Friday came in full-swing, with good crowds under the tent at lunchtime and a fabulous performance by the Monquartet, which is a folk group composed mainly of Johnvillians. Special folk, those Johnvilians!! Speaking of which, they're playing at the beautiful Bath Meeting House next Wednesday so take your Sunday drive a few days early and go check them out. You won't be disappointed - their Led Zepplin renditions are particularly good. But I digress....
Then notable country gospel group Side Effects breezed in, playing for a great crowd for over an hour. They were graced with a group of audience members from Woodstock Fun Park, and the kids danced, listened and decorated under the tent with sidewalk chalk while the adults enjoyed the river breeze, toes tapping.
We broke for a quick supper (super Dean strikes again) and the evening kicked off in fine style with NB Country Music Hall of Fame-r Al Dupuis and bassist par excellence Will Davidson warming up the crowd. They were followed by New Denmarkian (New Dane?? New Denmarkite??) guitarist Jens Jeppesen, who brings the fire as only he can. Thanks for the kind words Jens, but you didn't need my help getting gigs. The music speaks for itself.
Following Jens was Juno award winner Old Man Luedecke, who actually looks quite baby-faced in person. He stomped, he sang, people listened, a few danced and at the end we demanded an encore. It's difficult to describe how special it was for me to see a musician I've so admired come to play in my hometown, in part because of time and effort I put in. Beauty speaks for itself, even in this crazy virtual mechanized world we live in. And it was a beautiful performance, without a doubt. In my opinion, the Old Man is one of the finest songwriters working today and has a lyrical aptitude on par with Bob Dylan or Neil Young. Not to mention the soul of a poet.
After pulling myself together I made it up to Dooly's to hear Lonesome Jim wrap up: he can still giv'r, as we say around here, despite 25+ years in public education. That's a FEAT, let me tell you. I lasted three years, and even now I can't giv'r like he can. Way to go Jim, when people are looking for a show you certainly don't dissapoint~! And Fusion was home to Beth Tait and her band. Rumour has it the beers were being ordered two at a time, that's how much fun people had. Cheers to that :)
Get ready for a long post on Saturday, it exceeded my expectations. Which is so nice when you spend nearly a year planning!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Then came Thursday
You might want to read these posts in reverse order; if you weren't there, they'll make more sense.
The crowd started to pick up steam a bit on Thursday. Certainly, part of that owes to the fact that we pitched a tent in some prime parking territory (I can only imagine the parking anxiety this induced! Oh, the humanity!). If I had a dime for every craned neck that drove by, my student loan would nearly be paid. But that's kind of the fun part too, doing something so unexpected that people's little worlds suddenly start misbehaving. A little novelty is irresistable.
Lunchtime showcases started with a handful of people but Keith MacPherson and Kendra Gale started roping them in. If you didn't catch this duo, you missed out. Kendra is a multi-instrumentalist and fantastic singer, and Keith plays bass and sings along too. They sound so great together, and when Kendra gets her foot tambourine going all is right with the world. Loved that they made it here, and that they were willing to stick around for another go at the Queen Street Market on Saturday. Not to be missed in the future, FYI.
Richard Wetmore played his food songs later in the afternoon, educating the crowd about corn, corn syrup, agribusiness, farming. Richard's unique combination of Anglican singing, swearing and jokes really has a way of getting the point across, despite the fatigue we inevitably feel when someone starts telling us how truly messed up the world is. Hats off to you, Richard, I'm happy to come along.
Evening entertainment was Marc Zsammer and Dianne Roxborough Brown at Connell House (classical music), Tracy Anderson solo debut at Fusion (jazz), Keith and Kendra at Dooly's, and a triple feature at the Mainstage - Lonesome Jim, the Beaters and Singing Bridge Orchestra. Reports are that all went well - the classical musicians were impressed by the beautiful sound and setting at Connell House, the Fusion gig was wall-to-wall, and they were still dancing at Dooly's when I got there at 1am. Tracy tucked away her butterflies long enough for her fingers to show us some of what she learned in Toronto this summer. And Lonesome Jim was his usual self- acerbic wit coupled with virtuosic strumming and inimitable harp playing, the Beaters got the party started, and the SBO managed to get all the way through our disco and funk set without anybody throwing things. Life was good!
