July 13, 2008
Wild Mountain Music Festival 2008
Just back from the Wild Mountain Music Festival in Hinton, Alberta. It's only the first year and I think it will be a great success and grow. Woodbend had a great time playing there. Here's a random selection of photos I took and posted on Flickr.
Posted by songdawg at 11:02 AM | Festivals
July 8, 2008
Rombs Jamboree 2008
What a great weekend!
The Rombs Jamboree was such a blast... great weather, great music and great folks. I love that place. Wish I had taken pictures but my camera battery ran down. Some of the great bands that were there included Cedar Hill, High Plains Tradition, The High Rollers with Robin Roller and the Rusty Bucket Pluckers.
Marshall and Ron's duelling resophonic guitars at the dobro workshop. That was one mean version of In the Pines.
Can't wait til next year!
Posted by songdawg at 8:09 AM | Festivals
August 22, 2007
Third Annual Amiskitune Music Festival / Fundraiser
Found in my inbox:
Hello,
On September 15th, 2007 we will be having the third annual Amiskitune Music Festival / Fundraiser for those of you that don't know. The fundraiser is for an african choir from Soweto, South Africa. We are trying to get them to canada on a tour by next spring and we are very close to the reality of this. Our friends Holly and Carlene are head spearing this project and would appreciate all the support they can get. We may have Jimmy the choir leader here for the event this year if his visa is processed in time.
Here are some of the details of the festival event for september 15th.
3rd Annual Amiskitune Music Festival
Sat September 15th, 2007
1:00-8:00
Bands include; Holly wright and guest, Myrols,, Le fuzz, , Back Porch Swing, Tressel town and Patsy, Brian, and Moses
Open stage from 1-2:00, limited spots so please contact me ( penny) if your interested
Beer gardens, Food, Silent auction, firepit.
This is an outdoor event, so bring your tarps, chairs, blankets, ect.....and cash Tina and Henry are the host of this event and it is held on their private land 1/2 hour from the city. A beautful setting that backs onto a bird sanctuary.
Directions:
Take highway 14 east from sherwood park. Turn right on R.R. 210,
About a mile down that road , there will be signs for tix contact penny at 458-7608 or Tina at 662-4760 Tix are limited and are going fast so contact us ASAP if you are serious about attending this event.
Thank- you,
Penny
Posted by songdawg at 5:56 PM | Festivals
August 23, 2006
EFMF 2006 Wrap Up
Here are a couple of photos from the Edmonton Folk Fest. Of course, if you want to check out some pro photos, they are now up here.
One of the highlights for me was seeing Feist. I can't count how many lines of code I have written while listening to Let it Die.
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder - amazing musicians and a great show.
Bruce Cockburn was a class act - I loved the way he invited the Wailin Jennys up to sing back up.
Posted by songdawg at 8:08 PM | Festivals
August 11, 2006
Edmonton Folk Fest 2006
Well, it was a little wet. And wet but warm is a lot better than wet and cold :) Tonight I am going to dig out my waterproof pants - live and learn. This year I am going spend more time sitting on the hill instead of standing close up - last night I shared in the Lawsons' hospitality and sat back to soak up a wet but beautiful evening of music.
One of the nice surprises for me was K'Naan. Great songwriting.
One of my favourite lines (and I am loosely paraphrasing - they were much more eloquent) goes something like Christians, Muslims and Jews fighting in wars ...who will be left to praise the Lord?
I caught a few strains of Mark Sterling's acoutic blues during the stage change as I was walking to get myself some dinner and get out of the rain for a few moments.
Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul were an interesting blend - technically awesome in a "I could jam with Bela Fleck kind of way". Impressive.
I spent the whole time listening to the Bedouin Soundclash just grooving to the bass player Eon Sinclair. Loved his bass playing - he had a very cool bass guitar - it was white - looked like a hollow/semi-acoutic type body and had an F-hole at the top. Not sure about his other gear - ampeg head I think. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I think the Tweener was Bill Bourne - always great to hear.
The Waifs are back and playing more of their unmistakable music. They were such a surprised hit the first time they were here - certainly a crowd favourite. One hilarious moment was during the last song, Vikki who was singing lead accidently disconnected her mike. She recovered and hopped right on over to Josh's mike without missing a beat. They have a great sound and it was wonderful to see them again.
The band during the next setup was Show of Hands who got to play quite a few songs - the setup for Linda Rondstadt was a little long but I enjoyed getting a good taste of Show of Hands' music. One of the members had a double bass which is always nice for me to see :) One of their songs 'Country Life' really struck me - I think I will pick it up on cd this weekend. After they left the stage there was a little lull before Linda Ronstadt and I could hear the crowd humming Show of Hands' last tune. Always a good sign.
