Enjoying live, outdoor music is how I spent my summer vacation - including attendance at Summerfolk (aka as Summersoak), one of the great music festivals across the province that brings folks together in a celebration of music, art and community! I danced, ate good food, made music and collected some more fine craftwork… and I talked with artists too.
I thought it was interesting to see Folk Music Ontarios suggestion in the program to invite artists to come and do a house concert in your living room! And to listen to your local folk music radio shows… and to offer thanks to everyone is helping folk music thrive in the 21st century.
I thought Treasa Levasseur sounded great as emcee on Friday night at the Amphitheatre. I was also drawn to the music of Notre Dame de Gras, and enjoyed the Old Man Leudecke set immensely!
When I interviewed him back stage the next day, for a “Riding With The Stars” segment for hoofbeats radio, he at first told me, with some dismay “I don’t have a single horse story.” So, I said that since he had written the “Song For Ian Tyson,” and that he’s a cowboy, he should tell me about writing that song. We had a nice little chat about all the westerns he watched as a kid and then remembered a couple trail rides he had taken, before voicing a sounder for the show and station. I was so pleased!
I was also delighted to catch a minute with the inspirational Ken Whiteley — you can check out his appearance to hoofbeats here.
The East Pointers were a highlight for me at the MainStage on Saturday night, and Down By The Bay I thought Irish Mythen offered a gripping performance in the workshop. She is a true entertainer and storyteller that provides an incredible emotional journey, full of laughter. I was also very moved by the O’Pears a female folk trio with a contemporary yet classic, jaw-dropping harmonies and engaging, playful, interactive style.
I can’t believe I missed the Small Glories, I have long admired Cara Luft and would have loved to catch her as part of the dynamic duo with strong songwriting and powerful performances.
Of course any help I can offer or sales I can make in the Sylph booth are a joy! It is fun shopping with booth visitors for stylish, comfortable and sustainable clothing handmade with ecologically wonderful fabrics and dyes. Saturday I wore my earrings from StrayStones Artisan Jewellery, handcrafted using a variety of metalsmith techniques with copper, brass and sterling silver. On Sunday I wore my necklace and earrings from Bluefrog Creation - colourful glass with its own energy made to be worn in happiness and good spirit. I aspired to some beautiful and fun functional products, especially something knitted with natural fibre at Lynn’s Lids, and I’ve also left a belt and buckle from Pip Robbins on my shopping list for future…
