The Winnipeg Folk Festival

So, on Friday night RC arrived in Winnipeg. We were both very excited to spend a day at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and see "The Swell Season" in concert. This is the duet from the film (yes, RS, it was a "film" not a "movie") Once

On Saturday morning, we caught a Winnipeg Transit Bus and traveled north out of the city to Bird's Hill Provincial Park. Now, I know you might be thinking this already yourself, but there's a type of person that goes to the folk festival... RC and I did our best to look the part wearing gear she bought off etsy.

We arrived at the WFF with only our experiences in London in mind... the London Folk Festival was always held in Victoria Park, downtown. We always enjoyed that festival, it was good times. This festival though had us out in the middle of nowhere. Nature and music. In the middle of nature. And tons of music. Got it? Oh, and dragon flies - everywhere. And birch trees, says RC from NB who hasn't seen them grown naturally since she left home. (Apparently the only birch trees she's seen in Ontario were bought and planted, not natively grown.) We walked through a forested area on a slim trail to come out into the WFF and see our first group - The Sojourners.

They're a gospel group - and were really great. It was a fabulous start to the day. We sat down on a duvet cover I brought and watched people walk by as they arrived at the festival. It was a great people watching spot and we couldn't believe the eclectic mix of people walking past. Young, old, conservative, very liberal... Ok, there were a lot on the liberal side... At about this point, I realized it was CdV's Mecca - all these people, the music, the mix of philosophies - he would LOVE to spend the weekend here. So, I sent him a text. He was very happy for me and wished he was there too.

Then, we set off to find the right stage for our big concert with The Swell Season. We were giddy! There were tons of great vendors that we walked past rather quickly, but promised we'd come back to... and we passed several other performance areas that were all busy. We found a great spot for ourselves - centre stage, just in front of the sound table (greatest sound spot in the place). It didn't take long for us to see everyone come on stage. It was a workshop session - so there was a host, John K. Samson, Jon & Roy, The Swell Season and Works Progress Administration. The best part was - each group would perform one song, and then the next one would perform... no "mini sets" within the session - so no waiting for set-up (thank goodness!) and it added to the dynamic because they were welcome to play with each other. At one point, Jon & Roy played their song "Any day now" and it has a great chorus. Those on stage joined in and the whole audience joined in - we loved it. The best part was - The Swell Season were to perform next - and he couldn't get THEIR song out of his head... it was hard for Glen to start singing what he was supposed to. It was awesome. I think we were all feeling a bit that way.

Here's some shots of the stage:




It was a great workshop. They did a lot of great songs - all of the groups on stage - and we loved when The Swell Season went from singing a Bruce Springsteen song (Drove All Night) into a traditional Irish wake song. (Very appropriate...???) It was great! We all sang along and felt like we were sharing something special. Glen explained that it was about thanking everyone, no enemies, no regrets, and wishing everyone joy. Here's a video clip of Glen and you'll even hear me singing along.


From Marketa's twitter
We played in Winnipeg the night before last, what a gorgeous festival. So relaxed and fun, our first gig of this tour. It's always nice to play after a break, everything feels fresh and new again.

After that concert, we walked through the vendors - bought some honey with raspberry in it (amazing!) and I also picked up a beeswax candle that smells wonderful. We walked past all the food vendors - a very interesting selection! RC couldn't believe all the vegetarian options! She was in heaven!

We were a little sore from sitting cross legged all day, so we went and found a place semi-close to a stage so we could hear music, but we could also totally lay out (the joy of bringing a duvet cover) and totally relax. ...Until it rained... Then we looked quite cute huddled under umbrellas sitting on the duvet cover eating veggie sticks and nuts.

Overall, the WFF was very much PEACE and LOVE. We joked that we were at our own version of Woodstock. Everyone was so happy, there were tons of tree-huggers, vegetarians, babies in wraps and barefeet! It was a fun day and a neat experience. Hopefully this can become an annual thing for us!