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Comments

1. 

   01

   I don't care what it is

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

   Just so long as the winning thing is close to me so I can partake in the partay like last year!
2. 

   02

   re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

   oh man!!!!!! I can't wait.  I REALLY can't wait!!!!
3. 

   03

   @tb3

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by suckamc

   If the winning thing is near me, party in PEI, lots of room in my house!
4. 

   04

   @tb3

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

   c'mon.  share the love. The west has had one, and so has the other half of the country (Ontario).  It's Riderville's turn. I have a feeling the contest will be "smelliest city"..... and that would be Regina this morning. 

   Yuck, do oil refineryie ever stink when the wind is blowing them towards downtown.  There's a reason you got built on the outskirts!
5. 

   05

   @Martin

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MikeV

   Searchlight Award for Best Martin In the Country? 
6. 

   06

   re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

   ummm. refineries*

   not sure what a refineryie is.
7. 

   07

   @MikeV

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by suckamc

   oh man, if I lose that one as well! 
8. 

   08

   re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

   I vote for Martin.  Assuming MikeV has as well, and you didn't spoil your ballot, that's all the way up to 3.

   You're well on your way to being a major force.
9. 

   09

   @MJ (04)

   Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

   I am pretty certain that MikeV and Martin might have some feelings about being lumped to Ontario.
10. 

    10

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mikegibbons

    My money is on best festival.  But thats just my money.  What is your money on?
11. 

    11

    @mikegibbons

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MusicSoop

    Black.  My money's on black.  No wait, red!
12. 

    12

    Bestival!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

    See it already has a catchy name!
13. 

    13

    @MusicSoop

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mikegibbons

    Hello, Vegas?  Give me 100 bucks on red.
14. 

    14

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by brainwash

    "Wear a Hat" is far superior to that "Always Wear Sunscreen" track from '99.
15. 

    15

    @tb3's 09 in response to MJ's 04

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    it's ok... we're used to it...

    /hangs head

    /shuffles feet

    /dejected
16. 

    16

    @mikegibbons

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by curls

    That is exactly what I was thinking!

    Best Festival.
17. 

    17

    tb3

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

    I realized that mid-post.  But I'd rather be incorrect than hit the backspace and have to re-train my thought.

    Canada breaks down more into:

    50% Ontario

    20% Quebec

    10% West Coast

    10% East Coast

    Prairies: 8%

    Those things way up north?: 2%

    This is way less funny than I imagined in my head.  I think I just posted the % of elected seats per capita....

     
18. 

    18

    @Matt

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

    where are your numbers coming from? or are those just ballparks? cuz they aren't a bad starting point..but ontario is closer to 40%...24% for Quebec. BC accounts for 14% of Canadian population. Only 6% between Maritimes and NFLD...

    Yay for Searchlight!
19. 

    19

    Dear The Johnston Report, from Craig's blog

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

    Boom indeed!
20. 

    20

    Grant

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by suckamc

    It was great to have you out here, come back anytime!
21. 

    21

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    best festival would be cool, although, there aren't a whole lot of well known east coast festivals. although, phog lounge definitely proved that you don't have to be HUGE to win.

    i dug the best bartender suggestion.
22. 

    22

    dear mnim @ 21:

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

    "I dug the best bartender suggestion": axis also, probably would, if...
23. 

    23

    hi grant :)

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    i am glad you had a good time here in pei! i second martin's comment about coming back.

    woo for english words!
24. 

    24

    Remove a comma from 22.

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

    Any comma.

    Thank you.
25. 

    25

    Dear Matt,

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Absotively

    I would like to share the following conversation I had with an Ontarian former roommate:

    Former roommate: "Blah blah, the problem with the west is, blah blah."

    Me: "Hello?  Girl from BC, sitting right here?"

    FR: "BC isn't part of the west."

    Me: "...sorry, what?"

    FR: "BC isn't part of the west, the west is Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba."

    Me: "No, that's the prairies, the west is all those plus BC."

    FR: "No, BC is separate, those three provinces are 'the west'."

    Me: "I'm from BC.  Trust me, it's part of the west."

    FR: "Whatever."

    (Repeat once every few months)
26. 

    26

    So HUNGRY

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by curls

    But I'm waiting, not going to get lunch until I hear the announcement...
27. 

    27

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by missaimee

    best little label?

    there are plenty of great canadian ones that sure could use the support!
28. 

    28

    @curls

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by suckamc

    I have to pee, but I'm waiting as well...
29. 

    29

    hurry up

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by stew72

    have to pee

     
30. 

    30

    Absotively... wow

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by curls

    I feel terrible for the state of your sanity during those recurring "BC isn't the West disputes"

    Agreed, Prairies is AB, SK, MB; WEST is anything including MB all the way to the Pacific Ocean. And I'm from AB, sometimes there's people that don't think it's a prairie province
31. 

    31

    @abso

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    i feel your pain.

    watching the weather "..And now for the east coast" *only does ontario area*

    *moe throws something at the tv*
32. 

    32

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by curls
33. 

    33

    If it is Best Festival

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

    My prediction is that:

    • Home County Folk Festival

    • Mariposa

    • Ottawa Bluesfest

    • Sled Island

    • Pop Montreal

    • Wolfe Island

    • Dawson City Music Festival

    • Sappyfest

    • Winnipeg Folk Festival

    • Hillside

    will be in the top ten. And the last 3 I mentioned will battle it out for top.
34. 

    34

    oops... blank post for no reason...

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by curls

    I meant to ask Grant to hurry up again for all of us needing to eat and pee....
35. 

    35

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by missaimee

    @tb3 where's the Halifax Pop Explosion love?!
36. 

    36

    @aimee & tb3

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    agreed. HPX might also do well...
37. 

    37

    eeeeeee

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    *holds breath*
38. 

    38

    @missaimee

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

    In the same place Regina Folk is…

    Sadly there is going to be vote splitting. Halifax Pop will be against Sappyfest.
39. 

    39

    Festivals

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by darbarspecial

    tb3 also missed Regina Folk Festival
40. 

    40

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by rmelvin

    We're all psychic.
41. 

    41

    WE WIN!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by curls

    hooray, it should be a most excellent category
42. 

    42

    My nominations officially for London

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

    • Home County Folk Festival

    • LOLA Fest.
43. 

    43

    i can tell you what it wont be...

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Christine McAvoy

    pemberton gong fest!
44. 

    44

    sappyfest/hpx

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by missaimee

    @tb3

    but they are two completely different beasts! two east coast festivals could be contenders I think..

    I love them both! So who knows!
45. 

    45

    Sappyfest!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MikeV

    It's got to be in the top 3!
46. 

    46

    Hands down....

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by canadajen

    Winnipeg Folk Festival!
47. 

    47

    Sappyfest

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by suckamc

    Is a fantastic festival, I think it deserves a nod.  :)

    We were talking about festivals the other day, and it's too bad there really isn't a big festival here in PEI.  Alas, Sappyfest is not only great, but the closest to us.
48. 

    48

    @missaimee

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

    Nominate them both!!

    I'd love to be wrong.
49. 

    49

    Having Never Been To One Ima Vote For...

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MusicSoop

    Brandon Folk Festival!  I heard they have the best volunteers.  Although Hillside has a good check in lady.
50. 

    50

    I nominate

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by darbarspecial

    Regina Folk Festival of course :)
51. 

    51

    Searchlight 2010

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by stew72

    NXNE --- we need some TO representation here (although I might secretly vote Dawson based on really really wanting to go)
52. 

    52

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tagish156

    I'm sure my pic is quite clear who my vote is for
53. 

    53

    [47] i miss shoreline.

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    :(
54. 

    54

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by anabacus

    definitely Hillside Festival in Guelph.
55. 

    55

    Dear moe @ 31

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

    I feel the same when, in Ottawa, I hear the franco weather channel people speak exclusively of Québec (the province), sometimes deigning to mention Gatineau, but never ever Ottawa. Or L'Orignal, or Hawkesbury, come to that.

    There are francophones in Ontario! Quebeckers forget that.
56. 

    56

    Best Music Festival

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Babs46

    I've never been to any but I know the Brood boys raved about Dawson City and  Ottawa Bluesfest so I'll go with those but I would like to say that I am amazed at how many wonderful festivals there are across this country and what a fabulous opportunity they all offer to both upcoming and established musicians. 

     
57. 

    57

    53/mynameismoe

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by missaimee

    yup :(

    evolve is getting too expensive for me, stupid ferry!
58. 

    58

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by sbearss

    HILLSIDE, GUELPH ON
59. 

    59

    The best, most unknown festival is...

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

    ...not mentioned here.
60. 

    60

    Harvest Jazz & Blue Fest

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Moo2u

    I'm from Fredericton, and once a year we turn from a town into a city with the Harvest Jazz & Blue Fest. Not only great names in Jazz and Blue, there have been many rock and indie names playing at the festival every year. It truely is a whimsical and musical time for a Frederictonion, so I'm so nominating the Harvest Jazz & Blue Festival.
61. 

    61

    Best Festivals

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by uncollecting

    Sled Island all the way!
62. 

    62

    Nominations

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mikegibbons

    • I second LOLA and Home County

    • I'd like to add Harbourfront Centre World Routes Summer Festival, which is really a collection of festivals, but they all operate under the same banner.  And the shows are all free!
63. 

    63

    my nomination

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Christine McAvoy

    SCENE Festival in St. Catharines Ontario.

    It one of the best things for live music in my tiny Niagara Region. I looked forward to it ever summer, and watched bands like Alexisonfire, Cancer Bats go from obscure to HUGE over this time...

    I photographed it 3 times in my youth and from what I hear it is still going strong.

     

    :)
64. 

    64

    especially minimal experience

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by curls

    I have only been to one music festival once... Edmonton Folk Fest. It was really awesome.

    And I've heard from people who have attended both Calgary and Edmonton Folk Fests that Edmontons is much better than Cow-town's. But that is hearsay.

    So I feel ill equipped to nominate or vote.

    I trust you all will make the best choice.
65. 

    65

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Ballack13

    Have only been to 1 music fest in Canada.  But the  the ones's I'd most like to attend and ed about visiting someday would be:

    Pop MontrealHalifax Pop EsplosionCanadian Music Week

    Don"t know if it counts but would also love to see the winter Vancouver Olympic showcases this year.  Had the time off work, but unfortunately didn"t have a place to stay in Vancouver otherwise I would have been there,,

    Andrew

     
66. 

