Who are all these people and why do they look so happy? They’re young and they’re performers.
2016 Winnipeg Folk Festival Stingray Young performers mentoring workshops at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg on Wellington Crescent.
Stingray Young Performers are forty musicians and composers who have the unique opportunity to learn from masters of folk music thanks to the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
It is an annual music camp and retreat like no other. Mentors and students can make joyful music together by the river, in a mansion and on a stage, all at the centrally located First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent.
Matt Epp (centre, in armchair) with some aspiring Folk Festival performers
Sara Bulloch, Program Performers Services Assistant says this year’s mentors, Jim Bryson, Dan Frechette and Lauren Thomsen, Matt Epp and the Crooked Brothers advised and collaborated with students from ages 14 to 24 to prepare them not only for their performances at Bird’s Hill but also for a potential career.
Jesse Matas of the Crooked Brothers once a Folk Festival Young Performer now with an international career gives back by coaching the young and talented. Likewise, Dan Frechette was only 14 years old when his amazing career began with this music advenature.
Matt Foster (right) of The Crooked Brothers works with young performers in a relaxing, creative environment.
Ms Bulloch says that with Stingray Music’s sponsorship the Folk Festival is able to develop musicians in a fun yet practical way and to give them performance experience. They learn “the inside of the music business combined with technical and songwriting advice,” she says.
All the students have the opportunity to be part of the Wandering Minstrels and are guaranteed air time for two of their songs during the festival at the Shady Grove site.
Information for next year’s Young Performer’s Program is available from: ypp@winnipegfolkfesival.ca or 204-231-0096.
Applicants are asked to submit three sample tracks and entries will be reviewed starting in April, 2017.
