Enjoy the Sites and Sounds of the
Community in Celebration!
Artists register now to bring your message of caring and sharing. 2 Live stages, sound systems, and nice people around to help you to enjoy your day.
Installation art welcomed. Sell your wares, sell your art, sell your music.
The Main Stage
*Applications to Play Main Stage Still Being Accepted.
The Main Stage will be located within the Market Garden & Cafe.
Songwriter's Stage
presented by the Barrie Folk Society
This special stage will be located at the gazebo in Heritage Park, along Barrie's beautiful waterfront. This year's performers are:
Rosita Stone
Rosita Stone's Superband
Rosita Stone is proud to have 4 exceptional musicians in her band. All of them have characteristics that are unique, brilliant and highly intuitive.
"I picked each one of them because of their ability to create with me the 'magical moments' that I crave. As a collective force we work by instinct, we don't kill the songs by rehearsing them to death, we let them breath and the songs are a little different each time they are played."
Sometimes a cello accompanies the band, sometimes it's just Rosita on piano and the cello player. Other shows we've had a sitar join us. We change things around according to the moment and how the audience responds. We all work by feel and emotion; we don't know any other way to work.
From a fiery Mexican-Russian Ukrainian background, Rosita grew up living in Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Malta and America. With this gypsy lifestyle she absorbed many different cultures and influences. At five years old she started dance classes and eventually studied in New York, Vegas and Los Angeles, where at 13 years old she won a scholarship at the famous Dupree Dance Academy. Later she landed tours with the UN in Egypt, Cyprus, Israel and Germany as lead singer and choreographer.
Rosita Stone has won a Latin American Achievement Award (Premios Somos) and has had her self produced CD "The Real Deal" distributed by Universal Music in Latin America. She performs not only in Canada, but also internationally. In Canada she has performed at many prestigious events including Harbourfront Center, Nathan Philips Square, Youth Day and just last summer at Dundas Square to 20 thousand people for the First Mexican Cultural Celebration, sponsored by the Mexican Tourism Board and Mexican Consulate.
Her track record includes sharing the stage with many international artists, performing with the world famous Michael Bublé, being the opening act for Latin Superstars such as Carlos Vives, and success in Latin America where she toured and has been interviewed by all major TV, radio, newspapers and top magazines such as TV Grama (Latin equivalent to People Magazine) and Rolling Stone Latin. She has achieved TOP 5 charting success with three different songs (in both English and Spanish) and has performed live on many TV shows including CityTV/Muchamusica Latin America for a viewing audience of 50 million. She received an award for her 2 videos both reaching the Top 5 and on high rotation for 32 weeks consecutively.
The Elwins
Matthew Sweeney's voice, unrefined and appetizing, melds well with the quirky and memorable lyrics, at the same time leading the band with guitar riffs that stay with you long after hearing them.
Travis Stokl, a pop savvy drummer, co-writes the songs with Sweeney, bringing his catchy rhythm that undoubtedly leaves toes-a-tapping.
The bassist and longtime friend Feurd backs things up with a solid moustache.
THE ELWINS - Propinquity from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.
Ontario independent pop act The Elwins are a part of a vital practice of D.I.Y. pop eccentrics whose '60s swoon-worthy melodies unabashedly ignore current trends in indie music. A trio that sounds more like four or five reminds one of exactly what can be very good about rock and roll; simplicity and solid songwriting backed by some naturally talented young musicians makes The Elwins a true gem among other independent artists.
The Elwins' charm and blissful attitude is a unique addition to the Canadian music scene. Their self-titled EP has sold a multitude of copies, garnering North American and European audiences to follow. Time spent with the boys can range from a peculiar conversation about dynamics and chord structures, to a spontaneous improvised performance, notably watching them switch instruments effortlessly.
They've played at festivals such as Halifax Pop Explosion and Canadian Music Week. This March will bring their American debut, playing shows in New York City and Austin during SXSW. They have shared the stage with friends Toyko Police Club as well as The Coast, Maylee Todd, The Bicycles and Ruby Coast.
