blog post Day Two and Three - Shivering Songs

A very busy musical day for Shivering Songs pass holders Saturday...and there sure a lot of those in this city. And of almost every age. Fredericton culture lovers support their arts in a big way with the Wilmot United Church filling up for the "Songwriters and Storyteller Matinee."

Hosted by David Myles, everyone on the stage had either Fredericton or Maritime connections. Both David and singer Andrew Sisk grew up in New Brunswick, Mike O"Neill calls Halifax home and Catherine Maclellan is from PEI. Add to this group award-wining New Brunswick author David Adams Richards, and you get a pretty fine slice of what art sounds like coming out of this part of the country.

And what is that? A practical sadness in song emitting from truly happy and warm souls. Mid-song stories from all the artists were funny and charming, and the songs sometimes quite heartbreaking. I have a feeling the audience was filled with kindered spirits who understood the mix.

It was back to the Wilmot Church at 8 for a fine performance by Paper Beat Scissors, Paul Murphy of Wintersleep's Postdata, and then San Franscisco-based singer songwriter Mark Kozelek took to the stage. I suppose having the airline misplace your guitar can be quite upsetting or maybe Mark is just a sombre guy. An interesting performance with beautiful moments.

Then it was back to the Capitol for Snailhouse. While in town the Montreal-based Mike Feuerstack fills his band up with 3/4 of the Olympic Symphonium. A very, very crowded room were most pleased by the combo.

And yes, a poutine encore at the cover bar. Then a mighty cold walk; how does one get used to -23 C!! . Finally I got some locals to admit it was cold. I felt very shivery but vindicated.

Up for another cold and clear morning and then off the second annual Bluegrass Breakfast. This really brought the city together and was a perfect way to cap off the festival. If you've ever wondered how to beat the Maritime cold, you find out when you hit one of the many (seriously many!) music festivals in this part of Canada. Good music, Picaroons (there was coffee, too) and great spirits.

(photo of Mike Feuerstack and Kyle Cunjak at the Bluegrass Breakfast)