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The Georgian Bay Folk Society is a cultural organization, led by volunteers, that promotes, presents and encourages folk music and folk arts in the community at large |
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Please check out the 2012 Youth Discoveries Showcase Application form for details on applying for the upcoming Youth Discoveries program.
The Georgian Bay Folk Society (GBFS) would like to thank you for your generous contribution to our ongoing fundraising campaign. Your support will go a long way in stabilizing our operation and our effort to rebuild the funds which enable us to continue to present the annual Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival.
After an extensive search and interview process, the Georgian Bay Folk Society (GBFS) announced it has hired a new Artistic Director for the 2012 - 2013 Summerfolk festivals. GBFS President Ruth Parsons said: "We are excited and honoured to introduce James Keelaghan, one of Canada's finest singer-songwriters, and internationally renowned artist, as our new Artistic Director."
Keelaghan's masterful storytelling, over the course of eleven recordings, has been part of the bedrock of his success, earning him his share of nominations, awards and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia. Armed with a songbook that has enlightened and enthralled, Keelaghan has been embraced by audiences around the world, and his life as an artist is one that is a perpetual journey on so many levels.
Keelaghan has this to say of his appointment as the new Artistic Director of the Summerfolk Festival : "I have played Folk Festivals all over the world from Hong Kong to Denmark and Summerfolk has always stood out as one of my favourites. I played it first as Margaret Christl's guitar player in 1984 and whenever it appears on my itinerary I get a huge thrill. In many ways Summerfolk exemplifies everything a Folk Festival should be: personal, ethical, open and exciting. I am honoured to become even more involved with Summerfolk and look forward to helping to bring the best in the world to Kelso Beach." With the vision, experience and enthusiasm of Summerfolk's new Artistic Director, the Summerfolk Committee will begin planning for another outstanding festival.
While the 2011 Summerfolk Festival was an artistic success and gate revenue saw a very modest increase, GBFS President, Ruth Parsons reported that, “the severe weather conditions at this year’s festival had a devastating impact on revenue normally generated by Summerfolk. The loss of revenue, combined with additional costs incurred for equipment and gear to contend with the intense downpour and high winds, has impacted our ability to continue past December of this year. Without generating additional funds, it will become very difficult to plan for the 2012 festival.”
GBFS spends approximately $5,500 - $6,000 monthly for office rent, equipment storage, staff salary and administrative expenses.
The bills are all paid, but the Board of Directors need to know there is money in the coffers in order to go ahead with plans for next year.
There are sufficient funds to see the organization through until mid-December, but after that, operating funds will be exhausted. The $25,000 needed would enable the Society to continue until spring, when government grants and sponsorship monies become available.
GBFS has already planned a Benefit Concert for November 5, 2011 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
“Every effort is being made to raise the money” Parsons stated “and we are confident that, with the help of our Summerfolk friends” we will reach our goal of $25,000 before we have to close our doors.”
The Board of Directors of the Georgian Bay Folk Society have all made a personal commitment to do whatever it takes to save the organization and the festival. Summerfolk has been an established community event for over 3 decades.
We believe that our supporters, fans and patrons value the festival and the benefits it brings to the area too much to allow to disappear from our local cultural landscape.
In addition to the annual Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival, Georgian Bay Folk Society presents regular winter programming, and special projects, such as the Quilted Word and the Discoveries Showcases, which are directed at seniors and youth in Grey Bruce.
Your support will be gratefully appreciated now and in the future.
You can help in many ways:
MEMBERSHIPS:
Purchase an Supporting Membership: *Individual ($40), *Family ($75)
DONATE:
1. Cash donations can be made at the Georgian Bay Folk Society office located at 1101-2nd Avenue East (Nortowne Plaza) Suite 201, Owen Sound.
2.On-line (see Buttons below)
3.Call in with your credit card information to (519) 371-2995
4.Drop a cheque in the mail addressed to the: GBFS PO Box 521, Owen Sound, N4K 5R1
All donations will receive a official tax receipt .
PURCHASE YOUR 2012 SUMMERFOLK MUSIC & CRAFTS FESTIVAL PASSES NOW!!
The 2011 Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival was a resounding artistic success despite the weather Mother Nature threw at us. Plans are already underway for 2012 with Festival dates being August 17, 18 & 19.
Share your photos and stories from Summerfolk 2011 on Facebook and Twitter.
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