Ottawa Folk Festival

Subject: Otawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 11:16 PM

information

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Ben Mulroney
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 12:10 PM

What the website isn't announcing yet is the name of their biggest headliner.

It's KALAN PORTER -- YOUR CANADIAN IDOL!!!!

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 01:56 PM

That's folk? Geez! I guess it'll draw a younger crowd, if sucking up to youth is what it's all about these days. Oh well...

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 07:08 PM

I guess they're the one's with the scratch to spend these days.

Us older guys spent ours on whiskey and women and the rest we just wasted.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 08:03 PM

Well maybe, but KP doesn't fit the bill in my estimation. It smacks of deliberate (and likely sincere) commercializatiom, and bottom feeding opportunism. Neither party gets much credibility here unless KP turns out to be something else altogether.

Skeptic I remain.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 09:13 PM

I don't know Kalan Porter or his musical talents but if he's anything like the one's spawned by those other "talent contests" on television I agree with you.

Using populist type headliners seems to be to be pretty standard marketing strategy at these music festivals these days - for better or worse I guess - insofar as without them the draw would not be able to financially sustain the festival.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 10:05 PM

OFF's website said that they would make announcements soon about "two additional headline acts with strong youth appeal"...to say nothing of no folk appeal. Assuming this is one of them, what's the other?

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 10:14 PM

Maybe it's Britney Spears and she'll have a wardrobe malfunction.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 05:29 AM

LOL...That makes it okay then! Mooh.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 04:29 PM

Internet access troubles, so I haven't been able to catch up with Maplepost recently. Apparently there's been a massive pro-&-con discussion about the Kaelan Porter thing.

Apparently KP does have a fairly strong folk/roots background. Of course, there's be no sign of that showing in an "Idol" format. I must admit, I'm curious enough to want to give him a chance.

Think of it - a performer with mainstream pop music success using it to get into the folk world. Nothing I love more than irony THAT delicious!      :-)

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Arnie
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 08:44 AM

The Ottawa festival may be one of the best Folk Festivals running. I say this because not only have they been able to tap into a large young audience, they usually manage to have diversity in their performers, including traditional music(which many festivals do not theses days). When you go to the festival you really get the sense of excitement, energy, creativity, enthusiasm in the younger generations in both listening and playing the music. Ottawa has created an incredibly vibrant and living music scene and I have to give them credit. I think the K.P. strategy is probably a good one.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Willie-O
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 09:07 AM

The never-shy Richard Flohil launched the Kalan Porter imbroglio on Maplepost (Canadian roots-music-biz listserv) with a broadside condemnation of what he claimed and has re-asserted is a definite fact, that Porter has been booked. Festival AD Chris White responded with a "neither confirm or deny" message that postulated that if true, it would bring a bunch of KP fans into the festival where they (and likely their parents) would accidentally be exposed to some real music, and you know what happens then... I have not heard if the Ottawa Folklore Centre has placed an emergency order for 100 metallic blue solid-body electric violins, in fact I can neither confirm nor deny this rumour...

W-O

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 09:39 AM

I'll believe KP as a folkie when I see (or hear) it, in the meantime White may be correct in the marketing stategy, but that smacks of a certain desperation. I hope the unprepared aren't faced with legions of screaming teeny-bopper fans. I'll stop before I offend someone.

I read the Maplepost discussion too, it was pretty tame compared to what happens around here.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Willie-O
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 09:56 AM

Well I figure "the unprepared" might as well grin and bear it, or at least complain and bear it...they can always turn down their hearing aids. I thought the arguments that this would attract a lot of undesirables, media=saturated consumer zombies who are slavishly devoted to the whole "Idolatry" process, were remarkably elitist.

Whereas Mitch Podolak, who would know if anyone would, observed that 97% of attendees, the ones who keep, say, the Winnipeg Folk Festival (which he started) in the black, are what he calls "eventers", who enjoy being part of the folk festival experience once a year, and the other 3% are the dyed-in-the-wool folkies like me and thee (and I'm not so sure about me any more). Both segments are needed for a continuing, successful, artistically valid event, but we shouldn't be kidding ourselves that we are the dominant audience/financial contributors to OFF or any other major Canadian festival.

W-O

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 03:17 PM

I wouldn't necessarily dispute that, but would that they showcase a major rap artist because it might create a spin-off folk fan, I don't know. They might piss off as many or more than they attract. I wouldn't advise my local festival to do that.

I think I'm both an "eventer" and a folkie, for what it's worth. Don't think I'm elitist about it personally, you're free to disagree of course, it's just that a folk festival isn't a pop festival to me.

I'll wait and see.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Arnie
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 09:12 AM

The thing is Folk Festivals aren't FOLK festivals in Canada anymore- like they were in the 1970s for instance. In many cases the acts they call folk or roots I would regard as just modern pop anyway. Young people are more open minded about genres of music much more than I ever was but if some eventers discover traditional forms of music too, which I really believe (I know) some will, I think it's all worth it. Ottawa is building on a young exciting folk music community that is growing and appealing for the young and old.

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 09:45 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 24 Jun 05 - 07:29 PM

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Subject: RE: Otawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 07:52 AM

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Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 10:33 AM

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Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 10:43 AM

Nice folkie poster this year. Does KP play the banjo?

