ontario council of folk festivals
The OCFF Celebrates Estelle Klein Award Winner Grit Laskin
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Your Guide to the 24th Annual OCFF Conference in Ottawa
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Conference Program 2010
SOCAN_OCFF 2010.pdf
9/14/10
9:50:37 AM
SOCAN International Case Study:
TOURING GERMANY Friday October 15, 2010 10:00 AM - 12 Noon Joliet Room, Crowne Plaza
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www.socan.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to the 2010 OCFF Conference............................................................................................4 The President’s Message....................................................................................................................5 Executive Director’s Message.............................................................................................................6 2010 Estelle Klein Award Winner William “Grit” Laskin..............................................................13 OCFF Youth Mentorship Program..................................................................................................16 The Taylor Mitchell Bursary............................................................................................................16 Youth Program Participants............................................................................................................17 The Third Annual Keynote Address................................................................................................18 Galaxie Rising Stars Program..........................................................................................................19 2010 Songs From the Heart and Colleen Peterson Awards...........................................................20 The State of the Folk Nation............................................................................................................21 Maple Blues.......................................................................................................................................22 Art Beat at the OCFF / Extended Art Beat.....................................................................................23 Official, Alternate and Family Showcase Artists............................................................................24 Youth Mentors...................................................................................................................................28 The OCFF Presenters Program.......................................................................................................35 New Members and Volunteers.........................................................................................................42
ontario council of folk festivals
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009/10 Executive Committee President Paul Mills................................ paul@themillstream.com Vice President Scott Merrifield.......................... smerrifield@eastlink.ca Treasurer Bill Stunt............................................ bill_stunt@cbc.ca Secretary Katharine Partridge... katharine.partridge@sympatico.ca Member-at-Large David Newland . ...................david.newland@gmail.com
Directors Richard Flohil................................ rflohil@sympatico.ca Dan Greenwood.........................greenwoodd@socan.ca Tamara Kater....................tkater@winnipegfolkfestival.ca Larry LeBlanc............................................ljle@aol.com Paul Loewenberg......... paulfromsudbury@sympatico.ca Nicole Rochefort.............. nicolerochefort@hotmail.com Jan Vanderhorst......................... justusfolk@rogers.com
STAFF Executive Director Peter MacDonald...pmacdonald@ocff.ca Office Manager Jennifer Ellis..................... jellis@ocff.ca Community Outreach Manager Chris MacLean........... cmaclean@ocff.ca Conference Coordinator Antony Cooper.........conference@ocff.ca Member Services Administrator (JCP) Christina Gubbels........ register@ocff.ca Phone: 613-560-5997 Toll Free: 1-866-292-6233 Fax: 613-560-2001..............www.ocff.ca Mailing address: 508-B Gladstone Avenue Ottawa, ON K1R 5P1 Printing and layout by Orion Printing Cover photo by permission of William “Grit” Laskin. William “Grit” Laskin is the recipient of the OCFF’s 2010 Estelle Klein Award.
Deadlines for Future Editions February 1 – Winter/Spring May 1 –Summer September 1 – Conference Program AD RATES (non-Conference Program Issues) Business Card........................................ $95/$135 Quarter Page........................................ $145/$195 Third of a Page..................................... $195/$245 Half Page............................................. $225/$300 Full Page.............................................. $350/$450 Inside Cover (B&W)............................. $450/$550 Back Cover (Colour)............................. $575/$675 Listed above: member/non-member rates, taxes extra; not applicable for Conference Program. Please visit our website for conference issue ad rates, as well as formats and sizes. Submissions (max. 500 words) and pictures welcome! We cannot guarantee inclusion of your submission in Folk Prints (but we’ll try!). Please send submissions in text format only. If you have pictures, call us before sending them. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the OCFF. Questions or comments regarding Folk Prints should be brought to the attention of Peter MacDonald at pmacdonald@ocff. ca. Articles and photos may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the author and/or photographer.
WELCOME TO THE 2010 OCFF CONFERENCE by Peter MacDonald and Paul Mills, Conference Steering Committee Co-Chairs
For some of us, it’s hard to believe that we’re walking into the 24th annual OCFF conference! From humble beginnings with six festivals sitting around playing music, drinking beer and discussing how to make their events a bit better each year, to the 800delegates who shared their music and stories in 2009, this event has grown both physically and philosophically. This year’s conference is the last one in Ottawa after a three-year stint at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. We do owe thanks to the staff of this hotel for going out of their way to try to understand and accommodate our needs over the years. It’s always hard to fit an odd-shaped peg into a round hole, but they’ve given us great effort and results and they’ve done so with good humour. Be sure to thank the hotel staff and let’s leave them with some great memories of the OCFF community! Conference programming is always challenging – so many requests for content and such a small amount of time in which to present it. Thanks to all who answered our surveys and called or sent a message with a suggestion. We listened to them all and they were all considered. Many were incorporated into this year’s program. The Conference Steering Committee is like an Artistic Director in that sense – the best ideas are sure to appear in good time. We’ve brought back some popular panels: this year’s SOCAN Case Study switches its focus from the UK to Ger-
many; the Record Production panel will include a sneak peek at the new project by 2010 Juno-award winners The Good Lovelies; Audience Development includes perspectives from two very active funders and international guests from the Presenters Program. Back for a second year is the Board and Staff Dynamics session with Nathan Garber, who will stick around on Sunday to join in the Festival Round Tables – information-sharing sessions done in the speed-dating style! New programming this year includes a session on programming non-musical content at festivals; a presenters’ networking session where artistic decision-makers will get an opportunity to meet face-to-face, perhaps for the first time after years of email correspondence. We’ve got a social media panel that will probably only scratch the surface of this huge new set of tools and we’re going to spend some time discussing how
communities are built through music. From the panels to a huge array of showcase performances to the very best networking receptions and a great gala dinner with fewer speeches and more food options, we’re convinced that you will find just what you’re looking for, and that you’ll leave the weekend with a burning desire to join us in Niagara Falls in 2011 for the OCFF’s grand 25th anniversary celebration! *** This conference was planned by a Board/Staff Conference Steering Committee co-chaired by Paul Mills and Peter MacDonald and fuelled by the tireless efforts and dedication of Richard Flohil, Mike Hill, Erin Barnhardt, Jennifer Ellis, Chris MacLean and Antony Cooper. We are grateful as well for the tremendous contributions of Dan Kershaw, who was on the committee until April, 2010.
The president’s message
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to Ottawa. This marks the 24th time that artists, presenters, labels, managers, agents and others drawn to folk and roots music have joined together for this annual shindig we call the OCFF Conference. That’s more years than a lot of you attending have been around and it’s a testament to how important this gathering has become for our community. The OCFF conference began as a small gathering of folk festival artistic directors who felt they would benefit from sharing knowledge and expertise, and that together they could help to foster the growth of folk music in Ontario. As it unfolded in subsequent years, the gathering grew and soon artists were invited to come and showcase their talents. This in turn attracted house concert presenters, club owners, managers, agents, record labels, etc. So from that small gathering 24 years ago, we have grown to a conference of over 800 delegates featuring professional development workshops, expert panels,
an exhibit area, seminars, round table discussions, and, of course, showcases, and lots of them! There are 24 official showcase acts and these are chosen by a jury from well over 300 applications. In addition, two family showcases, youth showcases and over 150 other sponsored and private showcase acts make the OCFF conference the biggest folk music feast in the country! The growth of the OCFF has naturally meant significant change for the organization. Last year the Board of Directors led a comprehensive review of the organization’s purpose and its vision for the future. This resulted in a new strategic plan which was unveiled at last year’s Annual General Meeting. Over the past year the Board and staff have been working hard to create an operating plan and structure which meets the goals of the strategic plan, and we’ve been reviewing the OCFF’s bylaws, the rules by which the organization is governed. At this year’s AGM being held on Saturday morning, we will be seeking the approval of the membership on a number of important changes to these bylaws. These include changes that recognize the importance of both artists
by Paul Mills
and presenters in what we do and changes that permit more streamlined membership involvement through electronic voting and other means. I urge you all to attend this important meeting because without a full quorum, we simply can’t move forward. It’s an exciting and significant time for the OCFF and we need your continued involvement. In closing, I want to say what a privilege it has been for me to serve on your Board of Directors, in particular for the past two years as President. Folk music has sustained and nourished me for most of my life and the opportunity to serve in one of its key organizations has truly been a gift. As I leave this role, I want to thank all of those who served on the Board with me and the OCFF staff for their support, encouragement and hard work. I also want to acknowledge my partner in life, Bev, who has supported and encouraged me in all of this and put up with the seemingly endless meetings, conference calls and trips to Ottawa that come with the territory. And to you, the membership, my thanks for giving me this opportunity and my best wishes to you for a fruitful, fulfilling and fun weekend.
2010 Silent Auction Friday, 5:00pm-8:00 pm Saturday, 9:00am – 8:00pm Lower lobby beside registration area Donated items include: Gibson J45 guitar, 2011 OCFF Conference registration, 35th anniversary selection of Stony Plain Records CDs, OCFF Lifetime Membership, hand-written song lyrics by folk artists, Big Rock Brewery golf bag and much, much more…
executive director’s message
For those of us in the cultural sector, deadlines are among the many dilemmas we face each day. Whether it’s with a festival or conference program book like the one you are reading, a publicist’s bit of bumpf, a musician’s copy for CD liner notes or even a grant application or report - the deadlines approach and inspiration often wanes. With a deadline looming, it’s sometimes easy to get caught up in the process and all too easily miss the essence of the work at hand. It often takes a jolt to get re-inspired. In the case of this article, my angst at not meeting deadlines was great. I worried. I fretted. I wondered if I might sweat blood! How could I possibly inspire the readers of the conference program in only 500 words? So I put myself to writing, amidst a ton of other pressing deadlines, with a Board meeting thrown in for good measure. Questions from other staff members came. “When do you think we’ll see your article?” The pressure mounted until six or seven drafts later, it all got tossed. That’s when I came to the real-
ization that I didn’t have to do any inspiring at all. I merely had to hold a mirror up to this community so it could inspire itself. So take a look in that mirror. See yourselves as I see you - the most incredibly gifted, resourceful and cooperative group of individuals I have ever met! You set sometimes unachievable goals for yourselves, then meet them. You deal with adversity in stride and find ways to make it fun while tackling those challenges. You dream dreams and they come to life on stages in the middle of otherwise empty fields. You know where to find the best music, artisans and local food, and above all, you know your communities better than anyone else. You know where human strengths lie and you know how to bring them out in passionate volun-
by Peter MacDonald
teers. You understand and encourage entrepreneurs to thrive within your business models. You know what you need and want from your local and regional politicians - and you know how to get it! You give unselfishly of your time, money and talents. You lead the laughter, and sometimes the tears, when emotions fail others. You make this a better place in which to live and raise families. This annual conference is the folk community’s single best opportunity to share its successes and to learn from its challenges. On behalf of the staff, I welcome you and urge you to plunge headlong into the panel sessions, showcasing and networking receptions and to look for the many opportunities to be reinvigorated, renewed and inspired.
ArtsCan Circle 3K - 5K FUNdraiser Run/Walk Departs from the main lobby on Saturday at 8:30am. Help us raise money for a great cause!
