April 24, 2012 - Northumberland, ON ::Back To Top

SHELTER VALLEY FOLK FESTIVAL CELEBRATES NINE YEARS ANNOUNCING A DIVERSE LINEUP FOR 2012 LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

"EARLY BIRD" TICKETS AT BEST RATE SOON TO BE RELEASED IN LIMITED NUMBER

(Northumberland, ON) Northumberland's Labour Day weekend has become known locally and from points much further away as a very special weekend for a "just the right size" Festival celebrating grassroots, community and culture on a spectacular site near the shores of Lake Ontario. Shelter Valley Folk Festival has even been called "one of Canada's Top Ten" by a CBC Radio public poll. Today organizers released its Performer Line-up for Festival number nine, to be held August 31st to September 2nd on its site east of Cobourg, north of County Rd. 2.

The Festival offers the finest in Folk, Roots, Blues and R & B music from artists ranging from seasoned performers to new discoveries ready to surprise and delight audiences for the first time. The weekend includes main stage performance, musical workshops on three side stages, and many ways to add to the experience. Local Artisans offer juried art, Wellness practitioners and Sustainable Living educators share their learning and guidance, a Family & Children's Village focuses on growing arts and cultural knowledge of young people along with the fun! Each year the Festival also offers local Harvest Foods to visitors. The combination of careful planning, creating unique experiences in a special place, and the joy and passion of over 300 volunteers on site, has led to a loyal following for this annual Northumberland harvest celebration.

"We are blessed with a spectacular site at the Henkel Family Lavender Farm" said Executive Director Jan Cody. "It's sloping hills overlooking the hand hewn stages and Lake Ontario makes it a really breathtaking setting for this gentle, community-minded weekend". In 2012 Shelter Valley welcomed Artistic Director Carolyn Sutherland, who has spent the year crafting a diverse line-up of musical legends and innovators, along with those ready to be discovered. Sutherland says "…my wish to ensure Shelter Valley had a truly unique line-up reflecting its history, and to add my own touch given my history and experience, really came together. I'm thrilled with the number of performers who are really jewels in Canada's Folk crown and able to join us on this single weekend!"

This year's roster of performers will bring lots of opportunity for audiences to meet many revered musicians from across Canada and from as far away as Australia right here in Northumberland, including: Del Barber, Craig Cardiff, David Celia, Kim Churchill, Emm Gryner, Gregory Hoskins, Oscar Lopez, The Once, Mighty Popo, John K. Sampson, and Andy White.

The Shelter Valley Folk Festival has become well known as a place to discover artists before their awards and mainstream recognition (Serena Ryder in 2004, The Good Lovelies in 2008). This year's newcomers include: The Heartbroken, Samantha Martin & The Haggard, and The Wilderness of Manitoba. The weekend will be rounded out with children's performer and local musician Andrew Queen, additional Emcee/Performers to be announced, and three local singer songwriters achieving "Finalist" status through the Festival's summer "Local Songwriters Showcase" held in downtown Cobourg each year.

2012 Shelter Valley Folk Festival Labour Day Weekend Performer Line-up

Del Barber
This rising Manitoba singer songwriter has so much to offer he's released two albums in just two short years conveying a rich, roots tradition with extraordinary guitar work that's led to a schedule of 300 performance dates a year from Halifax to Albuquerque.

Craig Cardiff
Craig has been called a rare talent for his ability to skip from magical songs about being barefoot to spoken word performance to heart breaking love songs all drawn from a career of 11 albums.

David Celia
This elegant Ontario based singer songwriter has oodles of charm to support his Roots/Folk sound and a craftsmanship that has had him in demand not only at home but throughout the UK and Europe.

Kim Churchill
Just twenty years old this surfing Australian is being recognized in Japan, Europe, the U.S. and now Canada as a virtuoso for his flawless and unique guitar playing style with many calling his shows "explosive" and a "spectacle".

Emm Gryner
Truly an eclectic artist whose debut album was the result of a songwriting contest, launching her nationally to tour with Ron Sexsmith, Rufus Wainwright along with earning JUNO Nominations. A respected singer songwriter she has also extended her musicianship to playing keyboards in David Bowie's band to spotting and signing upcoming artists such as Royal Wood.

