Good-bye and Thank You to Our First Executive Director
Winter 2008
Annual membership fees: One Year: Organizations: - Individual $42.00 - Small/ NFP $105.00 - Partner $78.75 - Medium $131.25 - Youth $26.25 - Large $183.75 - Family $99.75 - Lifetime $625.00 Festivals interested in membership, please call the office.
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Ontario Council of Folk Festivals 410 Bank Street, Suite 225, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y8 Phone: 1-866-292-6233 Fax: 613-560-2001
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ontario council of folk festivals
Board of Directors 2007/08 2007 – 2008 Board of Directors Aengus Finnan...................................... finnan@eagle.ca Karen Flanagan McCarthy.....kfm@mccarthymedia.com Richard Flohil................................. rflohil@sympatico.ca Ellen Hamilton..................................ellenh@kingston.net Dan Kershaw...................................kershawd@socan.ca Dennis Landry............................... dennis@thinknorth.ca Paul Loewenberg.................... artistic@nlfbsudbury.com Peter MacDonald....................peter@nutshellmusic.com Paul Mills................................. paul@themillstream.com Nicole Rochefort............... nicolerochefort@hotmail.com Suba Sankaran............................ suba@autorickshaw.ca Candace Shaw.......................... ptbofolkfest@gmail.com Jan Vanderhorst..........................justusfolk@rogers.com
Staff
Executive Director - Erin Benjamin General Manager - Jennifer Fornelli
Office Administrator - Jessica Van Dusen Youth and Community Outreach Coordinator - Erin Barnhardt
Phone 1.866.292.6233 or 613.560.5997 Fax 613.560.2001 info@ocff.ca www.ocff.ca Mailing address: 410 Bank Street, Suite 225 Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y8 Printing and Layout by Orion Printing Cover photo by David Wiewel
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The president’s voice
prepare to bid farewell to the OCFF’s first Executive Director and hire and welcome a new leader to the helm. The OCFF will engage members in a variety of Stakeholder Research initiatives for the first time. The Board will call on individuals to become involved in committees and various initiatives, including the ‘greening’ of the OCFF conference and organization. The OCFF will also settle into a consistent conference venue for the first of three years in Ottawa which, in the hands of the Conference Steering Committee and staff, means being able to fine-tune the delivery of our signature event. Finally, the Board has targeted the 2008 conference as the delivery date of its first Annual Report, which will include a summary of the Stakeholder Research, all of which will inform the development of strategic plans for the 2009-2011 terms. While it sounds like a lot of intense work and ambition, none of it would have been possible, nor does any of it compare to the labour and love that has been invested in the OCFF by one person in particular over the past decade: Erin Benjamin. Erin has been a pivotal part of the growth of the OCFF as an artist, a Board member and as our long-serving
and inaugural Executive Director. As a result of her work towards the OCFF’s development, our community of Festivals has certainly become richer, stronger and more connected. So, Erin, it is on behalf of the entire Board, staff, and our community that I bid you a fond farewell, and express heartfelt thanks for the deep passion, vision, and leadership that you brought to the role of Executive Director, to our organization, to our sliver of the industry and, most importantly, to the countless Festivals, organizations, artists and individuals your work with the OCFF has supported. We are forever grateful. All the best in your new cultural and administrative endeavours with CAPACOA, and congratulations! Most sincerely, Aengus Finnan Board President, OCFF
Photo by David Wiewel
Happy New Year. No better time to reflect on where we have come from and where we are going. 2007 saw many changes for the OCFF. The Board of Directors and staff addressed a number of critical financial items to ensure health and sustainability, including carefully considered changes to conference registration and membership fees, fundraising initiatives, and the selection of a new accountant. 2007 also brought growth in membership, success in securing core funding and program support, a higher international profile, and new levels of advocacy on behalf of our members (particularly with granting agencies, Parliament, and our national broadcaster). The success of the 21st annual conference was augmented by an incredible increase of participation in the Board election process, a stunning increase in conference survey responses, and very fruitful discussion between members, staff and the Board around both concerns and ideas, all of which has been duly noted by the new Conference Steering Committee. As we begin 2008, there are as many changes on the horizon as in the rearview mirror. We
by Aengus Finnan
Executive Director’s Message by Erin Benjamin
I suppose I knew that this day would come, I just wasn’t sure exactly when. After 7 years as Executive Director (and as a board member for two years before that, and as a musician amongst you for several more before that), I have decided to leave the OCFF. I have accepted the position of Executive Director at CAPACOA (Canadian Arts Presenting Association / l’Association des canadiennes organism artistque) in Ottawa, working on behalf of the national performing arts sector. I begin my time with them on March 3rd, remaining at the OCFF through the month of February. Part of me still doesn’t believe I’m doing this, really. I know that turnover is healthy for every organization… Executive Directors should move on eventually so that new vision and energy can be absorbed, new directions and ideas combined with the present to make for a stronger future. The amazing thing is, I have always felt so accepted by this community, I haven’t even considered moving on, even when other opportunities have come up. The staff and Board have made my professional life such a joy that every day feels – and this is going to sound goofy, but it’s entirely true – totally positive and full of possibilities. I even like writing all the final reports for government after the conference! Ok, that might not be totally accurate, but I have come to appreciate the importance of the day-to-day,
along with the ‘big picture’ stuff that keeps me motivated. It’s been a little hard to see myself elsewhere… But, I – along with my “John Ralston Soulmate” and very best friend Richard Davis, have decided together that change is good. Good for us and our family – and good for the OCFF. I know that whoever the incoming ED is, they will begin where I have left off. They will challenge, question, take risks and push the boundaries to continue to take us further as a community. They will strengthen, create opportunities, strike a balance, and make progress. They will come to know you – amiable members, as I have – *by far* the most passionate, persuasive, engaged, committed group of people working in Canadian music today. It is because of you that I worked hard here, that I wanted to work hard. I see each of us in the other, and through this work I – even though it was entirely by accident – found my place on this planet… Lots of things are easy when you love your job. And it’s easy to love your job when you have people around you who support, understand and add to your own efforts. Jennifer – I have felt like the luckiest human alive to have been able to come to this office everyday and find you here. You are as important to me as a friend as you are to the OCFF. May they enjoy the benefits of your profound abilities for many, many years to come.