I need to pause here to re-iterate what a good job Dean Weeks did. Our SBO is an eight-person band with everything from 5 vocalists to trumpets, trombones, cowbells and shakers. Thursday night was the clearest we had ever heard ourselves, and we played with only a short, informal soundcheck. It takes real talent for a soundman to deal with that and make it look natural. And SOUND GOOD. So Dean, we salute you. Thanks again :)
Thursday wrapped up with 152 through the gate at the mainstage. By then people had caught on that they should walk from one place to another. Don't ask me where they parked. So once again people forgot that 10pm is 'bedtime' and walked from venue to venue, seeing what they were missing and marvelling that in a tiny town, people could have a choice of which event they wanted to take in. It was great - even the Mayor was there. Again. At every event. Nice work, your Worship.
The crowd started to pick up steam a bit on Thursday. Certainly, part of that owes to the fact that we pitched a tent in some prime parking territory (I can only imagine the parking anxiety this induced! Oh, the humanity!). If I had a dime for every craned neck that drove by, my student loan would nearly be paid. But that's kind of the fun part too, doing something so unexpected that people's little worlds suddenly start misbehaving. A little novelty is irresistable.
Lunchtime showcases started with a handful of people but Keith MacPherson and Kendra Gale started roping them in. If you didn't catch this duo, you missed out. Kendra is a multi-instrumentalist and fantastic singer, and Keith plays bass and sings along too. They sound so great together, and when Kendra gets her foot tambourine going all is right with the world. Loved that they made it here, and that they were willing to stick around for another go at the Queen Street Market on Saturday. Not to be missed in the future, FYI.
Richard Wetmore played his food songs later in the afternoon, educating the crowd about corn, corn syrup, agribusiness, farming. Richard's unique combination of Anglican singing, swearing and jokes really has a way of getting the point across, despite the fatigue we inevitably feel when someone starts telling us how truly messed up the world is. Hats off to you, Richard, I'm happy to come along.
Evening entertainment was Marc Zsammer and Dianne Roxborough Brown at Connell House (classical music), Tracy Anderson solo debut at Fusion (jazz), Keith and Kendra at Dooly's, and a triple feature at the Mainstage - Lonesome Jim, the Beaters and Singing Bridge Orchestra. Reports are that all went well - the classical musicians were impressed by the beautiful sound and setting at Connell House, the Fusion gig was wall-to-wall, and they were still dancing at Dooly's when I got there at 1am. Tracy tucked away her butterflies long enough for her fingers to show us some of what she learned in Toronto this summer. And Lonesome Jim was his usual self- acerbic wit coupled with virtuosic strumming and inimitable harp playing, the Beaters got the party started, and the SBO managed to get all the way through our disco and funk set without anybody throwing things. Life was good!
I need to pause here to re-iterate what a good job Dean Weeks did. Our SBO is an eight-person band with everything from 5 vocalists to trumpets, trombones, cowbells and shakers. Thursday night was the clearest we had ever heard ourselves, and we played with only a short, informal soundcheck. It takes real talent for a soundman to deal with that and make it look natural. And SOUND GOOD. So Dean, we salute you. Thanks again :)
Thursday wrapped up with 152 through the gate at the mainstage. By then people had caught on that they should walk from one place to another. Don't ask me where they parked. So once again people forgot that 10pm is 'bedtime' and walked from venue to venue, seeing what they were missing and marvelling that in a tiny town, people could have a choice of which event they wanted to take in. It was great - even the Mayor was there. Again. At every event. Nice work, your Worship.
For the Faithful Who Have Answered
Well, we did it! I guess you can see how much time I had to blog. Too bad. But if I would've had time, here's what I might've said.....
Wednesday: We managed to get the mainstage site set-up without any major hitches. Passed the building inspection and even had time to get a haircut. Best not to look like a shaggy lion when so many people are coming to visit....Music and art at Connell House were well-received. The crowd was smaller this year but also more thoughtful. People who left early missed John Thompson playing the harp and the piano at the same time. It was surreal!
The Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble kicked things waaaay up at Fusion. It's a miracle the band even fit in there - 9 players, including a regular drumset and percussionist, soprano sax, violin, accordian and more. Wall-to-wall people ate up every morsel they played. There are always moments as an organizer when you can't believe how little things can add up to something so exciting and that was definitely one of them
Over at Dooly's a few intrepid souls disregarded their Carleton County bedtime (ie. 10pm!) to stay up late and hear Atlantic Bridge. I am now playing keys and singing with this group and thanks to the steller hosting and tech support of Peter McLaughlin, we managed to make some toes tap and even a few brave souls danced.
