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November 20, 2009 - Cobourg, ON :: Back To Top
Shelter Valley Folk Festival Unveils The Art Project
On December 10th Shelter Valley Folk Festival unveils a special art collection in downtown Cobourg for one night only. Join us for an evening of live music, delicious sustenance, and the discovery of unique and wonderful works donated for a Silent Auction to close our 2009 fundraising campaign.
The Art Project brings together works from Festival performers, local and national personalities, and well known local creators. The proceeds will help support the Festival's year round activities including the "Artists in the Schools" program, Community Concerts Series and Songwriters Showcase providing an opportunity for young talent through learning and experience.
The Art Project
Thursday December 10th
Meet at 66 King Street East in Cobourg
Beginning at 6:30pm
October 1, 2009 - Cobourg, ON :: Back To Top
Shelter Valley team participate in Dragon Boat Races
Northumberland News featured the Shelter Valley Team in a story about the Dragon Boat races held in Cobourg. See the full story here.
September 23, 2009 - Grafton, ON :: Back To Top
Volunteering keeps you young
That's the philosophy of Gord and Joan James, 76 and 71 respectively, and six-year veterans of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, held Labour Day weekend, at the Vernonville Road farm of Tracy and Arnie Henkel.
On Sept. 4, the couple enjoyed the fruits of their labour, as their work as poster crew chiefs was complete, having coordinated the delivery of 2,000 posters advertising the festival across southern Ontario and postering buildings across Northumberland County. They relaxed and got ready to enjoy the music, the art, the harvest food, and the companionship of friends and family.
September 11, 2009 - Cobourg, ON :: Back To Top
Shelter Valley Folk Festival 2009 Raffle Winners
The Shelter Valley Folk Festival, a registered Federal Charity, is pleased to announce the following winners of the 2009 Fundraising Raffle (License #M609334):
| Prize 1 | Family weekend pass SVFF 2010 & t-shirts (2 adults, 2 children) |
| Won by Rebecca Marme | |
| Prize 2 | 17 CD package, Banjo strings |
| Won by Mike Buisman | |
| Prize 3 | Deborah Uman Sures mixed media drawing; Maia Heissler books (Rainbow Drops & Wild Things for the Soul); Rri Povey Rrijoice Tie Dies adult t-shirt |
| Won by Jackie Sherry | |
| Prize 4 | Lucien Gagnon Sacred Sculpture Reclamation; Naomi Assenheim Opal Wing Creations jewellery |
| Won by Lorraine Brown | |
| Prize 5 | Gail LaCasse 16 x 20 matted print; Monika Becker earrings |
| Won by Judy Jordan | |
| Prize 6 | Susan Staniforth gourd vessel; Sharon Foster glass crush earrings and pendant |
| Won by Elizabeth Barreca | |
| Prize 7 | Ausma Clappison Gentle Glade Studio felted piece; Veronica Derry soft sculpture |
| Won by Judy Gooch | |
| Prize 8 | Francoise Romard Functional Pottery piece; Unknown recipe book |
| Won by Alyson King | |
| Prize 9 | Kate McLellan stained glass mosaic; Maia Heissler paper art |
| Won by Linda Wieland | |
| Prize 10 | Ian Buntin 5 x 7 framed photograph; Sharon Foster glass crush jewellery |
| Won by Brian Korb |
Thank you to the artists who generously donated the prizes and to everyone who purchased a ticket. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed the festival.
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For more information please contact Jan Cody, Executive Director 905- 355-1244
September 2, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
So Much More Than a Music Festival
With the gates about to open, performers arriving from across the country, and people of all ages ready to settle onto the Henkel Farm overlooking Lake Ontario this weekend for the 6th annual Shelter Valley Folk Festival, crews are also busy setting up an area affectionately known as "the Village".
While the field of tents does indeed look like a village of sorts, it is actually just another dynamic layer to Northumberland Country's acclaimed folk festival, where not only the finest musicians perform, but the finest selection of provincial visual artists are showcased.
Unique to Shelter Valley's artist village is the fact that none of the artists are required to pay to attend, nor are any able to simply rent a space. Each artist is selected through a juried process to ensure exceptional quality, artistic merit, and a creative integration with the grassroots community culture approach of the festival. Philosophically this ensures that the festival does not have "vendors" in the traditional sense of the term, rather, the festival has a village that celebrates and showcases artists for the creative work they do.
In turn each artist's tent becomes not only home to their original works of art, but is a space where each artist provides discussion and demonstration related to their art form and medium. Also hosted on site are workshops that invite the audience to actually take part in the creative process. A favourite workshop each year is held Saturday afternoon, when attendees are invited to participate in a hand's on art activity, encouraged to express themselves in colour, while accompanied by the adventurers roots music of one of the Festival's musical acts, Po'Girl.
The juried arts showcase runs the duration of the Festival and includes a mix of returning and new exhibitors. Textile arts, glass work, paint, photography and pastels works are just a few of the mediums used by the 19 exhibitors showcasing and demonstrating at the festival this weekend.
A newcomer to the Festival this year is Richard Cox, builder of Irish wooden flutes, beautiful to the eyes and ears alike. Cox first heard of Folk Festival from a friend who had been an Artist in the Village in the past, and Cox says "...my friend spoke so highly of Shelter Valley that I just had to apply."
And of course, tie-dye goes hand in hand with a folk festival, and returning artist Rri Povey of Rri-joice-Tie-Dye takes the craft a little further, hand stitching her patterns and designs before dying the fabric. Turtles, guitars and flowers are some of the popular designs that she creates.
In its sixth year, the Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a family event held Labour Day weekend on the Henkel Farm just east Cobourg near Grafton. The Festival celebrates Juried Art, Wellness, Sustainable Living, Harvest Foods and the finest in Folk, Roots and Blues music. Come for the day, evening or entire weekend.