Premier of Ontario - Premier ministre de l’Ontario
October 14 – 17, 2010
A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to extend warm greetings to everyone attending the 24th Annual Conference of The Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF). Like you, I believe music broadens our cultural horizons, lifts our spirits and brings us joy. This event is an outstanding example of music’s ability to strengthen ties between people — and nations. By bringing together industry professionals from across Canada and beyond, the OCFF Annual Conference provides an ideal forum for celebrating and promoting the dynamic and diverse nature of folk music. This year’s conference gives participants involved in many aspects of the music business — from musicians and promoters to artistic directors and folk music enthusiasts — the opportunity to take in quality performances, participate in professional development sessions and share their love of folk music. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of this year’s conference, including the hard-working staff and volunteers with the OCFF, talented performers and generous sponsors. To first-time and returning visitors to Ottawa — welcome to Canada’s capital and the city I am proud to call home. I hope you find the time to enjoy some of the many attractions and unique events this great city has to offer. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable conference.
Dalton McGuinty Premier
YASIR NAQVI, MPP Ottawa Centre
Dear Friends, As the MPP for Ottawa Centre, it is my honour to welcome you to the 24th Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF) Annual Conference. We are very excited to have you here in Ottawa! The OCFF brings together some of the brightest and most creative talent in the industry – from musicians to promoters, artistic directors to marketers, you are the best of the best in the industry. By coming together, you have created a successful forum to brainstorm and share ideas, helping create opportunities for folk festivals throughout the world to grow and prosper. I know you have come here to work hard, learn best practices, and make new connections, but I do hope you take the time to enjoy all that our city has to offer. Within blocks of your conference are some of the best restaurants, shops and entertainment our country has to offer, so I encourage you to take full advantage of these amenities. I want to thank you for all you have done to enrich our city and our province. By bringing people together to celebrate music and art through festivals, you are enriching people’s lives and helping to create vibrant communities. Most importantly, you play an important role in expressing the feelings and experiences that unite us, telling our story and capturing the history that defines us. For that, we are all grateful. Enjoy your time in Ottawa. I look forward to joining your party!
Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa Centre
Community Office 411 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K2A 3X9 Tel 613-722-6414 ~Fax 613-722-6703 ~ Email ynaqvi.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org ~ www.yasirnaqvimpp.ca
Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) is proud to support the Presenters Program at the 2010 Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF) in Ottawa. For the past 24 years, OCFF has become a key event for the folk, roots and traditional music community to connect with industry professionals from Canada, USA and Europe. As an agency of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, OMDC provides a wide range of programs and services for Ontario’s music, book and magazine publishing, film and television and interactive digital media industries. Congratulations to the entire OCFF team for almost a quarter century of showcasing artists and offering them a stage to widen their global reach. Sincerely,
La Société de développement de l’industrie des médias de l’Ontario (SODIMO) est fière de soutenir le Presenters Program à l’occasion de l’édition 2010 du Conseil des festivals folk de l’Ontario (CFFO), à Ottawa. Depuis 24 ans, le CFFO représente un événement incontournable pour les membres de la communauté des musiques folk, « roots » et traditionnelle, qu’elle met en relation avec des professionnels de l’industrie musicale venus des quatre coins du Canada, mais aussi des États-Unis et d’Europe. En tant qu’organisme du ministère du Tourisme et de la Culture, la SODIMO propose de nombreux programmes et services aux industries ontariennes de la musique, de l’édition de livres et de revues, du cinéma et de la télévision et des produits multimédias interactifs numériques. Nous félicitons toute l’équipe du CFFO pour près d’un quart de siècle consacré à mettre en avant les artistes et à leur donner les moyens de se faire connaître sur la scène internationale. Sincères salutations,
Karen Thorne-Stone, President & CEO / Présidente-directrice générale Ontario Media Development Corporation / Société de développement de l’industrie des médias de l’Ontario
2010 Estelle klein Award Winner
WILLIAM “GRIT” lASKIN by Paul Mills
If there were a modern-day example of the Renaissance man, Grit Laskin would most certainly be it. His unstoppable energy and dedication set him apart and make him an ideal recipient of the Estelle Klein Award. Grit Laskin decided he wanted to be a guitar maker at age 17 when he saw a Jean Larrivée instrument. He apprenticed with Jean for two years in 1971-73 before setting out on his own, establishing his own studio in Toronto in 1973. He has always worked alone and crafts an average of 10 custom made guitars per year. His instruments, signed “William Laskin,” have been acquired by Tom Chapin, Bill Garrett, k.d. lang, Owen McBride, Paul Mills, Ben Mink, Garnet Rogers, Stan Rogers, Nathan Rogers, Jesse Cook, Tom Cochrane, Bobby Watt, Claudia Schmidt, Cathy Fink, Christine Lavin and many others. The Canadian Museum Of Civilization has four of his instruments in its permanent collection. Grit is the only musical instrument maker to have
received Canada’s most prestigious national craft award, the Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence. His goal for his guitars is “clarity, sweetness of tone, and a full, round musicality.” He is also an innovator: the originator of the built-in “Armrest” and “Ribrest” edge bevelling and the co-originator of the “Sideport Soundhole”. He was a founder and former president of the international Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (ASIA) and author of the first code of ethics for the luthier’s trade. He was invited to be a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA). He teaches regularly and curates and is featured in instrument shows at venues such as the Museum of Making Music in California, The American Craft Museum, The Canadian Craft Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Laskin is also known for his complex inlay work. Larry Robinson, author of The Art Of Inlay, calls Laskin “the most astonishing inlay artist in North America.” In the band The Friends of Fiddler’s Green (winners of the 2003 Estelle Klein Award), with Ian Robb, and as a solo act, Grit’s music has graced folk clubs, concert halls, and major folk festivals across North America. He plays tenor mandolin, Northumbrian smallpipes, whistle, concertina, guitar, and fiddle, and he has accompanied musicians as diverse as Raffi and Stan Rogers. Respected also as a songwriter, Grit’s songs have been recorded by Pete Seeger, the Tannahill Weavers, Margaret Christl and Rick Field-
ing. His most recent recording, “Unabashedly Folk,” is a special double-CD re-release of his first two solo recordings, “Lila’s Jig” and “Unmasked”, originally recorded for Stan Roger’s label Fogarty’s Cove Music. In the mid-90s Grit became aware of the fact that Canada was one of the few countries without a dedicated folk music record label. He pulled together three of his folk music friends, Bill Garrett, Ken Whiteley and Paul Mills, and with them established The Borealis Recording Company in 1996. Fourteen years later, Borealis Records is still thriving and has more than 100 titles in its catalogue featuring such folk luminaries as Le Vent du Nord, Ron Hynes, James Hill, James Keelaghan, Nancy White, Annabelle Chvostek, Mike Stevens and La Bottine Souriante. In 2003, Grit turned his attention to another area where Canadian folk music was experiencing a need –awards. While the JUNOs, the ECMAs and other regional awards programs recognized folk music in a limited number of categories, there was no comprehensive vehicle for the recognition of this musical sector on a national basis. Grit gathered a group of talented and connected folks and in 2005 the Canadian Folk Music Awards was launched. It is going strong after five years. As an advocate for Canadian music and musicians, Grit instigated Factor’s creation of a third level of Direct Board Funding (which benefited many niche genres Continued on Page 14
Estelle Klein Award - Continued From Page 13 such as folk, world and jazz) and lobbied the ECMA to alter unfair rules for traditional folk musicians. For the benefit of other luthiers, he spent two years successfully lobbying the federal government to remove unfair tariffs from instrumentmaking materials unavailable in Canada. In addition to all of this, Grit, along with his wife Judith and Eve Goldberg, coordinate Canada’s oldest adult folk music camp: The Woods Music and Dance Camp, held in the Muskokas every summer. Grit has spent his entire life supporting, promoting and practicing folk music. Whether he is writing or performing a wonderful song, educating people in the folk arts through books or classes, promoting recordings by some of Canada’s best folk artists, or enhancing
the folk world with the sound of his superb guitars and tenor mandolins, Grit Laskin continues to make a difference in the lives of all of us who inhabit this genre of music.
The Estelle Klein Award will be presented to Grit during the Gala Dinner in Ottawa on Saturday evening, October 16.
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OCFF YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM by OCFF Staff Eight young people are participating in the 2010 OCFF Youth Program, which takes place from Thursday evening until Sunday midday at the annual conference. In the PERFORMER STREAM, youth participants are chosen by a jury and then matched with an appropriate mentor who is willing and able to work with them pre-conference, during the duration of the conference and for up to one year after the conference. During the conference, mentors attend workshops with the youth and give one-on-one time to develop their showcase performances. They also accompany the young performers at the Youth Showcase. The youth and mentors in this year’s program are:
Lauren Campbell, Orillia (Kim Beggs) Drew Chester, Pickering (Bob Wiseman) Aaron Mangoff, Orillia (Kev Corbett) Devynn and Lauren Quarles, Stouffville (Devin and Keri Latimer) Maria Tullio, Port Hope (Marianne Girard) The YOUTH SHOWCASE takes place on Saturday, October 16, 2 – 4 PM in the Pinnacle Room of the Crowne Plaza. Come on out and hear these up and coming young stars! Alumni and current Youth Program performers will also be participating in “The Younger Ground” late-night private showcase in Room 502 on Friday and
Saturday night of the conference. The youth participants in the PRESENTER STREAM are recommended by OCFF member festivals, artists, agents, managers and venue operators. These youth are interested in pursuing careers in the music industry, but not necessarily as musicians. This year, two Presenter participants will attend youthspecific workshops, showcases and sessions with various industry professionals in addition to having full conference access. They are: Noah Sullivan, Maberly - recommended by Blue Skies Music Festival Gabrielle Gwyn-Newmann, Toronto – recommended by the Métis Fiddler Quartet.
the taylor mitchell bursary by OCFF Staff Taylor Mitchell was a bright, rising star on the Canadian folk music scene and a much-loved member of our community. Taylor died tragically on October 28, 2009, while on tour in Nova Scotia, only two weeks after she attended the OCFF conference in Ottawa. To say that she is missed is a gross understatement. In her memory, Taylor’s mother, Emily Mitchell, has made a contribution to a trust fund that will support the OCFF Youth Program. Beginning this year, for a total of five years, a young performer chosen to participate in the OCFF Youth Program will be awarded a bursary to help cover conference registration,
travel and accommodation expenses, to a maximum of $500. The first recipient of The OCFF Taylor Mitchell Bursary is Maria Tullio. Maria was highly recommended to the Youth Program by Aengus Finnan, past Artistic Director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival. In his words, Maria is “wonderful; a real genuine soul and songwriter.” Maria performed on main stage at Shelter Valley this summer, after having been chosen as a finalist in the festival’s sixth annual “Local Songwriters Showcase”. Catch Maria and the other youth performers at the Youth Showcase on Saturday, October 16, 2–4pm in the Panorama Room of the
Crowne Plaza Hotel. If you are interested in contributing to the OCFF Taylor Mitchell Bursary fund, please contact the OCFF office at 1-866-2926233.
YOUTH Program Performer Stream
Lauren Campbell Lauren Campbell is a 20-year-old
singer/songwriter from Orillia, Ontario. She is currently enrolled in the Fanshawe College Music Industry Arts program in London, ON completing her second and final year. She invites anyone to sit and talk music over a hot cup of peppermint tea.
Aaron Mangoff Aaron Mangoff is in his ninth year
of writing full original songs. He is involved in three musical projects – metal band Esoteric Doctrine, alternative band Starved at the Root and solo project The Aaron Mangoff Experience. Aaron recently participated in a classroom stage workshop at the Mariposa Folk Festival.