The loudest show of the week was already underway at the Mainstage, sponsored by MES Music. I didn't have a chance to get there but I heard people had a great time. I can't say enough about Dean and Jennie Weeks and their support for this festival. We would have fallen on our faces without Dean. He had the gear, he was there all week with only a few breaks and made everyone sound fantastic. So if you live around here, you'd better buy local, because we're screwed if something ever happens to MES Music!!
I'll write some more about the rest later. Didn't realize there was this much to tell! Stay tuned.....
Wednesday: We managed to get the mainstage site set-up without any major hitches. Passed the building inspection and even had time to get a haircut. Best not to look like a shaggy lion when so many people are coming to visit....Music and art at Connell House were well-received. The crowd was smaller this year but also more thoughtful. People who left early missed John Thompson playing the harp and the piano at the same time. It was surreal!
The Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble kicked things waaaay up at Fusion. It's a miracle the band even fit in there - 9 players, including a regular drumset and percussionist, soprano sax, violin, accordian and more. Wall-to-wall people ate up every morsel they played. There are always moments as an organizer when you can't believe how little things can add up to something so exciting and that was definitely one of them
Over at Dooly's a few intrepid souls disregarded their Carleton County bedtime (ie. 10pm!) to stay up late and hear Atlantic Bridge. I am now playing keys and singing with this group and thanks to the steller hosting and tech support of Peter McLaughlin, we managed to make some toes tap and even a few brave souls danced.
The loudest show of the week was already underway at the Mainstage, sponsored by MES Music. I didn't have a chance to get there but I heard people had a great time. I can't say enough about Dean and Jennie Weeks and their support for this festival. We would have fallen on our faces without Dean. He had the gear, he was there all week with only a few breaks and made everyone sound fantastic. So if you live around here, you'd better buy local, because we're screwed if something ever happens to MES Music!!
I'll write some more about the rest later. Didn't realize there was this much to tell! Stay tuned.....
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
How To Build A Dooryard
Step One: Get a bunch of rugged volunteers
Step Two: Disassemble 44 sections of steel 10 foot fencing
Step Three: Rent a mucho expensive tent ($$$$)
Step Four: Get a Building Permit
Step Five: Figure out how to secure said tent according to Building Code without going broke or crazy (cement blocks, thanks Town of Woodstock)
Step 6: Add caffeine and mix
Step 7: Rent a portable stage
Step 8: Add merch and bar tents
Step 9: Finish with PA Systems from busy local soundman
Step 10: Pray that the people come to enjoy it
See you in the Dooryard, I'll be blogging as much as I can for those who can't be here in person (or prefer the eerie glow of their computer monitor).
Step Two: Disassemble 44 sections of steel 10 foot fencing
Step Three: Rent a mucho expensive tent ($$$$)
Step Four: Get a Building Permit
Step Five: Figure out how to secure said tent according to Building Code without going broke or crazy (cement blocks, thanks Town of Woodstock)
Step 6: Add caffeine and mix
Step 7: Rent a portable stage
Step 8: Add merch and bar tents
Step 9: Finish with PA Systems from busy local soundman
Step 10: Pray that the people come to enjoy it
See you in the Dooryard, I'll be blogging as much as I can for those who can't be here in person (or prefer the eerie glow of their computer monitor).
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Like a Carleton County potluck, only for the arts . . .
The excitement surrounding this year's Dooryard Arts Festival is palpable. Everyone is waiting to see how it's going to go, because this year it's waaay bigger than any one person or stereotype. We've got rockers, we've got banjos, we've got violins, we've got paints, prints, kids, vendors, singers, songwriters, poets, body artists, knitters, potters, painters and writers. And more - really.
What excites me most about this festival is the variety - it's not just a rock fest for hipster teenagers. It's not another gospel concert with the same old tunes, or another fancy fine arts show. It's everything all mixed together, with everyone contributing in their own unique way. Even the "steering committee" isn't really steering this bus - Dean Weeks booked the Indie Night, Valley Young Company chose their production, musicians built new bands, and the excitement just keeps growing.