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For more information, contact Jan Cody, Executive Director at 905-355-124
August 27, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
Five Things You Didn't Know About Your Local Folk Fest
This year is the fiftieth anniversary of the Newport folk festival. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Arlo Guthrie, Mississippi John Hurt and many other legends launched - or re-launched their careers there, and Newport spawned imitators across the globe.
Today, nearly every town of size in Canada has a music or arts festival of some kind. In Northumberland County, it's the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, now in its sixth year (Labour Day weekend). As in many towns, the Festival is THE event of the summer, and has been for years. Folk festivals like Shelter Valley boost the local economy, provide exposure for musicians, artists, and vendors, offer young people roles in volunteering and are a wonderful expression of community spirit.
Yet many people still think folk festivals are "not for them." That's a shame - it's hard to imagine anything more inclusive than a folk festival, especially Shelter Valley’s.
So to encourage the curious, but reluctant would-be attendee, here's a first-timer's guide to your local folk festival, or “Five Things You Didn't Know About Folk Fests”.
- "Folk" music is stuff you like! This year's lineup at SVFF includes roots-rockers Great Lake Swimmers, Canadian folk icon Garnet Rogers, quirky songstress Evalyn Parry, laid-back heartthrob Justin Rutledge, the genre-bending Reggae Cowboys, the sweet harmonies of Madison Violet, songsmiths Martyn Joseph and Steve Slade, new discovery Court LaJoie, bluesman Mose Scarlett, and all-ages entertainer Chris McKhool among many others. Artistic director Aengus Finnan has something to please the kids, the teens, the adults and the elders - and some of the best stuff happens when you mix all of the above.
- "Folk" means people! While music is the "folkus," people are the heart of the festival. It's about getting together, relaxing, participating and appreciating music, the outdoors, and creativity as a community.
- "Folkies" are like you! Yes, there are a few tie-died shirts and birdwatching hats, and you'll see one or two bearded men with pony tails and ladies in flowing batik dresses. But you'll see nearly every other sort of person as well, from babies to grannies, including plenty of people more or less like you.
- Folk fests are not like Woodstock! SVFF is exceedingly well organized, with proper facilities, clean washrooms, food and drinking water widely available, parking, supervision, shade and helping hands everywhere. It's a place to go and safely, comfortably enjoy being a citizen of a diverse little village for a weekend.
- Folk fests are more than music! Yes, there's something for everyone on stage at SVFF - but there's lots going on off-stage too. There is juried art, tons of activities for the kids, the pleasure of local harvest foods, hands-on workshops in music, arts, wellness, the environment, spirituality, and sustainability. Not to mention relaxing in the grass, catching up with the community, and just catching your breath.
SVFF awaits you...What are you waiting for? See you at the festival!
In its sixth year, the Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a family event held Labour Day weekend (September 4th - 6th) on the Henkel Farm just east Cobourg near Grafton. The Festival celebrates Juried Art, Wellness, Sustainable Living, Harvest Foods and the finest in Folk, Roots and Blues music. Come for the day, evening or entire weekend. Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a Registered Federal Charity and donations are always welcome.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival 2009 Performers (check out the full schedule here)
Angus Leahy & Guests
The youngest of Canada's infamous fiddling Leahy family, Angus, joined by his sister Erin and extended family members, bring a refreshingly relaxed and adventurous style to traditional music.
www.leahymusic.com
Bob Wiseman
An innovative and avant guard artist and activist, Bob bravely explores art with the deepest creative and political intent, and has been involved in countless seminal creative Canadian endeavours.
www.bobwiseman.ca
Chris McKhool
Acclaimed as an environmentally conscious children's performer, Chris infuses his work with world music sounds, genre bending ability on countless instruments, and boundless energy.
www.fiddlefire.com
Court LaJoie
Hailing from Sarnia, Court writes with an intoxicatingly fresh sincerity, a beautiful musical sensibility, and surprisingly unique lyrics.
www.perfumeorgan.com
David Myles
Elegant simplicity and east coast wit mark David’s rich songs and performances, blending gospel, pop and folk influences with sage songs that tell it like it is.
www.davidmyles.com
Emma-Lee
Melancholy is made sweet, and the glow of past eras come drifting back in the voice and music of songstress Emma Lee, a remarkable new performer charming her way into hearts and homes.
www.emma-lee.com
Evalyn Parry
Ironic and irreverent social commentary is Evalyn's hallmark, combined with quirk and quick humour to deliver personal and political creations that coax and coach change through her work as actor and musician.
www.evalynparry.com
Garnet Rogers
A luminary artist, Garnet is renown as much for his unbridled songwriting grit and passionate performances, as for his potent observations, legendary road-dog stamina and stockpile of guitars.
www.garnetrogers.com
Great Lake Swimmers
Led by Tony Dekker and musical partner Erik Arnesen, Great Lake Swimmers bring a poignant new voice to Canada, tracking loss and sympathy through intimate lyrics and unique musical landscapes.
www.greatlakeswimmers.com
Justin Rutledge
Accolades are distractions from the heart of the matter when considering Justin's work as a patient and precise writer who has discovered a musical gap and gently moved right in to inhabit it, fully.
www.justinrutledge.com
Madison Violet
Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac collaborate to meld pop sensibilities with roots atmosphere and in doing so create dynamic music and incredible harmonies that invite listeners to draw near.
www.madisonviolet.com
Martyn Joseph
With blue-collar clarity, potent lyrics, and Welsh wonder, Martyn brings a distinct perspective on life, love, and community to Shelter Valley, under decidedly less snowy conditions than his last visit.
www.martynjoseph.com
Mose Scarlett
With a style as comforting as a conversation with old friends, a voice as rich and warm as a woodstove in winter, and a repertoire as eclectic as a farmers market in fall, Mose is the ultimate troubadour.
www.borealisrecords.com
Po’ Girl
Beguiling, soulful, and invigorating, Po' Girl present a gypsies' purse full of styles, sounds, songs and stories, each unique to the moment, and each as chalk full of intensity and intent as the next.
