A History of the CKCU Ottawa Folk Festival
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
A History of the Ottawa Folk Festival by Joyce MacPhee and Ottawa Folk Festival Volunteers INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 2 OTTAWA FOLK FESTIVAL TIMELINE ............................................................................................................. 3 YEAR 1 – 1994 ................................................................................................................................................... 6 YEAR 2 – 1995 ................................................................................................................................................... 8 YEAR 3 – 1996 ................................................................................................................................................. 10 YEAR 4 – 1997 ................................................................................................................................................. 13 YEAR 5 – 1998 ................................................................................................................................................. 16 YEAR 6 – 1999 ................................................................................................................................................. 20 YEAR 7 – 2000 ................................................................................................................................................. 25 YEAR 8 – 2001 ................................................................................................................................................. 31 YEAR 9 – 2002 ................................................................................................................................................. 36 YEAR 10 – 2003 ............................................................................................................................................... 41 YEAR 11 – 2004 ............................................................................................................................................... 47 YEAR 12 – 2005 ............................................................................................................................................... 53 YEAR 13 – 2006 ............................................................................................................................................... 59 YEAR 14 – 2007 ............................................................................................................................................... 64 YEAR 15 – 2008 ............................................................................................................................................... 69 YEAR 16 – 2009 ............................................................................................................................................... 76 YEAR 17 – 2010 ............................................................................................................................................... 83 YEAR 18 – 2011 ............................................................................................................................................... 87 YEAR 19 – 2012 ............................................................................................................................................... 92 Introduction The Ottawa Folk Festival has been a spectacular success since its inception in 1994. The festival was established to showcase Canada’s folk traditions through music, dance, storytelling and crafts. It has grown from a vision to “one of the premier North American events of its kind”, according to Allan Wigney of X Press. Ottawa is home to many festivals. The Ottawa Folk Festival is known for its relaxed atmosphere, enthusiastic grassroots following and loyal volunteer contingent. What a great way to enjoy some of the best folk music offered in the country! The festival was initially called the CKCU Ottawa Folk Festival and was founded by Max Wallace and Chris White. Wallace, who was then the station manager of community radio station CKCU-FM, teamed up with White, a performing songwriter. They were joined by an enthusiastic organizing committee and an army of volunteers who helped to turn their vision into reality. The festival was launched with a magical day of entertainment on Victoria Island. The next year the festival moved to Britannia Park, where it flourished. In 1997, the festival became a not-for-profit, charitable organization, but kept “CKCU” as part of its logo until 2006. Following a difficult financial year in 2010, the Ottawa Folk Festival came under the management of Ottawa Bluesfest with Executive Producer Mark Monahan. The festival relocated to Hogs Back Park in 2011 and attendance has grown considerably. Thanks to the continuing generous support of sponsors, granters, partners, donors, dedicated staff and volunteers, the Ottawa Folk Festival operates year-round as a vibrant cultural and community organization. The inspiration for the Ottawa Folk Festival dates back many years. In 1959, the iconic coffee house Le Hibou opened its doors and until 1975 showcased many folk legends, including Canadians Joni Mitchell and Bruce Cockburn, and Americans John Prine and Kris Kristofferson. In 1976, the Ottawa Folklore Centre opened as a folk music emporium and has served the community as a combination retail store and musical educational centre ever since. The Festival for the Folks, a major Canadian music festival, was launched the same year and ran until 1979. After the Festival for the Folks ended, Ottawa continued to be a major centre for folk music. Canadian Spaces, the longest-running folk show on Canadian community radio, was launched in 1980. In 1981, Rasputin’s, one of Canada’s finest folk venues, opened its doors. After thriving for 27 years, sadly the club closed in 2008 following a fire and owner Dean Verger retired from the restaurant business. Fortunately, Spirit of Rasputin’s formed the next year. This volunteer organization presents more than 130 folk concerts and events each year in the community. A special thanks goes to Pam Marjerrison and Chris White, who carried out many careful reviews of this history over the years, as well as to Jake Morrison, who spent a great deal of effort in making the photos available in digital format. Joyce MacPhee, a member of the original Steering Committee, wrote a history of the festival beginning with its inception. The history recounts the festival’s roots and provides a synopsis of each year. Rachel Hauraney assisted with the writeup for 2010, and Lynn Haggarty wrote the synopsis for 2011. In 2012, dedicated note takers included: Corinne Baumgarten, Elizabeth De Castro, Roberta Della Picca and Mary McHale. Read on to get a taste of the Ottawa Folk Festival’s flavour and relive some of its most wonderful moments. See you at the next Ottawa Folk Festival! Joyce MacPhee 2 Ottawa Folk Festival Timeline 1. 1994 First CKCU-FM Ottawa Folk Festival is held on Victoria Island. Festival is cofounded by Executive Director Max Wallace and Artistic Director Chris White. One-day volunteer-driven festival is a success despite weather challenges. Five daytime stages, one evening stage sets pattern. Support came from CKCU-FM, Ottawa Folklore Centre, Rasputin’s Folk Café, Rogers Television, Nortel and dedicated organizing committee members. Concert series is launched in the fall thanks to a parternships with the National Library of Canada (now Library and Archives Canada). 2. 1995 Festival moves to Britannia Park and extends to two days (Saturday and Sunday). The first Helen Verger Award is presented. First festival auditions are held at Rasputin’s. Festival of the Friends Program is launched. 3. 1996 Gene Swimmer assumes role of Festival Director. Festival expands to three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Financial crisis at CKCU-FM leads to festival severing formal ties with the radio station; without any income reserves, the prospect of a summer festival is very much in doubt. In early December, much-needed funds are raised from two sold-out Arlo Guthrie benefit concerts and accompanying silent auctions (organized by Carol Silcoff). Festival website created by Alrick Huebener. 4. 1997 Festival registers as a non-profit corporation and applies for charitable status. Festival banjo logo is created by Roberta Huebener. Thanks to additional concert revenues and government grants, the festival goes ahead. Bruce Cockburn has successful homecoming; he performs solo and in a reunion with The Children. First Festival Weekend Choir is led by Andy Rush. 5. 1998 After hours concerts begin at Luxor Hotel. Radio and television broadcasts are made from the festival. FolkBits e-mail bulletin is launched by Brian Silcoff on November 26. 6. 1999 First year of sponsored stages names. 7. 2000 Acts from every province and territory are featured. 3 8. 2001 NAC/Fourth Stage partnership launches second concert series. Festival has its first sold-out night with John Prine. Last year of Nortel sponsorship. 9. 2002 First year of CUPE sponsorship/partnership. Green initiatives including reusable plates are introduced. CUPE EnviroTent is created and presents workshops. 10. 2003 Festival celebrates tenth anniversary and expands to four days (Thursday is added). 11. 2004 Emphasis is on youth acts including the Weakerthans, Feist and Broken Social Scene. Galaxie Rising Stars