After 16 years of Stewart Park Festival’s, I must say this year was the smoothest running yet. Most of the thanks go to the over one hundred volunteers we had, many who come back every year, know what need’s doing and get it done. We’re blessed, too, with new folk who venture forth to lend a hand. One dear woman was volunteered by her husband in advance, each planning to help throughout the weekend. Well, a few days before the festival he got called away on business out of town and yet she carried on and worked countless hours all weekend on gates, backstage, in the info booth and after all that is already planning to help again next year. It was great to see many younger volunteers, our local “yeut”, taking up the challenge and joining our Festival Crew. Hat’s off to all those who made the 2006 Festival another success.
I’d like to also thank all those 25,000 people who attended over the weekend and who dug deep and donated throughout that time. When running a free festival, we are constantly nickel and dime-ing it to make our budget work but we rely heavily on donations and our audience really came through this year.
It’s always magic for me on Friday when the festival kicks off. After working all year with our motley crew of festival executive and to see everything start to work, never ceases to bring a wet one to my eye. Hearing up and coming local talent strut their stuff to kick off the festival is always a highlight. Those sweet young voices of Julie Kevan and Rebekka Paige gives me faith in our local musical future.
It never ceases to amaze me, watching the composite energy displayed by the Hootenanny Revue. Highlighted by Carolyn Mark, Jenny Whiteley, Luther Wright, Shuyler Jansen and Oh Susanna’s braided harmonies, tastefully backed by Dan Whiteley’s mandolin and Joey Wright’s stellar guitar work, these hard workin’ musicians bopped and weaved, physically and musically, taking turns featuring one another. T’was especially touching to see Oh Susanna with her partner Cam as they showed off their beautiful son, who, during last year’s festival had caused such a ruckus by deciding to enter the world 11 weeks early at 2 lbs 8 oz. Well, to see this rambunctious lad flailing at the drums on stage with Dad, you know you’ve witnessed a miracle. What a great bunch of musical varmints.
The BeBob Cowboys with Steve Briggs sweet guitar work tickled my fancy as well and who could forget the memorable show Susie Vinnick and Rick Fines put on to close out Friday evening.
Saturday brought on quite a mix of singer / songwriter styles, from Martin Joseph’s political challenges to Eugene Ruffulo’s emotional tunes. Notable this year was it was the women who were doing the rockin’. Both Amber Swift and Fruit brought the crowd to their feet early on in their sets and set the whole park in motion. The East Coast Opera Company fused the usually miles apart rock and opera worlds together in a real crowd pleasing venture that had people talking for days after, comparing views of their unique sound.
Every year though has it’s special moment. This year had to be a frantic call I received to meet a couple of women at the Info Booth. Upon arrival, the distraught pair proceeded to tell me how one of their purses had snapped open in an untimely way, as they were in one of the portable washrooms. They watched in horror as their cell phone and most importantly, car key ring fell silently down through the hole, into the great abyss below. If this wasn’t enough, the women with their teenage kids were staying near Westport but were actually from the States, their spare keys being hundreds of miles away. I called the toilet company who graciously offered to help by morning but I ended up leaving them in the hands of CAA. I can still hear the cackles of laughter coming through my radio as I quietly asked my volunteers if anyone could swim… a truly special moment.
The Acoustic Stage, ably run by Dave Laut and Simon Bennell is becoming more and more one of the secret gems of the festival. You never know just what you’ll hear as various mixes of skilled musicians jam with one another to create sounds you may never hear again. Many of the players have never played together before so its always a unique moment when these gifted musicians share with one another.
After Hours was well attended and I had so many stories told to me of up close moments that attendee’s relished. To be able to wander about town and hear so many great musicians is definitely a highlight for many. Congratulations to Joanne Bennell and her crew for coordinating again this year.
I’d like to congratulate Carolyn Sutherland, Fred Dinelle, Dave Balfour, Barb St. Arnaud, JoAnn Campbell, Joanne Hughes, Joanne Bennell, Steve Hanna and especially BIA coordinator Heather Hansgen and Parks & Recreation’s Karen Fox for their energy, creative juices and dedication in succeeding to present successfully the 16th Annual Stewart Park Festival. We’re already planning for next year and we’re always interested in people’s suggestions, offers to help or your favourite memory so let’s hear from you. Contact me at: tennants@sympatico.ca
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