There are so many people to thank who have taught me, told me, showed me, steered me, led me, questioned me, supported me, pushed and pulled me and guided me along the way: Sam Baardman, Warren Robinson, Mark Palumbo, Mitch Podolak, Jowi Taylor, Marni Thornton, Kevin Walters, Gerri Trimble, Dennis Landry, Phyllis Stenson, Dan Kershaw, Alfredo Caxaj, Arlene Loney, Katherine Wheatley, Phyllis Barney, Richard Flohil, Erin Barnhardt, Heather Kelly, Aengus Finnan, Blair Packham, Peter MacDonald, Mark Smith, my Mom Denise and my entire family, and most of all … a very short little boy named Oliver Mattawa Baker Benjamin Davis (…just when I thought I knew everything!). I very much plan to find a way to take you all with me to CAPACOA, while bringing CAPCAOA to the OCFF. So this isn’t goodbye really… I’ll have a different desk, and a new office but I will still be out there doing the same work for the same reasons for a community that will include the members of this outstanding, important, pioneering organization. Thank you for everything OCFF… I am a (much) better person for the knowing of you. All of you. erin
Going the distance with Erin by Jowi Taylor You get the feeling that to run an organization means something different for Erin Benjamin than it might for other people. Anyone who has thrown aside a hangover, conference exhaustion and music fatigue and managed to rise for the OCFF Conference’s Sunday morning Erin Benjamin 5K Folk Feet Fun Run will have some idea of what I mean. The event was instituted and named by 2002 Ottawa conference programmer, Chris White. But I suspect that the annual tradition (and name) will continue even now that Erin will be hanging her running gear
in the locker room of the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA) – if only to serve as a reminder of the kind of determination, competitive spirit and winning record Erin Benjamin has brought to the OCFF. In one sense, running is a pretty simple thing: Put one foot in front of the other. Repeat until finish line is reached. But in other ways, it is so much more. It has to do with setting multiple challenges – both short term (until that next street lamp) and long term (completing the course) and always upping the ante (running a marathon, win-
ning the Boston). It involves conditioning, getting the right equipment and people in place to help support your efforts, learning how to pace oneself, how to read the course ahead and – perhaps most importantly – how to enjoy doing it. While I may have picked up the lessons of pacing and endurance in my own work over a couple of EB5KFFFRs, the legendary “runner’s high” has eluded me. For Erin Benjamin, it seems to be the elixir that drives her to crest each hill with such enthusiasm. When Erin began as Executive Director of the OCFF on
January 1st, 2001, she already had a sense of the terrain from a couple of perspectives: that of a working artist on the folk circuit and that of OCFF board member. When she took the ED baton, the organization had 100 members and an annual budget of $30,000. Recognizing that the course ahead was a marathon rather than a sprint she began, certainly, by putting one foot in front of the other but also by doing all those other things as well: getting the right support team in the office; building relationships with other organizations; setting short and long term goals of increased membership, more
funding, and better services for members; more relevant conferences and recognizing that – as the landscape continued to shift for the entire music industry – the finish line would inevitably keep moving so the organization had better be conditioned to rethink the race and its goals as part of its reason for running in the first place. Today, the OCFF boasts 1,400 members and an annual budget of $400,000. The organization is more active, more relevant and stronger than it has ever been. I know Erin wouldn’t want to take credit for all of that. And sure, it has come with
the hard work and dedication of staff, Board and members but it is also because we all have risen to the challenge of the pace she has set, the goals she has strived for and the thrill of the race she has run. Erin Benjamin assumes directorship of CAPACOA on March 3rd, 2008. Four months pregnant with her second child (as of this writing), she continues to run 25K per week. Jowi Taylor is a broadcaster, former OCFF Board Member and creator of the Six String Nation project.
