Where in the world am I today?: At Sea aboard the GRAND Princess, The Caribbean
Through the years I’ve had the opportunity to perform at a number of Music Festivals. Way way back when I used to live in Ottawa and shortly after getting my first car I’d throw my props into the back of my Austin Mini and zip over to Montreal to perform on the Streets at the Montreal Jazz Festival… My appearances at that time were completely impromptu and the money I collected in my hat at the end of the show was the full payment that I received.
Since that time I’ve been invited to a number of great Music Festivals including:
- The Dawson City Music Festival (Dawson City, YK, Canada) – http://www.dcmf.com/
- The Riverbend Festival (Chatanooga, TN, USA) – http://www.riverbendfestival.com/
- Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival (Salmon Arm, BC, Canada)- http://www.rootsandblues.ca/
- Vancouver Folk Music Festival (Vancouver, BC, Canada) – http://thefestival.bc.ca/
Being a non-musical act playing at an event which is predominately all about music is a mixed blessing. I always feel a bit like the odd man out when I’m at a Music Festival, but the very fact that I am different seems to at times be an advantage because it gives people a change from a strictly musical diet.
My ability to grab a few bits and pieces and play for the crowd while change overs from one band to the next are taking place has also been a huge bonus both for my exposure at these various events and for keeping stages alive even when there’s a break in the music.
The four events listed above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the possibilities out there. Type in “Folk Festival” or “Music Festival” into your favourite search engine and you’ll have a huge list to choose from. Start making a list of the one’s you’d like to go to then find out who the Artistic Directors of each event is (often listed on the websites) and send in your stuff, follow up the mailing with a phone call and see if you can get yourself in…
I’ve had a blast performing at Music Festivals and am a huge music fan, so when the chance comes up to perform at a Music Festival I usually jump at it.