www.pogirl.net
Steve Slade
Songwriting is a quiet art, and Steve is a master songsmith who calls the Yukon home. From there he crafts honest and subtle gems with haunting melodies and stunning turns of phrases.
www.steveslade.com
Tanya Davis
The spoken word is a precious gift, handled with grace and reverence in the musings of this PEI poet. Tanya has a humble and honest approach that is as disarming as it is engaging.
www.tanyadavis.ca
The Reggae Cowboys
Country & Western music plays a surprisingly deep role in Caribbean culture, influencing The Reggae Cowboys to pay tribute to the unsung history of black cowboys in North America with infectious rhythms.
www.reggaecowboys.com
Tim Hus
Tim is a storytelling song-slinger from Alberta who captures characters and events brilliantly, and trots them out in roadhouse style with trademark humour and gravity.
www.timhus.ca
Wendell Ferguson
Guaranteed to soil some trousers with his sidesplitting songs, Wendell is a stellar guitar player, a classic sideman, a dynamic host, and an all around swell guy…. and those are just his bad days.
www.wendellferguson.com
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For more information please contact Jan Cody, Executive Director 905 355 1244
August 13, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
Volunteering Fills the Heart
Volunteering is its own reward, which is a good thing. A new Statistics Canada study shows that in 2007, 12.5 million volunteers donated the equivalent of 1.1 million full-time jobs to Canada's non-profit sector. Volunteers fuel an invisible economy, invigorating their communities and delighting themselves. Northumberland's volunteers are an excellent example.
When the Shelter Valley Folk Festival volunteers gather at the Festival site for their pot-luck picnic each summer before the September Labour Day weekend event, it is remarkable how many people can be overheard saying, "This feels like a reunion!" It certainly looks like one. Young children chase one another in circles while smiling adults throw arms around each other. Smiling grandparents recline in lawn chairs to watch the commotion. Young parents carry babies. Teenagers play with toddlers. The long pot-luck table fills with devilled eggs, watermelon slices, salads, and more. Joan and Gord James, 71 and 76 years old, say that volunteering for the Festival keeps them young. As Postering Crew Chiefs, they coordinate delivery of 2000 posters to a busy team of volunteers across southern Ontario, and also spend many hours themselves postering public buildings and storefronts across Northumberland County.
When asked what volunteering for the Festival is like, Gord replies, "It's fun!" Joan adds, "We go all over and meet people wherever we go."
"The first year," Gord says, "you name it, we did it: we dug post holes, cut weeds, painted signs, helped build the stage and put in the fence." Then he laughs. "We sold tickets by flashlight! Since then, it's become more organized - volunteers have specific roles - but it's still a big family. We haven't lost that.
And the music isn't bad either," he says with a wink.
Photo by: Sheila M. Ross - Click to enlarge
Jody Thomas and Elizabeth Henkel Thomas, 36 and 31, started volunteering when they started their family. They have two young ones, Hanna (5) and Samuel (3), with a third on the way. "There's such a sense of community here," says Elizabeth. "With young kids, we struggle to get our volunteer hours in. It's wonderful when other volunteers offer to take care of the kids so that we can enjoy ourselves during the Festival." Jody adds, "The way the community comes together has been an eye opener for me. I consider myself very lucky to be a volunteer."
"It's great for the kids, too," says Elizabeth. "They see that people have music to share and that others will give their undivided attention. They get to meet artists who've been part of the Festival -- we correspond with them by e-mail and consider them to be family friends." Elizabeth completed most of her volunteer hours during the school year when she acted as a liaison between local schools and the Festival's "Artists in the Schools" program. Thanks to Jody, who is responsible for weed control, children can run barefoot in the grass on the Festival site.
Each year more than 300 volunteers support the Festival, throughout the year or during the Labour Day weekend event. The Festival welcomes volunteers as young as 14 years of age (working with a parent or mature family member until age 16), and many students are able to meet their curriculum requirements for community service through lending a hand. Some have been with the Festival for each of its six years, gaining tremendous experience and life skills.
19-year-old Kris LaRoque will be a Host in the Artists Village. When an artist takes a break to eat lunch or watch a performance, she is one of the volunteers who will be called upon to manage the artist's booth. It will give her the opportunity to get to know some of the artists and their work. And what's the most amazing thing that has happened to LaRoque because of volunteering for the Festival? "I've experienced three days of full bliss," she says, recalling her first Festival experience in 2008. Then she excuses herself to chase her giggling two-year-old sister.
Like LaRoque, Melody Blondel, 34, is returning for her second year volunteering. A musician in her own right, she is part of the Sign Painting Crew. If you make a donation to the Festival, there is a good chance that Blondel will be the one painting your name on a large sign that the Festival posts annually to thank its patrons. "Volunteering here is an incredible experience," says Blondel. "Wonderful people. The environment is even therapeutic, I'd say. It means the world to me. The Festival is a great support for local musicians. It's a gift to be a part of it all."
Blondel's sentiments are echoed by Roy Williams, the Festival's 51-year-old Security Chief. With a tear rolling down his cheek, Williams says, "These are the only people who've ever made me cry. I'm a pretty tough guy and it takes a lot." When he laughs, it's clear that he can produce that tear on command. "When you see grown men hug and cry at the end of the Festival, it's sickening." As for describing his role, he insists, "It's more like Guest Services." His crew is on duty around the clock during the Festival. "We make sure everyone is comfortable. If you lose a tent peg, we'll find you one. If you need another blanket, a boost for your car, or a band-aid for your toe, we'll get it for you."
Volunteer Coordinator Ali Eisenhammer is in her second year in the role (although she's been a volunteer since year one), helping the Festival place people who sign up from local communities or from as far away as New York State. "I have to agree with the volunteers. The feeling I get on Saturday night, watching hundreds of our guests dancing in an open field, is something I can't describe and will never find anywhere else. To know I have had a part in bringing this to so many people is very rewarding."
