Ottawa, Canada – Organizers of the 2007 Ottawa Folk Festival promised an event that is “full of discovery” as they announced plans for the 14th Annual Ottawa Folk Festival taking place at Britannia Park in Ottawa from August 16 to 19.
“We have a wonderful headliner in Kris Kristofferson and lots of people will, no doubt, line up to see him,” says the festival’s executive director, Tamara Kater. “But I encourage people to look at the rest of our fabulous line-up – they’ll be absolutely delighted by all of the other great reasons to be there!”
“Interaction and variety – that’s what we’re all about,” adds Chris White, the festival’s founding artistic director. “In our friendly, stimulating environment, the artists are very accessible. All of them, including Kris Kristofferson, will be taking part in daytime song circles and interactive sessions quite apart from their evening concerts. Everyone will get a chance to see first-hand how a genuine love of music connects these artists with one another and with the world.”As for variety, White says many people still don’t realize the incredible range of music that is on display. From Appalachian, bluegrass and Celtic to alt.country, klezmer and comedy, there’s something for every musical taste. “Along with everything else, we have three bands from Mali and Senegal whose irresistible grooves are guaranteed to get everyone dancing,” says White.
There are also plans for a fascinating new musical experiment where 12 musicians from different cultural backgrounds will arrive in Ottawa three days early to work together to create new music to be performed at the festival.
“We’ve put together a program that everyone can relate to, regardless of age or background,” says White. “With the main stage, seven daytime stages, a family area and an outdoor dance floor – a first for us – there will be lots of things going on to keep everyone entertained.”
White says festival-goers will want to check out the many special events at Britannia Park, including: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie – This high-profile salute to the American folk hero includes a star-studded tribute concert featuring Kris Kristofferson, as well as two award-winning films, a multi-media presentation with Nora Guthrie, artifacts from the Woody Guthrie Archives, a children’s concert and opportunities for festival-goers to perform classic Guthrie songs on the main stage.
The festival will have Canada’s largest-ever pennywhistle class for beginners – The first 300 participants in this Sunday afternoon teaching session will receive a free Irish pennywhistle courtesy of the Ottawa Folklore Centre. And there will also be a musical instrument “petting zoo” – Kids of all ages will be able to try out different instruments – then they can make a drum to take home
Early-bird passes for the four-day event are on sale now until June 2.
The Ottawa Folk Festival is a non-profit organization that celebrates the creativity of musicians, dancers and spoken-word artists with a summer festival and year-round concerts.
Thursday Evening, August 16
Souljazz Orchestra
Amos the Transparent
The Meredith Luce Band
Tony D & Friends
Friday Evening, August 17
Kris Kristofferson
Oh Susanna
The Foggy Hogtown Boys
Kiran Ahluwalia
Arthur McGregor
Kobo Town
Saturday Evening, August 18
“Ribbon of Highway” Woody Guthrie
Tribute Tour featuring
Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy LaFave,
Eliza Gilkyson, Ray Bonneville and
Joel Rafael
Buffy Sainte-Marie
The Carolina Chocolate Drops
Karen Savoca & Pete Heitzman
Ray Bonneville
Hoots & Hellmouth
Sunday Evening, August 19
The Arrogant Worms
Dirk Powell & Martha Scanlan
Eliza Gilkyson
Rose Cousins
Cheza
Penny Lang
Mushfiq Ensemble
Andy Rush & the Terry Penner
Weekend Choir
Plus…Andy Cohen, Anj Daub, Chris Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite, DanceAbility, David Gaudet Elage Grasshoppa, Dance Exchange, Heather Dale & Ben Deschamps, Jah Youssouf, Kate Weekes Trio, Kathy Armstrong, Lindsay Jane, Mansa Sissoko, Mary Murphy with Paul Keim, Nathan Old Man Luedecke, Oy Division, Pepe Danza, Petr Cancura Sheila M Ross, The Boys & Girls Club Drumming Team, The Doug & Jess Ban,d The Good Lovelies, The Gruff, The Undesirables, and Turpial
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