    66

    yeah, I guess I have to nominate Sappyfest

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by missaimee

    Mostly because last year was my first year and I felt right at home.

    I camped in someones backyard, got soaked and loved every minute of it. It was crazy affordable and just a skip off the Confed bridge. I want every weekend to be the happiness I experienced that weekend.

     

    ALSO Picaroon's beer everywhere ;)
67. 

    67

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by theseus

    I've got to throw in the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Music Festival because, well, that's where I'm living right now.  And also, it is a pretty great festival.... Cheers!
68. 

    68

    nominations

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    if aimee's suggestion for the halifax pop explosion isn't official, i'd like to nominate them!

     

    also @aimee [57] i agree. plus ticket prices jump each year (expectantly, though). but then half the fun is piling as many people in a vehicle as you can? well.. sort of..

    ugh money.
69. 

    69

    Good job Tom Lucier

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by dawn.h

    If anyone wants a good Twitter to follow I highly recommend Mr Lucier. I thoroughly enjoy his posts. And he posts links to watch a feed live from the Phog Lounge.
70. 

    70

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by raptor

    SCENE Festival in St. Catherines is definately a worthwhile festival. It brings the entire Niagara Region together and has hosted hundreds of excellent bands included hometown Alexisonfire and many great others like The Junction and many other local bands.
71. 

    71

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by silentpat

    That's awesome!

     

    My vote, of course, has to be for Canada's longest continuously running outdoor music festival, the Northern Lights Festival Boréal in Sudbury Ontario!

     

    @benoit from Ottawa

    I know! I'm from a franocphone from Sudbury, now living in Ottawa (phd at uOttawa) and I was constantly annoyed by the complete ignorance about francophones in Ontario.

     
72. 

    72

    @missaimee

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

    "where's the Halifax Pop Explosion love?!"

    :)
73. 

    73

    68/moe

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by missaimee

    Yeah I had a toss-up between HPX and Sappy! I love previous years of HPX but last year was my least favourite year yet.

     

    But I did get to see Japanther!! And Waye is great!

     

    I am really excited to see how this whole thing turns out
74. 

    74

    @missaimee[66]

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by suckamc

    Yes, I forgot about the Picaroons!  Too bad we can't get it just across the bridge... but that makes Sappyfest even more special for us I guess!
75. 

    75

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by loweeda

    omigod, why is this even an issue?

     

    WINNIPEG FOLK FESTIVAL!!!

     

    There is no other choice.

    (altho Regina folk fest is also very nice, and I really enjoyed the Calgary folk fest last year :))
76. 

    76

    @tb3

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by missaimee

    I will probably change my mind again tomorrow, haha oof. I am nuts.
77. 

    77

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by bpoel

    What I love about LOLA and Home County is that they're both FREE!

    Eff... Hillside is expensive.
78. 

    78

    @tb3

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by BigRockFan

    The Edmonton Folk Festival draws about 80,000, and I’m guessing that it’s the biggest folk festival in Canada.  The Calgary Folk Festival draws about 50,000.  Festivals are a big deal here on the prairies.  I’ll nominate both of the above, btw.  How big are Mariposa and Hillside? 
79. 

    79

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by John Paolozzi

    I know I'm barking up the wrong tree here with all you guitar-lovin' folks, BUT regardless, I will forge ahead to nominate the following electronic music festivals:

    MUTEK is Montreal's massive electronic music festival heading into its 11th year of operation. This Canadian-based festival is one of the largest of its kind in North America, and has reached out to produce events in Europe, Mexic, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and even China. If you want to know who is actually on the bleeding edge of producing the new music... this is the place to be.

    Soundwave in Ucluelet, B.C. takes place on the gorgeous west coast of Vancouver Island. Every year thousands of temporal warriors make their way to Musell beach for a 3 day music festival featuring great contemporary electonic music, and very little sleep in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

    Shambala in Nelson B.C. Again... an outdoor festival in a gorgeous spot with loads of acts playing over the course of 4 days. You might even recognize some of the acts. It is renoun for blowing attendees' minds with some of the fantastically lite stages.

    And last, but certainly not least, Igloofest in Montreal, a multi-weekend electronic music event featuring Canadian and international acts. Hands down, the people who go to this are tougher than most music fans. Forget the Glastonbury whiners who complain about a bit of rain. Try spending 8 hours outside in a mid-winter Montreal night. That takes stones, that you may very well freeze off.
80. 

    80

    aimee

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

    i had a pre-sale ticket for sappyfest & sold it last minute. i am still kicking myself. i regret that more than missing HPX.. of which i've never "really" attended, except for the odd show but never hardcore like one should when it's a festival.

    2010 will be my sappyfest year. i swear to this.
81. 

    81

    Home County Folk Festival

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

    Also in reference to the Northern Lights Festival Boréal being the longest standing, it only beat Home County Folk Festival by one year… they're in their 37th year!
82. 

    82

    speaking of Dan Mangan

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Christine McAvoy

    http://vancouverisawesome.com/2010/02/03/dan-mangan-the-home-stretch-day-1/
83. 

    83

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by BigRockFan

    I might as well nominate the Canmore Folk Festival as well.  It’s a little smaller at about 15,000 but it’s in an incredibly beautiful setting. 

    http://www.canmorefolkfestival.com/CFMF/Home.html
84. 

    84

    If the previous mention of it wasn't nomination enough,...

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

    ...then I nominate the Ottawa Bluesfest.

    Because someone has to, after all.

    But that's not the best most unknown festival of all.

     

    Sidethought: damn that Mangan can sing!
85. 

    85

    @Ballack13

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

    That sucks no place to stay...my crappy futon is generally open to anyone coming to Van, but my lil studio is already gonna be pretty full during the Olympics...as it's not a regular deal it shouldn't/wouldn't count, but yes, the Vancouver shows are going to be amazing! 

    @blog - make sure to check out the Extended Play podcast this week. This weeks episode has to do with Olympic performers having to sign a contract stipulating they cannot slander VANOC, IOC, the Games themselves, etc. Par for course to my mind, but should be some spirited discourse..
86. 

    86

    HJ&B

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by prettythings

    Harvest Jazz & Blues is such a special time here in Fredericton. It's well-organized and always improving. The mood of the whole city changes for those 4-5 days. Truly one of the highlights of my year, every year.
87. 

    87

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Gaetan Harris

    Clearly the best music festival in Canada has to be Winnipeg Folk Fest. Expanded to four days, such a great time.
88. 

    88

    enough Vancouver already

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by ceelee

    Grant, I'm working at home looking out at sunny Cypress but even I am sick of the Vancouver/Victoria/Quadra Island slant on your show (Lana too, maybe). Don't get me wrong: I love R3 and it enriches my life immeasurably. I'd go to the ends of the earth, or break into the CBC President's office, if they talked about killing R3 again. I love the role of place in R3 programming and your celebration of the whole great land.

    But we're only about 1/10th of Canada's population out here, so ease off the GVRD/Island stuff a bit, buddy. 
89. 

    89

    Shambhala - Best Party in the Woods!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Phil Rabin

    I nominate Shambhala as best festival. Not to mention, freakiest, bassiest, and trippiest!

     
90. 

    90

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by ATrain

    I love both Canadian Music Week and NXNE in Toronto.  They are exhausting, but so worth it!  Bluesfest in Ottawa is also always fantastic, I try to get there for a weekend every year.  One of my life goals is to get to Dawson City one day, and I may make it to the Winnipeg Folk Festival this summer!

    That was a little ramble-y.  My official nominations are: CMW, NXNE, and Ottawa Bluesfest.
91. 

    91

    Nomination!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by lesleymarie

    Shelter Valley Folk Fest!!!

     

    it's young, it's tiny... it's lovely!
92. 

    92

    @mikegibbons

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MusicSoop

    Wait the Canada Day thing is part of Harbourfront Centre World Routes Summer Festival isn't it?  Okay so I HAVE been to one.  And I do love the Harbourfront Centre.  Good nomination!

    Winnipeg and Regina sound great.  I'd love to go to Sappyfest sometime too.  But every year I'm so amazed at the Ottawa Blues Fest line up.  But unless you have 3 weeks in Ottawa isn't it hard to take the whole thing in?  Isn't it one of those "couple shows a night over a long time period" type festivals?
93. 

    93

    I'm in late

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by AlexOfAnders

    But I just saw a tweet from Said the Whale saying Rifflandia which is what I was going to suggest. I've only really been to a couple festivals but Rifflandia was pretty awesome for only it's second year. I think if they keep getting better, it could become the big festival for the west coast.

    If I had to bet, I'd put my money on DCMF. I've never been but I think it has the most heart from what I hear and what wins this contest is heart.
94. 

    94

    re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by dawn.h

    I'll second the nomination by mikegibbons for Harbourfront Centre World Routes Summer Festival (and all their festivals).

    And no one said NxNE so I'll just toss it out there because it includes the always-excellent Six Shooter Records backyard BBQ.

     

    Grant: Do you know what will happen to that now that SSR moved?

     
95. 

    95

    Revelation.

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

    These days they say "reveal": Best most unknown festival

    Blue Skies
96. 

    96

    best festival

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by swongken

    the freeway music cafe in hamilton does a pretty good yearly song writers expo. may not be the best, but definitely worthwhile. great folks involved, too.
97. 

    97

    Super Late

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

    WOOHOO! I knew it would be best Festival! It just seems fitting.

    I've never been, but I really would think the Dawson City Fest has to be the best (experience-wise).

    I'm voting for the Regina Folk Festival, but only because it was so much fun last year.  Way more fun than I ever would've imagined (only been one year!).

    Do the Virgin Festivals count? they tend to include a lot of CanCon as well.

     
98. 

    98

    Oh, and I'll nominate it to get it in there

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by AlexOfAnders

    The Vancouver Folk Music Festival. A great festival, don't get me wrong, but it's not the top runner of the festivals I've been to. I mean, Pop Montreal and Rifflandia are the ones that fight over that spot.

    BTW, Pop Montreal has been nominated already right?
99. 

    99

    @ceelee

    Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

    I'm confused. Yeah, Grant is about as pro-Vancouver as one can be, but it seems to me that he talks about the rest of the country extensively. He often strives to reference/talk about as much of Canada as possible. My I<3 Grant bias might account for some of that perception....
100. 

