This will be my first Folkfest audition. 

I moved to Ottawa from Niagara Falls in the Fall of 2008.

In Niagara I was part of a Downtown Revitalization project which sought to bring art & culture to a dilapidated city core. 

Folk musicians were everywhere and the community gained a sense of identity through the celebration of gathering and song.

The movements and words spoke of familiar instances and commonalities in a way which I found best described as ‘true’.

Thoughts and feelings were expressed with acoustic guitars and djembes in a matter which was always inviting and communal. 

The songs were full of spirit and always accessible.

 

When I moved to Ottawa I immediately noticed a shift in dynamic and accessibility.  For one, this is a much bigger city than small town Niagara.

Also, I no longer felt a strong tie to my community; everything here was new to me. But the lesson from Niagara wasn’t lost: Music and art bring people together.

So I headed into Spaceman Music and introduced myself to the guy behind the counter, Eric Vieweg. Eric started running through the notable venues and open stages in town to give me a better sense of direction.

Then Davey popped behind the cash and Eric had him humbly count off all the projects he was involved with. I think it was 7.

From there my girlfriend and I met Gianna Lauren at The Manx, and Susanna and Matt from use every part of the deer.

Then I joined Harvey Cartel (as a drummer) for a recording session and some shows, including my first stop in Wakefield, Qc. I mention Wakefield because I feel there’s a strong appreciation for art and community there. (see the attached photo)

The Wednesday Open Stage at Kaffe 1870 introduced my guitarist Benny Gutman and I to Andy Roberts, who now plays stand-up bass with us. We get together at Andy’s place in Wakefield on Tuesday nights for music and coffee.

I’ve also been doing some drumming for Dave Norris & Local Ivan which features Graham Boyle, Lisa Poushinsky, Craig Pedersen, and Luke Donovan, all amazing human beings and wonderful Ottawa musicians doing what they do in the name of art.

I guess the point here would be it’s always about the people.

The people define the moments which give life a sense of meaning and purpose. 

Folk music is as unpretentious as it comes: Just folks gathering and sharing energy.

I’m excited for Saturday.