Don't get me wrong, we're readier than ever. But if you're looking for a genre typecast for this festival, you'd best keep rolling down the river. Because the only thing that really unifies this festival is our location - being here in (mostly) Carleton County, and having some form of individual or collective human expression. Expect the unexpected, expect to see, hear, taste, smell and even touch things you don't normally experience.
This is the wonderful thing about the arts: it takes us beyond our puny and often self-absorbed personal identities (I put myself in this category too, don't worry) and takes us somewhere else. Like trying that new dish at a potluck. You don't have to eat a plateful, but just try it, already. You might like it, and even if you don't, at least you will have experienced a little shred of personal growth. This is the stuff that life is made of.
What excites me most about this festival is the variety - it's not just a rock fest for hipster teenagers. It's not another gospel concert with the same old tunes, or another fancy fine arts show. It's everything all mixed together, with everyone contributing in their own unique way. Even the "steering committee" isn't really steering this bus - Dean Weeks booked the Indie Night, Valley Young Company chose their production, musicians built new bands, and the excitement just keeps growing.
Don't get me wrong, we're readier than ever. But if you're looking for a genre typecast for this festival, you'd best keep rolling down the river. Because the only thing that really unifies this festival is our location - being here in (mostly) Carleton County, and having some form of individual or collective human expression. Expect the unexpected, expect to see, hear, taste, smell and even touch things you don't normally experience.
This is the wonderful thing about the arts: it takes us beyond our puny and often self-absorbed personal identities (I put myself in this category too, don't worry) and takes us somewhere else. Like trying that new dish at a potluck. You don't have to eat a plateful, but just try it, already. You might like it, and even if you don't, at least you will have experienced a little shred of personal growth. This is the stuff that life is made of.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
VYC: Never Swim Alone
VYC has changed its Dooryard Production to "Never Swim Alone" by Nova Scotia playwright Daniel McIvor. If you've purchased an "Our Town" ticket, those will be honoured at the door and any difference in price refunded to you. Full refunds will also be available should you choose not to attend "Never Swim Alone," but we encourage you to check out this great Maritime show.
Some info from Lee Kinney, Artistic Director of VYC:
Never Swim Alone by Nova Scotian playwright Daniel MacIvor. The play is a very contemporary piece with three actors - 2 men, 1 woman - with very minimal set, costume and lighting requirements. The piece is very engaging and exciting, and will introduce new staging and production styles for our company.
Russ Hunt, a STU professor, wrote a review of the a Hampton High production in 2003 that can be found here: http://www.stthomasu.ca/~hunt/reviews/swim.htm and is worth taking a look through for an idea of the play.
If you're not familiar with MacIvor, he is also well worth taking a look at. He is one of the most successful and prolific Canadian playwrights, specializing in meta-theatrical plays, and profound and hilarious one-man shows. He is originally from Sydney, NS, and has been working across Canada since the early 80s, continuing to write today (his latest play "His Greatness" about Tenessee Williams was published in 2008).
Some info from Lee Kinney, Artistic Director of VYC:
Never Swim Alone by Nova Scotian playwright Daniel MacIvor. The play is a very contemporary piece with three actors - 2 men, 1 woman - with very minimal set, costume and lighting requirements. The piece is very engaging and exciting, and will introduce new staging and production styles for our company.
Russ Hunt, a STU professor, wrote a review of the a Hampton High production in 2003 that can be found here: http://www.stthomasu.ca/~hunt/reviews/swim.htm and is worth taking a look through for an idea of the play.
If you're not familiar with MacIvor, he is also well worth taking a look at. He is one of the most successful and prolific Canadian playwrights, specializing in meta-theatrical plays, and profound and hilarious one-man shows. He is originally from Sydney, NS, and has been working across Canada since the early 80s, continuing to write today (his latest play "His Greatness" about Tenessee Williams was published in 2008).
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
There's Something About Dooryard
Well, we've seen what's coming down the river, and it's a whole lot of festival fun.
Last year's Dooryard Arts Festival was the first edition. And we all know what "firsts" can be like: thrilling, hectic, terrifying, confusing, and unforgettable. We ended last year sunburnt to a crisp, not quite broke and fiercely proud of what we managed to accomplish - despite needing Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D to find a location, and figuring out how to close streets, recruit artists, pay musicians, power PA systems and countless other things.