     100

     Nomination(s)

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Crozon Ottawa

     I can only nominate the festivals that I have actually been to right? Well here it goes, in order:

     1) Wolfe Island Music Fest

     2) Ottawa Bluesfest

     3) NxNE
101. 

     101

     nomination

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     Thunder Bay Blues Fest
102. 

     102

     @benoit

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     Every year, I'm amazed at the Ottawa Bluesfest lineup.

     I think it probably has a better track record than the WFF.... which seems hard to top.
103. 

     103

     @BigRockFan (78)

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     But this isn't necessarily the best attended, or biggest. Just our personal faves.

     Like has already been mentioned, both LOLA and Home County Folk Festival in London aside from the evening shows at venues are all FREE. So Home County is absolutely relevant when you figure in the sheer number of people and that it is volunteer run, and free.

     Seeing Great Lake Swimmers in the band shell in the park downtown for free like you can this summer (they're the first leaked artist) is in large part why I believe it's worthy of votes.
104. 

     104

     @lesleymarie

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Tariq Hussain

     Hey Lesleymarie, has Shelter Valley been in operation for over two years?
105. 

     105

     WHO DO I PICK???!!!??

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MoniSki

     I don't have time to read through all the comments..... 

      

      

     BUT

      

     HILLSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL in GULEPH ONTARIO should be nominated for sure!!!!!

      

     ....:) 
106. 

     106

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by JoeGinClark

     @ BigRockFan - I'll second your Canmore Folk Fest nomination - I have great memories of that event. I don't think size should matter at all.

     I sort of missed the restrictions (years in operation, etc), but assuming it fits the rules, I'd also like to nominate Victoria's Rifflandia festival. Multi venue festivals really work better in small cities because it's easy to get from one place to another. Rifflandia really impressed me.
107. 

     107

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     what about the Montreal Jazz Fest? I don't think it's that indie-friendly, but any festival in Canada that can draw 2 million people has to be noted.
108. 

     108

     @tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     All of the daytime workshops are free at the RFF :)

     Last year, you could see pretty much all of the performers play at one time or another as you strolled around downtown.
109. 

     109

     mattyjames (103)

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     It probably does have a better, weell, perhaps a bigger lineup. It's also not cheap, runs very long  (11 days!) and often presents, um, 'interesting conflicts'.

     But it does offer a pretty darned wide spectrum of musical acts. Often, faves are found on the Black Sheep stage or else are generated by Paul Symes (of the B.S. Inn, stage).

     And it does present boffo biggies too.
110. 

     110

     Bulkley Valley Folk Festival

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Absotively

     It was the first festival I went to.  Now, I seem to recall I was somewhere between five and ten years in age, so I don't remember a lot of the details.  But there was one thing that stuck out in my mind: a huge communal paper mache project for the kids there.

     At least, huge relative to me at the time.  It definitely made a lasting impression on me; I think I can trace the motivation for every large paper mache project I have screwed up to that whatever-it-was.

     More seriously, it exposed me to the idea of music tying together a group of people in a (temporary) community.  I went to the Edmonton Folk Fest last year, and although the music was awesome, there wasn't much interaction between festival attendees who didn't already know each other.

     Also, the Bulkley Valley Folk Fest has camping.

     (link)
111. 

     111

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by casiokeys

     LOLA fest in London, Ontario!
112. 

     112

     @ceelee

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     ?!? Not to bite, but we kicked off the show with a band from PEI, and in our first hour have played artists from Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton, Winnipeg, and Vancouver!
113. 

     113

     a

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by ikilledtheradio

     I think the best festival experience I've had in Canada was at Osheaga in Montreal. 

     I can only handle so many days of festivals.  standing around for hours and hours waiting for your favourite band, followed by another favourite band can be exhausting.  I used to hit up Warped Tour every year in montreal when I was younger, but nowadays, I'd much rather hop across the ocean to participate in one.  (I have a soft spot for British ones and have yet to miss a Dot to Dot fest)
114. 

     114

     @bigrockfan

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     We *think* the Montreal Jazz Fest might be the biggest music fest in Canada, as they routinely draw up to 100,000... but Ottawa Bluesfest might have them all beat as it runs for two weeks and stacks up the attendance figures...
115. 

     115

     @mattyjames re Montreal Jazz Fest

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     Whoa! I stand corrected!!!
116. 

     116

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by PK1

     I would say that one of the best festivals in Canada is SLED ISLAND in Calgary. Not only is it the best thing to happen to the Cowboy City, it is a great model for urban festivals. It utilizes an array of Venues and gets people WALKING around the city...which Calgarians are not really known for doing. Unlike NXNE, Sled Island doesn't operate as a an industry showcase which results in a more organic experience. 

     The diversity of bands from genre of music, and varying levels of notability offers a real sense of authenticity and community.

     They have a great line-up this year!
117. 

     117

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Ballack13

     Don't think Grant has too much focus on Vancouver.  I mean he travels all over Canada and the States promoting Canadian music from ALL over the great entire country you live in.  Plus he is the most knowledgable about Canadian music.  Keep it up Grant!
118. 

     118

     Ness Creek

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by dood

     I'm nominating Ness Creek music festival in northern Saskatchewan.  Beautiful setting, unique performers, excellent food, and unique crowds.  I've been a performer and an attendee at Ness Creek and have found that there is an intimate connection with performer and crowd which is unmatched in other festivals I have been too.  I haven't been in many many years but I suspect the festival has not lost any of its character over time. 

      

      
119. 

     119

     unrelated, but good analysis

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     of something we were talking about on the blog last week, marginal costs and the relationship to optimal pricing of songs through iTunes
120. 

     120

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tagish156

     I might as well nominate two other great northern festivals.  The Sunstroke Music Fest in Whitehorse, Yukon and the Atlin Arts and Music Festival in beautiful Atlin, BC.
121. 

     121

     Regina Folk Fest

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by carrman

     I second the Regina Folk Festival.

     It has been a showcase for local artists for bands like Rah Rah and Library Voices.  

     The workshops are free and becomes a family event during the day.

     It is in the heart of Regina, right next to great restaurants and the Farmers Market. 

     They organize a concert series throughout the year to raise money and bring talented acts to Regina during the Winter.

     The festival is something to look forward to during the bleak Saskatchewan winter
122. 

     122

     re:SLED ISLAND

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     any festival that gets Calgarians out walking has to be doing something right
123. 

     123

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by krib

     wow! look at the comment count already!

      I did a quick search... no Ness creek??

      I've made my case for it before. Super laidback, only 3800 people, heavy focus on sask and Cdn music, all in the woods north of Saskatoon.

      Good times, good times.. .
124. 

     124

     Dear boders,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Absotively

     I'm sorry, but I think that's ridiculous.

     Music has never been sold for the marginal distribution cost, and I can't see "perfect competition" somehow coming into existence and making it happen.

     I agree that it's entirely possible that recorded music will become free and concerts will be artists' only source of income.  But I don't think the change is imminent.  And although the low marginal distribution cost would make this possible, I don't think it makes it inevitable.
125. 

     125

     Absotively

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     made a great point about 'community' being important to a good festival experience. I know I will be taking that into account when I do my voting. This is all i ever hear about the WFF, and one of the reasons I really, really want to make it there.
126. 

     126

     @boders

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by hgummo

     Oh snap! What are you implying, sir?

     To be honest, I had a bad experience with Sled Island in its first year but that was partially my own fault. This year I hope to experience it to its fullest. 

     I do enjoy Calgary Folk Fest every year, both because of the music and the AMAZING food. With two of my favorite things put together like that you just can't lose. 
127. 

     127

     yeah dood

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by krib

     we must've been typing at the same time

      or in my case, writing, since I'm on my tablet
128. 

     128

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Steven Jackson

     Wolfe Island Music Fest
129. 

     129

     Dear Absotively

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     obviously perfect competition doesn't exist. But digital files allow us to get pretty close...

     Isn't change currently under way? Maybe getting all the way down to $0.00 isn't inevitable, but are we not already trending in that direction?
130. 

     130

     Dear boders,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Absotively

     Sure.  But arguing that prices will drop is not the same as arguing that music will be free.  There is a huge difference between a 5¢ track and a free one.
131. 

     131

     @hgummo

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     I guess I'm perpetuating the stereotype I have of Albertans being wedded to their vehicles. This is of course very broad, and does not just apply to the residents of that province. Heck, most of the anti-Olympic voices I hear in the 'progressive mecca'* of Vancouver come from those put out by traffic inconveniences.

     *not my phrase, borrowed. It's true in some senses I guess, but isn't a truism.
132. 

     132

     @ tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by BigRockFan

     True.  The bigger festivals will tend to have more fans and more voters, but obviously Phog proved you don’t have to be big to win. 

      
133. 

     133

     Dear Abso,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     agreed. I'm just rereading the post, I don't see mention that things will get to zero, just that they will tend in that direction. Or "over time I expect we’ll see that the CPI-adjusted price of songs decline"
134. 

     134

     @Treelines

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     Don't worry. I will let it roll. 
135. 

     135

     @boders

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     Loving this Treelines song!
136. 

     136

     Dear Boders,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Absotively

     Except that the title is "The Futile Struggle Against Free Content".

     Someone in the comments there linked to this, which I think is far more interesting.
137. 

     137

     Dear boders/absotively

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     Just to jump right into the middle of the debate (and I don't know which side I'm on, to be honest), I'll give you my point of view.

     I don't think it will matter WHAT the price is.  The people that don't pay for music, just WON'T pay for music.  I have a friend that even illegally downloaded the "free if you want to" Radiohead album.  He's also the same kind of guy that won't buy CD's and thinks supporting the artist means "buying a ticket when they come to town, if they don't come that's their own fault"

     Throughout history, I bet real music fans spend the same % of disposable income on music, regardless of the format. (vinyl, tape, 8 track, cd, whatever).

     So, if I was a record exec, I'd exploit that.  Slash prices and get more and more product out there.  Who knows, maybe you'll even turn a casual, downloading fan into a ticket buyer.  that's at least something better than nothing, and really, your bottom line isn't that affected.

      
138. 

     138

     Best Festival

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by keydive

     Well I personally like both of Calgary's bigger festivals Sled Island and the Calgary Folk Music Festival.

     However I think I would have to go with Sled Island. I went last year thanks to tickets from CBC via Grant's trivia Tuesday. It was really a phenomenal festival. My favorite part was that it was basically spread out to any venue in the city that holds live music with most of the concerts being situated in the downtown core so most of the venues were within walking distance of each other. And with 200+ bands from all over covering different styles you never know what you might get yourself into when you show up at a venue.
139. 