Unique to Shelter Valley is the fact that the organization is entirely owned and operated by its volunteers. When it was incorporated as a not-for-profit, and in turn as a Federal Charity, the founding Directors wanted to ensure that the voice and vision of the Festival organization was maintained by those who understood it intimately and invested continued attention to its health and direction. As a result a membership structure was put in place whereby the only people entitled to vote on the affairs of the organization, or indeed stand for election for the Board of Directors, are those members who have volunteered 2 out of every 3 years.
There are still a few crews that need volunteers for this year's Labour Day weekend Shelter Valley Folk Festival. Organizers are asking for volunteers to: cook suppers for volunteers and artists; check tickets where festival-goers enter the site; security support; guest parking; and assist in workshops and other activities in the Family & Children's Area (some requirements apply). Visit www.sheltervalley.com to find out more about volunteering at the Festival.
In its sixth year, the Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a family event held Labour Day weekend (September 4th - 6th) on the Henkel Farm just east Cobourg near Grafton. The Festival celebrates Juried Art, Wellness, Sustainable Living, Harvest Foods and the finest in Folk, Roots and Blues music. Camping is still open in the overflow field. Advance tickets continue to sell well. Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a Registered Federal Charity and donations are always welcome.
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For more information, please contact:
Executive Director: Jan Cody/ 905.355.1244/festival@sheltervalley.com
Volunteer Coordinator: Ali Eisenhammer/ 905.355.1244/failte@xplornet.com
July 31, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
Songwriters Showcase reveals local talent for Shelter Valley
Original music filled downtown Cobourg as an open-air audition was held Thursday July 30th on King Street, as the Shelter Valley Folk Festival presented a showcase of the top ten area songwriters hailing from Belleville, Trent Hills, Port Hope, and beyond.
The fifth annual Songwriters Showcase also kicked off Downtown Cobourg's 41st Annual Sidewalk Sale, with a lawnchair audience of almost 250 readying their pens and pencils to share in the voting process alongside the Festival's showcase jury. The jury, including the Festival's Artistic Director Aengus Finnan, Tony Prinzen of Classical 103.1 FM, and singer/songwriter Shamus Hannah (a long time Festival volunteer and 2008 showcase finalist) gathered after to discuss the strengths of each writers' lyrics, melody, originality and presentation, weighing in the scoring of the audience to select the top three songwriters who will continue on to play the Labour Day weekend Festival.
Selected as the 2009 Local Songwriters Showcase finalists are Trish Robb of Bowmanville, Jim Martin of Grafton, and the County Boys, a songwriting duo from Peterborough. In addition to playing at the Shelter Valley Folk Festival (Sept 4-6) these acts will be partnered with a professional musical mentor, and receive a $250 honourarium for their participation, funded courtesy of the Canada Council for the Arts.
The three finalists chosen by the audience and jury all stood out, with the County Boys intriguing listeners with bluegrass-flavoured tunes and what may have been the first-time appearance of a banjo on the showcase stage. Jim Martin brought depth, humour and story-style songs to the audience, with a guest appearance of his son Hamish playing mandolin. Trish Robb closed the night's lineup admitting she was nervous but thrilled that "the sun was shining down on Shelter Valley" that evening. Robb's stand-out performance delivered a sense of adventure in her lyrics, courage in her melodies, and conviction in her delivery.
Following the event, judge Tony Prinzen commented "the performers were a strong group but there are some definite stand-outs". He added "now having heard everyone, I realize it's an enormous responsibility as a jury member given the final three chosen are mentored during the Festival with one of the singer/songwriters from this year's performer lineup - that could certainly change your life and your career". Past finalist Shamus Hannah agreed, saying "I've been to this every year and I'm always surprised at the talent that steps on the stage from around the area. It's an amazing opportunity for them".
Aengus Finnan, the Festival's Artistic Director, who emceed the evening, commented that "it is fantastic to hear so much music is being created locally. It is always a challenge narrowing down a lineup since each performer has talent and strengths. We hope this event will encourage all of the artists to continue to hone their craft, and I'm sure we'll see some back on our stages again.
"We are having such a wonderful year" stated Jan Cody, Executive Director of the Festival, adding "to see such a great crowd and to hear such extraordinary local talent many may not have known before, that just heightens our excitement for Labour Day weekend. It's been a great summer from the early bird sell-out of tickets to this event - we are really buoyed by the community's support as we head towards some busy weeks."
The Festival also thanked its own volunteers for their help organizing the evening, as well as the DBIA, and lead organizer of Downtown Cobourg's 41st Annual Sidewalk Sale Debra McCarthy and her team, for hosting the event.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a registered Federal Charity that presents a Labour Day weekend family festival (September 4 - 6, 2009), a community outreach initiative "Artists in the Schools" and a Community Concert series. Now in its sixth year, the Festival celebrates music, juried art, wellness, sustainable living and harvest food in Shelter Valley, near Grafton, Ontario. New volunteers and financial donors are always welcome.
Tickets for the Festival are available at 73 King Street West in Cobourg, online at www.sheltervalley.com or through the Ticket Hotline: 1-866-612-SVFF or 905-355-1244
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For more information, please contact:
Jan Cody Executive Director/Artistic Director Aengus Finnan
905.355.1244 / festival@sheltervalley.com
July 24, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
Shelter Valley to Showcase Local Songwriters July 30th
Northumberland music fans are invited to help choose the top three songwriters from ten local finalists at Shelter Valley Folk Festival's fifth annual Songwriters Showcase, Thursday July 30th. The event begins at 6pm during the 41st Annual Downtown Cobourg Sidewalk Sale and is located on an outdoor stage to the east of Victoria Hall on King St. West.
The duo Gettysburg perform for audience and jury at the 2008 Songwriters Showcase
Photo by: David Sheffield - Click to enlarge
This year's 10 finalists hail from all regions of Northumberland County and beyond, and represent some of the most talented up and coming writers in the area. Submissions for the 2009 Songwriters Showcase began arriving at the Festival office as early as last fall, with almost 30 received by the annual May 31st deadline.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival's Artistic Director, Aengus Finnan, feels this year's performers will once again highlight a wide range of styles and bring some surprises, stating "this event celebrates the many talented writers in the area, and provides a forum for up and coming artists. It is an integral part of our focus as a registered Federal Charity in our efforts to support and enhance the cultural life of our community."
