All you need is Folk!

Written by Charmaine Beaulieu on 07 August 2010

Goldberg engages crowd on Main Stage

Gypsy Jive Photos by Charmaine Beaulieu

RED ROCK, ON – The cool breeze and warm sunshine on Friday evening, August 6^th, at Live from the Rock contributed to the absolute success of an entertaining evening. As people trickled in through the ticket gate the Marina Park began to fill with enthusiastic Folk Festival patrons, ‘folkers’, of all ages.

The evening started out around 5:30 p.m. with Gypsy Jive, who offered some unique blends of country and eastern music called klezmer, as described in this year’s folk festival program.

“It quite a different sound,” one spectator said.” I love this festival for all the unique sounds.”

Eve Goldberg joined the stage with her beautiful voice and guitar skills. She engaged the crowd in many songs like Streets of Burma and Love, off of her new album, which was available at the music store right next to the main stage.

Craig Tardif commanded the stage with his performance of the End of the World. His strong voice and beat box effects echoed through the park. It really was quite an amazing sound.

Many volunteers scattered the grounds, thankful for the beautiful weather. Children played in the freshly–cut fields and many patrons cheered from the Festival’s Pub area. There was a well-rounded food court available for the folkers, everything from french fries to homemade meatballs and fried rice.

Although the main stage opened at 5:30pm, there were many events to entertain campers and folkers during the day. From interactive and energetic activities like ‘Yoga in the Morning’, to ‘Kids World’ where there was face painting, mask making and instruments of all kinds, there was something for everyone.

The event had three stages where different activities were being held. The Creekside Stage hosted workshops like: When people go, Local Folk and Madly Off. Each workshop was hosted by one of the evening’s entertainers.

Ian Tamblyn, Friday’s host, welcomed Claire Jenkins. This young, theatrical and bilingual performer brought an almost Broadway voice to the stage with her first song Blueberries. She captured the group’s attention telling stories through her songs. Along with her intricate guitar picking and her cellist, her performance was peaceful and enchanting.

Jory Nash, another one of the night’s performer, took the stage with a warm welcome from the growing crowd. With his hat from Patagonia and his stories about the ostriches he was a hit amongst the crowd.

“I always wanted to play in the gospel workshop and no one ever asked me,” Nash laughed. “Maybe it was because I am Jewish.” The crowd joined him in laughter.

Nash went on to sing “God don’t know me Anymore” a song inspired by his love of gospel music.

The crows grew as the sunset behind them. Many people smiling, many swaying to the acoustic rhythms; a very picturesque evening by the water. Saturday promises to be an exciting night featuring Big Dave Maclean and the Auditor General, to name a few.

Visit http://www.livefromtherock.com/ for more festival information.