     139

     @BigRockFan

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     If I am a betting man I really think Winnipeg Folk is the odds I would bet on.

     I'd love to see any one of the smaller, free festivals take it. Because I think they are in essence the purest sense of the festival. But that doesn't mean that the ones that cost money aren't sneaky or worthy of votes.

     When the headliner for one of the nights for Home County is announced, people will be shocked that you can see this act for free.

     LOLA three years ago headlined one night with Grizzly Bear and (then) Final Fantasy. I would have paid money to see those two bands, and yet I didn't have to. And at that same festival, I saw the only Canadian exhibition of Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings. Also for free. 
140. 

     140

     @Absotively

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     Yep. That is definitely one of the most important aspects of the issues with prices tending to zero. I wish I could find info like that for Canada. Just my gut feeling, but I imagine the artist line moving up even faster.

     Haha, I didn't see the title, I often gloss over them. But free content doesn't mean there isn't content with prices either. All R3 artists provide some aspect of free content...
141. 

     141

     edit #140

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     s/b: But that doesn't mean that the ones that cost money aren't worthy of votes.
142. 

     142

     @boders @absotively

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     I'm lost... what the heck are you two talking about?!
143. 

     143

     reading all the posts

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by stew72

     Reading through all these has made one thing clear:  There seems to be 2 distict features drivers 1) The music (which bands, how many, how big etc.); and 2) The venue/place/experience.

     Oddly enough, I'm being won over by the venue voters.  Just seeing bands isn't that hard, at least living in a major city, you can go to as many shows as you can afford.  What I've come to expect from most festivals is bathroom line-ups, shitty food and annoying restrictions (seriously, why can't I carry 2 beers at one time?).  Its very interesting to see people posting because they actually enjoyed the event, sometimes regardless of the specific band line-up.  Good reading posters!
144. 

     144

     Dear Grant,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Absotively

     Pricing trends for recorded music?

     Now that you mention it, we may have strayed a little from the blog post topic.
145. 

     145

     @tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by ATrain

     I was LOLA that night!  I haven't been again, but that festival was great.  It's where I saw Basia Bulat and The Acorn for the first time.  And where I danced all night to Akron/Family and the Constantines!  Maybe I should be nominating LOLA?
146. 

     146

     @tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by ATrain

     wait.  I was *at* LOLA.  I'm not Lola.
147. 

     147

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Twit

     International Pop Overthrow! (www.internationalpopoverthrow.com)

     This year, for Ontario, IPO was hosted by The Rivoli, in Toronto and had great acts such as "the Kings", and "Square Root of Margaret"..
148. 

     148

     My Picks...

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by RedVinyl

     LOLA & Hillside <3
149. 

     149

     Nom

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by lounge_act

     Ottawa Bluesfest - the past lineups speak for themselves.

      

     And not to be negative - but Thunder Bay Bluesfest is terrible.
150. 

     150

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Sarge

     I don't know if anyone has nominated Cumberland's Big Day Out yet. But It should definately be there. Unpretentious, and very real. The sheer lack or 10$ bottles of water and other corporate price gorging is refershing to say the least. Plus, the always present Five alarm funk puts this into the top 10 at least. This is my favorite party of the year and getting the word out gives me pleasure in my pants
151. 

     151

     Searchlight

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by vespa150

     I nominate the Ottawa Bluesfest even tho it already has been.....

     I'd vote for the Wolfe Island festival too though.
152. 

     152

     Grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by krib

     go back to boders #120 and click the link

      that's what started it.

      took me a while to figure it out, to
153. 

     153

     Dear Matt

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     sounds good to me [138]. I think. My apologies as I have probably posted total nonsense many times today. A buddy from Tbay is in town to work the Olympics and last night was real long..still going in fact. But, my place will be very safe after all the work we put in...
154. 

     154

     Grant @ 143

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     You don't really wanna know. They're arguing about various peoples' speculations about what current moneymaking trends in the newly challenged music industry will mean for artists, in the future.
155. 

     155

     @tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mikegibbons

     You know you're killing me with all of these Home County headliner mentions, right?
156. 

     156

     Grant Grant Grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     Don't listen to dear krib @ 153!
157. 

     157

     @ATrain

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     I have been to every year of LOLA with the exception of the first year.

     More impressive when you consider it is always on the weekend of my wedding anniversary, and I play in an Easter Seals street hockey tournament the Friday too.

     This past year's was really awesome to see Owen Pallett again. And Bruce Peninsula.

     The best year IMHO was the year you were there. That avant-garde dance group between Grizzly Bear and Owen Pallett, called Evolucidanse was crazy good.
158. 

     158

     back on topic..

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     State of the blog poll: What festival is at the top of your list to make it to? 

     For myself, I'd have to say Dawson City, WFF and Sappyfest
159. 

     159

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     So, regardless of WHO wins.... what's R3's involvement with said fest gonna be?!
160. 

     160

     @Grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     krib and Benoit have the explanation covered. I don't if we were 'arguing' per se. I'd go with 'discussing' :)

     it's not all wild speculation...
161. 

     161

     @tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mikegibbons

     I would suggest that the Saturday night of 2008 was by far the best single night offering.  Plants and Animals followed by Holy Fuck.  It was unreal.
162. 

     162

     mattyjames2001 @ 160

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     A broadcast from there, I guess. What else?
163. 

     163

     @mattyjames2001 re 160

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by dawn.h

     Good point!!
164. 

     164

     boders

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     I'm down for any of those.  Seriously.  I also really want to go to Sasquatch, but that's not Canadian.

     So in order of Canadian priority:

     1) Dawson. Problem is access and $$$ and finding someone to go with

     2) Winnipeg.  Very doable.

     3) Sappy/Hill/Lola.  Not too sure which one has the best lineup or whatever, but I could see myself trecking out east.
165. 

     165

     @Matt

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     thanks for asking my next question!
166. 

     166

     A Searchlight Suggestion

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     So we avoid something like The Arkells being left off Best Live Act for the Bucky's this past year, perhaps you should post the long list prior to officially closing it, as a last call for submissions so that none get missed because we assumed it made it in?
167. 

     167

     dear boders

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     "Arguing" = only a colourful and jouncy description

     All "speculation" is not wild. Did not say "wild".

     ;)
168. 

     168

     dear Benny

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     I really don't know.  They're more creative than me.

     At the very least, they should bring Phogfest-esque bands to the festival.... which probably has an amazing lineup in the first place.
169. 

     169

     Wolfe Island

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by b(oot)logger

     Wolfe Island is the best in my mind. It has a great location, great vibe, amazing bands, is fully licensed (so no stupid beertentghetto), awesome food and crafty vendors. What more could you ask for?
170. 

     170

     @tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     Who are these mysterious Home County Folk Fest headliners that you keep alluding to?? SPILL IT.
171. 

     171

     further to [167]

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     a helpful elbow in the ribs from our trusted experts (that's you Grant et al) is always good too (but subtlely...we don't need griping to start up that Grant Lawrence has highjacked the latest searchlight contest and is manipulating it to his own ends...)
172. 

     172

     tb3's suggestion is a good one

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     A last call for nominations, so we can only blame ourselves for leaving out the Richibucto Musical Saw and Jaw Harp Festival. For instance.
173. 

     173

     @Grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mattyjames2001

     shhhh It's Billy Bob and the Boxcar Boys.... don't piss him off. You won't like Bill when he's angry
174. 

     174

     @ Tariq

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by lesleymarie

     me thinks it's year 7 for the little festival!

     www.sheltervalley.com
175. 

     175

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by krib

     Winnipeg would in fun, but it's the week before Ness, which is the week before CUUL school-which only Abortively would understand-so that's 3 weekends busy in a row.

      I'd like to make it down to Regina in August
176. 

     176

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Prairie.sista

     Regina Folk Festival all the way! I go for the atmosphere and my summer is planned around it because regardless of the lineup and whether I have even heard of the bands before I always end having an amazing weekend.
177. 

     177

     WFF

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by darbarspecial

     Speaking of ....I really want to go this year. Are those tickets for sale for out-of-towners yet?
178. 

     178

     Dear boders,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Absotively

     Well, WFF is the only one I'm planning to go to this year, mostly so I can meet all the other R3 bloggers going.

     If I had the time and money to go to any festival, and I was judging them by something other than who else was going?  I haven't really thought about it.  Sled Island looks pretty awesome, and it's close, but I don't think I can spare the vacation time this year, and also it's right before WFF and I don't want to burn out.  Maybe next year.
179. 

     179

     @mikegibbons (162)

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     I would agree with you if I wasn't in Woodbridge that night because I was doing a reading at friends wedding.

     I missed Holy Fuck that night. My little brother rubbed in just how great that show was. Thanks to Phog Phest I corrected having never seen Holy Fuck live last summer.

     The other good night was We Are Wolves and Woodhands.

     And the thing that is best about LOLA is Andrew Francis the director who I am convinced is grownup Max Fischer from Rushmore.
180. 

     180

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by krib

     oops! that should be Absotively -silly tablet handwriting conversion!
181. 

     181

     nomination...

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by fuzzyzquare

     Hillside Festival.  Handsdown.

     From the non-corporate sponsorship to the food to the reusable dishes to the free drinking water to the performers it attracks/supports to the workshops to the atmosphere.  This festival has always been A++.
182. 

     182

     @Benoit from Ottawa

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MusicSoop

     Following your post I was going to jokingly suggest the Montreal Recorder Festival but now that I think about it I did hear some really good recorder players at University and it's wonderful music.  I'll bet that festival is actually really cool, but I doubt many R3 listeners attend?  Maybe I'm wrong?
183. 

     183

     @Grant Lawrence @mikegibbons

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     Okay here it is…

     Me. I will be doing some live performance art.

      

     Seriously though… I can't yet. I can say it's not as huge of a score for this crowd, but for the Canadian music scene it is. The free show.

     The other show I know about is an after hours ($) show at The Aeolian is familiar with people here and Radio2 fans.
184. 

     184

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by brainwash

     This Chokeules MC rules!
185. 

     185

     "The poor porcupine re-gathered some of his wits while I looked around for a gin and tonic to calm my nerves."

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     Amazing pickature. Above comment from amusingly overblown text, I thought.
186. 

     186

     WFF Tickets

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by TheRadioHead

     Darb, they go on sale Feb 13.  I will be sending a message out through the group to tell everyone.

