Award for Website

The Summerfolk website - summerfolk.org, received an award for 'Best Marketing - Web' at the Grey-Bruce Regional Tourism conference today.
Quite an honour!
Thanks go to our web guy Paul Murphy for all his ideas and ways he makes the site look good and Ryan Wiseman for his excellent video contributions.
Both these gentlemen are a pleasure to work with and we look forward to keeping Summerfolk and 'off-season' programming information coming here to summerfolk.org.

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!

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!

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

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!

From 15 strangers to 3 bands...in 8 hours!

'JUMBLEJAM' - A new Experience at Summerfolk 2008

How would you like to jam with the pros, create an original piece of music and perform it on stage at Summerfolk - all in the same day? Thought so!

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.

Applications will be available at the Information Booth inside Main Gate. Deadline for entries is 11:15 am Saturday, August 16th. Drop off applications at the Information Booth Space is limited and the 15 participants will be selected purely for the way they fit the mix.

Gather at the JumbleJam Zone (just south of the South Gate) at 11:45 to see the band lists. The 2 hour song-building sessions will run at noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. JambleJam bands take the stage at 7:00 pm Saturday in the Down By the Bay tent!

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.

For more info on JumbleJam, visit www.creativityhappens.com/jjworkshop

The Open Stage at Summerfolk

I am hoping we'll have lots of interest in Summerfolk's Open Stage again this year. Combining the Homemade Jam Stage with the 'Cafe of the Senses' has worked really well - there's always an audience and the crew does a great job making everybody sound good.

Open Stage slots are available on Saturday and Sunday during the day. Each 1/2 hour spot is shared by 2 or 3 performers, providing each participant with approximately 8 minutes time (2 selections).

HOW TO "RESERVE" YOUR SPOT:

A limited number of slots are available for pre-registration (noted as pre-assigned in schedule below). Contact the Georgian Bay Folk Society office to sign up - phone (519) 371-2995 or email gbfs@bmts.com.

On-site registration is on a first-come, first-served basis (noted as festival sign-up below).

You must be in possession of a ticket for that day or be on site as a volunteer.

If all the pre-assigned slots are not filled prior to the festival, those time slots will be available for festival sign-up. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your assigned performance time and check-in with the Homemade Jam crew.

* YOUR CHANCE TO PLAY SUMMERFOLK:

One performer from the weekends' Open Stage will be offered the opportunity to join the performers' line-up for next years' Summerfolk! That selection will be done by our Homemade Jam Tent crew and will be announced from the Amphitheatre Stage at approximately 8:30 on Sunday evening.


HOMEMADE JAM TENT SCHEDULE:

Saturday;
11:00 - workshop
11:45 - workshop
12:30 - Open Stage Slot (pre-assigned)
1:00 - Open Stage Slot (pre-assigned)
1:30 - Open Stage Slot (pre-assigned)
2:00 - workshop
3:00 - Open Stage Slot (festival sign-up)
3:30 - Open Stage Slot (pre-assigned)
4:00 - Open Stage Slot (festival sign-up)

Sunday:
12:00 - workshop
1:00 - Open Stage Slot (festival sign-up)
1:30 - Open Stage Slot ( pre-assigned)
2:00 - workshop
3:00 - Open Stage Slot (pre-assigned)
3:30 - Open Stage Slot (festival sign-up)
4:00 - Open Stage Slot (pre-assigned)

Summerfolk Concert Schedule

AMPHITHEATRE CONCERTS 6:00 - 11:00 pm

FRIDAY
Mike Ford
Natalia Zukerman
Haines & Leighton
Toby Walker
DiggingRoots
Kim & Reggie Harris
Stephen Fearing
The Arrogant Worms

SATURDAY
Red Chamber
The Bebop Cowboys
David Amram
Sara Hickman
Marc Trudel
Modern Man
Harry Manx
Le Vent du Nord

SUNDAY
The Summerfolk Choir
David Gillis
Crowfoot
Jory Nash
Little Miss Higgins
David Roth
The McDades
Connie Kaldor
Finale

