Ottawa Folk Festival takes on new challenge
Posted Jul 1, 2010 By Phil Ambroziak
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Tweet ThisEMC Events - Organizers are hoping a new take on one of the city's most popular summer music festivals will result in a new audience while still attracting longtime traditionalists.
The Ottawa Folk Festival is scheduled for Aug. 13 to 15 at Britannia Park and, while it will still feature everything that has made it a popular event in the past, this year's festival plans on being bigger and better than ever.
"Our focus is on bringing in a new audience," explained Dylan Griffith, who is serving his first year as festival director. "We are kind of experimenting with the scope of what falls under the umbrella of folk music and testing the definition of folk music to a certain degree."
Although all acts that will be appearing at the festival have yet to be confirmed, Mr. Griffith noted that long-time fans will be pleased to see such folk music legends as Ramblin' Jack Elliott while new groups such as Arrested Development will have a somewhat different approach in terms of lyrical content and how they connect with the audience.
"There will be new artists and new genres, but they will all have a connection to our roots in folk music," Mr. Griffith said.
As to whether or not traditional Folk Festival attendees will appreciate this new concept, Mr. Griffith said he is expecting a mixed reaction.
"Luckily, most people who attend a folk music festival are open-minded and are there because they have a love of music," he said. "They go for the experience and part of the experience is discovering something new. Our audience has a built-in, innate curiosity."
Mr. Griffith did admit that it could be a challenge, however, to get everyone on board.
"There will likely be some people who say 'no, this is not what I want,' but this is not going to be a radical transformation by any means," he remarked. "It could be a challenge to get the current audience to take a leap, but at the same time the festival has to evolve and grow. So far, people seem excited about the new level of energy we are experiencing and are looking forward to what direction the festival could take."
One thing that will definitely remain the same is the family-friendly atmosphere experienced at the Ottawa Folk Festival. In fact, the new organizing committee will make it even more accessible to families by admitting anyone under the age of 16 for free.
"We're keeping ticket prices low," Mr. Griffith said. "One thing this festival does that is also unique is it includes a large educational component. We will be increasing our number of music workshops and we encourage people to bring their own instruments and to take part in jam sessions. We want the public to be a part of the festival, not just spectators."
VOLUNTEER EFFORT
While the Ottawa Folk Festival does employ a number of paid staff members, it relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers.
"We have many volunteers who provide a huge range of commitment and dedication. They do a great job, but we're always looking for more."
A full schedule for the event will be posted in July.
Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the festival can visit www.ottawafolk.org.
pambroziak@theemc.ca
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