PLAIN FOLK by Les Pearson This is Winnipeg's 30th Anniversary Special and the line-up reads like a Who's Who of Canadian and world music talent. Acts include oldies like Buffy Sainte-Marie and Stringband. Established regulars like Harry Manx, Leon Redbone, James Keelaghan, Mae Moore & Lester Quitzau are the program's life blood. International stars like The Waifs, Ani DiFranco, Buddy Guy--and, of course, Bob Geldof--provide the vital spark. This festival looks exciting! But I have never been there. How can I write a preview? Before you hold your nose for my shallow dive, know that I located an expert to interview. Her story is worth reading. Jana Pruden's parents were festival pioneers. She probably attended the first Bird's Hill Provincial Park Festival in utero sometime in the early 70's. Prior to this venue, the festival was staged in a Winnipeg parking lot. The festival found legs with its re-location and proved so popular with Manitobans that it quickly boasted six to seven afternoon workshop stages and large mellow crowds for the evening main stage shows. Jana tells me that the workshop stages are spread over a wide tract of Bird's Hill Park. She insists that, even with the large numbers who attend this festival, people are easy-going and relaxed. There is none of the rush and crush that characterize Edmonton or Calgary's behemoth festivals. Jana says festival folk are always "in a country frame of mind." Jana can never remember a mad rush to stake out tarp turf in front of the main stage. (Are they more than just growing hemp in those Manitoba fields?) And this is where it gets interesting. Jana Pruden asserts that her parents started a Winnipeg Folk Festival tradition! She claims--and who can argue--that her parents brought a stick and flag marker to help their child locate their main stage tarp site. Today the main stage seating area is festooned with these unique totems. Sounds like a practical suggestion for crowded venues! What was Jana's earliest memory. Fred Penner! (Who else?) Her all-time favourite act? Jim Post playing "Get Off" as a 2:00 a.m. concert finale. Rosalee Goldstein was the Winnipeg Folk Festival director for many of the past 30 years. This dynamic lady had the foresight to book acts on the cusp of super stardom. Lyle Lovett is a case in point. Further, she set the mold by booking diverse musical acts. They run from folk to jazz and pop to world music. This festival is a total music experience! And it is this diversity that makes the Winnipeg Folk Festival fantastic. For more information or to book tickets log on to: www.winnipegfolkfestival.com |