To vote at the Showcase audience members must arrive before 6pm to receive a judging sheet and must score all 10 finalists. Audience members are asked to bring along a pen and a lawn chair. Audience voting results will help guide a local jury in selecting the three finalists who are then invited to perform Labour Day Weekend on the Shelter Valley Folk Festival's mainstage. The finalists' names will be released the morning of Friday July 31st, posted online at the Festival's web site: www.sheltervalley.com.
Finnan is quick to remind all that "the showcase is not a performance contest; rather, the focus is on great songs. The judges and audience weigh the quality of the song's lyrics and melody, as well as the originality of the music, and overall presentation." Organizers hope that once again great talent can be discovered, and that all of the night's performers will find an opportunity to learn, and to grow their skill and craft as songwriters through the showcase experience.
In addition to playing at the Festival, this year's top three songwriters will be paired with a Musical Mentor from the professional roster of the Festival to coach them in advance of their Labour Day weekend mainstage performance. A $250 honourarium will also be provided to each of the three songwriters. The honourarium and mentorship support is made available through competitively awarded development and programming grant funding, received from the Canada Council for the Arts.
This year's slate of local songwriters set to perform at the July 30th Showcase include: Sam Clayton (Port Hope), the County Boys (Peterborough), Joe Forster (Cobourg), Jim Martin (Grafton), Andrew Queen (Trent Hills), Jessica RJ (Peterborough), Trish Robb (Cobourg/Toronto), Eric Roberts (Port Hope), Mat Smith (Belleville), and Maria Tuillo (Cobourg).
Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a registered Federal Charity that presents an annual Labour Day weekend family festival (Sept 4-6, 2009), an Artists in the Schools program, and a Community Concert series. Now in its sixth year, the Festival celebrates music, juried art, wellness, sustainable living and harvest food in Shelter Valley, near Grafton, Ontario. New volunteers and financial donors are always welcome.
Tickets for the Labour Day weekend Festival can be purchased through the Festival web site, by phone, or in person at the Festival's summer office at 73 King Street, Unit 2. The ticket line is 1-866-612-SVFF or 905-355-1244 and the web site www.sheltervalley.com. New volunteers and financial donors are always welcome.
For more information, please contact:
Executive Director: Jan Cody / Artistic Director: Aengus Finnan
905.355.1244 / festival@sheltervalley.com
July 16, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
Summer in Full Swing at Downtown Festival Office
If you've walked down King Street in Cobourg recently, you've no doubt noticed the familiar Shelter Valley Folk Festival windmill turning in the breeze that so often blows off the lake straight up Third Street. That windmill is just one of the signs that summer is in full swing for the Folk Festival.
With the support of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), the Folk Festival has hired two local university students, Catie Calnan and Lara Desjardins, in summer internship positions. Both happen to be former Festival volunteers who understand and embrace the Shelter Valley Folk Festival's vision of Grassroots Community Culture.
"Everyone who attends the Festival recognizes how special it is," says Desjardins. "The opportunity to be so deeply involved will be an exciting challenge."
Photo by: David Sheffield - Click to enlarge
Desjardins, the Festival's Fundraising Assistant this year, is a long-time resident of Cobourg and a student at the University of Toronto where she is focussing on Philosophy and Urban Studies.
With Desjardins' assistance, the Festival's annual fundraising campaign began earlier this Spring and many local, as well as national and international supporters, have sent their support. The goal this year of $25,000 is seen as a conservative one, with Festival ticket sales and granting agencies also helping to meet the organization's financial needs. Whether a small or larger donation, all are greatly appreciated. Even $25 makes a difference - the amount needed to provide an arts and crafts kit in the children's village for example. As a registered charity all financial donors receive a tax receipt.
Across the office amidst phones, files and computers, sits Catie Calnan who has returned for a second year in her role as Office Manager. Along with many daily tasks, she manages ticket sales and records at the Folk Festival's summer office, located at 73 King West Unit 2, just West of Victoria Hall. Catie is "thrilled to be back in the area working for an organization that does so much for the community" she says, and feels "…truly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with and learn from so many talented and passionate volunteers". Calnan has been involved in the Festival since its inception and is an ideal support person for new and returning volunteers, many of whom will recognize her friendly face.
Jan Cody, Executive Director of Shelter Valley Folk Festival expressed gratitude to HRSDC for its student program, saying "Given the challenge students are facing in finding summer employment, it's tremendous that we can offer that and also support and grow the local arts community at the same time."
While discounted Early Bird tickets sold out quickly in May, Advance weekend, evening and day passes are still available until August 31, at a considerable savings over last minute purchasing at end of summer or at the Festival gate. Enquiries about limited on-site camping are welcome. Tickets can be purchased at the Festival's Cobourg office, online at www.sheltervalley.com or through the Ticket Hotline: 1-866-612-SVFF or 905-355-1244.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a registered Federal Charity that presents an annual Labour Day Weekend family festival (Sept 4-6, 2009), an Artists in the Schools program, and a Community Concert series. Now in its sixth year, the Festival celebrates music, juried art, wellness, sustainable living and harvest food. New volunteers and financial donors are always welcome.
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For more information, please contact Executive Director Jan Cody at 905.355.1244 or festival@sheltervalley.com.
May 1st, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
Performers for 2009
With the release of a limited number of Early Bird tickets for the 6th annual Shelter Valley Folk Festival an announcement was made by the organization’s Artistic Director, Aengus Finnan, to reveal the complete musical roster for the 2009 Labour Day Weekend event (Sept. 4-6).
“We are once again thrilled to present some of the finest songwriters in the land,” exclaimed Finnan. “With everyone staying a little closer to home these days we figured we’d bring the Country to our County with acts from the Yukon, the East Coast, the Prairies, across Ontario, and from as far away as Wales.”
