I’ve been a devoted fan of Summerfolk since 1984. That was the year I first set foot in Owen Sound, not as a headliner, but as a guitar player accompanying the talented singer Margaret Christl. Even then, I could feel the festival’s unique spirit. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the sense of community, the love of storytelling, and the love of the landscape.
In 1987, I returned under my name, stepping onto the stage as a solo artist, an honour I would experience eight times over the years. Each performance reaffirmed my belief that Summerfolk is one of the most special festivals in Canada. In this place, music and community intertwine seamlessly against the stunning backdrop of Georgian Bay.
Over the past five decades, we’ve weathered countless literal and metaphorical storms that could have ended Summerfolk for good. Yet, each time, the community has rallied, proving that the festival is stronger than any challenge it faces.
For the past twelve years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Artistic Director of Summerfolk. That role comes with many responsibilities, but one of the most exciting, and challenging, is selecting the lineup. Each year, I sift through hundreds of submissions, seeking that perfect balance of established artists, emerging talent, and unique voices that make Summerfolk the diverse and dynamic event it has always been. Out of those hundreds of hopefuls, I book between thirty and forty acts for the weekend, carefully curating a mix that honours the festival’s legacy while embracing its future.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, it was time to do something special. I made a point of inviting back some artists who graced the stage at the first Summerfolk in 1975. It was a sentimental choice, and a reminder of the festival’s enduring legacy. And then it struck me – who among this year’s performers will play Summerfolk when we reach our 100th anniversary?
That might sound overly optimistic, but it reflects the festival’s remarkable resilience. When John and Tim Harrison, and their dedicated team, organized the first Summerfolk, could they have imagined that, half a century later, we’d still be gathering in the same park, celebrating folk music in all its forms? The festival’s survival was never a given. Over the past five decades, we’ve weathered countless literal and metaphorical storms that could have ended Summerfolk for good. Yet, each time, the community has rallied, proving that the festival is stronger than any challenge it faces.
Since its inception, over 1,200 performers have taken the Summerfolk stage. Legends like Richie Havens, Odetta, Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt and the late, great Stan Rogers, whose influence is woven into the very fabric of the festival, and countless others have left their mark. Nearly 800 artisans have showcased their craftsmanship in the Artisan’s Village, adding another dimension to the festival’s vibrant culture.
Summerfolk has not always had smooth sailing. For twenty of its first thirty years, heavy rains frequently turned it into “Summersoak.” Yet, rather than dampen spirits, these downpours became part of the festival’s identity. Musicians invited soaked audiences onto the stage for intimate acoustic sets, creating unforgettable moments of connection. Just last year, when one of the worst storms in Owen Sound’s history hit, musicians, tech crews, and audience members alike worked together to salvage the Sunday night show, converting the bar tent into a concert venue, and sheltering over a thousand people under its cover. That’s the spirit of Summerfolk – community-driven, resilient, and committed to keeping the music alive no matter what.
Summerfolk is more than just a festival; it is a living, breathing tradition that has become essential to Owen Sound’s cultural landscape. It stands as a testament to the power of music to bring people together, uplift them, and inspire them. As we celebrate our golden anniversary, we don’t just honour the musicians who have played here; we pay tribute to the volunteers, organizers, artisans, food vendors and devoted festival goers who have made Summerfolk what it is today.
So, please, join us to celebrate fifty years of harmony, connection, and unforgettable music – and to many more summers of folk.
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Words by James Keelaghan
Photos by John Fearnall / Good Noise