I'm sorry they moved the dates, even though it makes sense. I'm not able to reach Ottawa until the next week. Damn!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: JohnB
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 02:49 PM

If you want a festival of Traditional Folk Music, go to Millrace (Cambridge) Folk Festival or Goderich Celtic Festival.
I remember someone telling me that KP could play about half a dozen different instruments. The only song I remember hearing him sing was a Christmas Carol, can't remember the name of it but it was FAR from a mainstream carol, so why not give the guy a chance.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 08:19 PM

Um...(clears throat)...did you mention Goderich in a discussion of Porter? Just for fun, I'll suggest booking KP for next year to the AD. I haven't had my ass kicked in a while.

What fun.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Willie-O
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 09:09 PM

Are metallic blue fiddles cool at Goderich? Cause I'm thinking of getting one. Then maybe Chris will book me at the OFF.

I saw Chris White and Richard Flohil having a friendly chat this weekend (they were both at Stewart Park Fest in Perth). FWIW. No strangling or agressive body language were in evidence, even though Richard has outed Chris as the destroyer of folk music purity.

Just to give the discussion some context, Ottawa has a summer full of festivals such as the Bluesfest that booked John Prine, Metric and KOS(but also John Mayall!!!), Jazzfest before that who booked mostly jazz, and the Chamber Music Festival who book only...chamber music. So in the Ottawa scene, it's to be expected that the Folk Fest will stretch the genre boundaries.   

In short, contemporary music festivals here are mostly defined by genre in a way that says "at least 50% of our acts will fall into this general category of music"...

It's all moot to me, I gotta go to a wedding in Chicago that weekend. Damn.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 09:33 PM

If any mudcatters are planning to attend and need a place to pitch a tent or park an RV I am an hour away from Ottawa and have plenty of space. PM me if you're interested and I will send directions.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 19 Jul 05 - 09:32 AM

Willie...Metallic blue fiddles are cool everywhere, man! Mind you, I'm not about to overspray my grandfather's fiddle yet.

bobad...That's a generous offer. You could end up with a real party on your hands! Sorry I can't make it. Btw, which direction from Ottawa are you? I'll be in Odessa this weekend at the Cdn Guitar Festival.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: JohnB
Date: 19 Jul 05 - 09:40 AM

Of course I mentioned Porter in a discussion on Goderich, it's one of my favourite brews. I was merely thread drifting, not suggesting a booking.
Cheers, JohnB

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jul 05 - 10:04 AM

Mooh

I'm southeast of Ottawa, between Ottawa and Cornwall.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 09:14 AM

bobad...Nice part of the world. My oldest kid is going to U of Ottawa in September. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 10:23 AM

Good on him Mooh, what's he studying ?

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Mooh
Date: 21 Jul 05 - 07:00 AM

She's studying "communications". Mooh.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 22 Jul 05 - 03:19 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Willie-O
Date: 23 Jul 05 - 02:00 PM

We should meet up sometime bobad, I'm just north of Perth. If you PM me your e-mail address I'll put you on my e-mail list for when I've got a gig, or helping someone else publicize something good.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 25 Jul 05 - 08:36 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 26 Jul 05 - 08:26 PM

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Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 28 Jul 05 - 09:55 PM

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Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 02 Aug 05 - 10:07 PM

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Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 07:49 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: GUEST,willie-o
Date: 06 Aug 05 - 11:19 AM

well I'm off to get refreshed.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 05:27 PM

refresh willie-o

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 09:22 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 08:50 PM

refresh for this weekend

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Beer
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 09:36 PM

O.K, here is a little something. One of the highlights of our Branches and Roots Festival in Ormstown Quebec. The last weekend of July was "Joe Grass and Terry Joe (Banjo) Rodrigues". I noticed that the two were behind a building jamming and thought no more of it. About 15 minutes later Joe Grass opened his set by inviting Terry Joe up. I have never heard such electricity in a long, long time. They played three bluegrass instrumentals that had everyone in the audience in awe. Terry Joe with his "Clawhammer Style" on the Banjo, and Joe Grass on the guitar. I won't be up for the Ottawa Festival and I don't know if Joe Grass is scheduled to play, but I know that Terry Joe is. Do yourself a favour and catch his show. In fact make it a point to talk to him. He is very easy to approach and tell him that Adrien thinks very highly of him.
These were two fellows that I was not sorry I booked. Hay! Joe Grass may be up there as well and Terry Joe may invite him up for a few numbers.
Beer

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 09:44 PM

Adrien

I'm planning to take in the Ormstown Festival next summer and looking forward to meeting and hearing Bruce.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Beer
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:08 PM

Lets stay in touch. That is. We will stay in touch.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Beer
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:11 PM

Where is Bruce? Haven't heard from him in awhile. Must be on vacation before work begins.
Beer

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:20 PM

Yeah it seems he was working through a part of the summer so a vacation is probably well deserved.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Beer
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:30 PM

If what I just checked out is correct, Joe Grass is also scheduled to play. 5 bucks says that he and Terry Joe will jam. I should really try and get up there.
beer

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: bobad
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:36 PM

If you're going stop by and say hello I'm on the route, PM me for directions.

Subject: RE: Ottawa Folk Festival
From: Beer
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:40 PM

Thanks.
Will get back to you if it happens.