Linda Ronstadt was wonderful - as expected she played a mix folk, cajun, bluegrass, rock all with beautiful vocals and heart. She brought a ton of great musicians to back her up (including a bass player who was playing an Eminence electric upright). My wet butt was starting to freeze so unfortunately I left before any introductions were made. Who was the man on the fiddle playing the sweetest music???
It was a great night - I got home and tried to unwind by making myself a nice cup of tea and playing with the parrots. Got a chance to catch up with Marshall, news from the road is that he is in Nanaimo enjoying his adventures and having a great time.
Posted by songdawg at 7:51 AM | Festivals
August 7, 2006
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival 2006
Another great year for the Blueberry Bluegrass Festival. I had a great time with Woodbend Bluegrass playing on Friday and an amazing time soaking up the great music on Sunday. Del McCoury was HOT and did a great job closing the festival.
Four Chords of Wood A hilarious bunch of guys with a great traditional sound.
Four Chords of Wood - Phil Shaver (guitar), Aaron Murray (mandolin), Dave Klassen (bass), Tim Cook (banjo), Paul Elliott (fiddle)
Tribute to the Bluegrass Gentlemen on the side of the stage.
Hit and Run Bluegrass from Colorado
Hit and Run Bluegrass - John Frazier and Steve Roy
Hit and Run Bluegrass - Rebecca Hogan
Hit and Run Bluegrass - Ivan Rosenberg
The Del McCoury Band closed out the festival with a smoking version of Rawhide.
Big bright moon to help the jammers find there way. The Northern Lights were out too. Beautiful.
Posted by songdawg at 9:39 AM | Festivals
August 6, 2006
Calgary Folk Fest 2006
I had a wonderful time at the Calgary Folk Fest. Here are some of the highlights...
Robbie Fulks - High-energy and hilarious alt-country singer-songwriter. Has been teaming up with Donnie Barnes which would be quite the sight to see. This picture looks so serious - probably the only moment in the show when he wasn't hamming it up.
Hearing Ronnie Hayward was a definite high-point of the weekend for me.
Setting up for the Prairie Home Companions workshop with House of Doc, Romi Mayes, La raquette à claquettes and Ronnie Hayward. That's at least 15 people to setup.
More Prairie Home Companion session setup - can you spot Rebecca Harder's (House of Doc) shoes?
One of the best surprises for me was Romi Mayes. She writes great songs - if you get a chance catch her show.
Ronnie Hayward pouring on the rockabilly charm.
D. Rangers in concert
Jaxon Haldane playing the Saw.
Salt
Wash-bucket bass - someday I will get around to building one...
Rubinchik's Yiddish Ensemble and the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band.
Mark Rubin of the Ridgetop Syncopators and the Rubinchik's Yiddish Ensemble
Ridgetop Syncopators concert
Ridgetop Syncopators concert
CKUA broadcasting live on site
The D. Rangers appearing live on Craig Korth's Fire on the Mountain radio show on CKUA
Erynn Marshall and Chris Coole
Couple dancing to the old-timey sounds of Erynn Marshall and Chris Coole
Chris Coole's Fiddle Sticks debut.
Posted by songdawg at 10:01 AM | Festivals
July 28, 2006
Calgary Folk Fest 2006
I am off today to the Calgary Folk Fest. It's my fourth year and I am glad I am going even though I will be missing a lot of fantastic things that are going on this weekend (like a going away party for Brad and Dawn, the NBCMS workshop with Lost Highway and the benefit concert on Sunday where Marshall and Lost Highway (and many others) will be playing). Every year it is such a busy weekend with lots to do but once I get there I always have a great time and hear amazing music.
The group that I am hoping to see the most is Ronnie Hayward and His Trio. I have a copy of The Lost Utrecht Sessions and really enjoy his bass playing. It's inspiring to see someone play the dawghouse so well.
I am particularly looking forward to seeing the D. Rangers again. And seeing Macy Gray, Tim Hus, Kris Kristofferson, The Roches, Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band and Dar Williams. And of course hearing tons of new music that I have never heard before. It's sooo good.
Posted by songdawg at 7:44 AM | Festivals
June 24, 2006
Music Festival Season Begins!
Next weekend is the Rombs Country & Bluegrass Jamboree and the start to this year's music festivals.
I am looking forward to playing in Fairview. I have never been and it sounds like a great festival. Rocky Rombs is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and is sure to be a wonderful host.
Woodbend Bluegrass will be playing:
Friday, June 30 at 2:00 pm,
Saturday, Jule 1st at 4:15 pm,
Sunday, July 2nd at 3:25.
Hope to see you there.
Posted by songdawg at 12:08 PM | Festivals
January 26, 2006
Edmonton Folk Music Festival on the Food Network
Found in my inbox:
"The Edmonton Folk Music Festival hosted Food Network Canada's
"Chef at Large" with Chef Michael Smith last August, and we are delighted to announce that the show will be airing on Tuesday, January 31.
The Food Network is channel 29 on Shaw cable in Edmonton. Please check your local listings.