David Rankine
Progressive Folk
Drawing heavily from such diverse influences as Applachian folk,Indo-Perisan,Classic Rock, Progressive Rock and also from a background in Scots and Irish folk music (bagpipes), David's original compositions engage the listener in a way that asks the listener to become part of the music- music that provides a co-creative healing space. Although a devoted player of the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer (a zither like 4 stringed modal instrument) Dave has never let his playing style be restricted by traditional modes or idioms. Composing all of his own material, his playing is eclectic and diversified...mixing the dynamics of bagpipes (his first instrument) and hard rock, with riffs and scales influenced by Indo Persian and Medieval music.
Dave's compositions run the range from exquisitely sweet balads (The Knot, May Day, Forsaken) to trance grooves like "Ullalume's Return" to driving poly-rhythmic stomps like "Circles", "The Crucible" and "Axis of Love".
No matter what the tune is, audiences and listeners always comment on how trance-inducing the music is. This may be a result of a playing style that layers lead, rhythm and bass lines, often played all at the same time using combination of fingerpicking, strum and flat picking techniques. It is a style of playing that draws heavily from Scottish Bagpipe classical music (Ceol Mhor) and also Indian Ragas.
David Rankine is the driving force behind the Acid Folk-Rock outfit Dulcimerhead and has also recently formed a new folk jazz collaboration with Jason Pfeiffer (of HAWP, Nollaig) called Daljegg.
David has relased 11 CD recordings under his own label (Arathusa Records) including 5 with Dulcimerhead, and 4 solo mediation and healing CDs including his latest release " Healing Space"
www.reverbnation.com/davidrankine
Graydon James & the Young Novelists
Graydon James & the Young Novelists is a 6-piece roots-rock band with tight 3-part harmonies.
They have played several festivals, including NXNE, the Burlington Sound of Music festival (where they won the Galaxie Rising Star Award), Winterfolk, and the upcoming CMW festival in March.
Tea: with its healing power and soothing effects, it has the ability to provide comfort, uplift the soul, and bring people together. However, it is only once all of the individual components are brought together that tea's effects are fully realized.
"Tea is the perfect analogy for this band," notes Graydon James of Toronto-based roots rock ensemble, Graydon James & the Young Novelists. "I deliver the basic elements, chords and lyrics, and it's not until the band utilizes their talents and adds their parts that the songs come together. They're the water, the sugar and the flavour." The result of this musical distillation is a distinctive sound that comes to life on their new independent EP, a small town eulogy (spring, 2011).
Graydon James & the Young Novelists gravitated together in August of 2009 under the namesake front man's direction when he emerged from a solo songwriting and recording bender with a triple-album. Looking to tour on the heels of his hard work, he set out to find like-minded musicians. Dubbing themselves Graydon James & the Young Novelists after the album that inspired their union, goodnight, young novelist, the band toured the east coast. It soon became clear that maintaining such an inspiring relationship was without question.
The band has adopted unique concepts from providing their own brand of tea at shows in endearing aromas such as Harmony (Peppermint), Banjo (Jasmine Green) and Beard (Earl Grey Vanilla) to a pay-what-you-can philosophy behind dispensing their music, which has garnered them equal parts financial success and supportive praise.
"This band is about welcoming creativity," James asserts. "When I was first making the triple-album, I was alone. Parts took on a case of, 'it fits, so I'll keep it.' Now, it's much more thought through because everyone has a voice via their instrument. They put great time and energy into their parts, giving everything a completeness."
Michael Sacco
Technologist, Writer & Chocolatier
Michael Sacco is a technologist, writer and chocolatier. He founded ChocoSol, an artisanal chocolate company which he as termed a 'learning community social enterprise' promoting the diversity of production of organic cacao through a structure defined as "horizontal trade". Rather than sell commodities, says Michael, ChocoSol extends symbolic invitations: "The chocolate is an expression and vehicle for our dignity, creativity and learning."