This year we've made many improvements: cleaner porta potties (oh, YEAH!), a larger tent, food vendors, children's activities, art workshops for adults, more bands, more artists, a great Saturday market lineup, new venues and much more. I dare say this is the largest display of local talent anywhere in the province. So, in keeping with last year's tradition, here are 10 things you do not want to miss at this year's Dooryard Arts Festival.
10. Still-life drawing workshop for adults, Thursday, 7pm. Yes, Virginia, adults can learn something new.
9. Charlie Bomb: Hit and Run premiere, Wednesday night. Charlie's worst nightmare and a few laughs too.
8. The opening cocktail party at Connell House. Beautiful room, beautiful food, beautiful music. MMmm...
7. Writers! Jason Wilson on Thursday evening, Vagabond Trust on Friday afternoon, Beyond Words on Saturday afternoon. Writers don't go out in public often, get a peek while you can.
6. The biggest little bands you can imagine stuffed into Fusion: Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble (Wednesday ) and Oh No, Theodore! (Saturday). No cover, but the Karma Cup will be in attendence.
5. New artworks from Jill Stephenson, Adam Atherton and Laurel Green.
4. Tunes "from away:" Montreal's Abigail Lapell, NYC violinist Marc Zsammer and Nova Scotia's Mike Dalton.
3. The most rockin' evening Carleton County has seen since Woodstock. Oh wait....Mike Bochoff, Telfer, and Andrew Hunter & the Gatherers blow the roof off the mainstage Saturday night.
2. Juno Award Winner and banjo poet Old Man Luedecke makes you take back all those banjo jokes. Friday night on the mainstage.
1. Saturday. A full day of all-ages programming, including the return of the Queen Street Market. Buskers, food, artist vendors, children's readings, drumming workshops, a magician, writers and songwriters. This year, folks, the city comes to us. Say it with me: Saturday!
We've heard through the grapevine people are talking about the festival. We hope so, it's for you!
Last year's Dooryard Arts Festival was the first edition. And we all know what "firsts" can be like: thrilling, hectic, terrifying, confusing, and unforgettable. We ended last year sunburnt to a crisp, not quite broke and fiercely proud of what we managed to accomplish - despite needing Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D to find a location, and figuring out how to close streets, recruit artists, pay musicians, power PA systems and countless other things.
This year we've made many improvements: cleaner porta potties (oh, YEAH!), a larger tent, food vendors, children's activities, art workshops for adults, more bands, more artists, a great Saturday market lineup, new venues and much more. I dare say this is the largest display of local talent anywhere in the province. So, in keeping with last year's tradition, here are 10 things you do not want to miss at this year's Dooryard Arts Festival.
10. Still-life drawing workshop for adults, Thursday, 7pm. Yes, Virginia, adults can learn something new.
9. Charlie Bomb: Hit and Run premiere, Wednesday night. Charlie's worst nightmare and a few laughs too.
8. The opening cocktail party at Connell House. Beautiful room, beautiful food, beautiful music. MMmm...
7. Writers! Jason Wilson on Thursday evening, Vagabond Trust on Friday afternoon, Beyond Words on Saturday afternoon. Writers don't go out in public often, get a peek while you can.
6. The biggest little bands you can imagine stuffed into Fusion: Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble (Wednesday ) and Oh No, Theodore! (Saturday). No cover, but the Karma Cup will be in attendence.
5. New artworks from Jill Stephenson, Adam Atherton and Laurel Green.
4. Tunes "from away:" Montreal's Abigail Lapell, NYC violinist Marc Zsammer and Nova Scotia's Mike Dalton.
3. The most rockin' evening Carleton County has seen since Woodstock. Oh wait....Mike Bochoff, Telfer, and Andrew Hunter & the Gatherers blow the roof off the mainstage Saturday night.
2. Juno Award Winner and banjo poet Old Man Luedecke makes you take back all those banjo jokes. Friday night on the mainstage.
1. Saturday. A full day of all-ages programming, including the return of the Queen Street Market. Buskers, food, artist vendors, children's readings, drumming workshops, a magician, writers and songwriters. This year, folks, the city comes to us. Say it with me: Saturday!
We've heard through the grapevine people are talking about the festival. We hope so, it's for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)