From the Food Network's website:
"The Edmonton Folk Festival is one of the largest and best music
festivals in the world. One of the secrets of its success are the
volunteers, all 1500 of them. They cook for the performers and for
themselves, in what is the largest temporary outdoor kitchen in the
country. Michael becomes another volunteer in a kitchen of 200 that
have little or no cooking experience, where he discovers awesome
cooking and the flavours of the world."
Upcoming Broadcasts:
Tuesday January 31, 8:00 PM, 11:00 PM EST
Wednesday February 1, 2:00 AM EST
Saturday February 4, 9:30 PM EST
Sunday February 5, 3:00 PM EST
One of the best things about volunteering for the EFMF is the amazing food! Interested in volunteering? Check out their website: www.edmontonfolkfest.org
Posted by songdawg at 5:01 PM | Festivals
August 24, 2005
2005 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
2005 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
When: Saturday, October 1st and Sunday October 2nd, 2005
Where: Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.
I wish I could go ... I am drooling over the lineup: http://www.strictlybluegrass.com/2005/artists.shtml
Posted by songdawg at 6:57 PM | Comments (1) | Festivals
August 22, 2005
Shady Grove 2005
Edmonton crew at Shady Grove - photo by Mike Greffen
I have to say that there were quite a few wonderful moments this past weekend at Shady Grove:
- Watching Crazy Bones String Band's set. I left early on Friday hoping to make their 6 o'clock set and I got there with seconds to spare and time to give Mike a wave of encouragement. You know the saying "Everything that can go wrong will". Well it was pretty close - lots of feedback and weird sound issues, dropped guitar pick (retrieved right before the guitar break :) and the most fantastic of all - Dale's bass bridge popping off in the middle of a song. It made quite the dramatic sound. Well, he had it back in place and tuned up by the end of the song. It slipped two more times - the last time right at the beginning of the tag to their encore song "What a way to go". Boom! Lord - whaat a waaaayyyy toooooo go!
- Sitting with Les and soaking up the music - though I had trouble sitting down for too long and kept getting up to walk around.
- Sharing a birthday bottle of wine and catching up with Janet Beazley to celebrate our birthdays. That's becoming one great summer tradition. Check out her new cd 5 South
- My bass lesson with Cindy Browne of Due West - amazing player and fantastic teacher. Thanks Cindy for sharing - meeting you was very inspiring.
- Hanging out with Jeannette and Ken. Thanks for the home base and for the friendship. Jamming with Don too. Sheila and Ed we missed you.
- Jamming with Les and George of course and the Homefire crew.
- Lunch in Nanton with Mike - great to catch up.
All in all it was a great weekend but I was pretty wiped out when I got home. I think it'll take me a few days to recover.
Posted by songdawg at 9:23 PM | Festivals
August 12, 2005
Shady Grove 2005
Only one week until Shady Grove 2005 in Nanton, Alberta which runs August 19-21, 2005. This festival has an excellent mix of great lineup and amazing campsite jamming - it's one of my favourite festivals. Unfortunately there is no Open Stage or Band Contest this year.
This year's lineup includes:
The Kathy Kallick Band
Due West
Jerusalem Ridge
Junior Barber & Beartracks
Chris Stuart & Back Country
Wild Rose Xpress
Crazy Bones String Band
Dirty Hat Band
Posted by songdawg at 5:18 PM | Festivals
Pork & Fiddle 2005
Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society announces a new partnership between JamFest 2005 and the Alberta Pork Festival. Pork & Fiddle 2005 will take place at the Benalto Rodeo Grounds in Red Deer on August 12, 13, and 14.
For more info visit Waskasoo Bluegrass at www.waskasoobluegrass.com
I am still getting over a nasty cold so I won't be going but it looks like it will be a lot of fun.
Posted by songdawg at 5:13 PM | Festivals
August 9, 2005
EFMF 2005 Sunday
No pics from Saturday - I volunteered during the day and then we left early again when it started raining in the evening. I was feeling a bit under the weather - didn't even hang around much for the mainstage.
On Sunday I took quite a few pictures - mostly the bluegrass sessions.
Todd Phillips on bass during Laurie Lewis' concert.
Me, Todd Phillips and Terry Knutson
Hickory Holler Time Session with Jerusalem Ridge, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and Laurie Lewis
Doyle Lawson and Todd Phillips
Darcy Whiteside with Byron Myhre
Doyle Lawson
Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum dancing the polka to Craig Korth rendition of "Polka on the Banjo".
Laurie Lewis and her band
Enjoying the session. Photo by Terry Lawson
Terry Lawson
Joe Teichroeb and Keith Burgess from Jerusalem Ridge
Blue Moon session with Roy Rogers, Norton Buffalo and Big Jay McNeely
Marshall soaking up the blues
Roy Rogers on guitar and Big Jay McNeely on souped-up sax
Norton Buffalo
View of the mainstage hill
John Prine
John Prine
Steve Pritchard and Marshall Lawrence hanging on the hill. Dave and Holly Ann (top right) generously offered a corner of their tarp. Thanks!
