The Winnipeg Folk Fest was a great event. We took our time traveling to Birds Hill Park, just outside Winnipeg proper. Stopped at Lake Itasca SP and then at Lake Bronson SP just south of the Canadian border.
Nice, quiet spot!
We did make it across the Canadian border--though the guys in front of us had their entire van searched!
Thursday night we saw the Weakerthans a great band from Winnipeg. Their song "I hate Winnipeg" was the highlight of the evening.
Later, after midnight, a major thunderstorm came up. Ann and I agreed that this was one of the biggest storms we have experienced in the Rialta.
Friday: Ann and I got up early to do the "tarp run". This is a unique aspect to the Winnipeg experience. You have to get up early (6 AM or so) and line up. Then around 8 AM they distribute numbered tickets. At 10 AM (if its dry) the tarp runners are allowed into corrals according to their numbers. They are supposed to WALK NOT RUN to stake out a place to sit for the evening show.
Tarp run line up.
To get a number 1, it helps to sleep in line!
Saturday: Major wind and rainstorm. All day the wind and rain pummeled us. We stayed in camp in the Rialta.
Then Ron and Kathy were kind enough to give us a ride to the concert. Because the direction of the wind, the main stage show was canceled and the show was moved to a smaller stage. We sat in the driving wind and rain--but were rewarded with great sets by Nanci Griffith and Calexico.
Sunday: A beautiful cool, sunny day. We get up early and are rewarded with a #1 for the tarp run--which is delayed until 5:30 PM to allow the field to dry.
We got front row seats for a workshop featuring Nanci Griffith, Kathleen Edwards and Justin Townes Earle . This was an excellent show--it is so much fun to watch the muscians interact and to do some improvising.
Nanci Griffith
Kathleen Edwards
Justin Townes Earle
Sunday night--a spectacular show! We had good seats--shared with friends--Ron and Kathy from Minnesota and the Pete, Kathy, Norm, Georgina--and others.
Ann looks like she is having a good time!
Joan Armatrading gave an awesome performance--a wonderful writer, singer and guitar player!
Well, that's a taste of the festival--so much good music. And so many neat people to meet--thanks, everyone for making the festival a great time!
Reaaaaly you had a good trip.... dont forget me next time... thanks for sharing..
Posted by: Process Management Consulting | January 25, 2010 at 05:37 AM