      

     Once they go on sale, and acts start being announced, I will update that group regularly.  Not much going on yet!
187. 

     187

     More Nominations(s)

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Crozon Ottawa

     I forgot one:

     4) Osheaga
188. 

     188

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Silvorgold

     From what TheRadioHead has told me year after year, month after month, (not so much) day after day, that the Winnipeg Folk Fest is her highlight of the year, the best darned festival in Canada. She's bugged me for years to go, and this year will be my year. Heck, for a few years we've chatted at Lo Pub saying "we should have an R3 get together at Folk Fest", sure enough, she organized a Facebook group just for that!

      

     I know ONE Festival that I will not be recommending, any festival organizer who can manage to make me cry and not want to ever volunteer doesn't deserve my support, but not going to say who/what it is.
189. 

     189

     @tb3 RE: 2008 LOLA

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mikegibbons

     Oh, and 2008 had Do Make Say Think!  So its decided, 2008 was the best year.
190. 

     190

     MusicSoop @ 183

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     Made it up, actually.

     ;)
191. 

     191

     Only have a couple minutes to chime in...

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by calculust

     ... so I haven't read all the comments. I'll nominate the Rifflandia festival in Victoria (my hometown!). Last September was only year two for this festival, but it's just going to get better and  better in the next couple of years.

     I'll also nominate the Vancouver Folk Fest. They had an awesome collection of Canadian acts this past summer. I'm so glad I got to see Rock Plaza Central perform there before they decided to quit touring!

     I'm sure both these festivals have already been nominated, but I want to make sure that they make the long list!

     Ooh- I think I also want to nominate the Vancouver Island Music Fest. They're a bit hit and miss in my books, but I want to give them a shout-out too. Two years ago I got to see the Weakerthans and Elliott Brood perform together and the website they unveiled this past summer was awesome. If you have time, go to www.islandmusicfest.com and play around with the schedule/plan your weekend feature. I wish more festivals would include something like this on their webpage! They also had a great twitter feed this past summer - I love it when organizations embrace technology like this in a smart and useful way!

     -Michelle
192. 

     192

     @TB3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by stew72

     minus 2 searchlight votes if 'performance art' = spoken word and/or does not include pants
193. 

     193

     @stew72

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MusicSoop

     minus 10 if there's a leotard involved and tb3 is wearing it.
194. 

     194

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by lounge_act

     Rhymes with Hercules.
195. 

     195

     For music, yah 2008

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     For art, it was easily 2007. The Eno exhibit was great as was the mural that was painted mural on the Galleria wall.

     But holy crap check out the 2007 lineup I forgot about!
196. 

     196

     @TheRadioHead

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by darbarspecial

     Thanks :). I just remembered you had posted Feb, so I want to be on top of things. I am looking forward to it already.
197. 

     197

     yay Treelines!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by savvie

     that is all.
198. 

     198

     @ tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by BigRockFan

     The Alberta folk festivals are very popular and very well attended, and they could easily be front runners to win this contest, but one thing to consider with them is that they’re all very plugged into CKUA.  CKUA is a very popular, province wide, not for profit station and its relationship with the festivals is very important for both the festivals and CKUA, so I’m not sure how much they’ll get into this CBC Radio 3 contest. CKUA is not the University of Alberta station, btw, although it did start out that way in 1927.

     http://www.ckua.org/about/index.html
199. 

     199

     The 'piece' is called "manotard"

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     And does include pants.

     But they are in the form of heavy breathing.

      

     So how many votes have I lost?
200. 

     200

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Slobby Robby

     Sled Island is fabulous with great little bands and big monsters too! I shall attend for life
201. 

     201

     @tb3

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by darbarspecial

     lmao. Lovely imagery. You have just gained my vote.
202. 

     202

     @lounge_act

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     Thanks!
203. 

     203

     tb3: and unitard, and monotard,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     and retarded.

     I didn't dsay anything.
204. 

     204

     No Grant, I think it's from whales' stomachs

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     ---
205. 

     205

     Grant: the Wiki word on ambergris

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     In short: "Ambergris (Ambra grisea, Ambre gris, ambergrease, or grey amber) is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull gray or blackish color produced in the digestive system of sperm whales.

     Ambergris has a peculiar sweet, earthy odor. The principal historical use of ambergris was as a fixative in perfumery, though it has now been largely displaced by synthetics."

     Grant, note the word "sperm" (whales), which may explain your impression.
206. 

     206

     @silvorgold

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by loweeda

     very tactful of you not to say which festival you do *not* recommend.  I won't tell, either.
207. 

     207

     Julie Fader

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     I will get to see her this summer with them Swimming Great Lake folk for FREE at Home County Folk!

     And, her song is the Free Track of the Day!
208. 

     208

     WFF for the win!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MackenzieC
209. 

     209

     @loweeda et @silvorgold

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by tb3

     If you want, I can tell.

     That is if MusicSoop retracts his first nomination.
210. 

     210

     @loweeda

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Silvorgold

     I've never been treated SO poorly in my entire life. Being treated like you don't belong, being told your hours change on the day you show up and being totally ignored by the organizers until they want you to do more is very unprofessional.

     As for festivals I was impressed with personally, le Festival d'été in Quebec City, not only did they get musicians that the old geezers stuck in the 70s (no offence to anyone here) and punk teenagers wanted to see (Van Halen), but they also got musicians that R3 listeners love, like Weakerthans and Stars
211. 

     211

     about Julie Fader

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by OldGuyAtTheBar

     She is so talented! I am so in awe of her.

     I chatted with her for 2 seconds at The Habitat when she was playing CVG. 

     On top of being an awesome musician and an awesome artist, she was nice!  My fanboy crush started shining through as I started stammering and had to run away (with a big grin on my face).

      
212. 

     212

     @silvorgold

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     I'm going to make an educated guess that we are going to have to withdraw MusicSoop's earlier nomination??? (#49)
213. 

     213

     A short culling of the wiki article

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     "As of 2006, raw ambergris fetched approximately US$10 per gram, with much higher prices possible for particularly high-quality samples."*

     ''...while in modern Egypt ambergris is used for scenting cigarettes.'

     Source article

      

      

     *So, a 100 kilogram chunk = $1,000,000 or much more.
214. 

     214

     @Grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Silvorgold

     MusicSoop is allowed to submit the nomination if he wants, I'm not going to stop it.

      

     PS, anyone who is thinking about coming to Winnipeg Folk Fest, we have a Facebook group discussing it, apparently early bird tickets will be going on sale on the 13th

     http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=177581844101&ref=ts
215. 

     215

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by K-fest

     The Edmonton Folk Festival is an event I look forward to every year. Connors hill acts as a natural amphitheater and when you look up from the bottom of the hill the throngs of families , friends and couples with candles or lighters while the sweet sounds of music echo from the main stage is enough to make you close your eyes drink it all in and hope it lasts forever. It never does, that's why there's always next year.
216. 

     216

     @Benoit

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     I think the Pequod is setting sail at the end of the month. Care to go on a journey with me? Let's not share a bed though.
217. 

     217

     Musicsoop

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by TheRadioHead

     I believe that his real reason for nominating BFF is that he gets to stop in at Portage la Prairie along the way. 

      

     He has the secret  dream of one day being P la P's mayor.
218. 

     218

     (boders) Arrrr, matey!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Benoit from Ottawa

     Don't get me started singin' The Cabin Boy!
219. 

     219

     @Silvorgold

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     we often hear about your desire/need to get out of Brandon. how goes that battle front these days?
220. 

     220

     I should say thanks,

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MackenzieC

     For those of you who tried to help me on Craig's show with my excel problem, I never did get to say thank you. Hopefully next time my coworker gives me more than 15-20 min to figure her problem out before I leave for the day. I then told another coworker about how helpful and quickly you guys jumped on it, and he was pretty impressed with the community here. Maybe now he won't think i'm so strange for making good friends here. :) Thanks again!
221. 

     221

     halifax pop!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

     yes! i nominated it way back in comment 68!
222. 

     222

     @Grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     couple places. Moe made sure to make it official

     "f aimee's suggestion for the halifax pop explosion isn't official, i'd like to nominate them!"
223. 

     223

     @Mackenzie

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     but of course!
224. 

     224

     @boders

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Silvorgold

     It's exactly where it's been for the past year it seems. It's really hard to find a job. I've been applying for jobs daily, but when there's 20% youth unemployment, for jobs aimed towards youth (or with relaxed qualifications compared to the $80K jobs), there's alot of people fighting for it. Sometimes you have to have so many connections to get anywhere, but it seems nobody will hire me because "I'm not experienced", but I'm not experienced because I can't find a job!

     On the upside to things, the rejection letters from all organizations has been minimal, I've atleast gotten SOME "we will contact you if you make it that far"
225. 

     225

     Wolfe Island is GREAT, but...

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by marcellehasgout

     Some of us can't digest gluten, and even though it is fully licensed, there is no cider!

     It makes me feel sad to drink cider alone in my tent.

     :(
226. 

     226

     @Grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     Awesome! I think that I'll be able to shuffle some things around and make it.
227. 

     227

     @marcellehasgout

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     If I make it there ever, I will drink some cider with ya
228. 

     228

     re: next Monday's Show

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by whethergirl

     Oh I SO wish I could skate with R3 next Monday. But I will be working on the north shore :( I have to get in as many hours as possible since Olympics volunteering will take up so much time.

     Have fun on the ice!
229. 

     229

     @marcellehasgout

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Silvorgold

     If you make a trip to Winnipeg Folk Fest, I know a bunch of us will join you, TheRadioHead will be drinking her wine! I'll be drinking my obscure beers, tb3 if he dares to come, will be drinking rat urine.. or whatever the hell he drinks! (haha jk man!)
230. 

     230

     thanks boders

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

     RE:223 :)
231. 

     231

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

     i want to thumb up this song by the todd butler band

     but it won't let me... *sad face*
232. 

     232

     @whethergirl

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     have you made it to Robson Square to skate yet? it's luverly. I took my buddy there last night just to show him, he was really impressed.

     Also, all the security guards there are undoing years of work by others to seem like jerks for no reason. The first time I wandered through the square past skating hours and a guard approached me I fully expected to hear "Move along." but he just wanted to chat/know what I thought of the rink...and every guard I've met there has been the same.
233. 

     233

     Dear Moe

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by boders

     but of course..
234. 

