by sheedy on August 14, 2011
Have something to share about the Eaglewood Folk Festival? What makes it so special to you? Add your thoughts by clicking the “comment” button below and telling us about your Eaglewood experience.
…why I love this festival…
I am selective in which festivals I attend as time and money make it necessary. I make a point of coming to Eaglewood every year and have done so for the past 7 or 8 years. What brought me the first time was the reasonable cost for the weekend package and it’s close vicinity to Barrie (where I lived at the time I first attended). One reason I keep coming back is that the price is still reasonable and it has not gotten too big (big enough to keep it interesting but not so big that I’m over-whelmed although word does seem to be getting out – alas.)
Comparatively speaking to other festivals I’ve attended, this festival provides a nice mix of familiar artists with new and upcoming. The variety is always a nice mix. I think it is great that the stages are far enough apart that there is no overlap of the music. I love the accoustic stage and it’s setting – very informal and it provides the opportunity for many unknown talents to express themselves in a very warm and supportive environment. I’ve been coming for a few years now so of course I now find myself seeing many familiar faces and look forward to seeing them.
I absolutely love that we can camp on site and it is nice grounds for doing so – NOT field camping (if you know what I mean). For those who want to camp in a group, there are those options but still enough space on the grounds that if one wants a little more privacy or quiet, it can be found. I love that there is always opportunity for us camp fire hacks to jam. Doesn’t get better than that.
I especially love that the organizers make a point of making the grounds accessible to people with challenges.
Jay ce
by sheedy on August 11, 2011
Press Release – August 11, 2011
Enthusiasm is mounting for the 22nd annual Eaglewood Folk Festival taking place in Pefferlaw on the weekend of August 26 to 28, 2011. For lovers of authentic, singer-songwriter music, this outdoor festival is a great Canadian music experience. Nestled into the pine trees of the fully wheelchair accessible Eaglewood Resort, the three day festival is an ideal family destination.
The Eaglewood Folk Festival has a long history of presenting new and exciting Canadian roots music talent – music that has put Canadian artists on the world stage. Performers include Juno winners, platinum album sellers and darlings of the CBC. This year’s line-up features over 20 musical acts including “Canadian Roots Music Legend” Ken Whiteley and “Goddess of the Blues” Rita Chiarelli. Also appearing are Luke Doucet, Melissa McClelland, One Hundred Dollars, Brock Zeman, Alejandra Ribera, David Baxter, Patrick Brealey, Quebec band Belzebuth and many, many more. The Hogtown Roots All-Stars is a 13 member compilation of well-known Toronto artists, lead by Sean Cotton in their rendition of the Band’s “The Last Waltz”, a high-powered conclusion to the festival on Sunday night.
As new Artistic Director, Tina DesRoches brings passion and enthusiasm to this year’s Eaglewood Folk Festival. “Attendees will certainly get their money’s worth of great entertainment” comments DesRoches. New this year are interactive workshops offering ukulele, zen guitar and song writing instruction and a Youth Showcase for young performers to demonstrate their talent, vying for a chance to perform on the main stage.
Eaglewood is a family-friendly event that includes workshops, artisans village, food vendors, open mic, song circles and jamming all weekend long. Attendees are urged to bring their instruments. There is a playground, pony rides and Kid’s Town area with crafts and activities all day Saturday and Sunday. Camping for 400 is available on the 90-acre site.
The festival is about 40 minutes northeast of Markham and just minutes from the beaches of Lake Simcoe – a wonderful swimming destination and perfect for daytrippers from the GTA. More information, including advance ticket prices, can be found at www.eaglewoodfolk.com. You can also call 1-888-817-FOLK (3655).
See you at Eaglewood in two weeks!
by sheedy on July 28, 2011
PRESS RELEASE – JULY 28, 2011
The Eaglewood Folk Festival announces a strategy that supports all local businesses. Festival attendees are being asked to enter a draw to win a grand prize valued at over $200. All they have to do is to shop locally during the three day event, including the preceding day – August 25th. On the back of every receipt from purchases made at any Georgina business, they record their name, town and phone number, and drop it into the large drum on site at the festival. Any legitimate receipt for any product is eligible. The draw takes place on Sunday, August 28th on the main stage where the winning receipt will be announced.
“The object of the draw is twofold”, according to Eaglewood Folk Festival President, Pefferlaw resident and business-owner Denise Sheedy. “The festival organizers want to encourage event attendees to buy local…to purchase their food and other festival requirements during their visit to Georgina. We also want to show support to our local community that supports the festival, whose financial help and in-kind donations we rely on for the successful functioning of our event.”