Barry Bales from Alison Krauss and Union Station. Cool stance.
View from the tarp. Another great festival!
Posted by songdawg at 7:31 PM | Festivals
EFMF 2005 Friday
On Friday evening I enjoyed Alana Levandoski's performance. She has a new cd 'Unsettled Down' that I will have to pick up.
My favourite part of the Edmonton Folk Fest are the sessions. For an hour or so a group of musicians are invited on stage together. Sometimes each musician takes a turn playing a song but sometimes a bit of magic happens and the musicians start jamming. The "Out of the West" session with The Bills, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Jim Byrnes, Doug Cox, Sam Hurrie, Steve Dawson and Jesse Zubot was fantastic.
The Bills
Jim Byrnes and Steve Dawson
Jim Byrnes
Alpha Yaya Diallo
It was great hanging out with my Mom and enjoying the weekend. Can't believe I didn't take a picture of her. After Marshall's shift on the dessert crew we went for a drink in the beer tent and caught up on our day. Then we watched a bit of the mainstage but since I was fighting a cold we jumped on the Park and Ride and turned in early.
Posted by songdawg at 7:11 PM | Festivals
August 5, 2005
Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2005 - Thursday
My Mom is finally here - she got caught up in the craziness at the Pearson airport when the thunderstorms hit and the plane from Paris crashed. But she made it after a gruelling 24 hours. And just in time for a BBQ jam at our house.
Last night we went to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and saw Loreena McKennitt who gave a wonderful performance. Such beautiful music - it was nice sitting on the hill with my Mom and Marshall going over the program and figuring out who we want to see over the weekend.
It's going to be another great festival.
Posted by songdawg at 10:08 AM | Festivals
August 1, 2005
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival 2005 Sunday
Jerusalem Ridge
Jerusalem Ridge
Jerusalem Ridge
Down to the Wood
As these guys were setting up and I was getting more water I turned to the stage and didn't recognize them in their white shirts and ties :)
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
What a great weekend - the weather was fantastic and the musical lineup was great. I got a little too much sun from sitting out in the afternoon and even though I drank lots of water I still feel parched. A bunch of us stayed up until the wee hours to jam which hit the spot. I managed to drag myself home at around 4am with my head filled with melodies. So I am feeling a little draggy this morning.
There's more great bluegrass just around the corner. The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is next weekend has some great bluegrass acts coming:
... and of course plenty of other music too.
Posted by songdawg at 11:34 AM | Festivals
July 31, 2005
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival 2005 Saturday
The MC for the festival was George McKnight from Uptown Bluegrass. He did a great job as usual.
Julie Elkins - Kane's River. She reminds me so much of Sam - her voice and her mannerism. Sam - what about picking up the banjo again?
Jason Thomas - Kane's River
Hungry Hill with Matt Hotte on banjo
Glen Hoffart from Down to the Wood
George McKnight and Arlene pulling the 50/50 draw ticket. The winner won over $1500 for the day.
Posted by songdawg at 11:22 AM | Comments (1) | Festivals
July 30, 2005
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival 2005 Friday
After work we drove up to Stony Plain for the Blueberry Bluegrass Festival.
The NBCMS booth was all set up. Here are Dodie, Les and Earl answering questions and selling t-shirts, rain ponchos, and raffle tickets for the Martin guitar which will be given away this weekend.
We got there around 7pm just in time for the rain to hit which only lasted about 30 minutes more. Afterwards I caught this beautiful rainbow. We missed the first few acts since the festival had started at 2pm in the afternoon. Sorry we missed the Riverdale Bluegrass Band. They were the winners of the Showcase competition last year and would have been fun to see.
Maple Creek
Birch Mountain
Bob the sound guy from Axe Music.
Kane's River. John Lowell (guitar) was Marshall's teacher at Sorrento last year. Great songwriting.
Down to the Wood. Up to their antics and keeping the sound guy (and each other) on their toes. They played really welll - the best I have heard them yet.
Afterwards we went to Jeannette and Ken's campsite where their was a wonderful fire, delicious carrot cake(so I heard) and big rock honey brown (thanks Sheila). We played some tunes and left at 1:30 - I am sure the jam kept going to the wee hours as usual :)
I am feeling a little tired this morning and it looks like it will rain. But it is such a fun weekend of great bluegass that I couldn't miss it.
Posted by songdawg at 9:24 AM | Festivals
July 25, 2005
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival coming this weekend
Don't forget to bring your bass/guitar/banjo/mando/fiddle/dobro to the Blueberry Bluegrass Festival this weekend (Note to Don Lecky - don't forget to bring warm socks :)
It's the 20th anniversary with a stellar lineup including:
Check out www.blueberrybluegrass.com for more info.
