It’s been just over two weeks since Mariposa 2015 wrapped up
and the wonderful memories still linger.
While the main stage had its share of brilliant moments, it was the action on the side stages that were the story of the weekend.
The number of side stages at Mariposa give those in attendance the opportunity to see several acts at one time in a setting that is different than on the main stage. The side stages are definitely more intimate and, as evidenced in the Mariposa Pub Tent, can turn interactive. The first such setting that we experienced was the Songwriters Session featuring Irish Mythen, Doug Paisley, Cheryl Wheeler and Adam Cohen. Wheeler and Cohen would appear on the main stage later that afternoon/evening. What's most impressive about the daytime sessions (called "workshops" by the Festival) is the opportunity for the songwriter to tell the story behind the song. For example, Cheryl Wheeler was able to expand on how "When Fall Comes To New England" came to pass. It's a wonderful, descriptive Gordon Lightfoot-esque tune about, well, fall in New England. The more intimate setting allows for great banter between the artists, as witnessed with Irish Mythen and Cheryl Wheeler.
The real "come to Jesus" moment took place on the Ruth Stage at the next workshop. A tribute to the songs of Gordon Lightfoot which featured Rick Fines, Tim Chaisson of the East Pointers, Ash and Bloom, Doug Paisley and Turbo Street Funk brought out the man himself in a surprise appearance. Following Tim Chaisson's version of "Sundown" to open the set, Mr. Lightfoot casually walked to the stage and took a seat to watch the ensemble perform many of his best known hits, as well as some songs from deep in the Lightfoot lexicon. When Mr. Lightfoot appeared, the crowd responded as if greeting a king. Considering what Mr. Lightfoot has meant to the Mariposa Folk Festival over the decades, it was an appropriate response.
There were many highlights in this one hour session, with the only complaint being that it was only a one hour session. Doug Paisley performed an outstanding version of "Early Morning Rain", one of Mr. Lightfoot's most widely covered songs, and told a story of meeting Mr. Lightfoot at an autograph session at Sam The Record Man, the once iconic record store in downtown Toronto, Ontario. Ash and Bloom performed a stellar versions of "Summer Side of Life" and "Rainy Day People", while Rick Fines provided a bluesy take on "Ribbon of Darkness." The ballsiest performance of the show was "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Turbo Street Funk, with a horn section replacing the iconic guitar riff. All the artists did Mr. Lightfoot proud and were all deserving of the ensuing standing ovation.
The weekday workshops are a great opportunity to discover the amazing talent that exists in this country. If one could identify the most influential artist over the course of the entire event, the weekend indeed belonged to Irish Mythen. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Irish Mythen has travelled and resided in many parts of the world. It is this worldliness that she brings to her writing, which is so incredibly skilled, deep and raw that her work demands that you pay attention. Her workshop set with the Hamilton, Ontario based celtic band Poor Angus was the highlight of the weekend. The stage presence and chemistry between both acts sharing the stage was infectious, the interaction with the crowd was outstanding, and the performances were the talk of the festival. To watch Irish Mythen, and to listen to her perform is an emotional experience. She is one of the most important artists in music today and not to be missed if she comes to your town.
The memories of the 55th edition of the Mariposa Folk Festival will remain for a long time. From the artisans selling their wares, to the wide selection of food for purchase, to the lakeside setting and of course the incredible and varied styles of music, the future of Mariposa is looking very bright. What impressed me most about the festival was the people. Fans attending the weekend festivities are among the most welcoming, generous and kind people one could ever hope to meet. They unite once a year for a common purpose, and that is to celebrate the genre of music that inspires love for one another. Virtually everyone is welcome under this tent. You can truly live the saying at Mariposa: sing like no one is listening and dance like no one is watching. And if they are listening and watching, they will cheer you on and on and then join in your fun.
The real "come to Jesus" moment took place on the Ruth Stage at the next workshop. A tribute to the songs of Gordon Lightfoot which featured Rick Fines, Tim Chaisson of the East Pointers, Ash and Bloom, Doug Paisley and Turbo Street Funk brought out the man himself in a surprise appearance. Following Tim Chaisson's version of "Sundown" to open the set, Mr. Lightfoot casually walked to the stage and took a seat to watch the ensemble perform many of his best known hits, as well as some songs from deep in the Lightfoot lexicon. When Mr. Lightfoot appeared, the crowd responded as if greeting a king. Considering what Mr. Lightfoot has meant to the Mariposa Folk Festival over the decades, it was an appropriate response.
There were many highlights in this one hour session, with the only complaint being that it was only a one hour session. Doug Paisley performed an outstanding version of "Early Morning Rain", one of Mr. Lightfoot's most widely covered songs, and told a story of meeting Mr. Lightfoot at an autograph session at Sam The Record Man, the once iconic record store in downtown Toronto, Ontario. Ash and Bloom performed a stellar versions of "Summer Side of Life" and "Rainy Day People", while Rick Fines provided a bluesy take on "Ribbon of Darkness." The ballsiest performance of the show was "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Turbo Street Funk, with a horn section replacing the iconic guitar riff. All the artists did Mr. Lightfoot proud and were all deserving of the ensuing standing ovation.
The weekday workshops are a great opportunity to discover the amazing talent that exists in this country. If one could identify the most influential artist over the course of the entire event, the weekend indeed belonged to Irish Mythen. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Irish Mythen has travelled and resided in many parts of the world. It is this worldliness that she brings to her writing, which is so incredibly skilled, deep and raw that her work demands that you pay attention. Her workshop set with the Hamilton, Ontario based celtic band Poor Angus was the highlight of the weekend. The stage presence and chemistry between both acts sharing the stage was infectious, the interaction with the crowd was outstanding, and the performances were the talk of the festival. To watch Irish Mythen, and to listen to her perform is an emotional experience. She is one of the most important artists in music today and not to be missed if she comes to your town.
The memories of the 55th edition of the Mariposa Folk Festival will remain for a long time. From the artisans selling their wares, to the wide selection of food for purchase, to the lakeside setting and of course the incredible and varied styles of music, the future of Mariposa is looking very bright. What impressed me most about the festival was the people. Fans attending the weekend festivities are among the most welcoming, generous and kind people one could ever hope to meet. They unite once a year for a common purpose, and that is to celebrate the genre of music that inspires love for one another. Virtually everyone is welcome under this tent. You can truly live the saying at Mariposa: sing like no one is listening and dance like no one is watching. And if they are listening and watching, they will cheer you on and on and then join in your fun.
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