OUTDOOR STAGE
Located right in the centre of the Festival action, the Outdoor Stage operates throughout Festival weekend, whenever there isn't a theatre show in the Festival tent; Live entertainment from local musicians, dancers and singers, plus an all-vinyl blend of beats that will keep you dancing, dancing, dancing...
Mornings can be an eye opening, foot tapping, funky experience. During the afternoon hours, the tempo rises with the sun in the blue, blue sky; by evening time the sounds are mellow, creating a wonderfully warm, smooth atmosphere.
Check out the Festival's schedule for information about artists and times
Performers (check back for more to come):
Tim Harrison
Tim has worked for many years as an artist and organizer in the folk music field. His first solo album, released in 1978, was produced by Stan Rogers and engineered by Daniel Lanois. He has since released seven others. Along with the Summerfolk Festival which he founded, Tim has been artistic director of the Mariposa, Northwinds, and Eaglewood Folk Festivals. Since 1999 Tim has toured
regularly in the U.S. and Canada. The Boston Globe calls Tim
“Canada’s cinematic songwriter.”
After a three-year hiatus, Tim is turning his attention once again to his music. A new web site has been constructed, tours are being planned and booked, and recording is in the works. For more information, please visit www.timharrison.ca
The Molloys
The Molloys are three siblings who play original Canadian folk music. Their self titled debut album, The Molloys, is original and diverse, bridging blues, folk and rap. The attractive characteristics of band leader Gavin’s voice pulls in crooner qualities while combining a hip, unique and contemporary sound. The Molloys humble beginnings performing for family, playing house concerts and open mics soon caught the ear of music lovers and fellow musicians. Most recently the Victoria band “Maurice” featured a Molloy song titled "First Born Son" on their latest tour. The Molloys self-titled debut CD has received international radio play and the band has garnered a significant following. Their music is available for download on itunes.
Dreamyth
Tami Blazer & David Botten
Tami is a singer, song writer, actor, and has been a Gabriola resident for
the past 7 years. She is passionate about the arts and is looking forward to
having another great year with the Gabriola Theatre Festival. You can check
out some of her original songs at my space, bornlucky_tamiblazer. Tami's CD
is also available on request by writing to her at tami_blazer@yahoo.ca.
The Gabriola Island Singers
"The Gabriola Island Singers is a community choir and welcomes new members. Auditions are not required and our Wednesday rehearsals provide a stress-free but challenging evening. We sing a wide variety of music and present 2 concerts a year - one at Christmas and one in the spring."
Paul Gellman
Paul Gellman is well-known on Gabriola from his first visit here in 1973 to his living here through the late 70’s to his current summer residency on the island. He has been a member of many fine bands including Perth County Conspiracy, Medicine Wheel and Island. Paul’s original music is infectious, a blend of many styles and influences, and his strong piano vocals guitar and fiddle provide a wonderful and varied palette of flavours, all infused with a healthy dose of soul and spirit connection.
Penny Sidor
Penny Sidor is a singer, songwriter, voice teacher, writer and founder of the legendary WomenFriends Music & Creativity Camps. Over a career spanning 30 years, she has toured from England to Oregon as a performer and facilitator of voice workshops.
A natural balladeer and storyteller, her songs fairly spring to life. She has an exquisite voice and a wonderful range of expression - plus - she’s a hoot on stage, peppering her performance with good banter and bad puns.
Penny became a songwriter in 2007, recording 9 originals, two covers and one ‘trad.anon’ on her first cd Days of August. This year she released Not One Mile - 11 new songs, plus one cover, written by a friend. Producer/arranger and friend, David Essig did a brilliant job of pulling it all together, and finding some excellent musicians to complement the package.
Her music ranges from hurtin' songs to humorous, with a dollop of politics in between. Each song is markedly different from the next, and each is a gem, reflecting maturity, wit, and a unique perspective on 'this process we call Life'. 'There's a lot to be said for becoming a songwriter at the age of 55.' says Penny. ‘I have no illusions!’
Prepare to rage, weep and laugh - such is the power of her singing.