James Gordon
James Gordon is one of Canada′s most prolific songwriters, well known for his songs about social justice, heritage and environmental issues. His classic ″Frobisher Bay″ has been recorded and performed by hundreds of acts world-wide and was an audition piece for ″Canadian Idol.″ His song ″Mining For Gold″ was featured on the Cowboy Junkies′ landmark album ″The Trinity Sessions″ and was heard in John Sayles′ film ″Silver City.″
James has made countless appearances on television and radio, and was a resident songwriter on CBC radio for 12 years, with weekly songs on shows including ″Basic Black.″ His Rhyme Capsules songwriting-in-the-schools program develops young writers all across North America. He tours as a solo performer and with his sons, and has released over 30 albums as a solo artist or with the legendary folk trio ″Tamarack.″ In 2009 BerLen Music published the Pipe Street Songbook, an anthology of his 50 most loved songs. Between tours, James is a record producer, playwright, community activist and theatre director. www.jamesgordon.ca
George Hewison
He has been writing and singing songs of Canada′s working people for five decades. He has inspired tens of thousands of workers and social activists from all parts of the country with his rich baritone voice and edgy lyrics. He is founder and lead singer of the ″Rank n File Band″; has performed and recorded with ″Joe Hill″ composer, Earl Robinson. His latest album is entitled ″Uncharted Waters″. This year Canada′s labour minstrel celebrates fifty years of combining music with labour and social activism with his ″Tough Times Tour″. www.georgehewison.ca
Special guest: Magoo
Magoo possesses a lot of hats, and he wears them all quite well. Singer/songwriter, host, family performer, guitar teacher, backyard shed builder, and fashion plate (clothing to match the hats) all come quickly to mind. He has hosted the legendary Blue Skies Music Festival in Clarendon Ontario for 31 years, is a Past President of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals and a recipient of a prestigious Porcupine ′Off Beat′ Award. Since 2003 he has travelled regularly to Northwestern Ontario and Labrador Aboriginal communities with ArtsCanCircle, www.artscancircle.ca. Founded by harmonica ace Mike Stevens www.mikestevensmusic.com, ArtsCanCircle collects and distributes instruments, and brings music and visual art to youth at risk in the north. www.magooman.com
Emcee: Holmes Hooke
A keen wit, a brutally honest turn of phrase, and a capacity for capturing the simple beauty of his subject matter. With talents such as these, small wonder Holmes Hooke continues to be sought out as a performer-host by festivals and clubs the world over. The award-winning spoken word artist and lyricist has been called ″a national treasure...one of Ireland′s greatest gifts to Canada″ (Nancy White, CBC broadcaster and humorist) and a weaver of words destined to ″transport and move you″ (Artsforum). Many of Holmes′ word compositions have been set to music. To date, over 40 artists have performed his work, including John McDermott, Tanglefoot, Bobby Watt, Rick Fielding, Jeff Wiseman, Katherine Wheatley, Wendell Ferguson and Brendan Nolan. Recently, his poem ″Plant A Tree″ was included in a capsule buried in Scotland, to be opened in a huge ceremony one hundred years from now. Holmes says he definitely plans to be there.
Believe it or not, Mariposa is celebrating it′s 50th anniversary July 9 – 11 in Orillia′s beautiful Tudhope Park. Visit www.mariposafolk.com and get your discounted weekend passes now! On site audience camping too! website : www.mariposafolk.com |