     234

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by themountainsandthetrees

     I can only really comment on the festivals I've been to, but I <3 NXNE!  Looking forward to CMW too!

      

     However, the festival where I saw the most music was TIFF.  Yup, a film festival.  I saw Hawksley Workman, Amy Millan, Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees, USS, Deerhoof, Chad VanGaalen, and Joan Baez - all in the span of 3 days.  Yikes!
235. 

     235

     @moe @boders

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     Whoops, thanks for reminding me! We're going to have a hell of a long Long List!
236. 

     236

     Random CKUA follow up

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by BigRockFan

     It appears that Steve Jobs is a fan of CKUA, and Arcade Fire as well.

     http://www.ckua.org/programs/progAnnou.cfm?P_ID=39900&IDs=39900
237. 

     237

     grant

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mynameismoe

     i definitely don't envy whoever has the job of weeding through these comments for nominations... :)
238. 

     238

     Rescinded

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by MusicSoop

     I officially rescind my submission for the festival that wasn't nice to my pal Cody.  I'm still backing the Montreal Recorder Festival though.
239. 

     239

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by eyesno

     I nominate the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. For many, many years, the same souls and some new ones have been returning to the festival for its uncompromising values, beautiful location (Luneburg, NS!!) and most importantly a truly international lineup playing in a well-organized fashion in some of the most amazing settings any Festival has to offer. 
240. 

     240

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by SChappellaz

     Winnipeg Folk Fest!!!
241. 

     241

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by RFFfan

     The Regina Folk Fest ios, hands down, the best music fest around. Not only are we treated with a stellar line up year after year, but are small enough to really enjoy the artists without being a city block away from the stage. The artists freely mingle with the festival goers, and all of the daytime stages are free for anyone to come and enjoy, creating a great family feel. Also it celebrated their 40th birthday last year which makes it, i believe, Canada's oldest Folk Festival. I look forward to the festival every year, and it never dissapoints. Oh, and we have even been treated to Grant Laurence as the main stage host gor the last two years, Hopeflly this year will make three.
242. 

     242

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by RFFfan

     Laurence = Lawrence, sorry Grant.
243. 

     243

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by LongRoad

     The Coldsnap Festival in Prince George last week was great!!  And they have a super cool name!
244. 

     244

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by AuthenticCoast

     We'd like to nominate Nova Scotia's Stanfest as Canada's best music festival. Great live music on the Atlantic Coast remembering the Canadian folk legend Stan Rogers. Life doesn't get much better. A fave thing on the Authentic Seacoast 101.

     http://twitter.com/AuthenticCoast

      
245. 

     245

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by mrandmrslloyd

     I would definately vote for the Calgary Folk Music Festival.  It is a wonderful edgy music festival full of colour and culture!  The organisers have given us the tightest, loosiest festival held on such a wonderful site, an island right in the downtown area, giving us a cool urban feel!  It's hip hop, celtic, folkie heaven!
246. 

     246

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by burningwall

     WOLFE ISLAND MUSICFEST:)  SO INEXPENSIVE AND SOOOO LAIDBACK!!
247. 

     247

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by joeyjoseph

     scene music festival - st. catharines
248. 

     248

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by Loranina

     Coldsnap 2010, the best Winter Folk Festival, Prince George BC
249. 

     249

     @RFFfan

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by klewis

     what you said!
250. 

     250

     Late nomination...

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by phogtom

     FAM Fest in Windsor, Ontario...Film, Arts, Music...

     Murad Erzinclioglu is a brilliant booster of music in Windsor, and thia event is a stellar example.
251. 

     251

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by ak17

     Prince George already won one, but I'm a fan of Coldsnap.
252. 

     252

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 03, 2010 by John Paolozzi

     So what constitutes a good festival? Is it just a place to go and listen to some nice music? Is it the vibe? Do you expect something magical to happen? To have your mind blown by something new?
253. 

     253

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by MissGreen

     The Calgary Folk Music Festival is truly the best festival in Canada. For over 30 years this festival has been amazing Canadians and has been noted by the Globe and Mail as one of the seven musical wonders of the world! Yay CFMF!
254. 

     254

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by greggferg

     I'd like to nominate and support the Calgary Folk Music Festival as Canada's best Festival!  Always exploring what is relevant, always exciting and surprising, and always fun.  Who expect this Festival to be on a stunning river island in the middle of downtown Calgary - of all places!
255. 

     255

     Best Festival in Canada? Hands down it's the Calgary Folk Music festival!!!!!!!!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by ashley_oakes
256. 

     256

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by LucasDR

     I know it's a bit of a large (and slightly corporate) festival, but its pure length and number of musical acts, both big and small, gets the Ottawa Bluesfest my nomination. I mean, it's a party that almost lasts 2 weeks straight! Does it get any better then that?
257. 

     257

     Calgary Folk Festival is where it's at

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by JaneDoughnut

     Calgary Folk Music Festival: The beautiful site right downtown, the amazing artistic choices, the eco-initiatives...Calgary embraces the best definitions of a folk festival (musical collaboration, a volunteer army who are thrilled to make the event happen), and is re-defining the term 'folk' in exciting ways. 
258. 

     258

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by ashley_oakes

     Without a doubt; the Calgary Folk Music Festival is the best Festival in the country! The setting, the programming, the amazing volunteers, all make it the coolest four days of the year!
259. 

     259

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by ECat

     I would like to nominate the Wolfe Island Music Festival for best venue.
260. 

     260

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by ECat

     Ahem. I mean Festival. Wolfe Island Musicfest for Best Festival.

      
261. 

     261

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by laurasmith

     rifflandia.
262. 

     262

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by Annie B

     Hillside Festival, Guelph, ON!!!
263. 

     263

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by bruce1

     Yo y'all!

     The best music festival is the one which happens in your very own community, right? Well in my case, this happens to be true!

     I live in Gaspé QC, and every August my community hosts the Festival de Musique du Bout du Monde (FMBM). Gaspé means "land's end" in the Micmac language, and so hence the name, eh!

     The festival plays host to top-notch world music and Québec acts, and caters to a multi-generational audience (i.e. the young and the old, the tall and the small). It is a giddily happy event, and the whole thing is powered by the best army of volunteers this side of the Atlantic!

     Check it out at www.musiqueduboutdumonde.com or better yet, come down and see it for yourself next August!

     See you there,                                                             bruce the moose

      
264. 

     264

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by ccastillo232

     My nomination goes to Suncrash, in Orillia.
265. 

     265

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by Ironman

     Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival is just a great time
266. 

     266

     re: Live on CBC Radio 3 w/ Grant Lawrence: SEARCHLIGHT 2010 Announced!

     Posted on Feb 04, 2010 by Breeze919

     Nakusp - beautiful location, great organization and fantastic bands.   Simply wonderful!
267. 

     267

     I know who you secretly want to shout out your vote for, GL...

     Posted on Feb 05, 2010 by bassish

     The Festival in the city that rhymes with fun, of course.

     RFF to the end!!
268. 

     268

     Hillside Festival

     Posted on Feb 05, 2010 by kikiwak

     My Vote: Hillside Festival in Guelph!  No diggity no doubt.
269. 

     269

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 06, 2010 by DebN

     Coldsnap Music Festival in Prince George is by far the best
270. 

     270

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 06, 2010 by Bubba5.5

     Coldsnap in Prince George. It is a warm breeze of great music that chases away the winter cold for a week.
271. 

     271

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 06, 2010 by witchbelly

     WOLFE ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL
272. 

     272

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 06, 2010 by Caspianette

     HILLSIDE Music Festival in Guelph Ontario!
273. 

     273

     Rifflandia in Victoria!

     Posted on Feb 06, 2010 by ian.smith1990

     Why is no one mentioning this festival? it is the best west coast festival.it might only be two years old, but it should def be up for nomination. It has everything, amazing independent music, great culture and festivities along with a friendly but rocking environment/atmosphere!
274. 

     274

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 06, 2010 by jocalico
275. 

     275

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 06, 2010 by jocalico

     I would like to nominate the Coldsnap Music Festival in Prince George,BC as the best music festival in Canada!! It runs over 9 days and we have just finished a stellar run with our third winter festival [formerly run in the summer as the Prince George Folkfest] with Joel Plaskett. Great Lake Swimmers, Ndidi Onukwulu, Martyn Joseph, Delhi 2 Dublin, inspired youth at workshops, a live recording at our favourite venue, Art Space, featuring 20 local artists/bands and so much more. Our volunteers have great hearts and so much want to have good news come from our city. Our city unemployment is at 13% and the arts has become a bastion of positiveness for many in our challenging region. We have got to the point after seven years where we are on the radar across Canada now. I am very proud of our volunteers, sponsors and artists so this is for them!!
276. 

     276

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by DoctorGonzo

     Hillside hands down
277. 

     277

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by jordaninnanen

     As a native Londoner, I have wandered through the Home and county folk festival every summer of my walking life, but it wasn't until last year that I actually made a conscious effort to make the most of the music.  It was amazing!  Free concerts at night at the bandshell, free musically themed "workshops" of artists throughout the day, and fantastic cheep shows at the Aeolian.  There are kids, teens, adults, the elderly.  Rich and poor get to pay what they have for the shows, and the musical acts were a tremendously happy bunch.

     Please accept my nomination for London's Home and County Folk Festival.

     Thanks bunches!

     Jordan
278. 

     278

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by Domi525

     Osheaga.
279. 

     279

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by Essence

     Without a doubt, the best music festival in Canada is the Coldsnap festival in Prince George, BC

     A week long music smorgasbord... nothing else in Canada compares. You gotta be there to experience it for yourself!!!
280. 

     280

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by Bryn

     I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to nominate the Hillside Music Festival in Guelph Ontatrio for the Searchlight Best Music Festival contest.

     Hillside is tucked away on the lovely Guelph Island in the Guelph Lake conservation area just outside of Guelph. Every year people from all over come together for what never fails to be an amazing weekend. With hillside it's not about who is playing so much as just trusting that every band that will be playing will amaze you to no end. For the last few years the festival has sold out its early bird tickets in less then a couple of hours. People line up to get thier tickets way before 90% of the artists are even announced. That is because the festival is equally about the community that comes together as it is the artists who come to entertain. The festival is full of great local artists and craft vendor and some of the best local eats and local beers. The main stage has a green roof canopy and one of the best things about the festival is that it is plastic bottle free, each year they bring in tankers of potable water to refill everyone's canteens and keep everyone hydrated.

