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Vancouver- A silver anniversary
It shone like silver - every aspect of it. It would be impossible to wish the organizers better weather, bigger
crowds or a more diverse and accomplished line-up. It was a complete success from beginning to end - this in no
small measure due to the efforts of the festival staff and the army of volunteers present.
There was an army of volunteers on the site, expertly organized into various work crews, keeping the place ticking
nicely. Sound at the workshops was outstanding, with the stages running like clockwork. The grouping of musicians
around the workshop schedule was often inspired and sometimes mystifying but always entertaining. We played one
with Utah Phillips, Rory Macleod and Bitch and Animal. It was hard to envision how that one would gel, but gel
it did. There is something to be said for sameness, but diversity can lead to some fun as well.
Utah Phillips
I also shared workshop stages with James Keelaghan, Stephen Fearing, Ruthie Foster, the Road Dog Divas and Kim
Barlow to name a few. Everyone brought something to the table and the ensuing feast was a memorable one.
It was a good time for me to meet some friends I hadn't seen since last year or longer. Karla Mundy who I met in
Lennoxville and who sang on Far End of Summer was up for singing and staying up far too late. I finally got to
put faces to some of the folks I had not yet met at Festival Distribution and our management team, Mainstage Music.
(check out the photos below!)
Musical friends Karen Savoca and Pete Hientzman were nothing short of magical on the main stage, performing work
from All My Excuses, their newest CD. I've been waiting a year for that one, and it has been worth every minute.
It is a compelling and imaginative album, shot through with soul and intensity, lyrically and musically. These
are two brilliant musicians who happen to be completely unpretentious so their company is valued highly.
Pete, Karen and David, photo by Dave Clarke
There were many other players there, far too many to mention. I wish you could have seen them for yourselves. It
was a remarkable array.
We did a two song "tweener" on the main stage Saturday evening. The sun was streaming onto the stage
from down the harbour, the crowd was pushing 12 thousand. Dave Geoff and I had a quick round of hacky sack and
then stepped up to play. Our introduction was by none other than Bill Richardson of CBC's "Richardson's Roundup",
a favorite of the band for his work and for his personal kindness. We did Saints and Sinners and February Morning
Drive. It was thrilling - partly due to singing into such a powerful sound system and partly to the ambiance created
by that number of people out to enjoy themselves in a beautiful place on a beautiful day. Perfect.
Dugg Simpson, as Artistic Director, is the man responsible for the lineup and operational organization of the festival,
the lightning rod and point man. It is not a position for the faint of heart. The myriad number of problems that
arise during an event of this magnitude will inevitably find there way onto your shoulders, with every intention
of settling down for the ride. I for one would not welcome the weight. Apparently, Dugg has the temperament and
capacity for suffering to deal with it all. My guess is he puts his faith in the tensile strength of human nerves
and sees just how far they'll stretch. I looked around, taking in the thousands of people, at the mountains of
supplies and equipment, at the vastness of the whole project. Then I looked up to see Dugg sauntering through the
site - seemingly without a care in the world. A literal "walk in the park". Well done Sir!
Celtic Woolens: Continuing the thread…or…Sweating under the sweaters.
There are many benefits to this job, not the least of which are the people you meet. Beth and had an e-mail from
Michael and Lynn about setting up a post festival show. It was very pleasant. I had the opportunity to meet up
again with Tim Redman, as well as the members of Cliea, a local Vancouver Celtic band. The audience was in glorious
voice throughout, and I had the delight of singing with Karla Mundy again. That alone was worth the evening. Some
of us stayed behind afterwards and sang late into the night. Michael and Lynn favoured us with a few tunes, as
a duo and individually. I enjoyed both very much.
everyone waving to me! (Beth) photo by David
Many thanks from all of us for the generous hospitality.
Thanks also for keeping the music alive.
 
back home
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photos by David, unless otherwise noted
Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the city as a backdrop
James Keelaghan, photo by Cheryl Oattes
Workshop, Geoff, David and Dave, CO
David and new friend, Christine, photo Dave Clarke
Main Stage, Saturday evening, photo Blair Lewis
Dugg and David, end of a very successful festival
David and Karla, photo by Blair Lewis
 
 
Jack, Rachel (with David) Jill and Heather, some of the great folks at Festival Distribution
and Mainstage Management
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