OCFF Sleuths Needed! These men and women are former OCFF Board members or festival reps who have helped our organization become Canada’s largest music organization and an important voice in Canadian folk music. But we can’t find them. Can you help? This list of names is the result of mining our collective aging memory but unfortunately, we haven’t been able to match these names with contact information. And we’d like to bring them back into the fold and get their help in creating a written history of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals. Send whatever information you have (and stories about our organization, too!) to Board member and Secretary, Karen Flanagan McCarthy – kfm@mccarthymedia.com Thanks! Bob Roper Jim Hanmore Joe Ross Karen Eddy Kathleen Dubelaar Mike MacLeod Rebecca Moore Rob Brady Susan Thompson
Celine Audette Jim McMillian John Forster Kathey Smith Marg Killing Patricia Sibley Richard Barry Ron Stadnik Tarry Pagan
Music is the universal language of mankind.
- Longfellow
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THIS LITTLE COW EATS GRASS : The Music and Fun of ART BEAT!
Art Beat is a programme of the OCFF, coincident with the annual conference, in which artists are sent out into the hosting community to share music with people of all ages, from preschoolers to seniors. Most Art Beat visits take place on the Friday or Saturday of the conference. This year, from October 9 to 12, I had the privilege of participating in the EXTENDED version of Art Beat 2007. The shape of the Art Beat experience depends very much on the background and particular skills of the participating artist. Many years ago I taught high school music, but most of my career has been focused on teaching music and movement classes for infants, preschoolers and children in the primary grades. Lately, I have also been leading song workshops for teachers, caregivers and librarians. To my delight, Erin Barnhart (OCFF) coordinated a wonderful Art Beat schedule for me which included several teaching sessions and a workshop. Tuesday & Wednesday: Music sessions for four different
JK/SK classes at Brick Street Public School, London. We sang familiar and new songs, hopped like bunnies and flew like birds. I introduced the sounds of keyboard, pennywhistle and guitar. I also led a song workshop for the kindergarten teachers, which was also attended by the very enthusiastic school principal and school music teacher. Thursday & Friday: A 35 year old group at the Jalna Branch Library and a 2 year old group at the Landon Branch Library. Grownups attended the sessions with their children, and together we did lots of action songs and partner dances, hiding like turtles and marching like elephants. I played some tin whistle for them – and like magic
– the eyes and ears of every child were on me and my whistle. The music I share with young children is mostly folk or folk-based – i.e. music that has been passed down from one generation to the next, or music which has been profoundly influenced by it. I teach action songs, dances and lullabies. They are often filled with fabulous imagery, yet simple to learn and remember. They are part of the larger treasury of folk music we share together in our OCFF community. I wish to thank all of the organizers, teachers and librarians who made my Art Beat experience possible. Cheers to all of the children I met and to their grownups!
Photo by Lyn Thompson
Comments from JK/SK students at Brick St. Public School, London: “This is magic!” “I have a drum at my house.” “What other instruments do you play?” “Do you have any other kinds of flutes?” “I have a bigger piano than yours!” “Those were good songs.” “Come again sometime!”
by Debbie Carroll
Debbie Carroll with students at Brick Street Public School.