The 2009 roster of musicians includes Canadian songwriting legend Garnet Rogers (brother and musical partner of the late Stan Rogers), alt-country crooner Justin Rutledge, and groups including the Great Lake Swimmers (closing Friday night) and the Reggae Cowboys (closing Saturday night)
Renowned throughout the Arctic, Steve Slade, originally scheduled to perform at the inaugural festival in 2004, will be driving from Whitehorse to perform at Shelter Valley.
From the East Coast come the infectious and upbeat songs of Halifax resident David Myles, and the potent spoken word musings of PEI poet Tanya Davis.
Penning songs that carry humour and storytelling which exceed the likes of Stompin’ Tom, is Alberta song-slinger Tim Hus.
Originally a member of Blue Rodeo, actor, artist and activist Bob Wiseman will bring a multimedia performance to festival audiences.
With timely and topical tunes Evalyn Parry shares thoughts on everything from the death of a favourite old car to the ridiculous situation of bottled water consumption.
Sidesplitting songs from Wendell Ferguson will punctuate his role as Emcee while the melancholy sweet sounds of songstress Emma Lee brings a feeling of another era to her sets.
Joining musical forces from Ontario and Nova Scotia, Madison Violet, bring a pop-roots sound, while the sweet-roots sounds of Po’Girl complete an Americana sound on site.
Sarnia native Court LaJoie uses electronic and ambient soundscapes in creating her grassroots compositions.
Having survived a Grafton concert held in one of 2008’s worst winter blizzards, Martyn Joseph returns to Northumberland all the way from Wales.
And finally, award winning children’s perfomer Chris McKhool returns to Northumberland after participating in the Festival’s Artists in the Schools outreach program.
“Our audience has a dynamic taste, and they have grown with us such that we can present more and more adventurous artists. This will be our best year yet for music and thought.” concluded Finnan.
Links to all artists' sites where samples, of their music can be heard, are found by visiting the Performer Page at www.sheltervalley.com.
With reviews that include "Best of the Fests" (Globe & Mail), and "gentle, humanistic, environmentally attuned, and abundantly caring" (Toronto Star), Shelter Valley is far more than just an exceptional music event, it has indeed become an end of summer ritual, a community gathering and a signature cultural experience revered from coast to coast to coast.
As of May 1st a limited number of Early Bird Weekend Tickets are available for sale at a discounted price until May 31st only. As of June 1st the full range of Festival "Day and Weekend" ticket options become available. The Festival is once again pleased to present a limited number of "Saturday Night" tickets (available June 1st).
Tickets are available through the Festival website www.sheltervalley.com, at the Festival's summer office in downtown Cobourg, and also through the Ticket Hotline - 1-866-612-SVFF (7833) or locally through the Festival's office number 905-355-1244.
The Shelter Valley Folk Festival (a Registered Federal Charity) is a family event held Labour Day Weekend (Sept 4-6, 2009) on the Henkel Farm just east of Grafton, and celebrates Juried Art, Wellness, Sustainable Living, Harvest Foods and the finest in Folk, Roots and Blues music. Volunteers and financial donors always welcome.
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Links to all artists' sites where music samples, and press quality photos can be located are found by visiting the Performer Page at www.sheltervalley.com.
For further information contact the Executive Director, Jan Cody
or the Artistic Director, Aengus Finnan
at festival@sheltervalley.com or 905-355-1244.
May 1st, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
Early Bird Tickets now on sale for the Shelter Valley Folk Festival
& A Call for Volunteers
Northumberland County's own Shelter Valley Folk Festival is celebrating its 6th year this Labour Day Weekend (Sept. 4-6th) and is thrilled to announce that a limited amount of discounted Early Bird tickets are now on sale, as of May 1st, until May 31st only, or while supplies last.
Weekend passes are available at a cost of $40 for adults, $30 for youth, students and seniors, and $5 for children. Children under the age of five are admitted free, as always. Early Bird tickets are available online at the Festival website (www.sheltervalley.com), or by calling the ticket hotline at 905-355-1244 or toll free at 1-866-612-SVFF (7833). As of June 1st, the full range of Festival “Day, Evening & Weekend” ticket options become available.
This years’ Festival features talent from across the country including fiddle sensation Angus Leahy, songwriting legend Garnet Rogers, P.E.I. poet Tanya Davis, and the acclaimed band Great Lake Swimmers. For a complete list of the musicians performing at this year’s festival, please visit the performer page of the Festival website.
Also as of May 1st, anyone interested in volunteering for the Festival may visit the festival website to register for one of the 375 volunteer roles required to mount this signature cultural event.
The Festival anticipates needing volunteers for a wide variety of roles ranging from summer ticket sales and marketing support, to onsite parking and security, cooking meals for volunteers, assisting with arts programs in the family area, and helping with merchandise sales during the festival weekend.
Volunteer Coordinator Ali Eisenhammer explains, "We have volunteers working year round and are ready to accept new volunteers for immediate and advance roles to help plan and prepare for the festival, as well as those who might wish to help during and after the event. We have specific needs in the areas of fundraising, marketing, and putting up posters. Full volunteer role descriptions can be accessed through the Volunteer page of the Festival's website”.
The Shelter Valley Folk Festival (a Registered Federal Charity) is a family event held Labour Day Weekend (Sept. 4-6, 2009) on the Henkel Farm just east of Grafton, and celebrates Juried Art, Wellness, Sustainable Living, Harvest Foods and the finest in Folk, Roots and Blues Music. Volunteers and financial donors always welcome.
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For further information contact The Executive Director, Jan Cody
at festival@sheltervalley.com or 905-355-1244.
April 25th, 2009 Grafton ON :: Back To Top
2009 Musical Line-up Announced
With the release of a limited number of Early Bird tickets for the 6th annual Shelter Valley Folk Festival an announcement was made by the organization’s Artistic Director, Aengus Finnan, to reveal to complete musical roster for the 2009 Labour Day Weekend event (Sept. 4-6).