Devynn and Lauren Quarles With some fiddle, guitar, piano
and mandolin coupled with some sweet harmonies, this twin teenage duo will get your feet tapping, your hands clapping and your ears focused on some great lyric and melodies. Stouffville, Ontario natives, they also have performed with the family band, The Family Quarles.
Maria Tullio
Maria has been singing since she was a young child, even in her sleep! In grade 7 she was introduced to the guitar and started composing her own work. Thanks to her great vocal teacher she has been given great opportunities to broaden her love of music.
YOUTH Program
Presenter Stream
Drew Chester Drew Chester, singer/songwriter
and Pickering Idol 2009/10, is lead vocalist and keyboard player of his band, Patrons of Science, which has just released its first CD. Drew has also performed the lead role in four community theatre musical productions, including “High School Musical” (Troy Bolton) and “Godspell” (Jesus).
Gabrielle Gwyn-Neumann As far back as she can remember, Gabrielle has had a keen interest for the arts.
She has been working for the Métis Fiddler Quartet as their communications coordinator. Gabrielle likes to organize and plan events and has been accepted at Concordia University in the Communications Program and the Communications and Cultural Program.
Noah Sullivan Noah has folk and roots music in his blood and sound-tech and recording in his bones. He attended his first folk festival at three weeks of age, and presently averages six to eight festivals each summer, more often than not as a stage manager or member of the tech crew.
THE THIRD ANNUAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS by OCFF Staff with contributions from Carol Teal
At the 2009 Conference, the OCFF conference Keynote Address was given by Bob Ezrin, who challenged this community to get on the map, to know its own markets better and to get out and do some promotion! When Bob left the conference, the conversations about his speech continued through the weekend and came up in many other panel sessions. That’s what they are supposed to do – to set a tone, to provide a sense of where the event is headed. At the SOCAN Reception this year, 2010 Keynote Speaker Mike Stevens is sure to do the same. Picture this: November, 2000 - multi-talented harmonica player, Mike Stevens, was on his way to entertain troops in Bosnia and stopped off in Goose Bay, Labrador for another performance. In the local paper he read about a crisis at the nearby indigenous
community of Sheshatshiu, Labrador, with young people sniffing gas and committing suicide. He was offered a visit there and ran into some of them. He engaged them in dialogue by playing his harmonica and listening to them. The kids connected big time with the music. Mike knew that music could help make connections. He started to visit other remote indigenous communities with similar problems, taking his music and donated musical instruments and leaving them for the kids. In 2002, other
artists under the guiding hand of Estelle Klein got together to form an organization to support Mike’s efforts. ArtsCan Circle was founded. Since Mike’s initial efforts, ArtsCan Circle has visited ten indigenous communities in Northern Ontario, Labrador and Nunavut, and now sends teams of volunteer musicians and visual artists to engage the youth in hands-on workshops in all aspects of arts. Musical instruments, art supplies and recording studio equipment have been brought to the communities to facilitate young people finding their own voices and creating their own art and music. ArtsCan Circle now provides over 2,000 workshop opportunities for indigenous youth annually. Countless volunteer hours help raise funds to send the teams north and create connections between communities in southern Ontario and across Canada with our remote neighbours in the far north. Can one person make a difference? Can music build bridges? Join us at the SOCAN Reception and Keynote Address on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30pm in Ballroom A to hear some of Mike’s compelling and inspirational story.
Welcome Reception Friday, October 15 5:30 - 7:30 pm Ballroom A
GALAXIE Rising Stars Program Galaxie, Your Musical Universe, is proudly committed to supporting emerging Canadian music talent through its Galaxie Rising Stars Program. The objective of this program is to help provide opportunities for up-and-coming musicians in all genres by providing showcase opportunities, monetary awards and potential airplay on the Galaxie channels. Since its inception in 2000, over 750 artists have directly benefited from the Program. The Galaxie music service is available in over 8 million homes across the country. 45 music channels programmed by experts in a variety of genres. No ads, no talk, just great music. galaxie.ca
Galaxie, Votre univers musical, est fier de contribuer à l’émergence des musiciens canadiens grâce au programme Prix Étoiles Galaxie. L’objectif de ce programme est de supporter les musiciens canadiens émergents, dans tous les genres de musique en leur offrant de la visibilité et des bourses pour aider à l’avancement de leurs carrières. Depuis sa création en 2000, le programme Prix Étoiles Galaxie a récompensé le talent de plus de 750 musiciens d’ici. Galaxie est disponible dans plus de 8 millions de foyers au Canada avec les services de télévision numériques. 45 chaînes programmées par des experts en musique. Sans publicité, ni interruption. galaxie.ca
Congratulations to the winners, Lisa Doganieri - Marketing Manager – Galaxie
2010 songs from the heart AND COLLEEN PETERSON AWARDS by OCFF Staff
We are pleased to present this year’s winners in the 16th annual Songs From the Heart contest. Congratulations to Ambre McLean for her song, Me, My Heart and the Moon, and to Louis-Philippe Robillard for his song, Le Pommier. We were fortunate to have a strong team of diverse and talented jurors who listened to nearly 200 submissions. A big thank you goes out to Laura Bird, Jean-Marc Lalonde, Arthur McGregor, Cindy Doire and Bruce Madole, who spent countless hours listening to all the submissions at each of the stages
of judging. Their expertise and efforts in this process ensure that outstanding songwriters in Ontario are recognized through the OCFF Songs From the Heart award. As always, we would like to extend a very heartfelt thanks to Galaxie for their continued support of the Songs From the Heart competition and for providing the English and French winners with $1000.00 cash prizes through their Galaxie Rising Stars Program. Thank you, Galaxie! Congratulations also to the recipient of the Colleen Peterson Award, presented by the
Ontario Arts Council: Lynne Hanson, for her song, Rest of My Days. Lynne’s song was chosen by a separate OAC jury from a short list of the top 16 songs from the Songs From the Heart competition. Be sure to see these songwriting competition winners during the Galaxie Songs From the Heart Showcase in the Pinnacle Room on Saturday at 2pm.
Ambre McLean “She must have been born to it,” says CBC 3’s Craig Norris. “Ambre’s a brilliant player, a brilliant songwriter and a brilliant performer.” Ambre McLean has created a sound that is entirely her own, incorporating a number of her influences including jazz, country/blues folk and pop. Ambre was part of VIA Rail’s “Musician on Board” program this summer and is currently touring western Canada, promoting her new album “Murder at the Smokehouse” (Oct 2010, Busted Flat Records).
Louis-Philippe Robillard The charismatic Louis-Philippe Robillard released his first album, Le Café des oiseaux, in January 2010 and has since been flying like a bird. His contemporary folk rock brings you deep into his picturesque universe. Going from upbeat rhythms to deep emotions, Louis-Philippe overwhelms the listener with his honesty and presence.
Lynne Hanson Some call it country, some call it roots-and-blues, others call it rough-around- the-edges folk. 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee, and 2009 Kerrville New Folk Finalist Lynne Hanson calls her musical style by her own name: porch music with a little Texas red dirt.
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THE STATE OF THE FOLK NATION For the third year, the OCFF conference is presenting its State of the Folk Nation panel session. Envisioned as a place where big ideas and concepts could be aired and discussed, it has been led by one person’s premise and deconstructed by others who share the same passions for the subject matter. 2010’s edition is led by Michael MacDonald, PhD, and takes place in Ballroom A on Sunday from 11:00am to 12:30pm. FOLK AS A MODE OF PRODUCTION by Michael MacDonald, PhD There is no lack of definitions for folk music and perhaps the world does not yet need another. But it is precisely that there are so many claims put on folk music that we need a new definition. This new definition will do two things simultaneously: First, it will explain why there has been so much trouble defining folk music and, second, with this confusion cleared away, we will be able to see the activist element of folk music that has always been there. What makes the term folk music so confusing? First, the terms folk and folk music do not describe something concrete. Unlike blues or country, terms accepted after-the-fact to describe a style of music, folk music was a term developed before it was associated with any actually existing music. Philosophers and political theorists initially conceived of the folk and folk music; folk is a concept! The concept of folk was born along with the modern concept of nation. Folk became the rural
and organic spirit of nation best seen, it was claimed, in the spontaneous expressions of rural people outside of dirty modern cities. Philosophers, politicians and publishers traveled the country-side to document folk practices safely outside of the modernity and far away from the corrupting influence of modern business. Or so they imagined. The folk and folk music has been as important to the development of nationalism as energy policy and railways. Since the 1950s, however, this nationalist idea of folk has steadily diminished but a part of folk music has always attempted to preserve the cultural expression of rural people. In the 1960s two movements, the national folk project and the capital folk project, collided with one another. This has often been referred to as the Great Folk Scare or the American Folk Song Revival. Since then it has become impossible to separate preservationists from performers, nationalists from capitalists. Folk music since the 1960s has been a complex blend of cultural preservation, left politics, and pop music. What is folk now? Folk music is a political concept that always requires an active
definition. The trouble is that the definition of folk music has tended towards style over political substance. It is time for a new concept of folk to develop. Instead of clinging to a 19th century conception of a nationalistic folk, or a 1960s-70s conception of the folk as revival artists working within the confines of the music industry, it is time to open our imaginations and reclaim folk. This reclamation project must involve cultural commons. The new folk are workers who produce sociallyoriented cultural commons that are locally responsible, ethically aware, and globally connected. As the Vancouver Folk Music Festival poster exclaims: “We are the folk.” A new definition for folk can be: those involved in the local production of culture as a social enterprise. Folk music is not a brand. Folk festivals are not chains. The folk do not belong to the music industry. If the OCFF (along with FAI, Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours, WFFC, etc.) represents folk, it has a responsibility to create a cultural commons that will serve local community as an alternative to the music industry.
Hey Big Ears! Sponsored by the Songwriters Association of Canada, this is your opportunity to get your song heard by a panel of professional songwriters and producers. Songs must be submitted on audio CD into the drop box located at registration by 11:30am on Saturday, Oct 16. Four (4) lyric sheets must accompany your submission.
mAPLE bLUES by Derek Andrews In May 1985 a gaggle of blues fans and organizers gathered around a big oval table at Albert’s Hall, on the second floor of the notorious Toronto student watering hole, The Brunswick House. It was the first meeting of what would become the Toronto Blues Society. Enjoying a then resurgent blues music boom, we were determined not to let the blues fall from grace in our community as it had before. As a young blues promoter I was having a ball booking Alist talent such as Etta James, Albert King and John Lee Hooker at the venue. Given the fickle patterns of popular music and nightclubs, we feared this blues heyday wouldn’t last. The Toronto Blues Society was born to ensure we could continue to grow and strengthen audiences, largely on the back of a newsletter that has been published virtually every month of the 25-year TBS history. One of our first newsletters promoted an event, Blues With A Feeling, where we acknowledged an important figure: blues producer, writer and bass maestro, Willie Dixon. We chose Howard Matthews’ legendary Toronto soul food restaurant, the Underground Railroad, as the ideal location for this risky venture of selling tickets and dinner to hear Willie Dixon speak about his life. In retrospect, that first Blues With A Feeling event seems like a no-brainer, though at the time, with no guarantee of community support, we felt like we were out on a limb. It was, of course, a memorable night and a hallmark event
– the first of many – for an organization that has seen interest in blues music undulate with social habits, radio airplay, aging audiences and venue changes. The Underground Railroad has aptly woven its way into the history of the Toronto Blues Society. Southern Ontario families and communities and their cultural expressions can be traced back to the journey to freedom of slaves from the United States. Representing this historical lineage and in attendance at this 2010 edition of the OCFF are Harrison Kennedy and Diana Braithwaite. Diana has written theatre, film and television pieces to trace this history, and is now producing The Underground Railroad Music Festival in Glen Allan, Ontario (formerly Queen’s Bush), her great-great-greatgrandmother’s hometown in Wellington County. Harrison is the nephew of Jackie Washington. Maple Blues became the name of the monthly newsletter for our fledgling membershipdriven organization. The Maple Blues brand stuck and is now a national email listserv, and to the confusion of some, a national awards program called the Maple Blues Awards. The awards incorporated the annual presentation of Blues With A Feeling and the celebration of Canadian blues talent. The Maple Blues Awards are now staged adjacent to a biannual national conference called the Blues Summit, smaller than the OCFF, but employing the same professional development tactics. The next Blues Summit takes place January 15-17, 2011.