The Heartbroken
An East Coast foursome with each bringing a long list music accolades and awards before launching this fresh and exciting Folk/Country group that includes Newfoundland songstress Damhnait Doyle, seasoned musicians Peter Fusco and Blake Manning, plus artist Stuart Cameron, son of John Allan.

Gregory Hoskins
A revered guitarist, his musical universe can stretch from Jazz to Blues to Folk and he's been called an "unsung hero" of our Folk scene in Canada for songwriting that is intricate yet easy to embrace, along with a love of reaching eager audiences in surprising places - from out of the way churches to edgy hair salons.

Oscar Lopez
A wonderful combination of passion, skill and artistry that has allowed him to marry his Chilean heritage with his life in Alberta, to bring us a unique sound of Latin/Blues/Folk tinged songs so beautiful, he's received two JUNO Awards and travels the globe at the demand of world audiences.

Samantha Martin & The Haggard
While a relatively new performer on the Folk indie scene, her debut album is growing a dedicated following with a voice so admired fellow performers are calling it "rare" including Serena Ryder who says: "Samantha's sound will tear your heart out one note at a time".

The Once
A gifted Newfoundland trio that began as a group of actors that also loved to share harmonies They "honoured their desire to bring an unexpected sound from the island that harkens back to a peaceful, story telling time" and have gone on to collect multiple East Coast Music and Canadian Folk Awards for what many call the "perfect blend of voice and melody".

Mighty Popo
A bearer of musical joy and energy that's returned to him multiple JUNO Awards and participation in Bob Geldof's African Guitar Summit, Mighty Popo's tremendous wit and charm and compelling history as a Rwandan Burundian refugee to Canada, is just hint of what his genre busting Folk, R & B, Reggae tinged rhythms will do for music lovers and festival goers.

Andrew Queen
Embrace your own inner child and celebrate song with your children at Shelter Valley's Family & Children's Village when this too tall troubadour sings out groovy lyrics and fairy tale fables made-in-Northumberland, just right to be shared with a kazoo and washtub bass!

John K. Samson
The Manitoba singer songwriter for "The Weakerthans" is known for magical lyrics about those things most of us find impossible to put into words. This prairie poet's first solo album draws deep from his influences including Dylan, REM, Bach and Springsteen.

Andy White
Beginning in Belfast and now calling Australia home, Andy White's extraordinary musical partnerships with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Tim Finn, Van Morrison and now a growing number of Canadians (including a joint album with Stephen Fearing), keeps him traveling the world sharing his wry humour and recently published memoirs.

The Wilderness of Manitoba
This band of five was actually born in urban Toronto from casual beginnings in a shared home where they nurtured harmonies and created a debut album that many suggest is on their list of great indie Folk discoveries. This organic collective's sound evokes images of Manitoba's sparse and powerful landscapes.

A full listing of these 2012 Shelter Valley Folk Festival Performers can be found at www.sheltervalley.com along with links to their music and biographical information.

Three local songwriters will also perform at the Festival chosen from Shelter Valley's "Local Songwriters Showcase" to be held in downtown Cobourg August 2nd. Singer Songwriters of all ages are encouraged to share their skills with lyrics and melody, by submitting two original songs and lyrics to the Festival. 10 Participants will be chosen for the August 2nd event, with 3 Finalists going on to perform on the main stage at the Festival. Applications are found at www.sheltervalley.com.

Shelter Valley Folk Festival 2012 will take place August 31st to September 2nd, over Labour Day weekend. The festival invites interested volunteers to visit www.sheltervalley.com for details on how to participate. In its ninth year the Festival remains a family event held on the Henkel Family Lavender Farm nestled in the Northumberland rolling hills overlooking Lake Ontario east Cobourg. The Festival offers Juried Art, Wellness and Sustainable Living learning and workshops, a unique Family and Children's area, local Harvest Foods and the finest in Folk, Roots and Blues music.

