MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

58 ML BLUE SUMMER 2018 YEARS OF FUN Sea Kayaking Kids Camp SUPing www.freespirit-tours.com [email protected] 705-606-0867 • 519-599-2268 Canoeing Climbing Sea Kay Kids Camp Caving YEARS OF FUN FULL DAY TRIPS Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival is the proverbial feather in the cap of Owen Sound’s impressive arts and cultural community. Spearheaded by the Georgian Bay Folk Society, the festival began in 1975 in Kelso Beach Park on the city’s west shore, where it is still held. The term ‘folk’ has never been held to tightly—the original artistic directors, Tim and John Harrison, grappled with the concept, and found the term tough to pin down. Today, Summerfolk holds to the Harrisons interpretation of folk music, as “the music of all people, from different classes and different settings.” It’s been this multicultural and inclusive mantra that has helped Summerfolk to develop a massive loyal following spanning North America. Especially known for its innovative workshop format, the festival pairs artists who wouldn’t typically collaborate, giving the lineup not only a truly unique sound, but a collaborative energy that often generates jaw-dropping results. Notable alumni of Summerfolk include Bruce Cockburn, Stan Rogers, Don McLean, and David Amram—and in more recent years, Whitehorse, Serena Ryder, Buffy Sainte Marie, Danny Michel, Joel Plaskett, Digging Roots, Lemon Bucket Orkestra, My Son the Hurricane, and Natalie MacMaster. This year, Sarah Harmer, Susan Aglukark and Bahamas headline. —Nelson Phillips DIY: Summerfolk happens August 17-19. Down the highway at Blue Mountain Village, check out the following summer music events: Peak To Shore Fest; Opera Under The Stars; Blues at Blue; Tapestry, a Carole King Songbook; The Last Waltz Tribute; Colin James for Guitar Trail, and much more. bluemountainvillage.ca Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra at Summerfolk 41. JOHN FEARNALL Summer Music Fests 30