The Toronto Blues Society has told many stories over its two-and-a-half decade history. One of the tales that needs to be told is that of blues guitar genius Lonnie Johnson who died in Toronto in 1970. In poor health as a result of being struck down by a car while walking along the sidewalk, he performed a few songs at a Massey Hall concert staged by music advocate Richard Flohil. “Originally, the lineup - the show was called Blue Monday - was to be Whiskey Howl, Magic Sam, Buddy Guy and Bobby Bland. Then disaster struck, Magic Sam died, so I took Son House instead. Unfortunately Son fell in a snowdrift in Rochester and got frostbite on his hands, so I hired Otis Spann. Three days before, he went to hospital (alas, he never came out). Then it was suggested that Lonnie Johnson, who had had a stroke and was partially paralyzed, might sing three songs, and so he did - with Buddy Guy playing every Lonnie lick he’d ever learned - and he’d learned them all. There is a photo of Buddy playing for Lonnie looking up in admiration while the old man sang. What the picture doesn’t show is Bobby and his band, at the side of the stage, watching in awe and admiration. Lonnie sang three songs and left the stage with tears streaming down his face. The positive sidebar to the story is that I lost twelve hundred dollars I didn’t have, and stopped smoking the next morning (I was a 2-1/2 packs a day addict back then). To which I owe my long life! I’ve seen Bobby Bland a couple (continued on next page)
MAPLE BLUES (continued) of times since, and I always remember to thank him for the gift of my own life! I went up to the Grand in Kingston with Buddy Guy ten days after he played Massey Hall, I made $700 and I thought I’d found the holy grail way of making money! (Hah!!!)” Is blues important to Ontario because Ontario was home for escaped slaves and aging blues men? Yes. But we hope it is more than that. We hope that the future of blues, as a storytelling genre, engages young musicians, who take
the music forward. From JW Jones to Jesse Whiteley, the landscape is encouraging. Indeed, festivals too are positive indicators of blues growth, and are taking up some of the slack found in the alcohol sales-driven nightclub circuit. Diana’s small, historical Underground Railroad Festival is the polar opposite of the five million dollar box office Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, but both are relevant to Ontario’s robust music community. The Toronto Blues Society story is one of perseverance, volunteerism and making strong use of available re-
sources. We welcome your involvement and participation in our future plans. Derek Andrews is the President of the Toronto Blues Society, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has been an OCFF organizational member since 1992. (Derek will host a workshop session “Blues Roots and Branches”, Friday, October 15, 4pm at the Crowne Plaza Bar 101 with musicians Doug Cox, Harrison Kennedy, Chris Whiteley and Diana Braithwaite.)
ART BEAT AT THE OCFF by OCFF Staff This year marks the 8th anniversary of the OCFF Art Beat program. Over two days (Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15, 2010), audiences at twenty schools, one seniors’ home and three health care facilities will benefit from performances given by artists attending the annual OCFF conference.
The Art Beat program is a community service opportunity in the host community of the conference. Artists perform hour-long workshops and concerts for those who normally would not have the opportunity to experience a live folk/roots music performance.
The experience is a rewarding one for both the artists and the recipients of the program. We at the OCFF are impressed by the generosity and willingness of the artists in this year’s program. You make us all proud!
EXTENDED ART BEAT by OCFF Staff Extended Art Beat is a program in which the OCFF collaborates with another arts organization to present an intensive learning experience to students at a high-needs school in the conference host city. Students work on a project from conception to final presentation, facilitated by arts professionals sponsored by the two organizations. This year the OCFF is proud to collaborate with the Ottawa Storytellers in pre-
senting a story and song program to Bridget Van Sickle’s Grade 6 class at Cambridge Street School in downtown Ottawa. OCFF member Alicia Borisonik will deliver the music portion of the program and OST member Dean Verger the story portion. Under Alicia and Dean’s guidance, the students will work for a week at developing a story/song performance which will be showcased to their schoolmates and then to the OCFF delegation
at the Youth Showcase from 2 – 4pm, on Saturday, October 16, 2010 in the Pinnacle Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Conference delegates will be especially impressed this year with our Extended Art Beat performers, many of whom are very new to Canada. Please come out and support this valuable contribution to our community outreach! www.borisonik.ca www.ottawastorytellers.ca
showcase artists
Cécile Doo-Kingué Considered one of Montreal’s most Allison Lickley Allison Lickley is a Montrealbased singer/songwriter, originally from Sudbury. She has toured throughout Canada, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and the United States. Regularly interviewed and played on CBC Radio, she has received song placement in films and has released two albums.
Annie Lou 2010 Juno nominees (Roots/Tra-
ditional Album of the Year), Yukonbased Annie Lou play stringband music with driving fiddle and banjo, big vocal harmonies, and beautifully crafted songs that reflect the solitude and grit of their northern home and draw a straight line to other times and places.
Belzébuth Lovers of traditional Québec music,
artists who would like nothing more than to set the stage on fire every time they perform... a stage presence that exudes a belief in their music and a repertoire that aptly illustrates their growth since the group’s creation in 2002.
electrifying guitarists by local press and groove aficionados, Cécile Doo-Kingué blends blues, soul and afro-folk to create a unique sound. In June 2010, Cécile released her debut solo album “Freedom Calling” to critical acclaim. Slick fretwork, suave vocals and clever lyrics. A must hear!
Chic Gamine Chic Gamine, the Juno Award-
winning Winnipeg/Montreal-based vocal quintet, has been together since 2007. Singers Ariane, Andrina, Alexa, Annick and drummer Sacha, all effervescent songmakers, create music infused with gospel, soul, R&B, doo-wop and French chanson. And the whole is liberally doused with the happygo-lucky impulsiveness unique to Chic Gamine.
Dan Mangan Heralded as a favorite among
Canada’s new breed of independent musicians, Dan Mangan is a Canadian success story in the making. Recently signed to Arts & Crafts (Feist, Broken Social Scene), Dan’s songs brim with subtle images and irreverent wit, so that even his most layered lyrics feel strangely familiar.
David Leask Recipient of the Mississauga Per-
forming Artist of the Year Award and 2009 OCFF SFTH winner, David Leask’s music is a gritty blend of alt-folk and Celtic-soul. “One of those genuine talents with a truly natural connection between his guitar, his voice and his lyrics - a rare original.” -- Shari Ulrich
David Ross MacDonald Armed with only a 1935 Gibson
and a carpetbag of songs and tales from the road, Macdonald coins hauntingly poignant and wry urban folk spirituals. Likened to Drake, Renbourne, Dylan and Janche with deceptively brilliant finger-style guitar, Ross’s music and eye-to-the-condition captivates and charms.
David Woodhead’’s Confabulation To “confabulate” is to fabricate
imaginary experiences: hence the fanciful and fearless instrumental music of David Woodhead’s Confabulation. Adventurous veterans and like-minded stellar young players incorporate influences from Oliver Schroer’s contemporary folk to Carla Bley’s evocative jazz composition and often include Cedric Smith’s compelling spoken word contributions.
Donné Roberts Accompanied by a select group of Aboriginal Canadian performers, Donné Roberts’ music may truly be called Canadian. It is a celebration of the diverse blend of cultures. Donné was born in Madagascar, raised and educated in Moscow, and won a Juno with African Guitar Summit in 2005.
Harrison Kennedy A Canadian, Harrison was part of
the American band Chairmen of the Board. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s, he played on major TV shows like “American Bandstand,” “Soul Train” and Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” and at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Hat Check Girl Hat Check Girl is a new collabora-
tion between veteran performers Annie Gallup and Peter Gallway. Their trademarks are literate songwriting and the spooky ambience of volume pedal guitar and lap steel. Hat Check Girl’s debut CD, Tenderness, was released in September 2010.
showcase artists
H’Incontestables ’Sao vir tuoses de la
musique chantée a cappella, H’Sao s’inspire du gospel, des musiques traditionnelles africaines et de leur racines tchadiennes, les persillant de pop, de soul, de jazz et de R&B. Sur scène, les voix sont belles, justes et puissantes, l’énergie est palpable, leur joie de vivre, contagieuse!
John Wort Hannam 2010 Juno Nominee John Wort
Hannam taught creative writing on Canada’s largest reserve, the Kainai Nation. In 1997 he heard Loudon Wainwright, was hooked by the troubadour’s timeless tales and quit his job, bought a guitar, and today shares his signature Blue Collar Roots Music across North America and beyond.
Jon Brooks In Jon’s words, “Ultimately, the folk
singer is trying to politicize love – to lobby for compassion to be our principle representative in government office.” In 2009, his third CD, Moth Nor Rust,earned him his second Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for “English Songwriter of the Year”.
Leela Gilday A captivating Dene singer/song-
writer, Leela Gilday is a passionate, soulful performer who takes listeners on a journey through a musical world where freedom and joy balance sorrow and injustice. Her lyrics, reflective of her northern roots, embrace the essence of Dene life from an urban perspective. She hails from Yellowknife, NWT.
Lynne Hanson Some call it country, some call
it roots-and-blues, others call it rough-around- the-edges folk. 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee, and 2009 Kerrville New Folk Finalist Lynne Hanson calls her musical style by her own name: porch music with a little Texas red dirt.
Megan Jerome Following family singsongs and
classical piano lessons Megan earned a degree in jazz piano. Megan’s latest release, Bloomers, is “exquisite, fresh and sparkling” (Amanda Putz, CBC Radio), turning on a dime from delicate piano to bombastic drumming and accordion. In performance, Megan Jerome is “awesome” (Simone Deneau, NAC).
Minotaurs Minotaurs are an afro-psyche-
delic-folk-funk group consisting of Don Kerr, Kevin Lynn, Jeremy Strachan, Dan and Ryan Levecque and Nathan Lawr. Inspired by Fela Kuti, Minotaurs combine afrobeat’s slinky backbone and Nathan’s songs, creating a propulsive mindboggling funky experience.
Tandhe TMountains he Trees Local yokel rising crust folk singer,
whatever that means. Described as a “hootenanny” by his mother tends to get a bit loopy. You decide! The Mountains and The Trees are/is Jon Janes. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, bells, drums, and whistles, hums, and sings.