SUNDAY MORNING 10:30 am
'Oh What Joy!'Connie Kaldor, Kim & Reggie Harris, House of Doc & David Roth


DOWN BY THE BAY CONCERTS

FRIDAY 7:00 pm - host Eve Goldberg
Tim Ronan
Love Pants
Sheesham & Lotus
Pete Devlin Band
House Of Doc
The Bebop Cowboys - Juanita Wilkins at break

SATURDAY 7:00 pm - host Mike Ford
Jumble Jam
Toby Walker
'Twilight Time' - Twilight Hotel, Michael Johnston & Stephen Fearing
The McDades
Little Miss Higgins
The Cottars

SUNDAY 6:30 pm
'The Last Laugh' - Modern Man, The Arrogant Worms & Mike Ford


CAFE CONCERTS 5:00 pm

FRIDAY - Scatter the Cats
SATURDAY - House of Doc
SUNDAY - The Cottars


YOUNG & HUNGRY - FRIDAY 7:00 pm
James Gordon & Sons
Tyler Firestone
Twilight Hotel
The Stairwell Mystics (formerly known as Driftar)
Ariana Gillis
Hayden Stewart
The Cottars

The Cottars Added to Summerfolk Line-up

The Cottars return to Summerfolk!
Siblings Ciaran and Fiona MacGillivray have travelled the globe as lead singers and instrumentalists with The Cottars. Joined by fiddler Claire Pettit and guitarist Bruce Timmons, a new Cottars unit is back at Summerfolk.
Celtic-infused singing, playing and joyous step-dancing in the spirited musical tradition of Cape Breton.
Adding some East Coast flavour is always a good thing at Summerfolk.
Justin Hines is off to perform at the Olympic Games and Lily Frost is unavailable Summerfolk weekend so I had an opportunity to book The Cottars and I'm thrilled they've accepted.

Who is Coming to Perform at Summerfolk?

Summerfolk /08 ~ "Experience the Sound"

The Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival is one of Canada's premier folk music events. On the shores of Georgian Bay in the city of Owen Sound, the 33rd annual Summerfolk celebration takes place August 15, 16 & 17, 2008.

Kelso Beach Park is the beautiful and intimate setting for musical workshops and concerts. Combined with a vibrant Artisan Village of one-of-a-kind works, offerings of healthy, interesting and delicious food, an active Children's area and plenty of join-in activities, Summerfolk is the place to be this August!

Sounds from around the world will be heard. Harry Manx fuses East Indian music with the blues, Fule and Adwoa Badoe offer stories, drumming and dance from Africa and the Chinese quartet 'Red Chamber' create new sounds on ancient instruments.

There are always musicians at Summerfolk who have the ability to lift everyone's spirit. Connie Kaldor, one this country's most engaging entertainers, exemplifies this special talent. Folk singer David Roth is also known for his empowering performances. Summerfolk fans may remember David from his previous appearances at Owen Sound. Kim and Reggie Harris, a charming couple from New York state, also know how to inspire an audience with their jubilant delivery.

The work of the contemporary singer/songwriter is an integral element of any folk music festival. Who qualifies in this category at Summerfolk 2008? Stephen Fearing certainly does. He writes beautiful melodies, powerful lyrics and backs them up with masterful guitar work. Justin Hines might remind listeners of Harry Chapin or James Taylor - his exquisite songs are guaranteed to move an audience. Natalia Zukerman is another artist whose cool phrasing and sultry vocals will entrance all those in her presence.

Laughter is a good thing! This year's Summerfolk will feature the top Canadian musical comedy group 'The Arrogant Worms' along with the Festival hit from last year - the side-splitting trio 'Modern Man'.

Then there's 'The BeBop Cowboys'. A musical group whose specialty is western swing music - this is one band other musicians love to watch. Along with fast and furious celtic/jazz of 'The McDades', there will be plenty of sizzling musicianship at the Festival.

On the more traditional side of things, Winnipeg's 'House of Doc' reinvent bluegrass & gospel sounds, Eve Goldberg will grace the stage with her rootsy song selections while 'Sheesham & Lotus' spread the joy of old-time string music.