Welcome to OCFF’s new Festivals by Richard Flohil and Candace Shaw
Amherst Island Folk Festival
Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games
Well, it may not be Ontario’s largest folk festival, but it is unique. First off, you have to find Stella, which has been described as “the prettiest town in Ontario.” Actually, it‘s better described as a hamlet, and it’s the “capital” of Amherst Island, serenely located in Lake Ontario, and reachable by ferry from Millhaven, a few kilometres west of Kingston. The event will take place Saturday August 16 at The Lodge on Amherst Island — and is the marriage of two events, the spring Airfest Concert and the annual Fall Lamb and Pig Roast, both sponsored by CJAIFM, which calls itself “Amherst Island’s public station.” A distinguished list of Canadian artists have appeared at the Lodge or at CJAI events in the past — John Wort Hannam, Greg Hobbs, Dan Whiteley, Brent and Liam Titcomb, Luther Wright and Jory Nash included. While plans for the first festival this August are still in the works, there’s little doubt that the setting will provide both performers and visitors plenty to keep them busy. The island’s a paradise for bird watchers — it’s well-known for its large owl population. Fishing is plentiful (trout, bass, pike, musky and salmon), and the surrounding area is a delight for sailing enthusiasts. For more information, contact the festival at info@ amherstislandfolkfestival.ca. Applications for the festival are being accepted at CJAI-FM, 5830 Front Road, 5830 Front Road, Stella, ON K0H 2S0. RF
No jokes, please, about sporrans and kilts, tossing the caber, and bagpipes — although you’ll see plenty of all of them if you go to what is one of the biggest festivals in Canada. The Fergus Scottish Festival is the largest event of its kind outside Scotland. It’s also one of Ontario’s largest summer events, drawing more than 30,000 people to the small central Ontario town, tripling the town’s population. And the Scottish festival is also one of Canada’s oldest annual events — it’s been part of the community for 59 years, works with hundreds of volunteers, and offers a packed programme for three days of celebration, sports, Highland dancing and music. The 2008 Festival will be held April 8, 9 and 10. The music component of the event is certainly as Scottish as you could imagine, with a wide range of Celtic music competing with pipers and pipe bands for attention. The late John Allan Cameron, who was “Chieftain” of the event for 20 years prior to his death, is remembered by a major annual concert during the Festival — last year Jann Arden was the attraction. Scotland’s past — and the long history of the Celts — are celebrated in Fergus with energy, laughter, and music, with a reminder of the role the Scots have played in the foundation of Upper Canada and the growth of Ontario. For more information, contact Val Bradley, by phone (519787-0099), or via e-mail at info@ fergusscottishfestival.com. The event’s extensive website is at www.fergusscottishfestival.com RF
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Kala Manjari’s Indiafest
A thunder of footsteps accompanies the rhythmic beat of the dhol; scents of ginger, cardamom, and jeera waft past; and bright saris, embroidered with gold and silver, flow as they move. This is Kala Manjari’s Indiafest, featuring artists, arts and crafts vendors and Indian delicacies. Now in its sixth year, Indiafest is London’s celebration of the wide variety of Indian culture and artistic expression. Kala Manjari, a non‑profit organization dedicated to the celebration of South Asian performing arts, was founded a decade ago to celebrate the 50th anniversary of India’s independence. Indiafest fol- lowed six years later, an outgrowth of the group’s original performance series that showcases local artists working in traditional styles. While the music series, now in its eleventh year, continues to present high quality international touring artists like Canadian favourites Autorickshaw, Indiafest, held in the early to mid-Autumn, has the freedom to present a broad range of talent. From the young girls of a local dance school dancing the Bharatnatyam (prayer dance) to a performance by contemporary virtuoso sitarist Sri Partha Bose, Indiafest features many genres and experience levels. Presentations range from classical Indian instrumental and vocal music to dance dramas featuring over 50 dancers on stage at a time. There are plenty of opportunities for audience participation too: from cooking classes to henna hand and feet painting; sari tying, and yoga classes.
Indiafest draws over 10,000 people to the one-day event in the Covent Garden Market, one of London’s most treasured landmarks (2008 date TBA). Kala Manjari and Indiafest will continue to grow in the future, with strong community and volunteer support and a feast for all of the senses. A terrific celebration of India’s contributions to world culture, and Canada’s great good fortune to have such skilled artists and dedicated organizers! CS Ashkenaz Festival
Drawing on the wisdom of tradition and the creativity of a new generation of performers, Toronto’s Ashkenaz Festival
offers an opportunity to explore some of the best of Yiddish and Jewish culture. Founded in 1995 by a hardworking three-person team, it has grown to become one of the world’s largest celebrations of this culture: its spirit, traditions, and its contribution to the arts in Canada and around the world. The Ashkenaz Festival is a community-based, non-profit organization. It presents a wide range of artistic expression, from music to theatre, dance, visual arts, storytelling and comedy. Co-produced with the Harbourfront Centre, the festival features approximately 60 artists and places a strong emphasis on local and emerging
talent. Fearless programming pushes the boundaries of tradition-based work, bending definitions and embracing new directions and crosscultural exchange with artists from outside Jewish cultural traditions, reminding audiences that culture moves and changes with time. Between festivals, the Ashkenaz Foundation presents a number of world-class musicians at venues throughout Toronto, ranging from Klexmer-Swing act, The Sisters of Sheynville to the Hip-Hop/Experimental act, Socalled. Operating biennially, the 7th Ashkenaz Festival takes place August 26 to September 1, 2008. CS