Shane Koyczan and the T he Warped 45’s Short Story Long “Solid melodies and solid lyrics, Multi award-winning Shane Koyczan breathes life into the new genre of talk rock. Maiya Robbie, Olivia Mennell, and Stefan Bienz together with Koyczan create a critically acclaimed sound that is making big waves on the Indie music scene.
TMountain he GrassHobos The Hobos are of another time. A time when pleasure usurped profession; live music provided a soundtrack for excess; a period they bring to life on stages across Canada. With a show that harkens back to the days of travelling salesmen, the Hobos are the cure-all elixir for those requiring entertainment.
remember when that’s what good music was? They remind me of cottage nights in the woods around the campfire in Northern Ontario. This is the music of genuine heart and soul. These guys are great musicians, I will be back for them.” -- CBC’s “The Hour” Music Blog
Twilight Hotel 2009 JUNO Nominees Brandy Zdan
& Dave Quanbury have taken their dark vintage vibes down to Austin, TX. Their third album, recorded in Los Angeles, CA with Mavis Staples’ rhythm section, further defines their nostalgic, twang noir, alternative roots sound and showcases their sublime harmonies.
showcase showcase artists artists showcase artists
Alternates Alternates
Bernard Adamus Arrivé à Montréal via la Pologne à
l’âge de trois ans, le moins qu’on puisse dire, c’est que Bernard Adamus s’est parfaitement intégré à sa ville d’adoption. Grandement influencé par le blues, il se produit d’abord en faisant des reprises de cette musique touchante et vraie, pour ensuite prendre ce touchant et ce vrai, et les inscrire dans ses propres textes, en français.
Elizabeth Shepherd Pianist/singer Elizabeth Shepherd is
among Canada’s most promising talents. Rave reviews and Juno nods for her first two albums led to sold-out performances in Japan, Europe and Canada. Her soulful 2010 release has been heralded as her “best work yet;” indeed, she is one of the country’s most interesting songwriters.
Enoch Kent This legendary Scottish-Canadian
songsmith’s songs are treasured by traditional music enthusiasts with a passion for story-songs, ballads & gritty politics. What’s more is Enoch’s natural storytelling style complemented by a ferocious wit and kitchen-range warmth. “A folk artist of the finest order, a riveting performer and compelling yarn spinner.” -- Toronto Star
Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers Featuring “Winnipeg’s strongest
horn section,” according to The Manitoban, Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers have a stylistic diversity that appeals to indie popsters, big-band lovers and folksters alike. Flying Fox’s energetic live show leaves a trail of converted fans wherever they play.
HOT CHA! High-energy hillbilly swing duo
blends old-time Western, bluegrass, early swing and country gospel, delivered with the energy of a runaway train. Soaring vocals, lively accordion, gritty guitar, wailing harmonica, big-beat bodhran. Debut CD “Dust Bowl Roots: Songs for the New Depression” is a true tonic for the times we live in.
Karyn Ellis Playful and passionate, Karyn Ellis is the embodiment of the modern folk darling. The Globe and Mail named her one of “Five Must See Songstresses” at North By Northeast in 2010, adding Ellis has “a magical way with song... Leonard Cohen has no copyright on the word hallelujah.”
Mike Essoudry’ ’ s Mash Jill Zmud Potato Mashers Jill Zmud’s style has been called Mike Essoudry’s Mash Potato torch-folk, folk-pop and countryfolk. Culture Magazine calls her music “stark and satisfying…both unsettling and addictive.” Her debut album, “as we quietly drive by”, was named one of the Top Ten Canadian albums of 2009 (Ottawa Citizen, Saskatoon Star Phoenix and Victoria Time Colonist).
Mashers is a 9-piece parade style band comprised of 2 drummers and 7 horn players. They play original songs, drawing on frenetic balkan and klezmer to funk and country waltzes, all while dancing IN their audiences. “These guys will blow your mind.” -- Damian Sawka, Ukrainia
Past Estelle Klein Award Winners 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Sharon, Lois & Bram Bernie Finkelstein Stan Rogers Richard Flohil Ken Whiteley
2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Sylvia Tyson The Friends of Fiddler’s Green Ian Tamblyn Jackie Washington Estelle Klein
showcase artists showcase artists
Family Alternates
Family
Alternate Family Showcase
Marky Weinstock Bill Harley Andrew Queen Sing, dance, explore world instruments and laugh Genuine, irreverent, universal, ridiculous and original, Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy® award-winning artist who uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. A commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered” Bill tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker.
out loud with Marky Weinstock. He is an award winning songwriter and educator who draws on his experiences as an international performer and his studies in child development to put on a show filled with group participation and smiles. www.LittleSuperstarsMusic.com
Andrew Too Tall Queen is one of the tallest talents on Canada’s family-folk scene. His high-octane action songs, funky fairy tale tunes and animated stories stretch our minds out for a campfire of fun. Parent’s Choice Award winner 2010. Roots Music Canada says “Too Tall is too much fun!”
YOUTH MENTORS
Kim Beggs Kim Beggs is an award-winning, original talent
who makes music that transcends style and fashion. Without so much as a backward glance at what others consider ‘hip’, she instead makes music that is true. The Yukon-based singer/songwriter (and sometimes carpenter) is bold, brilliant, dark and sincere, with an instantly recognizable voice that blends sweetness and grit.
Kev Corbett Marianne Girard Kev Corbett trained as percussionist, toured Marianne Girard has three decades of songwriting, heavily as a bassist, fell into songwriting, teaches drumming when not on the road, and is stunned that it all seems to be working. He enjoys long tours, new songs falling off the moon, and espouses a path-is-the-goal approach to both writing and touring.
performing and recording under her belt, as well as mentoring songwriting and expressive arts in schools and community centres. Her third album, Pirate Days, landed her a 2009 CFMA nomination for Best Contemporary Vocalist. “Pirate Days is a revelation.” -- Greg Quill, Toronto Star
Kevi and Devin Latimer Keri Latimer is the primary songwriter and singer
for the Juno Award-winning band, Nathan. Devin Latimer is the bass player and manager for the band, as well as the artistic director for the Trout Forest Music Festival. Over the past decade they have toured extensively, received critical acclaim and spawned 2 children.
Youth Showcase Schedule 2:05pm Cambridge Street School / Ottawa Storytellers 2:25pm Lauren Campbell 2:45pm Drew Chester
3:05pm Maria Tullio 3:25pm Aaron Mangoff 3:45pm Devynn and Lauren Quarles
Bob Wiseman Bob Wiseman is a Canadian singer-songwriter
and filmmaker. His outsider music blends folk, rock jazz and very often contains explicitly political themes. He was a member of Blue Rodeo from that band’s inception (1984) but quit the band after their 1992 album Lost Together. Since 1999 he has made super 8 films and videos which he accompanies live on accordion, guitar or piano.
ocff conference panelists
Shelah Allen Shelah Allen’s involvement with the Lunenburg (Nova
Scotia) Folk Harbour Festival has been a 26-year love affair. She has volunteered in many roles, from site grunt to chairperson, and even as a performer - as part of her local choir - and MC. Shelah is currently a member of the Program and Publicity Committees and a Board member. She’s a proud Bluenoser who, when back home, helps run the family business.
Ben Anderson Ben Anderson is the executive director of the Prescott
Park Arts Festival (Portsmouth, NH) producing over 70 summer music and theatre events to over 200,000 people. He runs his own company, Blackbird Productions, producing the Wolfeboro Folk Concert Series and the Flying Monkey Performance Center. He is the recipient of a NH Business in the Arts Award and founder of New Hampshire’s Great Waters Folk Festival.
Derek Andrews Derek Andrews is as arts consultant and concert pro-
ducer. He is a guest curator for the Luminato Festival and his Global Café artist roster uses the Canada Council’s Career Development program to retain his management services. Derek is a passion advocate for creative approaches in music, especially when used as a tool for breaking down cultural barriers.
David Barnard David is a cultural consultant with the Department of
Canadian Heritage’s Canada Arts Presentation Fund. Previously, he was a radio producer/host; event programmer, planner, and production coordinator; journalist; facilitator; publicist and marketer. Add to that spouse and recently father. The assortment of experiences is proving helpful in his current line of endeavour.
Erin Barnhardt Erin Barnhardt is the executive director of Folk Music
Canada – a national arts service organization that supports the folk and roots music community through services for artists, festivals and organizations. She is also the Membership and Outreach Development Manager at CAPACOA, and previously worked at the OCFF and the National Arts Centre in community outreach and music education. Erin has a strong connection to the artists in her community and is crazy about folk music.
David Baxter A professional player for more than 30 years, this well
acclaimed “lifer” guitarist has finally recorded his own debut album entitled Day and Age. A Juno award winner, he has produced three albums for peerless Canadian songwriter Bob Snider, along with records for Justin Rutledge, Treasa Levasseur, the Northern Pikes, Lori Yates, The Undesirables, Catherine MacLellan, Penny Lang, Michael Laderoute and numerous others.
Erin Benjamin Erin Benjamin is currently the Executive Director of the
Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA), a job she assumed after 8 years as the first Executive Director of the OCFF. She is currently a board member of Music and Film in Motion, and in a former life was a touring singer/songwriter. Agent and manager to Sir Oliver and Ms Toby.
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley are a blues pow-
erhouse duo. With a collective six Juno nominations and eight Maple Blues Awards, they recently toured the UK in support of their latest release. Chris and Diana currently perform an Underground Railroad show, and are developing a History of the Blues show.
Adam Brown Adam Oliver Brown grew up in the Ontario Folk scene
of the 70-80s as a kin of The Friends of Fiddler’s Green. Now he is a folkie in his own right as a co-founder and dancer with the international Maple Morris dance troupe as well as Board member of the Ottawa Folk Festival and ArtsScene Ottawa.
Don Brownrigg Don Brownrigg is one of four directors of the In the
Dead of Winter Festival in Halifax, NS, as well as the music coordinator for the 2011 Canada Games. He is also an active musician, having toured Canada, New England and the UK…and is a former OCFF official showcase artist!
Roddy Campbell Roddy Campbell is the Editor and Publisher of Penguin
Eggs – Canada’s folk, roots and world music magazine. He is a co-founder of the Canadian Folk Music Awards. A published author, he has written for numerous daily newspapers as well Sing Out!, Dirty Linen and fRoots. His comments can be heard on CKUA and CBC Radio.
Les Cooper Les Cooper is a producer, arranger, multi-instrumental-
ist and songwriter from the Greater Toronto Area. His compositions and productions have been featured on television shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, The L Word , Fringe and One Tree Hill. His productions have won several awards including a recent Juno for The Good Lovelies’ most recent album.
Doug Cox For 30 years, Doug has been blessed to work as a pro-
ducer of events and recordings, as a studio and touring musician, as a road manager, as a music teacher and as a media person. Currently, he produces the Vancouver Island MusicFest and works as a touring and session musician.
Conlin Delbaere-Sawchuk Conlin is a passionate performing artist and music
Lene Furuli Lene Furuli started up her management/booking agency
Alexandre De Grosbois-Garand Alexandre is a multi-instrumentalist from Montréal. His
Annie Gallup A lifetime’s dedication to her art has made Annie Gallup
educator. He is devoted to both classical and French Métis singing styles. While completing his Bachelors of Vocal Performance at the University of Ottawa for the last four years, Conlin also toured nationally with his family folk group, the Métis Fiddler Quartet, as their lead singer and guitarist.
first instrument was the electric bass but his growing passion for traditional music made him start playing the wooden flute and the fiddle. As a member of the trad trio Genticorum, he has been touring the world for many years. Since 2008, he also plays bass with the singer-songwriter Mélisande.