     Despite all the amazingness I've already noted, Hillside's volunteer experience may just be the best part about it. Erveyone bands together to make the festival come together and at the end of each day the volunteer village partys like it's going out of style.

      

     For these reasons and so many more Hillside Music Festival in Guelph Ontario deserves to be titled the best music festival in Canada.

     Bryn Ossington

     Kitchener / Waterloo Ontario
281. 

     281

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by meikleme

     COLDSNAP!  Prince George, BC in the dead of winter livens things up with a 10 day celebration of the best of Canada and the world with local music showcases in a variety of venues from small and intimate to large dance parties.  This year included Delhi to Dublin, Joel Plaskett, The Great Lake Swimmers, and everything from Celtic to Cajun.  The denizens of the North deserve and get a great music festival!!!!!
282. 

     282

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by The Exit Glow

     Coldsnap Festival, in Prince George, BC! A week of diverse artists performing in the geographic centre of British Columbia, with workshops and local shows... stellar!
283. 

     283

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by moosepg

     Coldsnap festival in Prince George.  It is a great festival that is over a full week with a plethera of bands playing.  It has something for all the different tastes in music.  I loved it.

      
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     284

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 07, 2010 by Maureen Washington

     The Best Music Festival in Canada is COLDSNAP in Prince George, BC http://www.coldsnapfestival.com/artist-bios/
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     285

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by Shauna Six Shooter

     Hillside is my go-to festival for great (new) music and good times.
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     286

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by Shauna Six Shooter

     Hillside is my go-to festivals for great (new) music and good times.
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     287

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by PGRaven

     My vote is for Coldsnap in Prince George.  We used to have a summer folk festival.  I think the name scared away a lot of young people because of course it wasn't just folk music.  Our weather being what it is though made a summer festival very unpredictable.  Prince George is a last minute town.  People would wait to see what the weather was like before deciding whether they would go to their cabin or to the festival.  Moving the festival to January was an excellent decision.  People are getting cabin fever by then and are ready to have fun.  There have been so many really good performances but the ones that stand out are the Paper Boys, Corb Lund, Dustin Bentall (heard him 3 years ago and we're still listening to that CD), Naomi Kavka.  Acts I would love to see at our festival - Carolyn Mark, The Gruff.
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     The Windsong Music Festival is definately the best! As Dave would say, "we may not be big, but we're small"

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by Windsong-live
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     289

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by Karma Reine

     I would like to nominate the Edmonton Folk Fest, like Hawksley, whom I have seen play that festival many times.
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     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by PGmusicfan

     I'd like to nominated the Cold Snap Music Festival in Prince George, BC.  It is the best!
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     291

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by J T

     I've had an amazing time at both the Edmonton and Calgary Folk Fests.

     Edmonton has a great spirit and great artists. It also has lots of space and a hill that gives EVERYONE a good view (except if you're at the back of the enormous main stage crowd).

     However, one of the best parts of the Calgary festival is hanging out underneath the massive trees during the day. (This cannot be underrated for any festival goer that spends two or three days out in the summer sun. It also gives the festival a really nice atmosphere.) There's also a really noticeably engaged fan base that appreciates the quality of the artists that attend.

     They both have excellent artists and I believe Edmonton's festival is bigger (which says a lot for how well its supported), but I'm going to have to give the nod to Calgary for the awesome atmosphere on the Island. I always look forward to chillin' in the park for two solid days.
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     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by Ryan LaFlamme

     Wolfe Island Music Festival
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     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by RFFfan

     The intimate atmosphere at Regina Folk can't be beat!
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     294

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by burningwall

     Wolfe Island Music Fest and Pop Montreal
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     295

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 08, 2010 by BigRockFan

     Further to what Hawksley Workman said in his interview, here’s a quote from a CMJ interview with Mark Hamilton about the Canadian folk festival experience for musicians, and for audience members as well.

     “Q: It looks like collaboration is a keyword in your music career, you play with a lot of local bands and Eagleowl has a place on the new record.  Are there any artists out there that you’re dying to share the stage or the studio with?

     A: I really wanted to sing with the McGarrigle Sisters, but Kate McGarrigle just died.  That was always kind of a secret dream in the back of my head.  Canada has this really interesting folk festival circuit, which I don’t know if America has one like this but a big part of the Canadian folk festival is the workshop, so you find yourself on stage with an incredible list of people and then you do the workshop where you go one after another and you play a song and you play on each other’s songs.  So when we started playing folk Fest, [the McGarrigle Sisters] were the kind of people I thought, you know it’d be really cool to sing with them, the way they wrote harmonies and things, its just so bizarre and wonderful.”

     http://www.cmj.com/relay/?p=8974

      
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     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 09, 2010 by michellenancy

     i would like to nominate the sled island festival in calgary, alberta. 

      

     Thanks! 
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     297

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 09, 2010 by jokertheruler

     Calgary Folk Music Festival

     Why? transport calagary onto an insland park for 4 days of hanging with my best friend (who is from calagary and I am from saskatoon, I travel there each summer just for the festival) to drink, dance and listen to music.
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     298

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 09, 2010 by remp3

     Pop Montreal.  Hands down.

     expertly curated, great venues, biking distance, tons of bands, and... well, Montreal.

     + there's so much more than just Music.
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     299

     SEARCHLIGHT! SAPPYFEST!

     Posted on Feb 09, 2010 by Corey Isenor

     Hands down it's SAPPYFEST held in the wonderful dear little town of Sackville, NB. Ever since it's conception in the back yard of a Sackville favourite, it's been getting bigger and better each year bringing more and more talented and super nice acts like Attack In Black, Lady Hawk, Eric's Trip, Destroyer, Timber Timbre, and of course Julie Doiron. You can quote Dan Bejar with saying "This is the best music festival I've ever been too".
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     300

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 09, 2010 by adamlee44

     Rifflandia...
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     301

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 09, 2010 by SteveL

     SCENE Music Festival (St. Catharines, Ont), NxNE ( Toronto), Blues fest in Ottawa, Nakusp Music Festival (Nakusp, BC), Salmon Arm Roots and Blues (Salmon Arm, BC) Edgefest (Toronto)
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     302

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 09, 2010 by KristaMark

     definitely have to say HILLSIDE FOLK FESTIVAL in Guelph. we never miss a year! camping, music, food, vendors, workshops, and the Lake, make this our favourite weekend of the summer!
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     303

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 10, 2010 by schmandrea

     Wolfe Island Music Festival, Wolfeville ON
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     304

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 10, 2010 by BeckyFitz

     Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton, NB
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     305

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by rosary

     Music PEI Week
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     306

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by mikita
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     307

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by mikita

     wolfe island....as it is the only place you can swim in the water, drink the water and go catch a fish and eat it or let it go!!!!! a true swim drink fish music paradise!!
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     308

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by ryslice

     Sled island, Calgary Alberta. Be there.
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     309

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by collagegirl

     Shelter Valley Folk Festival- Grafton Ontario

     A great end of summer family festival celebrating music, art, wellness, and harvest food in the rolling hills of Northumberland County. 
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     310

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by thirdshf

     1. Summerfolk -- Owen Siound, ON

     2. Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival -- Lunenburg, NS

     3. Edmonton Folk Festival
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     311

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by thirdshf

     Someday I'll learn how to type.  Make that:

     1. Summerfolk -- Owen Sound, ON

     2. Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival -- Lunenburg, NS

     3. Edmonton Folk Festival
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     312

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by dorte

     Calgary Folk Music Festival
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     313

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by werewolfgal13

     Edmonton Folk Music Festival, no doubt about it!
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     314

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by moutard

     EFMF, The Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
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     315

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by good2bme

     I say Calgary's Folk Music Fest is one of the best.  Grand natural location, laidback and eclectic vibe along with 1500 volunteers and attention to keeping the environment impact to nil makes for an intoxicating mix. All this topped off with mind boggling mix of music to challenge your ears! 

     Jay Milne

     Calgary
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     VOTING REMINDER!!!

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by Grant Lawrence

     A reminder that you must log in and vote for your favourite festival here:

     http://radio3.cbc.ca/searchlight/
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     317

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by TheCat

     Nakusp Musicfest! The most fun legally allowed for one weekend per year! Amazing music, people and one of the most beautiful venues in the country.
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     318

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 12, 2010 by famfest

     woah! we got nominated! coooooooooooooooool.
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     319

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 12, 2010 by famfest

     woah! we got nominated! coooooooooooooooooool.

     (thanks tom!)
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     320

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 12, 2010 by lrabatach

     Love the Calgary Folk Music Festival - perfect location, great food, and amazing music!

      
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     321

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 12, 2010 by Rob Szabo

     what about Coldsnap Festival in Prince George,BC for Best Fest???  It's not about size it's about heart right?
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     322

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 12, 2010 by Marlyne

     Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival
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     323

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 13, 2010 by mobrob

     Vancouver Island Music Fest is the BEST. http://www.islandmusicfest.com/
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     324

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 13, 2010 by Podster

     Edmonton Folkfest
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     325

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 13, 2010 by eoifa9

     Winnipeg Folk Fest of course!!!!!!!!!!!!
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     326

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 13, 2010 by eoifa9

     Winnipeg Folk Fest of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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     327

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 14, 2010 by Lana Michelle

     Edmonton Folk Fest... For sure the best! 
328. 

     328

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 14, 2010 by wassabi

     Evolve Music and Awareness Festival, Antigonish, Nova Scotia

     Great line ups and a great vibe, big ups to the east coast.
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     329

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by teafortwo

     RIFFLANDIA - VICTORIA, BC

     Discovered some great Canadian acts last year and am looking forward to Rifflandia 2010! 

     http://www.rifflandia.com/
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     330

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by Barrys

     Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
331. 

     331

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by piratenebula

     Osheaga in Montreal
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     332

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by CValleyboi

     The Vancouver Island MusicFest in Courtenay, B.C. is pound for pound the best music festival in Canada. Punching way over it's weight class,  it delivers 2 1/2 days of diverse and dynamic music and vibes.  I buy my tickets in December for the July festival because I know there will be at least one 'magic moment' and plenty of new musical discoveries. Last year it was Abigal Washburn singing in Mandarian. It still is a size that allows you to see oodles of good music but still lets you just relax and enjoy it all.
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     333

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by theblairherrellshow

     so, PEI has Islander Day today, we have to be different and have a day for the island instead of family, just thought you should know.