The draw is open to every festival goer and there is no limit to the number of receipts any one person can submit. Every festival attendee can be involved and it costs nothing to participate. It also costs the merchants of Georgina nothing to reap the rewards of hundreds of festival goers shopping locally. Eligible receipts must show dates of August 25, 26, 27 or 28th, and be entered into the on-site draw drum. The owner of the winning receipt does not have to be present. “This is a first time grassroots effort”, says Sheedy. “It will be gratifying to see the big drum filled with receipts and know that local businesses are benefiting.”
The Eaglewood Folk Festival is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers that produces an annual three day music festival at the Eaglewood Resort and Nature Park, 9715 Morning Glory Rd, Pefferlaw, ON. In its 22nd year on August 26 – 28, 2011, the family-friendly event features diverse and original folk/roots music on three stages, interactive workshops, children’s program, food vendors and artisan village.
For more information about the festival and the “Shop Local Draw”, and to see how you can support the Eaglewood Folk Festival, please visit the website www.eaglewoodfolk.com or contact Denise Sheedy at 905- 722-9569.
by sheedy on February 12, 2011
This lively musical event is sure to melt away winter’s chill! King Henry’s Arms in downtown Uxbridge is hosting an Eaglewood Folk Festival showcase on Sunday, March 6th from 4 to 9pm.
Highlighting the entertainment line-up is harmonica great Roly Platt, formerly with the Dutch Mason Band and the Matt Minglewood Band. Blues veteran Howard Ross, and the legendary Full Count Blues Band will be on hand to rock the house. Expect other notable musicians to drop by to fan the flames.
There is a $10 cover charge with all proceeds going directly to develop future Eaglewood Folk Festival events. Come out to support live music! King Henry’s Arms is located at 65 Brock Street in Uxbridge.
by sheedy on February 12, 2011
Nothing chases the winter blahs away better than a good dose of acoustic blues and folk roots music! Eaglewood Folk Festival is hosting a live music event at the Belvedere Cookhouse & Saloon in downtown Pefferlaw on Sunday, February 20th from 3 to 7pm.
Bring out the family for an afternoon showcase of musical talent. Joining the entertainment line-up is blues veteran Howard Ross, leader of the legendary Full Count Blues Band. Susan Latimer, acclaimed singer-songwriter, shares her plethora of folk roots tunes. Don’t be surprised if several other musicians just happen to drop in for an afternoon jam session.
Open to audiences of all ages. No cover charge, but attendees are urged to buy an Eaglewood membership to support the Festival.
by admin on November 5, 2010
Eaglewood is very pleased to welcome Tina DesRoches as our new Artistic Director. Tina joins us with experience running the Minnising Unplugged Festival as well as an established presence in the national folk community. Please join us in welcoming Tina and expressing excitement for the work she will do with Eaglewood.
by admin on August 19, 2010
The daytime schedule is finally done. It’s posted on the Schedule page. It’s still subject to change, but hopefully not too much.
Note: our online ticket seller, TicketPro, has been reporting that DAY PASSES were sold out. This was a glitch and is now fixed. DAY PASSES ARE DEFINITELY STILL AVAILABLE!
Lookit these beauties! Fresh off the press from our friends over at Royal Crown Graphics (last year’s silkscreen sponsor), with illustration by Board Member Selena Burgess, digitized by Eaglewood’s own Trevor Mills. They come in a array of colours (sky blue, heather grey, sand and kiwi), sizes and styles (men’s and women’s). You’ll see all of our awesome volunteers wearing them over the weekend and you can definitely pick one up for yourself (or the whole family) in our Emporium.
by admin on August 9, 2010
The long-awaited schedule is finally getting the attention it deserves. The evening concert schedule is now published and will hopefully help you decide which day(s) to come to the festival. But of course, we’re really just hoping you join us for the entire weekend of great music. Daytime schedules are coming soon.
Head on over to the Schedule Page.
After 4 years, Artistic Director Trevor Mills is wrapping up his tenure at the festival. Those four years have seen many changes and advancements, particularly in the web presentation of the festival. Mills has enjoyed booking the festival and introducing some great acts to the Eaglewood audience.
This means Eaglewood is looking for a new Artistic Director. Duties include:
- Booking and programming the festival
- Being a major participant in the promotion of the festival
- Maintaining portions of the website to do with the festival programming
- Working with the board of directors to keep the festival strong
- Being a representative of the festival at industry conferences such as the OCFF
The Artistic Director position is a volunteer position (as are all positions at Eaglewood). Time commitments vary throughout the year, with the months leading up to the festival getting more demanding. The rewards are seeing smiling faces in the audience enjoying the artistic vision you bring to the festival.
If you’re interested in putting your name into the ring, please forward a resume and brief statement to info@eaglewoodfolk.com. We haven’t set a timeframe for interviews yet, but we’re hoping to get a new AD before this year’s festival happens.
Eaglewood is fully wheelchair accessible, including washrooms and campgrounds. 