember telling a stage hand that  "No, we don’t have any keys. We are all about strings and percussion." Who needs to borrow some? I'd asked the guy asking me for a loaner, to learn that someone wanted to perform at the open stage. "Well, you can tell them you tried." I said...

I took a few photos of instruments I didn't meet at the zoo at Mariposa:

I think my favourite was this "slap drum"

Some musicians did stop in tho...

I used an accordion this year, to get the attention of a celebrity passing by I wanted to say hello to.  Did you recognize the Young Novelists? I did.

Why I was surprised to be literally brought to tears by a Steve Poltz song at the Amphitheatre? Was it because he had me laughing so hard just before that, and during his morning sets?  I had to use the scarf around my neck to actually wipe my face from the weeping.  Holy great songwriting, I had said to his face earlier that day... did I mention I also got to see Dan's Space Van in real life?

here's a photo borrowed from his Facebook page

When someone asked me my one favourite song of the whole entire festival, I said Timber, because I wanted to choose one by a new buddy who I think is such a wonderful musician and person...   I enjoyed being present for a very intimate autograph session backstage.  And I listened to Dana Louise  music all the way home.

Have you ever heard (of) Trout Fishing in America? If not, please do.  What a clever band, with amusing lyrical content and banter in such proficient musicianship and song structures. Dana is Ezra's daughter and performed a few of her tunes with them, and was a big, tall hit overall at this year's festival.  Wouldn't it be great if she played again next year??

I think Sol Kitchen was putting too much love in it, for those folks like Joel Plaskett I met in line, that was in a hurry. But the soups, salads, hummus, chicken and veggie wraps were absolutely delicious and worth waiting for! I also enjoyed a traditional indian veggie taco with homemade cedar strawberry juice and the flowers on top from The Flying Chestnut.

We didn't take any celebrity or even proper display pics of my friend's "shop," but I think it was the best Sylph booth ever!

I think have my uniform ready for next year:

(And, what about those campfires?!!!)

15th Annual Speedvale Ave BBQ

This  photo was taken at a friendly, informal, community event that included music...  I'd mentioned the BBQ on the air during my radio show earlier in the day.

The New Horizons Band Guelph green band members held a public practice of 3 numbers from our Essential Elements books - Lightly Row, Frere Jacques as a round and Aura Lee with a melody and harmony part.  I played trombone with a larger, so-far-loaner mouthpiece that seemed to help, and yes, I remembered to smile.

The Jazz Ensemble Members performed after the Sax Ensemble, with three other tunes - The Preacher, A Foggy Day, and Basin St. Blues.  My "participation" on guitar has created some interest from others in offering guitar to the NHB groups...

I managed to hand out at least three handbills for the upcoming Instrument Exploration Workshop, and one or two cards for NHB to interested potential members, including to one French Horn owner!

Next year I've promised the event organizer to bring some ukes!!

More Accidental Lessons

Technically, I don't own the trombone shown here, although I really do consider it a gift-for-life.

Lately, instead of trombone exercises, I am concentrating instead, on participating in a NHB jazz ensemble, as a so-called rhythm guitarist.   There seem to be 3 tenor saxes and 3 altos working on complex arrangements, from sheet music I can't read.  But, I am grateful for the listening experience... It’s true that the idea of me putting guitar chords in behind the rest of the music, as a member of the rhythm section, of a JAZZ ensemble, is ridiculous! 

But, its New Horizons Band! And, its true. I liked hearing the b-flat scale warm up. repeated in quarter notes and then even eighth notes, ha. And I have practiced the scale pattern on guitar daily since then.  I feel so lucky to sit in the rhythm section -- next to retired music teachers on bass and keys, in an encouraging, constructive environment -- while absorbing their discussions with each other... let's "Listen to the Drummer!" ha