“We are once again thrilled to present some of the finest songwriters in the land,” exclaimed Finnan. “With everyone staying a little closer to home these days we figured we’d bring the Country to our County with acts from the Yukon, the East Coast, the Prairies, across Ontario, and from as far away as Wales.”
The 2009 roster of musicians includes Canadian songwriting legend Garnet Rogers (brother and musical partner of the late Stan Rogers), alt-country crooner Justin Rutledge, and groups including the Great Lake Swimmers (closing Friday night) and the Reggae Cowboys (closing Saturday night)
Renowned throughout the Arctic, Steve Slade, originally scheduled to perform at the inaugural festival in 2004, will be driving from Whitehorse to perform at Shelter Valley.
From the East Coast come the infectious and upbeat songs of Halifax resident David Myles, and the potent spoken word musings of PEI poet Tanya Davis.
Penning songs that carry humour and storytelling which exceed the likes of Stompin’ Tom, is Alberta song-slinger Tim Hus.
Originally a member of Blue Rodeo, actor, artist and activist Bob Wiseman will bring a multimedia performance to festival audiences.
With timely and topical tunes Evalyn Parry shares thoughts on everything from the death of a favourite old car to the ridiculous situation of bottled water consumption.
Sidesplitting songs from Wendell Ferguson will punctuate his role as Emcee while the melancholy sweet sounds of songstress Emma Lee brings a feeling of another era to her sets.
Joining musical forces from Ontario and Nova Scotia, Madison Violet, bring a pop-roots sound, while the sweet-roots sounds of Po’Girl complete an Americana sound on site.
Sarnia native Court LaJoie uses electronic and ambient soundscapes in creating her grassroots compositions.
Having survived a Grafton concert held in one of 2008’s worst winter blizzards, Martyn Joseph returns to Northumberland all the way from Wales.
And finally, award winning children’s perfomer Chris McKhool returns to Northumberland after participating in the Festival’s Artists in the Schools outreach program.
“Our audience has a dynamic taste, and they have grown with us such that we can present more and more adventurous artists. This will be our best year yet for music and thought.” concluded Finnan.
Links to all artists' sites where samples, of their music can be heard, are found by visiting the Performer Page at www.sheltervalley.com.
With reviews that include "Best of the Fests" (Globe & Mail), and "gentle, humanistic, environmentally attuned, and abundantly caring" (Toronto Star), Shelter Valley is far more than just an exceptional music event, it has indeed become an end of summer ritual, a community gathering and a signature cultural experience revered from coast to coast to coast.
As of May 1st a limited number of Early Bird Weekend Tickets are available for sale at a discounted price until May 31st only. As of June 1st the full range of Festival "Day and Weekend" ticket options become available. The Festival is once again pleased to present a limited number of "Saturday Night" tickets (available June 1st).
Tickets are available through the Festival website www.sheltervalley.com, at the Festival's summer office in downtown Cobourg, and also through the Ticket Hotline - 1-866-612-SVFF (7833) or locally through the Festival's office number 905-355-1244.
The Shelter Valley Folk Festival (a Registered Federal Charity) is a family event held Labour Day Weekend (Sept 4-6, 2009) on the Henkel Farm just east of Grafton, and celebrates Juried Art, Wellness, Sustainable Living, Harvest Foods and the finest in Folk, Roots and Blues music. Volunteers and financial donors always welcome.
- 30 -
Links to all artists' sites where music samples, and press quality photos can be located are found by visiting the Performer Page at www.sheltervalley.com.
For further information contact the Executive Director, Jan Cody
or the Artistic Director, Aengus Finnan
at festival@sheltervalley.com or 905-355-1244.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival to Unveil 2009 Performer Line-Up
at April 25th Country Dance and Concert with The Rizdales
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To Top
April 9
"Unveiling the musical line-up for the 2009 Shelter Valley Folk Festival is something to dance about" explains Artistic Director Aengus Finnan, "so we've invited the hippest, old time country band to help us kick up our heels on April 25th, and where better to hold the event than the Grafton Town Hall."
While the terms "hip" and "old time" might seem like contradictions, Shelter Valley audiences have come to expect unique things from the Festival's programming, and this concert will be no exception.
The Rizdales, led by husband and wife duo Tom and Tara Dunphy, are a current "hot" band from Toronto who have been hurtin' their audiences with heartbreaking lyrics, spectacular musicianship, sweet harmonies, and irrepressible toe tapping rhythm.
Band website: www.rizdales.com
Their urban-tinged backwoods' sound is full of close-to-the-bone, yet humorous songs reminiscent of the rich storytelling lyrics of Hank Williams Sr. and Canada's own Hank Snow, and have generated straight-shooting reviews, including "simply excellent!" from The Toronto Star and "A Cheatin' Country Classic!" from NOW Magazine.
Recalling last years' Saturday night Festival performance by Kobo Town, Finnan remembers near capacity audiences with over half the crowd up and dancing. "It felt like we turned a corner, and that given the right music people would get happy feet and start dancing. So when it came time to celebrate the release of the 2009 Festival Performer line-up, I thought why not welcome a band that reflects our rural roots, and let everyone dust off their hats, shine up their boots, or put on a party dress".
On the heels of the Festival's first Concert Series sell-out performance from the Good Lovelies' in February, it's expected the April 25th Country Dance and Concert tickets will sell quickly. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at the Festival's website (www.sheltervalley.com) or through the Festival's Ticket Hotline at 1-866-612-SVFF or 905-355-1244.
Jan Cody, the newly appointed Executive Director says "I'm excited to be here for this performance. I really enjoy the grassroots link that both Country and Folk music audiences share because it's defined the place where I've invested my time and passion over the years. I hope everyone turns up ready to have some fun!"