Honoured as Toronto Food Policy Council's Local Food Hero in September 2009, he believes in open-source learning and building, and has been designing green production systems using solar power, pedal power, and waste diversion and upcycling techniques. ChocoSol's bicycle-powered chocolate grinders earned it the title of Toronto's Best New Bicycle Business in 2008.
Music Technical Production:
Saturday June 11
Sunday June 12
Cameron Austin
Cameron Austin is a singer-songwriter whose rhythm and groove is peppered with folk, blues, latin, & jazz flavours – music for long, hot summer nights.
Cameron's development as a singer-songwriter came after a lengthy 11 year hiatus from music. Prior to this break he recorded and performed as guitar sideman to JUNO award winner Erroll Starr and a very young and talented Melissa McClelland.
Since his return to music in 2007, Cameron has been juggling his duties as a full-time special education teacher with the demands of independent music production, promotion, and distribution. Although it seems at times to be a slow and frustratingly tedious journey, he is spurred on by the echoing words of Harry Chapin, his first musical hero . . . "I am good tired".
His latest album, Seems To Me, is a perfect back-country road trip CD – windows down, wind in your hair, arms out the window, feet on the dashboard – visions of freedom and escape with the heat, energy, and grittiness of asphalt and gravel in steamy July. Percussion, banjo, funk and doghouse bass punctuate the rhythm of the road, whether on a Healey, 'hog', or horse.
Ed & Edie
Ed Winacott, a singer/songwriter with roots firmly in rural Ontario, performs mostly original material created over a four decade span. His music, a mixture of folk/country/blues, tells stories and raises issues with a distinctly ironic point of view. Ed, a resident of Pefferlaw, performs at listening venues such as house concerts, coffee houses and Folk Festivals.
Edith Hawkins, though currently living in Fenlon Falls, hails originally from Prince Edward Island and remains thoroughly steeped in all things Celtic. Add Edith's Celtic flavoured arrangements and accompaniment (vocal, fiddle, mandolin and Irish whistles) to Ed's thought provoking lyrics and the result....something to touch the hearts, souls and minds of our times. Together they are ED & EDIE.
Kevin Firth
Kevin Firth "is a gifted songwriter with a resonant voice and a natural story teller... a fine musical ambassador for his adopted Canada." [Waterfront Folk Club, San Francisco]
Kevin and his wife Joan started the Newmarket Folk and Blues club, Barrie's "Firthfest" and Bancroft's "Festival on the Lake" and now divide their time between their homes in Barrie and Costa Rica. Kevin has released one CD, 'Reunion', and is preparing to record a second. You're sure to enjoy his intricate guitar work and expressive rich voice.
http://www.reverbnation.com/kevinfirth
Glenn McFarlane
Originally from New Brunswick, Glenn McFarlane now lives in Brampton, Ontario, where he is co-founder and President of the Brampton Folk Club. In 2009 he received the Brampton Arts Person of the Year Award for his work in promoting folk music in Brampton.
For the past 19 years, he has been half of the Celtic and East Coast duo Brown Ale. Glenn writes in a wide variety of styles, that's reflective of the music that constantly surrounds him. He is currently recording his first solo CD, and will be playing many songs from it, along with songs he's written for Brown Ale.
Having gone to high school in Midland, Glenn always enjoys playing in and around Huronia, and is delighted to be at Ecofest this year.
Jadea Kelly
Jadea Kelly is a worker. The Toronto-based artist has been working non-stop since releasing her second album, Eastbound Platform in April 2010.
She has recently toured Canada coast-to-coast two times, toured Germany and Holland, performed on VIA Rail trains between Toronto and Vancouver, BC, performed an extensive two week house concert tour of British Columbia, received a nomination for Best New Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and was a guest vocalist on metal band Protest The Hero's last album, Scurrilous.
Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams is a singer/songwriter who has fronted two local bands (Still Motion, Pholk Jam Gheri) and also plays solo. Along with coffee houses and pubs Jeff also plays in local festivals.
He has two CD's and his tribute to our troops called "The Soldier's Song" has been profiled and played by Canadian Forces Radio Europe and The Peak FM in Collingwood. Henry Bayne is also a singer/songwriter who plays bass. Along with his unique style of playing, Henry's harmonies captivate every audience.
Together Jeff and Henry play an earthy style of maritime folk rock that has introspective lyrics and contagious melodies.
Aaron Mangoff
Aaron Mangoff is one of the many musician/singer/songwriters of Orillia ON.
Aaron's balance of vocals and acoustic guitar, along with his introspective approach to song writing, makes him stand out. His performance is both passionate and haunting. Aaron's dynamic voice flows naturally from powerful to soft low energy and is perfectly matched by his progressive chord voicings and personal subject matter.
Aaron is known to enjoy writing and working with other musicians around Orillia and has formed a taste for making all types of music from heavy metal, to rock, to folk/acoustic.
He is currently working to release his debut solo album entitled "Rest Easy" for early 2011. He is also writing with his new group "Tamed the City". Aaron plans to keep busy playing shows between his two projects and building on his performance as the years go by.
Patty McLaughlin
Patty McLaughlin is a featured performer at many events in and around York region. She performs for both children and adults at Aurora's Arctic Adventure, Ribfest, Colors of the Fall and Aurora's Annual Street Sale to name a few. Patty is also the founder and host of the very popular Aurora Folk & Blues Society song circle which takes place every Tuesday night at Jonathan's Restaurant in Aurora.
Now an Innisfil resident, Patty has become a welcome performer at local events in this area as well, such as BarrieFolk's Unplugged Saturday Night, Lawnchair Luminata and the Barrie Folk Festival.
Patty is an accomplished guitarist and singer-songwriter. Her genuine warmth draws people to her and keeps them coming back for more.
Roy Hickling
Roy Hickling is a seventh generation farmer who along with wife Sue, and daughter Lydia, lives on a family farm north of Barrie. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, he came home to full time farming in 1980. While Roy continues to farm, his creative pursuits as a sculptor, painter and singer-songwriter are capturing increasing amounts of his time and interest.
"My songwriting is lyric-driven, progressive folk or roots music anchored by inventive guitar playing. I write on a wide variety of topics with the goal of producing songs that are purposeful, fun and interesting (although not necessarily all at the same time)."
Roy has recently completed his debut CD, "a little time" and is looking forward to its launch party on July 23, 2011 at the MacLaren Art Centre.
Mary Lou Minor and Travellers' Fare
Mary Lou Minor's songwriting is imbued with roots-inspired purity, inviting the listener to share her vulnerability and emotional honesty. She avoids categorizing her music but alternative country and folk influences infuse each song, with a smattering of blues for good measure.
Her song "Beer Caps In My Laundry" was selected in the 2010 Indiegrrl International Competition for inclusion on their annual compilation CD. It was also selected for a three-month feature on Women of Substance Radio out of California on Live 365. Her song, "More than Often On My Mind", was nominated for 'best song' in the 2009 Barrie New Music Fest and was a finalist in the Indiegrrl International Songwriting Competition in the same year. In 2010 she was a finalist again in the Indiegrrl competition with two songs, "Beer Caps In My Laundry", and "Called Your Number".
Mary Lou has performed with Fargo, Three Penny Opus, and as a solo artist. She will be performing at Ecofest with her band, Travellers' Fare, currently comprised of Howe Thomas on lead guitar and Tyler Reed on upright bass. She is presently planning an album of new material for release in 2011.
Peter Hillam
Peter is a folk singer/songwriter born and raised in a family of ten in a small farmhouse in rural northwestern Ontario. Peter's gentle songs speak to the simple ways of his childhood, and to the values and traditions of the past. The lakes, trees and meadows of Peter's youth have never left his blood, and his songs are infused with a profound respect and admiration for the natural world.