Posted by songdawg at 5:15 PM | Festivals
July 24, 2005
Calgary Folk Music Festival 2005
Friday night crowd at the Folk Fest
Kate and Anna McGarrigle
Maria Dunn and Friends In-Betweener
Koko Taylor and Her BluesMachine
Koko Taylor was HOT!
Koko Taylor
Indigo Girls
Hungry Hill
Del McCoury Band
Del McCoury. I was lucky enough to meet Mr. McCoury and get his autograph. His next cd is coming out soon. They put on a great show - very tight band and great vocals.
Chantal and I soaking up the music.
Green Fools entertaining the kids
Wailin' Jennys
The Grass is Always Bluer Workshop
Jenny Lester with Del McCoury
Ross Nickerson and Danny Barnes playing Blackberry Blossom
Rob and Ronnie McCoury
Sarah Harmer
After the Saturday mainstage concert we met Mike Greffen and spent a wonderful time hanging and chatting. He let us in on how to tell a fake cowboy from a RC (Real Cowboy). Don't forget to ask for their rodeo card :) Great to see you Mike!
Chantal playing her new pan flute. Mike - as soon as she gets to Saskatoon she signing up for Zamf Camp.
Posted by songdawg at 7:21 PM | Festivals
July 18, 2005
Calgary Folk Fest 2005
| Meeting up with Chantal this weekend for the Calgary Folk Fest.
Looking forward to seeing:
|
Posted by songdawg at 7:02 PM | Festivals
June 27, 2005
Canadian Rockies Bluegrass Festival 2005
Four Chords of Wood
Maple Creek
Don and Hannah
Restless Lester
Keith Burgess
Due West
Cindy Browne
Jim Nunally
Posted by songdawg at 7:47 AM | Festivals
September 5, 2004
Waskasoo Bluegrass JamFest 2004
| The Waskasoo Bluegrass JamFest 2004 was at the Miller Wilson Angus Ranch near Bashaw on August 13, 14, and 15, 2004. We went to the Jamfest and had a great time performing on the open stage as well as jamming. On Satruday night though we went to bed earlier than usual so that we could get a head start on driving down to Calgary for the Calgary Roots and Blues Festival to see Ralph Stanley.
The Blind Boys of Alabama were all class and put on a great show.
It was a great day - I highly recommend the Festival - great lineup. |
Posted by songdawg at 9:33 PM | Festivals
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival 2004
|
I enjoyed some fine bluegrass music on the August long weekend at The Blueberry Bluegrass Festival. Wildwood Flower entered the Band contest and did OK - it was a good experience. It was also the weekend that Kathy and Mike got married (congrats you two!).
|
Posted by songdawg at 9:07 PM | Festivals
EFMF 2004 Sunday
|
On Sunday, I set myself up at Stage 4 and settled in for a great afternoon of music...
And on the Main Stage...
It was another fantastic year, I left feeling full of great music. |
Posted by songdawg at 8:07 PM | Festivals
August 18, 2004
EFMF 2004 Saturday
Marshall at the Open Stage
|
Posted by songdawg at 7:44 AM | Festivals
August 12, 2004
EFMF 2004 Friday
The first session that I went to on Friday was the Learn by Heart with Ferron,
I enjoyed seeing Ferron again, she still has a wonderful warm presence and great songs. She was joined with Jami Sieber on electric cello.
And I can see why Sam and Wind like Michaell Franti - he's a very charismatic, warm person. The workshop should of probably been called "Songs from Iraq" - it became quite refreshingly political and set the tone of the weekend for me.
The Dixie Hummingbirds
|
Posted by songdawg at 7:16 AM | Festivals
August 6, 2004
EFMF 2004
|
It's here! The Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2004 kicked off last night with MC Luka Symons.
The first band Jaojoby got the festival grooving to a great start. The Dixie Hummingbirds were FABULOUS - great harmonies and wonderful musicianship. Highly recommended. I would tell you more but I have to rush off to work!
Tonight's lineup (Friday August 6) |
Posted by songdawg at 7:32 AM | Festivals
June 29, 2004
Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival 2004
|
Last Friday, M and I loaded up the car and headed to the David Thompson Resort near Rocky Mountain House. It took us about 3.5-4 hours to get there but was worth it. The site was beautiful and the weather was perfect.
The music was great - the lineup included Maple Creek, Emory Lester Set, Hungry Hill, Restless Lester, Homefire and Black Lightning.
A highlight of the weekend for me was hearing Marion Linton play the fiddle with the Emory Lester Set. It was perfect - beautiful, inspired and full of emotion and passion. Unfortunately I was too busy soaking the sounds up to take a picture. It was also wonderful to see Kene Hyatt again (he was my instructor last year at Sorrento) and Emory Lester.
There was an open stage every evening which gave a lot of people a chance to perform a couple of tunes. Marshall even got up and played a few blues numbers. The jamming was OK but not great - or at least wasn't for me. When I woke up Saturday morning my cold had turned into some sort of laryngitis - I could barely talk let alone sing. By Sunday it was still there so instead of performing in the band contest we performed in an open stage with Sheila and Jeannette singing harmonies and playing banjo and guitar, me on bass and Marshall on mandolin. Marshall came up with a good nane - the Froggy Mountain Gals. Guess I was croaking like a frog or something.
I played a little bit of mandolin and Matt Hotte gave me a short lesson on picking. I love Matt's playing - he's a very tasty and talented player.
We had a great time - we've already booked our room for next year. Maybe we'll see you there. |
Posted by songdawg at 3:28 PM | Comments (1) | Festivals
May 27, 2004
Edmonton Folk Music Fest 2004 Lineup
|
Tickets for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival go on sale JUNE 1, 2004. It's going to be a great year so get your tickets early. This year's EFMF lineup includes:
Allakomi Ticket Info June Adult Personal pass $109 Adult 4-Pack pass$129 Seniors (65 and over) and accompanied children (under 12) continue to be free. Proof of age may be requested at the gate. What does this mean to me? Buying tickets In-person Festival ticket office?10115 ? 97A Ave. (see map in Festival Information) Earlybird tickets go on sale at 9 AM June 1. There will be a lottery for order of purchase. Please DO NOT line up before 8 AM. Ticket office hours 9 AM to 6 PM June 1; after June 1: 9:30 AM to 5:30 Mon-Wed & Fri; 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM Wednesdays in July. Payment accepted?cash, Visa, MasterCard, debit cards, cheques (cheque orders will be held until the cheque clears). Getting phone order tickets Pick-up?after July 2 at the Festival office (10115-97A Ave) or at the Main Gate during the Festival Courier?tickets for addresses in Edmonton, Sherwood Park or St. Albert will be delivered to a daytime address ?for an additional $6 Mail?tickets outside of Edmonton will be mailed ?registered - for an additional $6 ($10 international) TICKETS PURCHASED BY PHONE WILL BE MAILED/COURIERED AFTER JULY 3. |
Posted by songdawg at 7:17 AM | Festivals
March 21, 2004
Canadian Rocky Bluegrass Festival 2004
 | I booked a room and tickets to the Canadian Rocky Bluegrass Festival on June 25-27. Rumour has it that there is no curfew - just non-stop jamming in a beautiful setting. |
Posted by songdawg at 10:47 AM | Festivals
March 8, 2004
Dreaming of Summer
| I am eagerly scheming for this year's festival season - can't wait to get out there and do some listening and jamming! Here are some interesting events that I would love to go to. Planning on going? Have I missed any great events - post a comment and let me know...
April 30, May 1 & 2 May 21 - 24, 2004 June 25, 26, 27 2004 July 9-11, 2004 July 16-18, 1004 July 23, 24, 25, 2004 August 6-8, 2004 August 13-15 August 20-21-22 August 29 - September 3, 2004 October 15 -17, 2004 |
Posted by songdawg at 9:07 PM | Comments (1) | Festivals
February 13, 2004
Telluride
Couple of amazing things:
The temperature went up to 7 degrees this week - beautiful. It was so amazing to walk out of a building and not have to defend myself against the cold. The warm wind and the sun beaming down was - well - was glorious. It's so easy to appreciate spring after the winter! I am sure well have a few more cold snaps but it was great to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
And while I won't be able to go I received the lineup for the Telluride festival - WOW. You can check it out at http://www.planetbluegrass.com. Select Telluride from the left hand menu and select the lineup link. It's unbelievable: Sam Bush, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Mavis Staple, Edgar Meyer, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Seldom Scene, Rodney Crowell, Jerry Douglas, Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark and many more. Mmmmmmmmmm...
If anyone wants to take me there or take me with them or send me to Telluride please don't hesitate!
Posted by songdawg at 8:22 AM | Festivals
October 12, 2003
Chilliwack
After Sorrento we drove to the Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival for the weekend.
Every evening there was a delicious corn roast. Oh, and Mike and his wife came too. We did manage to jam some but staying at a hotel and not on site made it more difficult. It was a little bit of a culture shock after Sorrento where everyone is welcome to join any jam. At Chilliwack a lot of groups "circle their wagons" so that they can ensure that no one tries to join their jams. We swapped songs at Carolyn and Don's camp which was great. And yes, we made a few jokes about if we spotted Malachai (Children of the Corn) we were out of there! |
Posted by songdawg at 10:41 AM | Festivals
September 22, 2003
Blue Skies 2002 photo
Frank Eaton sent us a great hello email along with a picture that was taken the day that we left our visit to Blue Skies. What a great community! I had such a blast - especially jamming with the Fredheads!
BTW now that my laptop is back - expect Sorrento pictures soon.
Posted by songdawg at 8:39 PM | Festivals
August 11, 2003
Edmonton Folk Festival - Sunday
|
Another great day at the festival. We got to the site around 2:30 which gave me enough time to walk around the site and check out a workshop before my shift in the kitchen. Kathleen Edwards was performing on the MainStage.
The only mainstage act I caught was Nanci Griffith and the Blue Moon Orchestra. Great set of course.
I sat in on a jam with Anna Sommerville, Marc Ladouceur and a few other fine folks. It was one of the mellower jams and and I enjoyed hearing everyone's songs. Had a conversation with Vic Bell about "blogging" and photo albums. He's been writing pieces on the different festivals that he participates in for years and I love reading them. He's been to all 24 Edmonton Folk Fests and is very involved in the Canmore Folk Fest. It was a great weekend - I am of course tired but feeling full - I met quite a few amazing folks, heard a lot of great music and even got to play a little. In my book this year's festival was a success. Can't wait until next year! |
Posted by songdawg at 7:23 PM | Festivals
August 10, 2003
Edmonton Folk Festival - Saturday
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I realized today that it would be impossible for me to see workshops all day and volunteer for a shift and see all of mainstage and party. I think 3 out of the 4 is realistic... so I caught one workshop (Galway To Graceland), worked in the kitchen, saw most of Mainstage and partied until 4am. I had a great day.
Galway To Graceland Workshop with Blue Highway, Davy Spillane, Ricky Skaggs, Tony McManus
Carolyn, Kayla and Matt Hotte and Ward shared a piece of their tarp with me. They managed to get the best seats - right in front of Ricky Skaggs.
Ricky talked a bit about the evolution of Irish/Celtic music to what later became Bluegrass. When the Irish immigrants moved to the Appalachian Mountain regions, over time the joyfulness in Irish music changed to more of a sadness and longing for families and country left behind. He sang a beautiful hymn to illustrate this point. Davy Spillane played a song on his Irish pipes. Tony McManus played a tune in a very interesting guitar style. Blue Highway sang with some amazing four part harmonies. One hilarious moment was when one of the Blue Highway members started speculating how Memphis and Bluegrass would have mixed. Ricky did a hilarious impersonation of Ralph Stanley - "Blue Suede Shoes" a la "O Death". After everyone had done a round, they all played a rousing version of St. Anne's Reel. Blue Highway's dobro player is a very fine player.
We left before Solomon Burke to go change and get our instruments for the post concert jams. Heard that his set was great and over the top - lots of fun. When we got to the Party, Amos Garrett and the house band were kicking it up. We went upstairs to the "Quiet Rooms" to see if any picking was happening. The Bill Hilly Band and friends were playing some of their great stuff. Marshall jammed out some blues in one of the smaller rooms. I wandered around hoping that a Bluegrass jam would sprout and it did later in the evening (I mean earlier in the morning). I got a chance to swap some songs with Craig Korth and a couple of other people. I had fun running with the big dogs :) Well, got to get ready to do it all again. Can't wait to catch Nanci Griffith's set. |
Posted by songdawg at 12:44 PM | Festivals
August 9, 2003
Edmonton Folk Festival - Friday
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Yesterday was a great day - we didn't get home from the Party until 4:30am. I am feeling a little tired and I need to scramble to get to the site in time for my shift. For now here are some pictures I took - I will fill in the blanks at a later date.
I am off for another day of Folk Festing!
Kitchen shift
Mainstage concert
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Posted by songdawg at 1:11 PM | Festivals
August 8, 2003
Edmonton Folk Festival - Thursday
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I arrived on site for my shift and was able to sell our weekend pass tickets. We won't be needing them now that we are volunteering. Watched the crowd peacefully walking in to set up their tarps for the Mainstage concert. No mad dashes - nobody hurt.
Thurday's lineup:
Marshall on the Dessert shift. The two women are trying to get out of the picture not trying to duck from the whipped cream!
The EFMF Kitchen - where all the food to feed the performers and volunteers is made and served. I am on the Serving Line team, which means dishing out the yummy food.
Blue Highway - they played during my shift but I got to take in a song or two during my break. Also after my shift got to hear Bob Jahrig playing his betweener on Mainstage. He nailed it - it sounded great. He has such a great "James Taylor" like voice and good songs.
J-bird, Marshall and Sheila on the hill I wasn't expecting to see them - what luck to bump into them. There are so many people there that it's sometimes hard to hook up even when you have plans to. A bunch of us went to the beer tent to check out the Big Rock beer and the beer tent scene. Found out about the orange line rule - once you have purchased your beverage remember to go on the other side of the orange line. DO NOT step over the line :) not only could the line be used to see how drunk people are ("Please walk along the line miss/mam") but it reduces congestion around the beer serving area. Had a good chat with Bonnie and Sheila about remembering songs. I know the words to only one jam song - "Used To Be" by Bill Monroe. Bonnie said that she found that the first five songs were the hardest to get down but after that it became much easier. Same with fiddle tunes. Bonnie as well as singing/fiddle/guitar has also played bass for years. So I am inspired: my goal is 5 songs before BCBW at Sorrento. We missed most of Daniel Lanois' set - it sounded much more melodic and appealing to me than at the Calgary Folk Fest. Maybe he was just having a down day(s).