Past Country and Bluegrass influenced acts presented by the Festival include Sylvia Tyson & Quartette, Murray McLauchlan, Jenny Whiteley, The Laws, McCormick, Nashville's Diana Jones and Alan Rhody, and Texas legend Gurf Morlix.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a registered Federal Charity that presents an annual Labour Day Weekend Festival (Sept 4-6, 2009), an Artists in the Schools program, and a Community Concert series. Now in its sixth year, the Festival has a vision of Grassroots Community Culture delivered through the celebration of music, juried art, wellness, sustainable living and harvest food. Discounted Early Bird Festival weekend tickets go on sale May 1st. New volunteers and financial donors always welcome.
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Contact information:
Shelter Valley Folk Festival Executive Director, Jan Cody: festival@sheltervalley.com / 905-355-1244
Shelter Valley Folk Festival Artistic Director, Aengus Finnan: finnan@eagle.ca / 905-349-3715
Shelter Valley Folk Festival
Appoints New Executive Director
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To Top
March 8
Grafton, ON: The Shelter Valley Folk Festival today announced Jan Cody of Campbellford as its new Executive Director. Andrew Buntin, Chair of the Festival's Board, said he is thrilled by this appointment. "We're fortunate to have a Northumberland resident come to us with the perfect mix of music and production experience. Jan brings wonderful enthusiasm, vast experience working with volunteers, and she's already talked about the importance of maintaining a strong community vibe."
Click photo to enlarge
Along with the 300 volunteers who make Shelter Valley happen, Cody will be working with Aengus Finnan, the Festival's Artistic Director. Finnan, who volunteered as the founding Festival Director from 2004-2007 and was then employed part-time as the inaugural Executive Director, remains deeply involved with the Festival as the (volunteer) Artistic Director. He is thrilled to welcome Cody aboard. "Jan is a rare find, and we are very fortunate to have someone locally who understands the music industry intimately, has such an accomplished and diverse administrative background and who is directly connected and committed to our vision of Grassroots Community Culture," states Finnan. "I look forward to focussing exclusively on the creative and aesthetic programming of the Festival now that we have an exceptional Executive Director in place to steer Shelter Valley into the second half of our first decade."
With a near-capacity audience in 2008, Festival organizers are encouraging the public to take advantage of the discounted Early Bird weekend ticket sales, which go on sale May 1st,. "We came a few tickets short of a complete sell-out last year," notes Buntin. "And since our quality-over-quantity approach means we intend to maintain our current capacity, we fully expect to sell out this year. It's wonderful to see such a strong interest, dare I say need, for this type of community event here in Northumberland."
Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a registered Federal Charity presenting an annual Labour Day Weekend Festival (Sept 4-6, 2009), an Artists in the Schools program and a Community Concert series (with an upcoming Grafton presentation on April 25th). Now in its sixth year, the Festival celebrates music, juried art, wellness, sustainable living and harvest food. The 2009 roster will be announced in late April. Discounted Early Bird weekend tickets go on sale May 1st. New volunteers and financial donors always welcome.
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Contact:
Andrew Buntin, Chair, Board of Directors: 905 372 8535;
festival@sheltervalley.com
The Good Lovelies Kick off Festival’s Community Concert Series
Grafton :: Back
To Top
February 2
With the festival only 175 days away, the Shelter Valley Folk Festival is bringing music to Northumberland to warm up the winter with the launch of a Community Concert series. And who better to kick things off than local favourites “The Good Lovelies” as featured performers in a Valentine’s Day concert at the Grafton Town Hall. The concert, at 8 p.m. on Saturday February 14th, is the first in the Festival’s inaugural Community Concert series. A second is planned for April.
The Good Lovelies - Caroline Brooks of Whitby, Kerri Ough of Port Hope, and Sue Passmore of Cobourg – combine clever songwriting, solid musicianship, and witty repartee to keep audiences’ hearts aflutter and toes tapping long after the show is over. Passmore and Ough are La Jeunesse alumni, experience that no doubt contributes to the band’s bang-on three-part harmonies.
The Good Lovelies were among three acts chosen at Shelter Valley Folk Festival’s 2007 Songwriters’ Showcase to perform at the 2007 Labour Day weekend festival. The experience was the springboard that launched them into the ranks of full-time, touring musicians that took them right across the country and that brought them back to the Festival in 2008 as hired performers alongside such luminaries as Canadian icon Valdy and Juno award winning songwriter Lynn Miles. This month’s Grafton performance catches The Good Lovelies on tour to launch their first full-length CD, between performances on Canada’s east coast and at the prestigious Folk Alliance conference in Memphis, Tennessee later in February.
“The Good Lovelies are a shining example of the type of exceptional talent that can be grown here in Northumberland and they demonstrate the potential for local songwriters who work hard at their craft and on the business side of getting out there on stages across the country,” states Aengus Finnan, Artistic Director of the Festival. “We’re really proud to welcome them home again.”
Andrew Buntin, Chair of the Festival’s Board of Directors, explains that “the launch of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival Community Concert series expands the Festival’s outreach activities, through which the organization promotes its vision Grassroots * Community * Culture in the heart of Northumberland County. In 2008, the Festival launched its Artists in the Schools program to bring music and arts education to under-serviced schools in the County.” Both outreach programs have been generously supported through The Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Good Lovelies: Saturday February 14th, 8 p.m., Grafton Town Hall, 10836 Cty Road 2, Grafton. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 and are available at www.sheltervalley.com, through the SVFF ticket hotline 1-866-612-SVFF or through the Festival office 905-355-1244.
Shelter Valley Folk Festival is a registered Federal Charity that presents a Labour Day Weekend family festival (Sep 4-6, 2009), and community outreach initiatives that include an Artists in the Schools program and Community Concert series. Now in its sixth year, the Festival celebrates music, juried art, wellness, sustainable living and harvest food. Early Bird tickets for the Festival go on sale May 1, 2009. New volunteers and financial donors are always welcome.
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For more information, please contact:
Katharine Partridge, Interim Executive Director
Aengus Finnan, Artistic Director
905.355.1244 / festival@sheltervalley.com; Artist website: www.goodlovelies.com
