The Village Squire, 1981-06, Page 10The crisp sound of acoustic guitars
is hypnotizing. Voices in melodic rhythms
ring clear through the warm suthmer air.
The crowd, in front of the scaffolding and
wooden planks that form a stage. rocks to
a tempting beat. Some, less reserved.
stand dancing, while others clap hands or
tap toes. The music and its tranquil
atmosphere mean a relaxing afternoon at
one of the many outdoor folk and
bluegrass festivals taking place each
summer in the area.
This summer alone, over a dozen
outdoor music festivals in southern
Ontario will offer weekend entertainment
unmatched by city nightlife or quiet
retreats at the beach.
Locations for festival activity will vary
from well groomed city parks to scenic
lake -front lots. Wherever the location,
each festival is truly indigenous to the
communities which make it popular.
Four festivals in particular, (the Port of
Goderich Music Festival, London's Home
County festival, Owen Sound's Summer
Folk and Formosa's Pickin' in the Pines
festival), illustrate the entertainment
alternatives available this summer.
Over 35,000 music lovers roamed freely
through Victoria Park last year enjoying
the variety of folk, bluegrass and jazz at
London's Home County Festival.
Unlike festivals which charge a daily or
weekend entrance fee, Home County has
no admission charge, and so attracts a
wide range of ages and tastes.
Joe Matyas, London Free Press relig-
ion reporter and a director for the Home
County festival, describes the crowd as
"cradle to grave."
"Our audience consists of everyone
from teenagers to young music lovers to
couples with kids and older people."
Because of the crowd's varied tastes.
Home County offers much more than
traditional folk music. So together with
folk and bluegrass. jazz is part of the
festival roster.
"Jazz performers will be those who
express the roots of jazz, like that of the
jazz music from New Orleans and
Chicago. where jazz is easily recogniz-
able.
"Those people who think Home County
only consists of traditional folk music are
greatly misinformed," said Matyas.
Last year a total of 26 different acts
performed over the three day festival
weekend, including about 60 musicians.
Matyas said the same number are
expected this year.
Popular artists who have performed at
Home County in the past include David
Broadstreet, Stan Rogers. the Humber
River Valley Boys, the Good Brothers,
Dan Hill and probably the most popular
of Canadian folkies, Valdy, who appeared
at Home County while the festival was
just getting off the ground.
Home County is paid for in part by
donations from the City of London and by
financial support from the Ontario Arts
Council, Wintario and grants from other
corporations and private individuals.
Each year, explained Matyas, although
costs have been increasing, Home County
-has been able to produce the festival for
.less money.
"We're proud of running a quality
festival on a low budget and never having
any serious financial problems. We've
always paid people for their services.
We've been able to keep our ambitions in
check."
Performer selection is done arbitrarily.
Potential acts considered by the festival
board have to be recommended by a
board member and only after having
received approval will they be sent an
invitation.
"We compose a short list of people
who we think represent the areas of
music we want to cover at the festival and
then we send out invitations to those
people based on our budget."
"We decide a rate for each level of
performer, duo or band and then every-
one in that group receives the same
amount. It offers problems sometimes
because they (performers) think we are
not paying enough. Some people want
star billing."
Aside from any question of which
performers will be accepting Home
County invitations this year. the festival
board will not release the names of acts
expected until as close to the July 17 to 19
festival weekend as possible. This,said
Matyas, is to ensure time for replies.
Approximately 70 craftspersons will be
selling leather goods. woodwork. glass
work. clothing and other handmade items
at Home County throughout Victoria
Park.
Five stages will operate this year
including a smaller children's stage and
an open stage.
The children's stage area will be
available for puppetry, crafts, music and
workshops. It will be open both Saturday
and Sunday afternoons. but should not be
used as a babysitting service. warned
Matyas.
The open stage is unique to Home
County. available to those amateur
performers who fancy a bit of the
spotlight. The only stipulation is that
potential acts register with the stage
manager.
"You get some hackers and then those
who do a remarkable job. The open stage
is a place where you sometimes come
across a few surprises." noted Matyas.
Victoria Park, in the heart of London, is
an attractive 17 acres with plenty of room
for milling about, browsing at craft items
or lying on the grass soaking up music
and sun.
Now in its eighth year, Home County
has the experience to iron out wrinkles
and ensure a good music weekend.
In Goderich, a new folk and bluegrass
festival has sprung up. In operation for
the second year. the Port of Goderich
Music Festival is an intimate musical
weekend with an unusual twist. In
addition to regular festival activities, the
PG. 8 VILLAGE SQUIRE/JUNE 1981