Windsong festival stacked with talent

by Jen Nicholson

Aug 31, 2007

POWASSAN – A day of heavy rain did not deter nearly 80 area music enthusiasts from taking in some of the Near North’s finest musicians at the Windsong Music Festival in Powassan last Saturday.

A talented lineup of performers from Huntsville to Sudbury took to the stage at a back yard festival organized by Powassan resident Michael Herman.

For festival attendee and Machar Township resident Gary Leis the “talented” description was an understatement.

“I was expecting some local talent. I did not expect the calibre of talent that was there,” said Leis. “It was a really enjoyable day.”

And in a way, said Leis, the rain contributed to the unique atmosphere.

“It kept everybody under tents, which was a lot more intimate.”

“It rained cats and dogs all day,” said Herman who indicated the festival went far beyond his expectations even though the audience and musicians had to take shelter under two large tents. “The performers were having fun feeding off the energy of an appreciative crowd who really loved what they were hearing. Watching everything unfold was like Christmas day for me.”

The idea for a one-day music festival showcasing high-calibre area-talent was born last summer at a small bac kyard concert featuring North Bay’s singer/songwriter Jennifer Plummer and Juno award winner Rob Joanisse. Last year’s concert, also organized by Herman, was such a success that the idea was expanded into a one-day music festival.

Included in this year’s performing mix were Commanda-based folk artist Ron Nigrini, folk/rock artists Brian and Paul Dunn of Sudbury, Novar singer/songwriter Kristin Dalziel, Burk’s Falls based Courtney Evans and Katie Jackson, Magnetawan acoustic guitarist Ian Paul, acoustic folk musician Jennifer Plummer and numerous other musicians from across the Near North.

“The music was great,” said Powassan resident Kim Boaro, who commended the festival organizers for reaching out to local artists. Too often we look beyond our own area for talented performers, said Boaro, instead of looking in our own backyard.

The not-for-profit music festival was designed to showcase and support established musicians as well as to provide a “launching ground” for new, up-and-coming artists.

According to Nigrini — who has travelled extensively, performing in festivals and concerts the world over — the Windsong festival was a great opportunity for emerging artists. “The young performers had a chance to perform for such a supportive audience.”

Nigrini also commended the festival organizers for their selection of performers, which staged everything from fiddling music to folk music to jazz.

Herman credits the festival’s success to the help he received from his partner, Fleur Pigeon, and members of the local community such as Scott Hanselman, Teresa Emmerson and Kim Boaro.

“I like the fact that (the festival) started to take on a feel of a community project and I hope to continue that trend for next year,” said Herman. “I know there are a lot of talented artists in the Near North area and I would love to grow the festival both for them and for people who are willing to support them with ticket sales and CD’s.”

Many who attended the festival said the event could easily grow and evolve in future years. Already, people have been asking to reserve tickets and make donations for next year’s festival.

“I just hope it stays as unique and intimate as it was,” said Boaro.