Blues music has always played a significant role at Summerfolk. One of the hottest acts on the circuit today is a lady from Nokomis, Saskatchewan - the phenomenal Little Miss Higgins (Jolene Higgins) joined by ace guitarist Foy Taylor (David Mark). Not to be outdone, the outstanding American performer Toby Walker plays authentic acoustic blues like very few others!

Back in the early years of the Festival, one man galvanized the host of musicians who came to Summerfolk. That man was David Amram. He captivated fellow musicians and audience members alike with spur-of-the-moment compositions and improvising skills. Mr. Amram is the "Renaissance Man of American music". David returns to Owen Sound this year with his son Adam.

Canada will be celebrated in song by Mike Ford (of Moxy Fruxous fame) and the incomparable James Gordon who will be joined by his sons Geordie and Evan. Juno award-winning group 'Le Vent du Nord' will blow in from Quebec and one of the country's foremost aboriginal bands 'DiggingRoots' digs into music for today from the roots of the past. Interactive workshops and demonstrations take place at Summerfolk's First Nations Village, hosted once again by the ever-popular John Somosi.

The Grey-Bruce region will also be well represented at Summerfolk by world-class songwriter Dean McTaggart, country-folk chanteuse Juanita Wilkins, the rockin' Pete Devlin Band and dance music quartet 'Scatter the Cats'.

Speaking of dance, after a very successful introduction of a dance tent at Summerfolk in 2007, bring your dancing shoes - contra and multi-cultural dance sessions will be held at the Over the Hill Stage. One of the best music making groups on the contra circuit, the fabulous band 'Crowfoot' will make the dance happen! Renowned dance caller Becky Hill along with Myra Hirshberg and Tom Calwell will guide dancers through the steps.

Other opportunities abound to join-in the fun at the Festival. Audience members can take part in storytelling sessions with Paul and Leslie Conway of 'Voyageur Storytelling', play along in drum, tune-players' and song circles, create songs in 'Jumble Jam' with Martin Cooper and Ken Dow or join the Summerfolk Choir with Tom Leighton and Marks Haines. The Open Stage at Summerfolk offers another chance for audience members to participate. At the 2007 Festival, Tim Ronan was selected as the Open Stage performer invited to this year's event.

The Children's Village at Summerfolk, with its' playground and hands-on craft activities, will also feature some terrific entertainment. Many of the acts in the Summerfolk line-up have excellent presentations geared specifically for young audiences. One performer you won't want to miss there is the joyful Sara Hickman from Austin, Texas.

For something completely different, how about a little magic? Montreal's Marc Trudel is a wizard when it comes to creating mystifying illusions and mind-altering pantomimes. Or how about random acts of poetry? Owen Sound's Poet Laureate Liz Zetlin will be circulating the Festival grounds conveying her passion for words.

Summerfolk's Friday night "Young and Hungry" concert is back with an emphasis on young performers. Join host Jory Nash for performances by the cinematic and intoxicating Lily Frost, the talented Ariana Gillis as well as the 'cool' sounds of 'Twilight Hotel'. Three additional 'youth' acts from the Georgian Bay region will also showcase their talents that night - Hayden Stewart, Tyler Firestone and the folk-rock band 'Driftar'.

With more than 45 acts performing over the weekend, The Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival offers a multitude of reasons to come and "Experience the Sound".


For more information, call the Georgian Bay Folk Society office at 519-371-2995 gbfs@bmts.com. Tickets are available at Owen Sound's Roxy Theatre Box Office (519) 371-2833 or 1-888-446-7699 (toll free in Ontario). Visit the Summerfolk website at www.summerfolk.org


Artistic Director - Richard Knechtel summerfolkad@brucetelecom.com

August 15, 16 & 17 - 2008

Happy New Year to all. Hope you have a great 2008.

I've made arrangements with a number of great acts to come to Summerfolk, August 15 16 & 17. Contracts need to be finalized but I'll announce the line-up as the paperwork is completed. I'll be attending The North American Folk Alliance conference in Memphis, February 20 - 24, and I expect to have most of the acts in place shortly after that.

Be sure to mark the Summerfolk dates on your calendar and come "Experience the Sound".