THANK YOU TO 2007 OUR ART BEAT ARTISTS The OCFF would like to thank the following artist and venues for making this year’s ART BEAT a resounding success! We appreciate the time, energy, knowledge and enthusiasm that you dedicated to making a difference in the London community. Debbie Carroll (extended Art Beat) Catherine McInnes and Yael Wand Bill Bourne and Penny Lang Ed Winacott and Karyn Ellis Drew Gonsalves Richard Knechtal Chris ‘Old Man’ Luedecke Jay Linden and Choirgirlz Chris MacLean and Kulgit Sodhi Jon Brooks Lindsay Ferguson Glenna Garramone Russell Leon Joe Jencks, Helena Nash, Yael Wand Mikel Miller, Kim Beggs Charlie Sohmer, Tannis Slimmon Tricia Hurst, Rosemary Phelan
Brick Street Public School, London Public Library (Jalna and Landon Branch) My Sister’s Place Saunders Secondary School University Heights Public School St. Michael’s School, St. Francis Separate School Tecumseh Elementary School Tecumseh Elementary School Hospice of London Ealing Public School Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School St. Theresa Separate School Lord Roberts French Immersion Public School McGillivray Central Public School Hutton House Waverly Mansion Dearness Home St. Robert Separate School
If you are interested in learning more about the OCFF’s ART BEAT program, please contact Erin Barnhardt at ebarnhardt@ocff.ca or visit our website, www.ocff.ca 11
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on my summer vacation 13
Fiddling around at the conference My brothers and I were unaware of what to expect when we first arrived at the OCFF conference. The only thing we knew for certain was that we would be putting together a short performance for the youth showcase. I had no idea of the overwhelming opportunities the conference offered. Upon arrival, we were briefly introduced to the other youth participants. We were paired to work with Anne Lindsay, a professional musician whose experience in music spans a broad variety of styles and genres. Anne had suggested that I bring a song of mine to arrange. I had a riff, a chorus, and some ideas for a few verses, but nothing formal written on paper at the time. Introductions quickly morphed into a brainstorming jam session. We chose to arrange my song proceeded by a medley of three traditional Métis fiddle tunes. For my song, we decided on inserting melodic lines for the
Photo by David Wiewel
by Nicholas Delbaere-Sawchuk
fiddles and cello when I was not singing, ending the song with an acoustic fadeout. Our arrangement of the traditional tunes included expanding the role of the cello, adding counter-melody to the accompaniment, and organizing the layering of the intros, transitions, and play-outs for each tune. For the performance, I was fortunate to have told the audience that my song was a joke, because Nick’s fiddle slipped during the introduction and he
made the same mistake twice in a passage he had played flawlessly in practice. Our interaction on stage must have seemed comical, because it received applause as I launched into the chorus of my song. The rest of our performance went according to plan. Thanks to the OCFF youth showcase, the experience of working with Anne Lindsay has opened our ears to the limitless possibilities that there are for the performance of our music.
ocff Youth mENTORING by Anne Lindsay The Métis Fiddler String Quartet and I have more than a few threads in common. The four siblings have strong backgrounds in classical and traditional roots music but are interested in exploring new dimensions in string music. From our preliminary email exchanges it was clear that they also had lots of questions about the ‘biz’ - marketing and promotion, agents, management and stage presence. We were a good match and had a lot of ground to cover in two days. When we started to work, their mother Krista was pleas14
antly surprised to find her sons actually listening to me. As a mother of three sons myself, I enjoyed being listened to! First to step up to the plate was the eldest son, Conlin, who had an original song that he wanted to work on. We addressed everything from finalizing lyrics and form, to how the other two strings (violin and cello) could best accompany him. We also worked on a more traditional set of Métis tunes and honed the arrangement to be performed in their Sunday showcase. We spent a lot of time playing and talking, the rest of the
time I encouraged them to hang out wherever there was music happening. Hopefully, next year there will be a youth showcase room in the hotel where groups can rehearse as well as be part of the after-hours showcase scene. It was a very different OCFF for me, with less time to attend panels or mentoring sessions and very little time to hang with my peers, but it was a pleasure to work with such keen and dedicated young players as Conlin, Nicholas and Donton Delbaere–Sawchuk.
Going once, going twice… by Karen Flanagan McCarthy Take a banjo, the honeymoon suite of a Victorian-era B&B, throw in a recording session in a nearby studio, mix in a basket of gourmet goodies and what do you get? One of OCFF’s most successful fundraisers to date, of course! Our first silent auction, another initiative at this year’s conference that is bound to become an annual tradition, drew hundreds of delegates to the eight tables set up near the registration desk at the London Conference Centre. Eight tables were crammed with a plethora of goodies: from several expensive musical instruments to festival and concert series tickets, a pair of Colleen Peterson sketches, gift certificates for massage therapy, even an evening with the Six String Nation guitar. The auction was the brain child of fundraising committee
and (now former) Board members, Laura Bird and Arlene Bishop. “So many companies and individuals came forward to donate to the community and then the community responded by participating wholeheartedly in the auction,” says Arlene. “We reached out to new people, forged new relationships and strengthened ties with old friends by Nicholas DelbaereSawchuk too.” The auction raised $5,000, money that will be put to good use, supporting the OCFF’s programs and services. OCFF members and Directors donated goods and services to our auction, and leaned (gently) on friends, family, business acquaintances, suppliers and the music community, all of whom were quick to support this fundraising initiative.
