Happy Hillside 2018

I forgot to put it on my survey, that I think it would be valued and appreciated at Hillside Festival, to open up slightly on policy to sponsorships.

I put in an instrument zoo workshop proposal that wasn’t successful, but I would love to try again with a pitch that includes L&M support. Or Folkway Music? Or both.

Darling #Summerfolk43

The choir, in particular, was a highlight this year! Treassa is such a great teacher and leader. From the meaningful material chosen, and inspiring instruction that ignited passion, to the tips on timing and enunciation, while working out the melodies, was empowering!  And accidentally educational, to all who attended. It moved me to tears, more than once, to sing in such a spirited group, and I also treasure the tiny nuggets of musical education she offers individually. And, she orchestrated the honour as well to share a stage with Tragedy Ann, Mike Celia, Coco Love Alcorn, and Samantha Martin. I can’t tell you what it means to me have made eye contact with the the songwriter, especially, while singing my heart out, on one of her tunes, with all the other voices. It was very special, Samantha sang a line smiling right at me and I sang my line smiling right back to her!

I also had great fun at 3.5 sets Drew McIvor did. He is so charismatic, fun and talented, with equally gifted band mates Jaylen and JD. The song about Georgian Bay radio that a group sang with Drew and his kids stood on stage holding the banner was brilliant and adorable.

 I was certainly inspired by the way these folks approached it and want to do better for my recordings for next year. 

I did one lead in show and posted two tiny podcasts. Next year I will be doing much more pre-festival coverage, and I plan to do some post-festival programming on the radio show as well. #summerfolk43. I can't wait to edit back the segments I recorded with Rose Cousins, and Ben Whitely, who was playing with Sarah Harmer.

Here are some of my other thoughts:

Maybe Youth Discoveries acts like Ester’s Family could have more room in the program? Or in the media kit?

I would love to read the results of the greening audit. Did I miss hear Saturday’s MC explaining from the stage that only food waste could go in the compost? I read now that napkins and other garbage could go in but I guess the paper plates needed to go in as cardboard? I give myself a gold star for my reduce/reuse/recycle tally, because of my awesome smart planet dish that every vendor I attended was willing to make work for me! It kept hot things hot, cool things cool, and saved leftovers neatly for later and worked out so well I’m giving them as gifts this Christmas. They would make a great Summerfolk merch item, in my opinion…

Merry Mariposa, 2018

Dear Instrument Petting Zoo,
Thank you for being at Mariposa, will you be at Hillside?
I thought the 3 price tags and one corner banner from Long and McQuade was a nice subtle sponsorship.  I think that's such a good fit to encourage zoo participants to continue involvement with musical instruments!!  And, having amps and electrics was nice!  And a few flutes for sale was fun too.  Please do let me know where the zoo will be set up next!

Here are some other highlights:

I liked hearing how professional and specific some performers can when sound checking.  I really enjoyed the Steve Poltz "memorial-worship." I especially liked hearing Danny Michel's new material - one song is Music Monday suitable and the other one is my new fave, Purgatory Cove.

I heard he is releasing new tunes monthly, which is perfect in today's music industry landscape. And I really enjoyed how most of the workshops at Mariposa this year were real workshops, true jams and not just songs in the round from a group of performers.  I was also impressed to finally see water bottles as artist merch, as I think it is a perfect and important item. I hope the artist will always have one on stage and never accept bottled water instead...  so happy the festival was plastic bottle free!

WMW - Recommended!

Hi there,
Since I can't figure out how to hide this very out-of-date blog, I will post a sneaky glimpse at some of the things I have been up to, and a promise to write out a full recommendation for the Women's Music Weekend!  It was AMAZING!!!