So much music – OCFF 2011
I’m back from the 2011 Ontario Council of Folk Festivals conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario — and I am really missing the music!
When my friend dropped me off at home yesterday afternoon, I found myself immediately clapping along to a passing car’s blaring radio. Music is everywhere it seems, but LIVE music is just.. something else. An experience.
I had a wonderful time playing in a few private showcases and meeting many very nice people. Here are some highlights for me (in no particular order):
- Late night jammin’ in the hotel hallway with friend Drew Gonsalves of Kobo Town, Trevor Mills and Raven Kanatakta of Digging Roots. (Look for a new Kobo Town album in 2012.)
- Discovering a very cool group from Montreal called Tricot Machine. Here’s one of the slower songs they played that I loved:
- Hearing and seeing the hurdy-gurdy for the first time, played by a talented trio from Peterborough. Such a cool instrument..
- Catching up with Mr. Jason Wilson (would have been better if I heard him sing though – great songwriter / reggae artist)
- Hearing Kevin Fox play; great voice with cello and a looping station. He performed a spellbinding cover of “River” by Joni Mitchell
- The Dardanelles – a great group from Newfoundland that plays traditional music. Made me miss St. John’s!
- Singing along with Tannis Slimmon in one of the private showcases — I love her energy
- Getting goosebumps from Matt Andersen‘s powerful blues voice and guitar playing
I’m looking forward to October 2012 in Mississauga. Until then, I have an album to finish!