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Contact:
Jan Cody, Executive Director
Email: festival@sheltervalley.com
Phone: 905-349-2788

April 3, 2012 - Northumberland, ON ::Back To Top

CANADIAN JUNO NOMINEE TALKS WITH SHELTER VALLEY
FROM JUNOs TO PORT HOPE: DAVE GUNNING's
KITCHEN PARTY IS APRIL 17TH

(Northumberland, ON) Dave Gunning says the JUNO Awards may be important but being a 2012 nominee hasn't changed the fact he just wants to write "good songs". Gunning is booked to perform at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre Tuesday April 17th as part of Shelter Valley Folk Festival's Community Concert Series. He's a multiple East Coast Music Award winner, Canadian Folk Music Award winner and this year became a JUNO nominee for the first time for his CD "A Tribute to John Allan Cameron". This amazing story teller promises a night of music, tall tales, humour and a "kitchen party" atmosphere.

When the Roots/Traditional Solo Award was announced at the JUNOs last weekend Gunning didn't get to take home the trophy, but he admits "while there was a tiny disappointment - there was huge relief that I didn't have to get up and make a speech…and I also thought if you're going to lose you might as well lose to Bruce Cockburn!" (Cockburn won the category)

As a singer songwriter and master guitar player Gunning has established himself as one of Canada's outstanding talents and grown a following right across the country for his brand of Roots/Folk. A past Shelter Valley Folk Festival performer, Gunning adds "I'm looking forward to getting back to the area - I actually saw JP Cormier in performance at the Capitol Theatre and it'll be great to finally perform there myself."

Shelter Valley's Artistic Director Carolyn Sutherland says she's excited to have Gunning in Northumberland. She added "Dave Gunning's current CD is so magical; he's had so many awards and nominations this year no one should miss the chance to hear this guy live. He's a consummate story teller as well as musician - it'll be an East Coast kitchen party spending the evening with him."

Dave brings his Irish, Scottish, French Acadian, Folk and Country leanings to the Capitol Theatre with more about him at www.davegunning.com

Event:	Dave Gunning In Concert Shelter Valley Folk Festival Concert Series
Date:	Tuesday April 17, 2012
Place:	Capitol Arts Theatre 20 Queen Street, Port Hope
Time:	7:30PM (doors open 7:00)
Tickets:	$23 including HST (Tickets at the door $27)
Purchase:	www.sheltervalley.com or 905-349-2788

The Shelter Valley Folk Festival organization was launched in 2004 and is a Registered Federal Charity and arts organization based in Northumberland County. SVFF presents a Labour Day weekend festival (August 31 - September 2, 2012), an Artists in the Schools program, a Community Concert Series among other activities. Festival tickets at the "Early Bird" rate for 2012 begin sales May 1st. Volunteers are always welcome with information at www.sheltervalley.com.

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For more information or photos please contact: Jan Cody, Executive Director 905 349-2788 or festival@sheltervalley.com

March 15, 2012 - Northumberland, ON ::Back To Top

SHELTER VALLEY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR SUPPORT POSITION

Shelter Valley Folk Festival with Ontario Trillium Foundation support is seeking to fill a year round, part time position (1-2 days a week) based in our Grafton office. We are a community-based, grassroots organization and Registered Charity with a mission to provide leadership in music, arts, wellness and sustainable living in Northumberland County. Our year includes a Labour Day weekend Festival (Aug 31 - Sept 2). We are a volunteer organization, governed by a Board of Directors with staff reporting to our Executive Director.

We seek an "Operations Assistant" with experience in:

• communications including copywriting
• electronic file and archival record management
• database/contact software (ACT an asset)
• web design/software knowledge
• graphic design skills (Adobe/Quark, etc.)
• social media management for an organization on multiple platforms
• project or event planning for an organization

Please forward by March 30th at 5PM by mail or email your resume and covering letter to: Shelter Valley Folk Festival, Box 29, Grafton, Ontario, K0K 2G0. Email: festival@sheltervalley.com

We welcome all submissions but will contact only those to be interviewed.