The food vendors at dusk.
Walking down to catch a cab home. We left early and missed Jim Cuddy's set. I only heard a few snippets of music: my shifts this weekend are from 5-9 which is unfortunate cause I will be missing some of the mainstage but glorious cause we will be party/jamming bound.
View of downtown on the ride home. We made it home before the thunderstorms rolled in - I hope that the concert was done before it hit cause it sounded pretty severe. The forecast calls for chances of severe thunderstorm tonight and tomorrow night. I will be bringing my raingear, too bad I don't have rubber boots - I might be needing them. |
Posted by songdawg at 8:30 AM | Festivals
August 6, 2003
August 6, 2003
Astrid and the Dessert Queen
The woman on the left is coordinator for desserts but I can't remember her name so I will call her the Dessert Queen.
I went to the Edmonton Folk Fest office to pick up our volunteer packages after work. Getting on the volunteer crew was such a last minute thing. It'll be a blast to volunteer - be able to meet some new people, feel more connected to the festival and of course late night jamming. The festival office was humming with activity - I can't believe it all starts tomorrow night. Everything looked well in hand. The only downside is that I might miss Blue Highway and Ricky Skagg, hopefully not since I am on such a bluegrass kick lately. Who knows maybe they will be jamming later - I am thinking of bringing my dawghouse. I'll see how gutsty I feel. |
Posted by songdawg at 5:30 PM | Festivals
August 4, 2003
Blueberry Sunday
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Another great day at Blueberry - soaking up the tunes and then jamming until three. The Down To The Wood set was (I think) their best yet.
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Posted by songdawg at 12:25 PM | Comments (2) | Festivals
August 3, 2003
Blueberry Saturday
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Another great evening of bands and jamming. We stayed up jamming until 4am - a first for me. I usually end up crashing about 2. The drive back home is fine, I like sleeping in a bed. Camping looks like fun but is not for us. Though some of the rvs look bigger/fancier than most of the apartments I have lived in.
S & J having a good bluegrass time.
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Posted by songdawg at 2:34 PM | Festivals
August 2, 2003
Friday Night at Blueberry Bluegrass
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Went to Blueberry Bluegrass fest last night. They had some good bg bands. Of note, were the D. Rangers, a group of guys from Winnipeg doing some alt country. I was particularly interested in the muck-bucket bass. It looks like their website is down but someone mentioned that the specs on how to build one are on their site. I might just try to build one.
We went to the Sinclair's camp site to jam afterwards. I had a great time playing. Jamming is the best thing in the world, even better than... chocolate. |
Posted by songdawg at 3:39 PM | Festivals
August 1, 2003
Calgary Folk Fest pics
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I went to the Calgary Folk Fest with my Mom and Bonnie. I had a great time, the line-up was incredible and the site was beautiful. We stayed at the Westin, which is about 3 blocks from the festival. Being so close was great. M played some blues around town on Friday and Saturday so didn't even get a chance to check it out.
I ran into a couple of people, Brian Sanderson of the SilverHearts from Peterborough and Tamara among others.
Tamara and Lilith
Son de Madera was excellent.
The highlight for me was seeing Michelle Shocked perform. I love that woman. Click here for a video clip of her performance. Rumour has it that she draped herself in an American flag at the Saturday morning workshop but I missed it, not sure why she did it. She must have left early - she didn't show at the Saturday afternoon workshop. I hope I get to see her perform again soon. You can see video clips from many of the mainstage performances here.
The beautiful and strange Jane Siberry
Daniel Lanois: I didn't realize how self-indulgent his music has become, I think he's been down south for too long. While his drummer was amazing and very tasty, the other vocals, while very good, seemed out of place in the mix.
Workshop hosted by Jane Siberry. It was quite entertaining watching her and Daniel Lanois clash. Very different styles with everyone showing their true colours.
Buskers playing with fire on the way back to the hotel.
Feet Don't Fail Me Now Workshop with Slainte Mhath, The Cottars and Le Vent du Nord. What kind of instrument is he holding? Bass Mando?
Le vent du nord - they were great and will be at the Edmonton Folk Fest. Maybe I can learn how to "taper les pieds" from them at one of the workshops. You never know.
Kathleen Edward I didn't get pictures of Ruthie Foster and Ani Difranco who were both wonderful (of course). We did see Ani at the hotel elevator as we were going up on Sunday to pack. She is such a tiny person to contain so much energy or chi as she calls it - she is such a powerhouse. The crowd went absolutely wild when she went on. It was great. It was a great festival ? I would do it again. |
Posted by songdawg at 4:24 PM | Festivals