Heartfelt thanks go to our donors: Escarpment Sound Recording Studio; Headwaters Accoustic Music Series; Shirley and Bob Richardson; Ottawa Folk Festival; City of Ottawa; The 12th Fret Music Store; The Millstream Recording Studio; Leopard Frog Studio; Hillside Festival; Jowi Taylor and the Six String Nation; Hugh’s Room; Ottawa Folklore Centre; Brookstreet Hotel; Elmwood Spa; Autorickshaw; Nutshell Music and Event Management; Loreena McKennitt; Carol Teal; ‘What’s Cookin’; Folkway Music Guelph; R. Tom Tomlinson; Lloyd Greenspoon; CBC; and Jory Nash, who agreed to part with his Wayne Gretsky Team Canada Bobblehead doll. Thanks for the sacrifice!
Looking for a New Year’s Resolution? by Jan Vanderhost
The New Year is a time for reflection for many people. We pause to re-affirm our priorities, or establish new ones. We ask ourselves, “How can I improve my life, my family and my community?” For the Folk community in Ontario, there is a concrete way to make a difference: Consider becoming an OCFF Board member! The official call for nominations, and the nomination form, will come in the Spring issue of Folk Prints, but this is the time to start thinking about it. Three Directors will be elected at the OCFF’s conference in Ottawa this October. Think about having meaningful input into the direction and focus of the OCFF. It’s input that will benefit festivals, artists, presenters and many others who make the Folk scene in Ontario so strong.
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There was singing and dancing and penguins too! by Erin Barnhardt
by David Wiewel
The sound of excited voices filled the London Convention Centre Theatre during the OCFF Conference, as two hundred children from four local daycares and kindergarten classes anxiously awaited the beginning of the annual Family Showcase. This year, the OCFF enlisted the help of a youth jury, comprised of seventeen grade four students from Manor Park Public School in Ottawa, to select the Family Showcase artists. They took the process seriously, voted individually, and split into groups to present their choices to the class. The students chose two fabulous acts: Donna & Andy and Turkey Rhubarb. Donna & Andy’s energetic and creative performance had the students singing about dragons, dancing like penguins and laughing out loud. One
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student from Tecumseh Public School in London said, “I liked how they let us get up and do stuff instead of just sitting quietly!” Turkey Rhubarb kept the students singing and dancing with their presentation of traditional songs for children. Many students sat transfixed by their bright harmonies, while others twirled with a friend. For many of these students, this was an introduction to the mandolin, guitar and sounds of traditional folk and roots music. The Family Showcase was hosted by Dickie Bird, a.k.a. Richard Knechtal, who delighted the audience with his colourful songs and magic tricks! Reflecting back to the fun that he had with Dickie Bird, Cody, age 5, said, “I loved it when he turned me into a bunny. He knows lots of songs”.
The OCFF introduced the Family Showcase in 2006, in response to feedback from presenters in our community. There were many familiar faces from member festivals amidst the smiling faces of the students. The OCFF would like to thank Donna & Andy, Turkey Rhubarb and Dickie Bird for entertaining and inspiring children with their music. Finally, a big thank you to Catherine McInnes, and the teachers and students who made the Family Showcase so lively and fun this year! Presenters interested in booking the 2007 Family Showcase artists can contact them through their websites at: www.turkeyrhubarb.ca and www.donnaandandy.com.
Music file sharing - How to turn a wonderful problem into a beautiful solution Many of you have been watching and listening as the S.A.C. hosted several special panel discussions about a proposal to monetize music file sharing, a concept that is warming up the hearts of many music creators, artists and copyright owners. These sessions have featured industry panelists and speakers such as hit songwriter (and acting President of the S.A.C.) Eddie Schwartz; singer/songwriter and Vice President of the S.A.C., Bill Henderson (UHF, Chilliwack); legal expert and consumer advocate David Fewer (University of Ottawa - CIPPIC); Jean-Robert Bisaillon (SPACQ digital watchdog) and Peter Jenner (Sincere Management, UK). These sessions have been held in Montreal at the Pop & Policy conference during Pop Montreal; in London, Ontario during the OCFF conference and in Vancouver prior to the Transmission conference. These “town hall”-style information sessions have helped in the
development of this proposal, which began taking shape in early 2007. File sharing on peer-topeer networks is by far the most popular way of getting music online. An estimated 1.6 billion music files are swapped on the internet every year in Canada while an estimated 38 million are purchased. That’s 2% paid for and 98% not. The good news is the distribution system is vast and allows music fans to find, download and share virtually any piece of music that was ever available on vinyl, cassette, CD or mp3 with the simple click of a mouse. Bill Henderson, Chair of the S.A.C.’s Advocacy Committee has been one of several songwriters and industry professionals that has been involved in the development of the proposal and describes file sharing activity as a “wonderful problem.” “It’s really a huge volunteer distribution system which simply hasn’t been monetized yet.” Henderson says.
by Don Quarels
Up until now, the focus has been on creating “locks” on the music using technical protection measures (TPM’s) as well as attempting to penalize those who participate in unauthorized downloading. In the meantime, consumers have continued to determine how, when and where they want to listen to music. “All the internet experts that I’ve talked to, both official and self-proclaimed, say that there is no technological cure, no super lock that can be put on music files that makes it impossible to copy and trade them. We can’t control the activity. Peer-to-Peer file sharing is here to stay.” says Henderson. Perhaps, with the help of all music copyright owners (songwriters, recording artists, music publishers and record labels), this wonderful problem will find a beautiful solution. For more information on the S.A.C.’s proposal, visit the website at www.songwriters. ca. Music creators, industry professionals and music fans alike can sign on with their support for the proposal, as well as offer their comments.