The Shelter Valley Folk Festival organization was launched in 2004 and is a Registered Federal Charity and arts organization based in Northumberland County. SVFF presents a Labour Day weekend festival (August 31 - September 2, 2012), an Artists in the Schools program, a Community Concert Series among other activities. Festival tickets at the "Early Bird" rate for 2012 begin sales May 1st. Volunteers are always welcome with information at www.sheltervalley.com.

March 1, 2012 - Northumberland, ON ::Back To Top

NOVA SCOTIA'S MULTI AWARDED DAVE GUNNING BRINGS TOUR TO NORTHUMBERLAND SHELTER VALLEY COMMUNITY CONCERT ANNOUNCED FOR APRIL 17th
(Northumberland, ON) Dave Gunning returns to Northumberland in April for a performance at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre on Tuesday April 17th beginning at 7:30PM. Gunning, a past performer at Shelter Valley Folk Festival, has recorded a banner year with his album: "A Tribute to John Allan Cameron", receiving a JUNO nomination and multiple trophies at Canada's Folk Awards and ECMA's.

The concert is the second and final of this year's series, and follows a sold out February show.

Gunning's career includes numerous international songwriting awards and critical acclaim including from the Star's music critic Greg Quill who describes Gunning as "…an artist as compelling, as assured and attentive to every nuance of the writing process as Lightfoot, Cockburn and Stan Rogers before him."

An international touring artist Gunning brings homespun humour and a sharing of life's lessons as a big part of his performances, along with musical influences drawn from Irish, Scottish, French Acadian, Folk and Country leanings. He will release a new album this Spring. www.davegunning.com

Event:	Dave Gunning In Concert Shelter Valley Folk Festival Community Concert Series
Date:	Tuesday April 17, 2012
Place:	Capitol Arts Theatre 20 Queen Street, Port Hope
Time:	7:30PM (doors open 7:00)
Tickets:	$23 including HST (Tickets sold at the door $27)
Purchase:	www.sheltervalley.com or 905-349-2788

The Shelter Valley Folk Festival organization was launched in 2004 and is a Registered Federal Charity and arts organization based in Northumberland County. SVFF presents a Labour Day weekend festival (August 31 – September 2, 2012), an Artists in the Schools program, a Community Concert Series among other activities. Festival tickets at the "Early Bird" rate for 2012 begin sales May 1st. Volunteers are always welcome with information at www.sheltervalley.com.

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For more information or photos please contact:
Jan Cody, Executive Director

Jan 31, 2012 - Northumberland, ON ::Back To Top

FOLK BLUES ARTIST RAY BONNEVILLE BRINGING AUSTIN WARMTH TO NORTHUMBERLAND

SHELTER VALLEY COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES HEATS UP FEBRUARY 17TH

(Northumberland, ON) February 17th is an evening to bask in the warmth of one of Canada's brightest exports to Folk Blues circles. Canadian born, Austin-based Ray Bonneville stops in Grafton this month to share his world class guitar work and admired songwriting abilities. Bonneville will launch this year's Community Concert Series for Shelter Valley Folk Festival at the Grafton Town Hall.

A past Festival performer, Bonneville has earned a reputation as a brilliant guitarist/harmonica player and has performed with many of music's best, including BB King, Muddy Waters, and Eliza Gilkyson. His talent has been recognized with a JUNO, as well as with many international Folk awards.

Jan 10, 2012 - Northumberland, ON ::Back To Top

SHELTER VALLEY FOLK FESTIVAL PREPARES FOR THE "ZOO" JANUARY 28th TODD CROWLEY'S MUSICAL PETTING ZOO OPEN HOUSE

(Northumberland, ON) Shelter Valley Folk Festival begins its 9th year and community activities with a day long "Zoo" experience, and everyone's invited. Visitors at SVFF's last Festival felt the Musical Petting Zoo was one of the weekend's highlights. Zoo "keeper" Todd Crowley rolls into Cobourg Saturday January 28th and will set up at the Lions Community Centre for an "all welcome" open house. Everyone is invited to drop in at some point during the day between 10am and 3pm. Visitors are also asked to bring a non perishable food item for our local food bank.