Angela Drainville Angela Drainville is the Executive Director of The Gibson
Centre in New Tecumseth, Ontario. The Gibson Centre presents 45 professional touring artists/year through its headline presenting series and its folk program, The Songwriters Showcase. Angela has been an arts administrator for over 10 years and specializes in presenting in rural and isolated communities. She is a member of the CAPACOA Board of Directors, CCI and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Aengus Finnan Aengus is the Ontario Arts Council’s Officer responsible
for the Provincial, National and International Touring program, National and International Residency program, Ontario Arts Presenters programs, and Audience Development portfolio. He spent 8 years as a touring songwriter, was the founder of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, served as Board President of the OCFF, founded the Art Beat community outreach program, worked in Economic Development for the Community Futures program, and has worked throughout both Northern Ontario and the Arctic.
Richard Flohil Richard has worked full-time in the music industry as a
writer, editor, publicist and concert promoter for some 40 years. A former festival artistic director and event coordinator (Mariposa, Southern Comfort Blues Festival), he continues to work with a wide variety of roots music artists, from Loreena McKennitt to Downchild, from Justin Rutledge to Jeff Healey. He was the 2006 recipient of the OCFF’s Estelle Klein Award.
Andy Frank Andy Frank is a broadcaster, writer and filmmaker, owner
of Frankcasting New Media, and co-founder of Roots Music Canada. He is the former manager of the National Broadcast Reading Service, hosted and produced an ambitious morning radio talk show, and championed the careers of dozens of singer/songwriters.
Chris Frayer Chris Frayer has been the Artistic Director for the Jazz
Winnipeg Festival, The West End Cultural Centre, and for the last six years the AD for the Winnipeg Folk Festival. In addition to programming the festival, he is also responsible for a Fall/Winter concert series. The festival also runs a Folk Retreat, Young Performers Program and a Young Artists Program.
SOLID musikk in 2009 after working at the Førde festival and then the Norwegian Traditional Music Agency. SOLID musikk now represents some of the best folk acts with the younger generation musicians in Norway: Majorstuen, Gjermund Larsen Trio, Sigrid Moldestad, Tindra, Skaidi, Spindel...
an icon among people who take songwriting seriously. Unabashedly imaginative and sensual, her elaborate song-length works of fiction crackle with wordplay and pulse with insistent rhythm. Borrowing forms from ancient folk tales to modern poetry, Annie sings over her bluesy guitar figures as if sharing secrets.
Nathan Garber After a singularly unsuccessful career as a folksinger,
Nathan distinguished himself for 30 years as an innovative leader in the nonprofit sector, serving as executive director, board member, and fundraiser for a number of internationally recognized organizations. In recent years, he has been helping nonprofits to strengthen their boards and improve their strategic planning.
Brian Gladstone Brian Gladstone has been involved in the Canadian roots
music scene for thirty-five years as a singer-songwriter, producer, festival director, presenter and activist. He is the founder and festival director of Winterfolk - now going into the ninth year – which has somewhat served as a modern template for emerging off-season festivals. As a semi-retired engineer, Brian now spends his time touring, writing and recording, teaching guitar, and remaining involved in the Canadian roots community.
Eve Goldberg Eve Goldberg is a compelling performer and songwriter
who appears regularly at festivals, theatres, folk clubs, and house concerts across North America. She helps organize The Woods Music and Dance Camp, is a much in-demand teacher, and was one of the founders of Common Thread: Community Chorus of Toronto.
Dan Greenwood Dan has worked on behalf of songwriters and publishers
for over twenty-five years in various roles at SOCAN, where he is currently Vice-President of Corporate Planning and Business Change. Dan holds a BA in economics, studied the music and recording business at the Recording Arts Institute of Canada, and completed an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business.
Mike Hill Mike Hill is the chair of the artistic committee as well
as vice president of the Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia. He has an extensive music background as a teacher. He has written for a number of magazines and newspapers in Canada and the USA, including a weekly column in the Toronto Star.
Frédéric Julien Frédéric Julien has been active in the performing arts
for fifteen years as an artist, an arts administrator, and a consultant. Frédéric has worked with arts presenters at the department of Canadian Heritage, and at Réseau Ontario. The Presenter’s Toolkit is one of several projects that Frédéric currently manages at CAPACOA.
Raven Kanatakta After four years of touring in Canada, the US and Eu-
rope, 2010 Juno Award winners Digging Roots have released their new recording “We Are.” The musical force behind Digging Roots is the chemistry of ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta. Their convergence of styles is Digging Roots’ almost undefinable sound... somewhere blurred between the lines of roots, rock, hip-hop, and blues.
Tamara Kater Daughter of an instrument-builder father and a community
activist mother, Tamara grew up surrounded by musicians and people building community organizations. A passionate music enthusiast, Tamara has worked in arts management and community outreach for more than a decade. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Wolf Kater Building his first guitar at age 12, 50 years ago, for most
of Wolf’s career he produced harpsichords and pipe organs. His ukeleles, initially a school construction project, are now being built at folk festivals and clubs. Wolf is also the artistic director of the Ormstown Branches & Roots Folk Festival.
Keely Kemp Keely Kemp worked in the music business for ten years,
followed by a foray into the digital world of web-based media, before accepting her current position. At OMDC, Keely develops and delivers programs and initiatives to encourage growth for Ontario’s thriving music industry. She also works to find new cross-sector partnerships and revenue opportunities for the music industry with film and television, publishing and interactive digital media industries in Canada and abroad.
ShoShona Kish ShoShona Kish is a multidisciplinary artist who has fused her art school training with her first loves, music and songwriting. She is the co-creator and front woman for the Juno-nominated group Digging Roots. In addition to her work with the band she is also a passionate advocate for First Nations arts and arts education.
Larry LeBlanc Larry LeBlanc’s roots in Canada’s folk community reach
back to the late ‘60s when he contributed to such CBC Radio programs as Sunday & Friends, Folk Circle and Touch the Earth. In the 1970s he was music producer of CBC’s Morningside and Dayshift programs. Larry was the Canadian bureau chief of Billboard from 1991-2007. With his wife, radio promoter Anya Wilson, Larry also operates the publishing firm Brycemoor Music.
Anne Lederman Anne Lederman is a fiddler, singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist strongly rooted in several musical traditions. She has her own band, Fiddlesong, and has recorded four CDs, composes and performs for theatre, is known for her research on Canadian music, and is the founding Artistic Director of Worlds of Music Toronto.
Bob Ledrew Bob is a far better appreciator than creator of music. In
2007, he and his partner Cathy started Bobcat House Concerts, the hobby that ate their lives. They now present 8-9 concerts per year and have an endless list of dream performers, starting with Danny Michel.
Paul Loewenberg Paul has served on the OCFF’s Board of Directors for the past five years. He books one of Canada’s bestknown live music venues, The Townehouse Tavern, and is the Chair and Artistic Director for the Northern Lights Festival Boréal.
Chris Lusty Chris Lusty is the President of the Mariposa Folk Foundation. In the eight years that Lusty has volunteered with Mariposa he has done marketing, photo doc, setup, served on the board and been the president (for three years last time). When not volunteering, Lusty is a husband, a father, an engineer and an MBA candidate.
Michael MacDonald Michael B. MacDonald is an Ethnomusicologist at the
University of Alberta. He is currently working on a postdoctoral research project on Canadian Folk Music. His areas of research include folk festivals, social movements, and popular music with emphasis on the relationship between art, community, and cultural industries. He has published articles and given public lectures on the politics of folk music, cultural sustainability, and the aesthetics of cultural and social ecology.
Magoo Magoo is a songwriter, performer, stage host, and festival
organizer. Kirk Elliott and Magoo have produced four funfilled family CDs, including “Mars Rocks!”, a Canadian Indie Awards Family Album of the Year. He is the chair of ArtsCan Circle, an organization that links native youth with creative artists.
Frank Marstokk Frank Marstokk is a Norwegian music business veteran and musician, producer, songwriter, manager, etc. He has lived most of his life in Copenhagen, Denmark, but is now working mainly in culture related business developments in the north of Norway. Frank represents Folk Alliance International in Europe.
Arthur McGregor Arthur McGregor is the founder and director of the Ottawa
Folklore Centre. He performs as a solo and as part of the children’s touring group The Celtic Rathskallions. Arthur is a founding director of the Canadian Folk Music Awards and FolkWalk. He’s interested in Ottawa’s musical and neighbourhood communities.
Scott Merrifield A founder and past Artistic Director of Northern Lights
Jory Nash Jory Nash is a Toronto-based singer songwriter who
Festival Boréal, Scott was also involved in OCFF in its early days and gave workshops at early conferences. Since 1992, he has been presenting 6-10 house concerts per year in Sudbury. In 2008, Scott retired from his job as Director of Policy & Planning for FedNor, delivering community-based social and economic development programs throughout Northern Ontario, including extensive work with Aboriginal communities.
blends elements of folk, country, jazz, blues and pop into an original stew of sound. He plays guitar, piano and banjo and has a warm voice and an inviting stage presence. His release, “New Blue Day,” was named 2009 Album of the Year by Penguin Eggs. Jory is the new artistic director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival.
Louis Meyers Meyers has been a musician for 40 years, performing live
He has appeared at numerous Ontario festivals as a singersongwriter, host and performer. David is a Director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, host of the Gordon Lightfoot tribute concert series and a co-founder of the Corktown Ukulele Jam.
and recording on guitar, banjo, and pedal steel guitar. In the 80’s, Meyers was a concert promoter and the primary talent buyer for the Austin’s world famous Antone’s Nightclub in the late 90’s. Meyers is also the co-founder, creator, and former director of SXSW. After leaving SXSW in 1995, Meyers directed several music conferences before taking his current position as ED of the Folk Alliance International organization and conference.
Millie Millgate In January 2009, Millie was appointed to the newly
created position – Export Music Producer, SOUNDS AUSTRALIA. In 2010 she was re-commissioned by the Canadian Consulate to update “The Southern Compass,” a how-to touring guide to Australia & NZ, that is now available as an online resource for Canadian exportready artists.
Paul Mills Paul has been part of the Canadian folk music scene
for over thirty years. He has produced more than 130 albums working with artists like Stan Rogers, Sharon, Lois and Bram, and Ron Hynes. He is a founding partner of Borealis Records and operates his own recording studio, The Millstream. He is also a performing songwriter, instrumentalist and sometime children’s entertainer.
Wendy Moore Wendy Moore is a classical and folk musician, teacher,
and a published children’s author. Her group, The Celtic Rathskallions, have been performing over 100 education shows nationally and internationally at elementary schools, festivals, and theatres for the past 15 years. Wendy performs and manages “Celtic Rathskallions and Orchestra” education shows and mentors musicians in “The art of performing successfully for school children without being eaten alive!”
Rodney Murphy Rodney Murphy is the Education and Outreach Manager
for SOCAN - the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Prior to his current role at SOCAN, Rodney spent 5 years managing the catalogues and performance royalties of SOCAN’s highest earning Country, Rock and Pop members. Rodney has worked for CKCU FM, Sony Music Canada and BBC Radio One in the UK.
David Newland David Newland is the Editor-in-Chief at Canoe.ca.