     PS, Evolve in Antigonish is an amazing festival, and cramming into the car is definitely a highlight.
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     334

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by Arasaid

     The Vancouver Folk Music Festival - Outstanding music, stunning location, glorious weather, amazing vibes... 
335. 

     335

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by DrewML

     Evolve music and awareness festival, Heatherton Nova Scotia
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     336

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by tracyh

     The Shelter Valley Folk Festival is the most unpretentius awe inspiring and life changing festival ever. Everyone should come. But buy tickets early as it sells out fast.
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     337

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 15, 2010 by shutmouthscream

     Home Country Folk Festival in London Ontario!!!
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     338

     gotta B Hillside.

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by alondoner

     island tent, great brews, lightning, hillside has it all. And always a great chance to see Broken Social Scene.

      

     oh, and amazing CD tent volunteers  :)
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     339

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by lilydog

     Nakusp Music Fest has to be it!!
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     340

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by smccreight
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     341

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by smccreight

     Nakusp Saddle Mountain High Music Fest is the best!  The organizers outdue themselves each year with entertainment for everyone in a fun, safe and BEAUTIFUL setting!!!

     Sandi McCreight
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     342

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by rzemenchik

     nakusp musicfest
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     343

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by LOVE EVOLVE

     EVOLVE needs to be considered. Last year EVOLVE was selected, 'top 25 best outdoor music festivals in North America", by Outside magazine. Evolve continues to be a genuine music festival that showcase a diverse musical lineup from Canada and abroad. Evolve also goes to great lengths to be as 'green' as possible. Check out a 3 minute video produced by Hemmings House Productions on the EVOLVE website homepage that gives a sneak peak into the fun EVOLVE has to offer! www.evolvefestival.com
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     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by Radio 2010

     Ottawa Blues Fest
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     345

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by ravenjoy

     EVOLVE FESTIVAL in Antigonish baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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     346

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by FranH

     The best.....FOLK ON THE ROCKS IN YELLOWKNIFE !!!!!!

     Great music, intimate atmosphere, midnight sun, northern hospitality. Where else do you get to hug Sam Roberts???
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     347

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 16, 2010 by Steve the Red

     Hey Searchlight:

     I'm voting for Evolve, music and awareness festival, in Antigonish N.S., as the best music festival in Canada. Such a great, fun, friendly festival that the only thing that is almost better than the music, is the friendly people.
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     348

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 17, 2010 by Jolcia

     Folk on the rocks, in Yellowknife! Best live music under the midnight sun!
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     349

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 17, 2010 by Sammy D

     Wolfe Island Music Fest!!
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     350

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 17, 2010 by Ariel Rogers

      The Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, Nova Scotia
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     351

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 18, 2010 by Aaron Collier

     I've had some great experiences at the Evolve Festival in Nova Scotia in the past!  Seeing bands like Battles perform in that environment is really epic.
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     352

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 18, 2010 by stan_theman

     Evolve Music Festival is the BOMB!!!!  The Best Music Festival In Canada!!  Check it out!
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     353

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 18, 2010 by katelynirene

     The best music festival in Canada is Evolve!!
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     354

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 18, 2010 by haynskisonetime

     Evolve is my fav! Can't go wrong with beautiful Heatherton NS
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     355

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 18, 2010 by Supporting BC Artists

     If you looking for the best festival experience in Canada and not the largest in size and budget then you really need to look at the ArtsWells Festival. They offer over 80 amazing musical acts, the International One Minute Play festival, Visual Arts Walk, tons of workshops, spread over 8 unique stages throughout 2 heritage towns over 4 action packed days. This is a festival that shouldn’t exist and one which has beat all the odds. This is an artists festival and has been likened to summer camp for artists and musicians and is more about community than it is about headlining acts. Every act is amazing and they promote the very best in independent music in Canada and beyond. Every year the community of artists gets bigger and this festival is like one gigantic family reunion attracting a growing number of new and returning musicians each and every year. This is a festival which harkens back and embodies the spirit of what these gatherings were meant to be about and how one was intended to experience live music …..

     In addition to all the above reasons it’s also a festival which has resulted in true economic growth for a struggling community. Each year the ArtsWells Festival is directly responsible for attracting musicians and artists to move and live in the community as a result of their experience at and exposure to the community though this festival. Judge them how you may, but in terms of best festival in Canada this gem needs to be considered as its much more than just a festival it’s a community and something which affects and effects the lives of all who have had the good fortune to have discovered and experienced something which is truly grass roots. This is the kind of place where magic happens every day … come experience it yourself there’s lots to go round.

     If you want to be part of the best kept festival secret in British Columbia if not Canada then check out their web page at www.artswells.com

     or check out the following links on youtube:

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpRzIM5O2XQ

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYkjMFtiYAU

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0ePt5eN398

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c4bHPBiS9Q

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuh28QCzWBU
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     356

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 18, 2010 by moto1212
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     357

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 18, 2010 by moto1212

     SHAMBHALA!!!!!!!!!!
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     358

     shambhaa

     Posted on Feb 19, 2010 by ill_orrison
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     359

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 21, 2010 by cowdog

     I would have to say The Stan Rogers Folk Festival held in Canso

     NS. is the very best I've ever been to.
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     360

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 22, 2010 by laurieh1

     Home County Folk Festival in London, Ontario is the best! And it's free! Held in Victoria Park, in downtown London, July 16 - 18, 2010. Be there!
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     361

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 22, 2010 by suedg

     shelter valley folk festival is not to be missed, great music, great food and great artisan action!!! what more can you ask for, grassroots....wonderful
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     362

     Mariposia Folk Festival

     Posted on Feb 23, 2010 by sarahfrey

     My vote goes out to my home town's annual music festival "The Mariposia Folk Festival" in Orillia Ontario. The city was the inspiration for Steven Leacock's "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town"  and lives up to the image painted. Beginning in 1970, this festival has seen the likes of Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot (who is playing again this summer!), Buffy Sainte-Marie, Serena Ryder, Joel Plaskett, Alex Cuba and too many more to list.

     Taking place during the summer months it is the a wonderful mix between the young and old getting together for a weekend of great music!
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     363

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 25, 2010 by Supporting BC Artists

     Our little dream to have a summer indie music & art festival in Wells began 6 years ago, when the town of Wells (population 220) needed a big injection of love and attention.  We wanted to bring more artists, musicians and inspiring, community loving people to the magical Cariboo mountain towns of Wells and Barkerville through the development a creative community surviving on a creative economy. This is a totally renewable resource as it invests in people and community and all the while the resource based communities surrounding us struggle we manage to survive and grow. We wanted to inspire more art, more community, and more awareness of this beautiful area. Wells is the one place everyone can afford to live and where everyone is welcome.  

     The Cariboo & all of Northern British Columbia’s communities are underserved in terms of arts funding and most musicians don't tour up there because there are few venues from Hope to Prince George. But with every year our festival provides the reason for hundreds of musicians, artists and enthusiasts to travel through the province and visit the historic towns of Wells and Barkerville and in doing so they contribute to the economies of al the community’s around us. Over the past 4 years the Festival has been directly responsible for over ten properties been bought by musicians and even more if you count the influx of visual artist who have chosen to move to the community as well.

     This is a festival all about building community and for one long weekend each year, festival goers, organizers, performers and volunteers all became connected: we became one big extended family, working together to celebrate the diversity of talent and expression that exists within our region, province and world. Each year we feature many of the same artists who have been there since we started and add new members to the family offering new stages and new opportunities for the public, arts and music communities to come together and inspire and support each other.

     This event grew so popular, that in 2009 we had over 100 artists performing on 7 stages, and over 100 volunteers running the event! (we even had to turn volunteers away!) This year we are adding a new stage for a total of 8 stages and extending our programs and workshops to allow for an ever greater diversity of participation and engagement.

     While our budget is small we constantly strive to ensure that artists are paid for their work and with the purchase of an Adult Weekend Pass, festival-goers receive a voucher valued at $20 towards any festival merchandise at the ArtsWells Merchandise Booth. ArtsWells will pay the retail value to the artists who merch you choose, giving festival-goers the chance to support their favorite artist directly through the purchase of their festival pass. It’s a small token but when you’re a festival whose total budget would barely pay for one headlining act at most major festivals we need to be creative in the ways we can provide more for those who support the spirit and concept of what we are trying to build.

     Come check this year’s festival out yourself and see what a community can build and once you’ve experienced ArtsWells you too will demand more from other festivals you attend.

     2010 ArtsWells Tickets are now available on the ArtsWells webpage (www.artswells.com) Earlybird Tickets are available until June 30th!

     Again this year, with the purchase of an Adult Weekend Pass, festival-goers will receive a voucher valued at $20 towards any festival merchandise at the ArtsWells Merchandise Booth. ArtsWells will pay the retail value to the artists who merch you choose, giving festival-goers the chance to support their favourite artist directly through the purchase of their festival pass. AND all Adult and Youth Weekend Pass Holders will also get a Limited Edition 2010 ArtsWells Poster (Value $20) designed by the enigmatic Bob Masse!

     It takes months to set up for the ArtsWells Festival, a crazy 4 days of magical mayhem to run it and at least a few days to tear it down and store it for another year. Helping with this year’s festival is a great opportunity to meet the artists, become part of the ArtsWells community, enjoy yummy vegetarian food in our performer/volunteer kitchen and have a great time!

     Get a free festival pass, limited edition 2010 ArtsWells Poster, some meals in our volunteer/ performer kitchen, and free camping for volunteering just 12 hours over the weekend. It’s never too early to get your application in for next year! A huge thank you to all the past volunteers of ArtsWells, hope you can come back again!
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     364

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Feb 25, 2010 by mlfotos
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     365

     Best party in canada is definitely Shambhala.

     Posted on Feb 25, 2010 by deblock11
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     366

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Mar 01, 2010 by Xtragood

     Vancouver Island Music Fest is by far the best:) 
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     367

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Mar 01, 2010 by McLyn

     Ottawa Blues fest
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     368

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Mar 03, 2010 by Camulius

     Edmonton Folk Music Festival hands down!!
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     369

     re: SEARCHLIGHT! What is the Best Music Festival in Canada?

     Posted on Mar 05, 2010 by agoodall

     ArtsWells may be small but its everything you want in a festival and more ... mind you there is not a bad festival in the lot but lets give a shout out to all those who are working to give our countries best independent musicians and artists a platform to share their amazing tallent.