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!