Tim Osmond Winnipegger Tim Osmond does his darnedest to sur-
round himself with music at all times. As well as being an accomplished bluegrass banjo player and co-founder of Home Routes with Mitch Podolak and Ava Kobrinsky, he also is the creator of “Sunday Drive”, a weekly bluegrass/old-time radio show on CJUM 101.5 at the University of Manitoba.
Blair Packham Blair Packham is possibly best known for the 10 years he spent singing with a popular band called The Jitters who scored some hit songs, including “Last of the Red Hot Fools.” After the band folded, Blair launched a career composing music for film and television, though he still writes songs and releases them sporadically.
Roch Parisien Roch produces and programs the Galaxie Folk/Roots
Channel for the Galaxie Network and serves as a representative for Galaxie’s Rising Stars Program, which contributes funds to help develop new Canadian talent. Through his consulting company Rocon Communications, Roch is also an award-winning music critic, consultant, and archivist.
Katharine Partridge Katharine volunteered as business and production man-
ager for Shelter Valley Folk Festival’s first five years and served as Chair of its inaugural board. She has given presentations on governance, board/staff relationships, and green initiatives at OCFF and Folk Alliance conferences. Katharine is a communications and stakeholder engagement specialist, managing a Toronto-based boutique consultancy advising international clients on sustainability issues.
Stephanie Pierre The Scout Promotion owner worked as a photogra-
pher, copywriter and graphics designer for advertising agencies before she started as a freelancer for various record labels. She is very active as a speaker at music conventions. Until 2006, Stephanie was a board member of Music Manager’s Forum Germany. She and three music biz colleagues planned and organized the Berlin Popkomm showcase “Kick It Like Canada” (featuring Canadian rock talent) for 4 years.
Mitch Podolak Mitch’s career in folk music and broadcasting began
when he was a teenager. Podolak hosted CBC Radio’s Simply Folk from 1987-1991. He primarily conceived and implemented the Winnipeg and Vancouver Folk Festivals, Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, West End Cultural Centre and Barnswallow Records. He also assisted in the formation of the Edmonton and Calgary Folk Festivals, and the Stan Rogers Folk Festival.
Tom Power Tom Power is a musician, broadcaster and writer, raised
and based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Tom hosts Deep Roots on CBC Radio 2, which focuses on playing the best in contemporary folk music. As a musician, Tom leads his own band, The Dardanelles, who have generated significant buzz in their short time together.
Don Quarles As a songwriter and event producer of over 20 years,
Quarles is passionate about helping Canadian songwriters. He was a regional workshop coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a participant in the School Alliance of Student Songwriters. Quarles sits on the National Advisory Board of FACTOR and is the Executive Director of the Songwriters Association of Canada.
Corin Raymond Corin Raymond is a Toronto-based worker-in-song who
believes in this living, even when it’s a hard way to go. Corin keeps busy as himself, with The Sundowners, and as half of The Undesirables. He is also a writer of fiftyword bios, but that’s not enough to
Nicole Rochefort Presently the Director of Touring Operations for Kids’
Entertainment (Toronto), Nicole has been contributing to the Canadian performing arts industry since 2000. Her past experience includes Performing Arts & Community Coordinator for the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, production assistance, stage management, artist development. As a booking agent with LiveTourArtists, Nicole represented Canadian recording artists of various musical genres.
Ken Rooks The Canmore Folk Music Festival is Alberta’s longest
running folk music festival. Ken Rooks has been the Director/Artistic Director of the Canmore Folk Music Festival for the past 20 years and with his leadership, the festival has grown from a one-day event to a four-day event that features national & international artists.
Anya Siglin Anya Siglin has been the Program Director of The Ark in
Ann Arbor, MI since January 2009. She has acquired a tremendous knowledge of and love for music, performers and the folk scene in general. Anya hires all the talent and evaluates potential future performers. She also books the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, now in its 34th year.
Debbie Slade The Director for the Centre for the Arts, Brock U. since
1987, Debbie is responsible for the day-to-day activities of two venues, including the administration, development and promotion of the Centre. Debbie has served as a jury member for the evaluation of grants for the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council, and taught classes and workshops in arts administration. In May 2001, Debbie was awarded the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Arts and Culture.
Ariane Spiekermann Ariane Spiekermann runs The Red House Agency, an
international tour booking and tour production agency based in Berlin, Germany. As a liaison specializing in publicity and media promotion, she has many years of experience in festival and venue management, tour pre-production and booking and touring jazz and world music artists. The Red House offers a complete booking service and production co-ordination for live music acts planning to tour the European Market.
Phyllis Stenson Phyllis has been the artistic director of the Harrison
Festival in B.C. for the last 28 years. The ten day event has focused on culturally diverse music and dance since its inception. The organization also presents ten concerts during the year. She is a co-founder of WRAD, the Western Artistic Directors of Roots Music Festivals, now in its 12th year.
HAVE YOU MOVED..? …or has your contact information changed? Please take a moment to send us your new details, by e-mail (admin@ocff.ca) or by snail mail to:
OCFF 508-B Gladstone Avenue Ottawa, ON K1R 5P1 Be sure to include your name, postal address, phone number, e-mail address and website, as well as any business contact information. Thanks for helping us keep our records straight!
Volker Steppat Volker Steppat is with Public Radio Bremen/Nordwestra-
dio in Germany. He is a producer and presenter of 250 radio shows per year, dedicated to roots music, folk, jazz, and blues. In addition, he produces around 75 live radio concerts every year and has been working since 1970 as a concert producer. In the late 70’s he was employed as a product manager for Phonogram and Columbia Records.
Bill Stunt The Production Manager of the CBC Radio Music Depart-
ment, Bill oversees the planning and implementation of all major initiatives in the music department for Radio 2. Bill was a producer in the department for 20 years, producing concert recordings with a particular interest in roots music. He had a significant hand in promoting a whole generation of Canadian roots musicians and hosted many CBC shows including Bandwidth, Heartland and Global Village.
Ember Swift Ember Swift has released 10 albums and 1 DVD since 1996 through her own label “Few’ll Ignite Sound.” Known for her eclectic music styles, her most recent project LENTIC is a merging of Eastern and Western music inspired by journeys to China since 2007. LENTIC means “living in still waters,” the opposite to the literal meaning of her given name. A conscious reinvention. Music as its expression.
John Switzer John Switzer is a Toronto-based independent record pro-
ducer. He has produced records for Jane Siberry, Andrew Cash, The Grievous Angels, Rita Chiarelli and The Waltons, among many others, and several of his productions have been nominated for and/or won JUNOs, Canadian Folk Music Awards and Aboriginal Music Awards. He has recently worked with Evalyn Parry and David Celia. John is also the Coordinator of Seneca College’s Independent Music Production Program.
Ian Tamblyn Ian Tamblyn has been writing since the age of seventeen. He has released 32 CDs and albums – all independently – and has received and been nominated for several awards including the OCFF Estelle Klein award (2002). In 2007 and 2009 Ian held teaching and guiding positions in the Canadian Arctic with a group called Students on Ice. For 12 years Ian worked in schools through MASC.
Linda Tanaka Linda has worked in the “roots” music industry in the
interior of British Columbia for the past twenty-five years. She is the Artistic Director of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and an active member of the Western Roots Artistic Directors. She has served on many juries and is a recipient of a 2006 British Columbia Achievement Award.
Jan Vanderhorst Jan has hosted Just Us Folk on CKPC-FM 92.1 in Brant-
ford since 1981. The show’s focus is on acoustic roots music, both traditional and contemporary. During these 29 years, Jan has interviewed established and up-andcoming performers at festivals and in studio. He has also written artist profiles for Fast Folk Musical magazine and Tower of Babel.com.
Suzie Vinnick Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award nominee and 6X
Maple Blues Award winner, Suzie Vinnick has also twice won 1st place in the Blues Category of the International Songwriting Competition - in 2010 for the song Sometimes I Think I Can Fly, co-written with Dan Kershaw, and in 2005 for the song The Honey I Want, co-written with Liz Tansey and David Leask.
Katherine Wheatley Katherine has been a regular at folk festivals, concert
series and clubs across Canada since the release of her first CD. As well as her own career, she is a member of the Toronto band, Betty and the Bobs and a guitarist in Wendell Ferguson’s trio “The Smoking Section.” Katherine’s music has been used for documentaries, tv series and films.
David Wilkes David Wilkes started in the music business at the The
Bitter End Café. He discovered and became the first manager of Barry Manilow, Emmy Lou Harris and Jerry Jeff Walker. David joined Sire and then Vanguard Records as VP of A&R, booked Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, Emmy Lou Harris and John Denver, and started his own label, Shanachie/Cachet Records. In 1995, David joined Mercury Records in an A&R capacity. David became VP of Koch Records in 2002 and remains a senior A&R consultant.
Aaron Zon Aaron began working for Music Manufacturing Services
(MMS) in 1990. By 1995, he had been instrumental in expanding MMS into the US market place and developing a new clientele in the corporate world for CD-ROM and special products. Now as VP of MMS, Aaron helps run the business but also stays involved with customers in order to ensure that they get the high level of service they have come to expect.
