Charmed, I'm sure

Usually, at this time of year all I can think about is the Dooryard Arts Festival.  When you spend a whole year planning something, it's natural to be mildly obsessed when it actually comes to pass.  This year, I've taken one year off from the RiVA Board of Directors in order to take care of some house/home/heart projects. 

It's been good, but it feels kind of surreal to see the festival I helped begin take place entirely without my input.  It's good - it gives me hope that the model we've created will have some longevity, and it feels good to see the broader community taking ownership and even getting excited about having music, art, film and theatre take over their downtown for four days.

Seven years ago, when I moved home from Sackville, there were barely any musical/artistic events to speak of.  No exhibits (except at the library), few concerts (attendance was poor), and no drinking outside in public (except at the occasional beer garden or fundraising dance).  Young people ages 18-35 were completely invisible in the town landscape - there was no place to hang, and nothing to do. Sometimes things change so slowly we don't perceive the difference.  Today ,Woodstock is different, and tonight, on the eve of Dooryard's third edition, it's clear that our little festival has taken on a strength of its own. 

It is easy to get depressed about New Brunswick - why don't we have a cultural identity?  why are we so poor?  why does everyone leave? . . .  but on the other hand, if you really observe a place and listen to the things people say, it is possible to create a new culture where people can contribute to something that makes them proud. 

Let's face it, it's easy to get depressed about practically anything, given the state of the world today.  But it's a heck of a lot more fun to go downtown, celebrate being in the Dooryard for another summer, with people who actually understand what a Dooryard is.  And having been 'away,'  I can tell you that not everyone has a clue about what a Dooryard is.

So, in honour of the Dooryard Arts Festival's third edition (which starts Wednesday, schedule is here) here is my customary 10 Things Not to Miss at Dooryard 2011 list.  Enjoy and see you in the Dooryard!

Ten Things You'd be Foolish to Miss at Dooryard 2011 - the completely biased and subjective edition

10. Free noontime showcases in the Town Square.  

9. The return of Charlie Bomb, Ricky 6 and more great NB films at the Dooryard Film Fest (Wedneday, 10pm)

8. 8 FREE Wokshops from makeup to pottery, to t-shirt painting, to ukulele.  That's right, ukulele

7. Valley Young Company premieres Step Taylor's new play "Screwjob" Wednesday night at WHS.  VYC will take this show on tour across NB after Dooryard is over.

6. Tracy and the Hurtin' Hearts (Wednesday at Connell House).  My sister debuts her new CD with a sizzling 5 piece band in a great venue!

5. 5 hours of FREE mainstage music on Saturday (11-4pm)

4. Sally Dibblee with Andrea Dickson (Thursday at Connell House). Two of the most talented classical musicians ever to emerge from Carleton County.  Guaranteed to be a stunning collaboration.

3.  Longtime Woodstock favourites Transatlantic Zodiac Ensemble close down the Mainstage Thursday evening.  Some of the best players I've heard in years are in this band, don't miss it.
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2. Meghan Smith with Chris Kirby (Saturday 6:15pm). Two of the brightest up-and-comers on the East Coast and Canadian music scene.

1. The Saturday Dooryard Market.  A little slice of city, with food, music, vendors and all right here at home.