Peter currently lives with his wife and two young sons on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe, in Jackson's Point, Ont.
Teal and Joyce
Carol Teal and David Joyce joined forces in 1997 when they discovered their two voices were richer than one and have been writing and performing as "contemporary" folk musicians together, ever since.
They perform mainly original songs, which chronicle the joys and sorrows of life as well as filling the troubadour's role of critical commentary on life today, accompanying themselves with a variety of acoustical musical instruments.
Their thought-provoking lyrics embrace a wide range of topics and emotions reflecting the celebrations and struggles of daily life, as well as the ability to laugh at ourselves! They have released two CD's of original music, Simple Pleasures and Some Things You Do For Love.
Dave Allen
Born in Barrie, Ontario, Dave was introduced to music at an early age, his mother and father would often hold family jam sessions at cottages, family reunions and holiday gatherings. It was during these times Dave picked up the guitar and began trying to pick along.
Fast forward a few years, Dave began writing his own songs and performed in various bands throughout high school; styles ranging from punk, ska to hardcore, eventually finding his voice in alternative folk music.
Currently playing in the band Talk In Blue based in St. Catharines, Dave's solo performance is a stripped down, acoustic singer-song writer set, at times supported by his family members and friends.
Kristine St-Pierre
Kristine St-Pierre is a singer-songwriter based in Ottawa, Canada. Singing and writing in both English and French, it is the simplicity with which she illustrates and shares her emotions combined with her familiar voice that makes her an artist to discover.
Her guitar is her accompaniment of choice and the perfect companion when traveling. In addition to performing regularly in Ottawa, Kristine has performed on four continents, most recently in Africa and in Latin America. In June 2010, she embarked on a solo acoustic tour of the East Coast to share her music and promote her first bilingual EP Stand still for a while. She was also a finalist in the Franco-Ontarian Ontario Pop 2010 competition.
On stage, Kristine's pop-folk songs take on another life with her powerful voice, charming personality and unforgiving smile.
www.myspace.com/kristinestpierre
Hey Amy
Amy McIsaac humbly began as a solo troubadour who fancied a certain bass playing fella named Brad. They formed a duo called The Gnomes and played many pubs, patios and fall fairs across Ontario. Soon the duo expanded to include a drummer, and then a smokin' lead guitarist. And that, in a nutshell, is how Hey Amy came to be. Their debut album, The Woodshed Sessions, was recorded in Nov 2010 at Blue Rodeo's legendary Woodshed Studio.
Scott Cooper
Through several years of critically acclaimed recordings and strong live performances, Scott Cooper has established himself on the Canadian music scene, garnering audience loyalty throughout Ontario, and currently expanding to Quebec and Western Canada.
His music has been used in both film and television (you've heard him on The Food Network's smash "The Surreal Gourmet", CTV's "Heartland", and PBS' "Roadtrip Nation"). Cooper's music also receives regular rotation on CBC and satellite radio across the country, and has charted on college/campus radio across North America, UK, and Germany.
He's also received rave reviews and national press from The Toronto Star (most notably by legendary music critic John Sakamoto's Anti-Hit List) and Exclaim! magazine who lauded, "'Tiny Increments' contains all the elements that fans of classic Canadian folk rock have come to expect over the last ten years, and Cooper appears poised to add his name to that list of highly successful artists with this album."
Farrucas
Kick Ptarmigan
Buskers
Art Displays
Celebrations
All materials to be shown at the festival must pass our GREEN INSPECTION and will
be subject to removal without prejudice or harm intended. We are a Green Festival and
we ask that you respect the following:
The following items will not be allowed: Styrofoam, Plastic Water Bottles, Hand distributed flyers (other than those previously approved), plastic bags, plastic utensils. Please do not post any bills or signs outside of your own presentation area.
Smoking is not permitted on the Festival Grounds and there is to be no Idling on Festival property.
Ecofest Webmaster:
