Atlantic Canada offers many opportunities to enjoy the magic of music
Dar Purdy, from Cedar Lake, NS, is a long-time fan of music festivals like Celtic Colours and Stanfest. But topping her list these days is the Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women and Song, held each summer in Lockeport, NS. Says Purdy: “I love women’s energy. I love listening to women’s stories and hearing women’s voices. That’s what keeps drawing me back.”
Purdy says she has discovered that the best music happens when the performers throw the schedule away, and—instead of taking turns—one headliner takes the lead on her own songs, and the next scheduled performer backs her up. “They play off each other, the energy builds, and one set will flow into another, with more talent on the stage than you’ve any right to expect in this quiet little town.”
Although it grows every year, Harmony Bazaar is still small enough that all the seats are close to the stage. When the artists are not performing, they can be found mingling with the crowd. “It’s a safe space, family friendly—even the folks in the beer tent aren’t too rowdy. You also get to know people—those in the audience, and the volunteers who come back year after year,” she says.
An added benefit of the festival is the sense of community that’s created when friends and family, who normally don’t have a chance to see one other because they live great distances apart, have a chance to get together. Last year, Purdy and 19 others booked their accommodations at the Lockeport Cottages and Campgrounds. “We got together for meals, split into groups for sightseeing, paddling or hiking, then met up again for the music.”
Purdy’s teenaged nieces, Amy and Anna Stewart, joined her at the festival in the summer of 2012. “They’re part of the global download generation; they probably don’t know as much about Canadian music as they should, but they’re Serena Ryder fans, so they were particularly looking forward to Harmony Bazaar.”
During one of the set breaks, the girls watched as a young woman walked through the crowd, chatting with people. They nudged each other.
“I think that’s Serena Ryder.”
“No, it can’t be.”
“I think it is,” said Amy. “I’m going to go walk by her.”
Amy went on a walkabout and came back flushed and excited. She stage-whispered to everyone, “It’s her; it’s Serena Ryder! This is so cool!” Twenty minutes later, Serena Ryder was on stage belting out the music; Amy and Anna were front and centre, totally enthralled, having the experience of a lifetime.
After the show, the girls got their courage up and approached the singer. “Serena talked with them for a bit, and they had their picture taken together. It’s a moment they’ll never forget,” says Purdy.
Chilled Out
For years, James MacGregor listened to friends wax poetic about a music festival, held in Sackville, NB, called Sappyfest. Last August, the stars lined up for the former Maritimer—who now lives in BC—and he was able to attend the festival. “It was a great opportunity to hang out with my friends for a weekend,” says MacGregor. “The music was also a draw. I had a chance to see Oneida, Thee Silver Mt. Zion, and Bry Webb.”
Although MacGregor didn’t know what to expect from a music festival held in the middle of a small town (right by the single traffic light), he was pleasantly surprised. “I normally have reservations about festivals because of long lineups, crazy prices, surly locals, and aggressive, obnoxious or way-too-drunk crowds, but every single one of my doubts was proven wrong. Absolutely everything was easy and perfect.”
MacGregor notes that the entire town participated wholeheartedly in the festival, happily feeding and hydrating hundreds of visitors. “Prices for food or drink weren’t magically hiked up for the weekend. Everyone—locals and visitors alike—was just really nice and chilled out.”
The crew he was with spent time hanging out at Lillas Fawcett Park on Silver Lake. “Lots of hipsters mingled with young families, all just chilling out. It was great.”
On the second day of Sappyfest, after a few afternoon shows (and maybe a few beers), James felt a bit tired on the way to a show at the chapel—so he decided, instead, to lie down under a tree next to the swan pond on university grounds. “This wasn’t exactly a park, but might as well have been. I dozed off in the shade, listening to kids play with ducks in one direction and sounds from the festival in the other. It was maybe the best nap I’ve had in years, and I woke up fresh and ready for more music.”
Festivals in Atlantic Canada: Sandra's Picks
NOVA SCOTIA
Celtic Colours International Festival, October 11-19, at locations across Cape Breton. For nine days, there’s a roster of concerts all over the island, and a mile-long list of events in churches and community halls. Hint: To be close to most of the action, stay in Inverness or Baddeck. celtic-colours.com.
Stanfest, July 4-7, Canso. With 60 artists and bands, seven stages and over 100 shows, this one’s custom-built for folk music fans, although you’ll also find a good dose of country, blues and bluegrass. Bonus: this year there’s something new. Stanfest has added a Thursday night show. Headliner is Ricky Skaggs. stanfest.com.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The Indian River Festival, summer-long, Indian River. CBC producer and host, Adrian Hoffman, says, “St. Mary’s Church is quite simply the best place to hear live classical music performed in Atlantic Canada.” Designed by William Critchlow Harris in 1902, the church has extraordinary acoustics. indianriverfestival.com.
Festival of Small Halls, June 13-23, takes place in more than 30 rural community halls. Scores of performances celebrate everything from traditional music to storytelling and dance. It’s a great smorgasbord, rooted in old-time music and found in charming halls on this “gentle island.” smallhalls.com.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, September 10-15, Fredericton. For six days, this festival takes over the downtown of this hip little city. Musicians strut their stuff in venues that range from parking lots to The Playhouse and the Galaxie Barracks Tent on the grounds of the Historic Garrison District. Every café and pub in the city oozes with music. harvestjazzandblues.com.
Rising Tide Music Festival, Fundy National Park, August 17-18. This festival features an eclectic collection of performers from various parts of the Maritimes. It takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting, overlooking MacLaren Pond. Sideline events include a “Hand Made Village,” featuring art works from New Brunswick artists. pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nb/fundy/activ/special/festival.aspx.
NEWFOUNDLAND
Festival 500 Sharing the Voices, July 3-10, St. John’s. This international festival of choral music features more than 40 events throughout St. John’s, all delivered by world leaders in various fields of choral music. This is a biennial festival, so if you don’t attend this year, you’ll have to wait another two years! festival500.com.
Brimstone Head Folk Festival, August 9-11, Fogo Island. This outdoor festival takes place in a rugged picturesque cove, and features traditional Newfoundland and Irish music. The event always delivers way more than it promises. The singing (and cavorting) will make you laugh and cry. And, of course, Fogo Island is an experience all in itself. Dates are tentative, so check ahead. townoffogoisland.ca.