OCFF GREEN TEAM Join us on the OCFF Green Team by subscribing to the online Green ENews. It’s a way of sharing ideas and resources about greening our music, our venues, our organization and ourselves. For more information contact: Ellen Hamilton lfrog@kingston.net 17
Because a life’s work should amount to
www.socan.ca
more than this
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Music creators work hard establishing themselves. Sometimes it takes a lifetime. SOCAN customers agree that music adds value to their business. We ensure music creators and publishers are compensated. We license the public performance of music and distribute the royalties to the people entitled to them. To find out if you need a SOCAN performing rights licence, or to become a member, visit our Website or call 1-866-944-6210 today.
what’s right for music la musique a ses droits
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A New Look for the OCFF Board of Directors For many of you, the OCFF is an annual conference: a place where you can showcase your music, hear new acts for your festival or house concert series, and stay up ‘til sun-up jamming your brains out! Well, the OCFF is that, but it’s also so much more! The OCFF is actually the largest music industry association in Canada, a registered not-for-profit organization with a full-time staff and a governing Board of Directors. It is a centre for professional development, funding advice, outreach and advocacy for folk and roots music both in Ontario and nationally. The Board of Directors is central to the organization and is ultimately responsible for setting its direction and ensuring that it is responsibly governed. The Board is also - literally where the buck stops, because it is accountable for the OCFF’s financial health. For most of its 21-year history, many of its members have been largely unaware of this aspect of the organization. Each year, a mail-in ballot would sent out and a very small number
by Paul Mills
(usually 30 or 40 members) would respond. We’ve been fortunate that such an unrepresentative sampling of the membership has resulted in some great people coming onto the Board, but for years we’ve been trying to find a way for more members to get involved in this very important aspect of the organization. Well, we found a way! In addition to the usual mail-in process, this year we decided to have ballot box voting at the conference. This made sense since this is where the OCFF is in bold focus for all and a place where one could actually meet and talk with the candidates. And, it worked! Rather than the usual 30 or 40 ballots, 150 ballots were cast at this year’s election – a significant portion of the membership! Quite a difference, with a result that is much more representative of the membership’s collective wishes. From a very strong slate of candidates, six new Board members were elected to the thirteen-member Board. This is a larger turn-over than most
years where the new Directors usually number three, so it was doubly important that the election process be effective. See the sidebar for a look at the newly-elected Directors, as well as those who continue in their three-year terms. You can contact any of these folks at any time if you have questions about the OCFF, its activities, policies or practices. The OCFF Board of Directors is the heart of the organization and it’s important that it be made up of dedicated people who have a range of experience in our community and the industry as a whole. You’ll be hearing more about this in the coming months from the new chair of the Board Nominating Committee, Jan Vanderhorst. Give it some thought, nominate someone you think would make a good Director, and when it comes time to cast your ballot, do so knowing that you’re helping your OCFF do a better job promoting folk and roots music!