2010 Mentors Robyn Boyd Shawna Cooper Karyn Ellis Lene Furuli Linda McRae Mike Regenstreif Ember Swift Michael Wrycraft Sign up at registration area
THE OCFF PRESENTERS PROGRAM by OCFF Staff
The OCFF Presenters Program is now in its fourth year and continues to bring regional, national and international presenters to the conference to see showcases, network with peers and provide professional development for delegates. This program is supported by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) in a partnership with Folk Music Canada and CAPACOA. The 2010 Presenters Program was organized and will be coordinated at the conference by Folk Music Canada (FMC). FMC is dedicated to building strong relationships with organizations from across the country, and is delighted to be working closely with the OCFF to bring festivals, presenters and industry professionals together to develop markets, network with peers and the participate in this celebration of folk music. CAPACOA (Canadian Arts Presentation Association) is pleased to be able to partner with the OCFF on this year’s Presenters Program. CAPACOA has implemented a variety of on-going strategies that help to bring festival and series presenters together, such as this initiative - in order to experience new work, build relationships and identify common ground. The program’s objectives are to target, stimulate and facilitate business and mentoring relationships between professionals working in the folk, roots and traditional music industry in Ontario and national and international markets. Other goals include:
• P r o v i d i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l market-development and export preparedness training opportunities; • Supporting the export of Ontario-made music on a national scale and Canadianmade music on a global scale; • Increasing the trade activity of OCFF members while increasing overall market demand for live and recorded folk and roots music; • Increasing the number of OCFF members exporting high-quality, market-ready product. This year the Presenters Program feature 20 or more presenters, agents, and industry professionals. These people are key workers in cultural industries who have a keen interest in (or profound curiosity about) Ontarian/Canadian folk and roots music. Presenters Program participants are committed to exploring and developing sustainable business relationships with conference delegates. OCFF delegates are encouraged to meet and speak with these guests, who will also be participating on panels and in mentoring sessions throughout the conference weekend. Please join us in welcoming these delegates to the OCFF Conference! At the time of program printing, our Presenters Program guests include:
• Shelah Allen, Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Lunenburg, NS • Ben Anderson, Prescott Park Arts Festival, Portsmouth, NH • Erin Barnhardt, Folk Music Canada, Halifax, NS • Don Brownrigg, In the Dead of Winter, Halifax, NS • Doug Cox, Vancouver Island Folk Festival, Vancouver Island, BC • Angela Drainville, The Gibson Centre, Alliston, ON • Chris Frayer, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg, MB • Lene Furuli, SOLID Musikk, Oslo, Norway • F r a n k M a r s t o k k , F o l k Alliance International, Denmark • Louis Meyers, Folk Alliance International, Memphis, TN • Millie Millgate, Sounds Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia • Tim Osmond, Home Routes, Winnipeg, MB • Ken Rooks, Canmore Folk Festival, Canmore, AB • Anya Siglin, The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI • Debbie Slade, Brock Centre for the Arts, St. Catharines, ON • Ariane Spiekermann, Red House Agency, Berlin, Germany • Phyllis Stenson, Harrison Festival of the Arts, Harrison Hot Springs, BC • Volker Steppat, RadioBremen, Bremen, Germany • Linda Tanaka, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver, BC • David Wilkes, Koch Records, New York, NY
Bonne route ! Le Conseil des arts de l’Ontario offre des subventions pour des tournées provinciales, nationales et internationales ainsi que pour des résidences au pays et à l'étranger. Nos programmes aident les artistes de l’Ontario à défricher de nouvelles pistes, à faire progresser leur travail, à explorer de nouvelles idées et à présenter leurs œuvres. Si vous êtes prêt à prendre la route pour vous produire à l’extérieur de votre ville, de votre région ou de la province, le CAO peut vous aider. Des subventions de tournée sont accessibles aux artistes professionnels et aux organismes artistiques de toutes les disciplines pour des tournées de spectacles, d’expositions et d’activités artistiques. Il y a deux programmes : Tournées ontariennes Pour des engagements en Ontario Tournées nationales et internationales Pour des engagements à l’extérieur de l’Ontario Vous avez besoin de souffler un peu ? de retrouver votre vision artistique ? de renouveler votre expression créative ? de passer un moment privilégié avec un mentor ? Le CAO peut vous aider à réaliser vos souhaits. Les subventions de résidence donnent aux artistes de l’Ontario la possibilité de se ressourcer et de se consacrer à des initiatives de création pendant une période de 4 à 12 semaines. Il y a deux programmes : Résidences nationales et internationales Pour des projets de développement, de renouvellement et d'échange artistiques Résidences d’artistes Ontario-Québec Pour des résidences de création et de perfectionnement professionnel au Québec Si vous voulez en savoir plus sur les dates limites de 2011 et la présentation d’une demande, consultez le CAO en ligne ou contactez Aengus Finnan, responsable des tournées et du développement de l’auditoire, 1-800-387-0058, poste 7466 / afinnan@arts.on.ca.
Calling All Writers
Do you have a story that you want to share with our readers? Is there an issue that you feel needs addressing? We welcome submissions (500 words or fewer) and photos. While we cannot guarantee that all submissions will be published, we will read everything that is sent to us. Please send submissions in text format only, and send low-res versions of any photos that you think might be appropriate accompaniments to your piece. *If you have an idea for a longer piece, please contact the office and speak to the OCFF’s Executive Director, Peter MacDonald.
Check out the late night jams: Thursday, midnight 101 Bar and Bytown Room Friday and Saturday, 11:30pm Bytown Room and Penthouse Lobby
Hello my friends. Michael here wishing you a fantastic OCFF Conference. I’d like to interrupt my snazzy ad to ask for your creative help. I would like you to be part of a grand Music/Art Project I plan to unveil at the 25th Anniversary OCFF Conference in 2011 and at the opening reception of the recently confirmed Man Called Wrycraft Archive at McMaster University. I am creating a Limited Edition Series of large-format Art Prints celebrating CANADIAN MUSICIANS. They will be more elaborate and intricate versions of this “folk art format”. There will be six prints in the first Series: ACOUSTIC GUITAR, ELECTRIC GUITAR, FIDDLE, BANJO, MANDOLIN and TROUBADOR. Each of the elaborate handcut designs will be created from the actual names of the BEST CANADIAN MUSICIANS in each category To ensure I DON’T MISS A NAME I’m asking you to send me an e-mail with your Top 5 or 10 picks in each category. Be as detailed or not as you wish but PLEASE follow this format. In the subject line in all caps put MUSIC ART PROJECT that’s it. Thanks in advance for your help. Send to: michaelwrycraft@rogers.com and please visit: www.wrycraft.com
NEW MEMBERS The OCFF welcomes the following new Members who joined us since the last issue of Folk Prints. New Individual Members – ONTARIO Jamie Anderson, Ottawa Njacko Backo, Toronto Josef Balazic, Richmond Hill Ann Barker, Barrie Nancy Beaudette, Williamstown Tricia Brubacher, Elmira Carolynne Colbeck, Ottawa Nicole Colbeck, Ottawa Cris Cuddy, Janetville David Curtis & Krow Fischer, Norwood Ian Davies, London Kathy Dorner & Danny Sullivan Family, Maberly Mike Essoudry & Megan Jerome, Ottawa Mollie Fisher & Glenn Hubbers, Aurora Robert Graham, Brockville Richard Henderson & Marion Myers, Port Perry Dan Henshall, Waterloo Cathy & Darren Hutchings, Mississauga Gillian Kirkland, Ottawa Lise Larocque, Perth Judith Laskin, Toronto Allison Lupton, Cambridge Elyssa Mahoney, Nepean Kaleigh Mason, Stratford
Deb Maybury, Toronto Callie & Deborah McCullough, Stratford Jayne Mitchell, Toronto Jacob Moon, Hamilton Karen Morand, Windsor Lisa Poushinsky, Ottawa Melanie Reid, Greely Amanda Rheaume, Ottawa Louis-Philippe Robillard, Ottawa Joan Robinson, Almonte Bill Rymer & Kimberly Rose Mallett, Toronto Lara Schat-Zeyl, London Elizabeth Shepherd, Toronto Nathan Smofsky, Oakville Jessica Stuart, Toronto Josh Taerk, Toronto Nicolas Tjelios, Guelph Rena Upitis, Yarker Ben Veneer, Toronto Mark Watson, Toronto Jeremy Zeyl, Toronto Leanna Zeyl, Toronto Diana Zitmanis, Toronto Roger Zuraw, Toronto New Organizational Members Barrie Folk Society, Barrie Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival, Burlington Folkus Music Series, Clayton Junction Music and Studio, Baltimore LAMA (Letting Artists Make Art), Guelph Music in the Wood, Rockwood
St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage Performances, Morrisburg The Wanted, Toronto New Out-of-Province Individual Members Briga, Montreal, QC Del Barber, Winnipeg, MB David Cool, Montreal, QC John Cruz, Honolulu, HI Darcie Deaville, Manchaca, TX Melisa Devost, Vancouver, BC Ingrid Gatin, Winnipeg, MB Leela Gilday, Yellowknife, NT Tom Harris, Victoria, Australia Ariane Mahryke Lemire, Edmonton, AB Marc Maziade, Montreal, QC Eileen McGann, Mill Bay, BC Michelle Richard, Vancouver, BC Thom Swift, Halifax, NS Aspen Switzer, Nelson, BC Melissa Trottier, Montreal, QC Leslie Truglio, Honolulu, HI Ann Vriend, Edmonton, AB Little Toby Walker, Denville, NJ Bill Werthmann, Edmonton, AB New Out-of-Province Associate Organizational Members GroundSwell Music, Halifax, NS La Compagnie L’Arivée Cabot Champagne, Montreal, QC Mattie Music Inc., Halifax, NS Roadmap Music, Coldstream, BC The Wilson Agency, Aylmer, QC Willy Blizzard, Vancouver, BC
Thank You To Our Volunteers The Board and staff of the OCFF would like to thank the many volunteers who give their time and efforts to make sure the conference runs smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you! Thanks! Brianna Aird Margaret Almack Jamie Anderson Anna Atkinson Matthew Bailey Lesley Marie Boileau Jen Bruce Chloe Charles Uzma Chowdhury Jonathan Davis James Dean Melisa Devost Paul Dobranski Jeff Edwards Gary Eisenhammer Ivy Farquhar-McDonnell
Justice Firdawsi Karen Flanagan McCarthy David Friend Lucas Gadke Linda Grenier Annette Groves M. Hamilton-Silcoff Susan Head Tricia Hurst Devin Johnstone Michelle Josef Julia Kater Fred Keitel Gillian Kirkland Kathy Krywicki Jannet Lea
Kim Logue Bill Marshall Samantha Martin Fiona McCairley Tina Elizabeth McKenzie Sam McLellan Jim Mountain Ashley Newall Sonny Ochs Robertson Partridge Ravi Philar Tara Porter Steve Pritchard Vicky Rao Joan Robinson Steve Robinson
Sheila Ross Ben Rough Elizabeth Scriven Ian Scriven Brian Silcoff Margaret Stowe Jessica Stuart Gautam Subra Steve Tennant Susan Tennant Mateo Tomlinson Karen Treleaven André Woltemade Doug Yonson Peter Zanette Olga Zuyderhoff
EXHIBIT HALL The OCFF would like to thank the following organizations for participating in our small yet vital Exhibit Hall. Exhibit Hall hours this year are Saturday, October 16 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Acoustic Avenue Ted Crouch Salmon Arm, BC www.acousticavenue.ca ArtsCan Circle Carol Teal Newmarket. ON www.artscancircle.ca BerLen Music Jack Cooper Guelph, ON www.berlenmusic.com
Manitoba Music Sean McManus Winnipeg, MB www.manitobamusic.com Mattie Music Inc. Ray Mattie Halifax, NS www.pogey.ca
Big Rock Brewery Brendan Merritt Calgary, AB www.bigrockbeer.com
Music Manufacturing Services Aaron Zon Toronto, ON www.musicmanufacturing.com Near North Music Frank Hoorn Smithers, BC www.nearnorthmusic.com
Bon Débarras / Christine Tassan Claudette Morin Montreal, QC www.productionssageca.com
SL Feldman Tom Kemp Toronto, ON www.slfa.com
Borealis Records Bill Garrett Toronto, ON www.borealisrecords.com
SOCAN Craig Brockie Toronto, ON www.socan.ca
Dare to Care Records Sonia Bergeron Montreal, QC www.daretocarerecords.com
Songwriters Association of Canada Don Quarles Toronto, ON www.songwriters.ca
Folk Music Canada Erin Barnhardt Halifax, NS www.folkmusiccanada.ca Folquébec Dave Cool Montreal, QC www.folquebec.com
Top Quark Productions Trevor Mills Etobicoke, ON www.topquarkproductions.ca Wooden Ship Productions Robyn Boyd Chatham, NY www.woodenshipproductions.com
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2011 FA Conference Logo design by A Man Called Wrycraft www.wrycraft.com
CANADIAN ARTS PRESENTING ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DES ORGANISMES ARTISTIQUES
CULTURE COL ABORATION OF DE LA
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NOV 5 – 8,2010 5 AU 8 NOV 2010 THE WESTIN OTTAWA CAPACOA.C A 23RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE 23ÉME CONFÉRENCE ANNUELLE
www.acousticavenue.ca
SHOWCASE Bill Bourne
Old Man’s Beard
Aspen Switzer
Aimie Laws
Graham Playford
THURSDAY OCTOBER 14, 2010 CAPITALE ROOM - 9:00pm
The Estelle Klein Award was designed and created by Ontario luthier Glen Reid
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