Your Board of Directors New Directors:
Richard Flohil, Toronto - 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 Estelle Klein Award. rflohil@sympatico.ca
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Dan Kershaw, Toronto - Dan brings the experience of a life all wormy with guitars and records to his role as SOCAN Education & Outreach Manager, along with many years as a production coordinator at Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. In addition, Dan writes and performs with Juno-nominated The Brothers Cosmoline, and was the 2002 winner of the OCFF Songs from the Heart songwriting competition. Dan is a passionate believer in the power of late ‘50s Gibson flat-tops. KershawD@socan.ca Paul Loewenberg, Sudbury - Paul has served on the OCFF’s Board of Directors for the past three years and has just been re-elected for an additional three-year term. He books one of Canada’s best-known live music venues, The Townehouse Tavern, and is the Chair and Artistic Director for the Northern Lights Festival Boreal. The 37th annual Northern Lights Festival will take place on July 4,5,6 of 2008 in Bell Park, Sudbury, Ontario. paulfromsudbury@sympatico.ca Nicole Rochefort, Oakville A former agent with Canadian booking agency LiveTourArtists, Nicole was the responsible agent for 15 award-winning recording artists throughout Canada. Her clientele ranged from emerging folk artists to internationally recognized entertainers. An Honours Graduate of the Harris Institute for the Arts, Nicole’s past experience involves production assistance, stage management and artist development. She is currently Member-At-Large on the Executive Committee for the OCFF Board of Directors. nicolerochefort@hotmail.com Candace Shaw, Peterborough - Candace is an arts administrator with a background in music, video, and radio. She’s been promoting and supporting Canadian music for her entire adult life, including a two-year stint as booker/promoter at the Montreal House in Peterborough. Currently, she works at the Peterborough Arts Umbrella, and volunteers as a Director of the Peterborough Folk Festival. She is best known for being an incorrigible bon vivant. candaceshaw@gmail.com Jan Vanderhorst, Kitchener - Jan has hosted “Just Us Folk” on CKPC-FM 92.1 in Brantford since 1981. The show’s focus is on acoustic roots music, both traditional and contemporary. During these 26 years Jan has interviewed established and up-and-coming performers at festivals and in-studio. He has also written artist profiles for Fast Folk Musical magazine and Tower of Babel.com. justusfolks@rogers.com Continuing Directors: Aengus Finnan, Grafton - A songwriter, educator, arts advocate and entrepreneur, Aengus is Artistic and Executive Director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, founding member of the Arts Council of Northumberland, co-founder of “The Way We Feel” (an annual Lightfoot tribute), and founder of the OCFF’s community outreach initiative “Art Beat”. Favourite musical acts: Mute Math, Keane, KT Tunstall & Charlotte Gainsbourg. Favourite foods: grilled eggplant and olive bread. Favourite scotch: Talisker. He serves on the Board as President. finnan@eagle.ca Karen Flanagan McCarthy, Ottawa – Karen has been co-host of the main stage at the Ottawa Folk Festival since its inception in 1994. As president of McCarthy Media Group, her work has taken her from the Arctic to Africa. She prefers single malt scotch from Islay, loves exploring aerial parks and spends an inordinate amount of time looking at the world through a camera lens. Karen is having a great time, serving on the OCFF Board as Secretary. kfm@mccarthymedia.com Ellen Hamilton, Kingston - Songwriter, performer, producer and educator, Ellen is co-owner of Leopard Frog Music, a recording and production studio in Kingston. She volunteers with a number of arts-based projects in the community and runs the Leopard Frog Concert Series in celebration of touring songwriters. Ellen has recorded seven albums of original music and toured internationally with the folk-band Night Sun. lfrog@kingston.net Dennis Landry, Sudbury - Dennis is the Executive Director of Music and Film in Motion (MFM), a nonprofit organisation whose mandate is to develop and promote the music and film industries in Northern Ontario. Prior to that, Landry was the Cultural Consultant with the City of Ottawa’s Arts and Heritage Division. Dennis graduated from the Television Broadcasting program at Algonquin College in 1995. dennis@thinknorth.ca
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Board of Directors (continued) Peter MacDonald, Ottawa - Peter is the President of Nutshell Music & Event Management. Motivated by a passion to see artists better supported in their skill, their art and their careers, Peter has been working full-time in the music and event industry since 2001. Trish and Kate sometimes wonder aloud why he doesn’t play his guitar at home very much. Maybe it’s because of all the OCFF meetings and teleconferences - but how can it be work when it’s so much fun? Currently, Peter is the Treasurer on the OCFF Board. peter@nutshellmusic.com Paul Mills, Toronto - 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” and is also a performing songwriter, instrumentalist and sometimes children’s entertainer. He is currently serving on the OCFF Board as Vice-President. paul@themillstream.com Suba Sankaran, Toronto - DORA award-winning, JUNO-nominated vocalist Suba Sankaran’s musical career began at an early age while studying South Indian classical music and percussion with her father, master drummer Trichy Sankaran. Suba is co-artistic director of the world music ensemble Autorickshaw, vocalist/pianist/percussionist with Trichy’s Trio and sings a cappella 80’s hits with Retrocity. Suba has composed, recorded and produced music for theatre, film, and for south Indian and modern dance. suba@autorickshaw.ca
Past board member Magoo hosts the AGM breakfast. Photo by David Wiewel
NEW MEMBERS Bob Charters – Barrie ON Lisa Marie Kruchak – Toronto ON Michael Lake – Toronto ON Barry McLoughlin – Sioux Lookout ON Faith Nolan – Toronto ON Colin Pilmer – Wainfleet ON Douglas Prest – Dundas ON Kate Rogers – Toronto ON Jessica Rustage Johnston – Peterborough ON Teresa Rutten – London ON Sharlene Wallace – Toronto ON Robert Wilson – Gatineau QC Emily Weedon – Toronto ON John Zytaruk – Toronto ON Family Membership Deborah Brown – Coldwater ON Partners Membership Erica Knight & Kelly Babineck – Cambridge ON New Organizations Sudbury Arts Council
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bigrockbeer.com Big Rock is best enjoyed responsibly.
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