The Georgian Bay Folk Society has named a new Artistic Director for Summerfolk.
We told you earlier this week that the organizers of the popular music and crafts festival reached their fundraising goal of 25 thousand dollars.
That kept plans alive for the 37th edition of Summerfolk.
Now the Georgian Bay Folk Society tells Bayshore Broadcasting News after an extensive search — they have hired a new Artistic Director for the 2012 – 2013 Summerfolk festivals.
Internationally renowned Canadian artist James Keelaghan will take over the Artistic Director position.
Keelaghan says he’s played folk festivals all over the world and Summerfolk has always stood out as one of his favourites.
His first stage performance at Summerfolk dates back to 1984.
Keelaghan says he’s looking forward to helping to bring the best in the world to Kelso Beach.
With the vision, experience and enthusiasm of Summerfolk’s new Artistic Director, the Committee says they have now begun planning for another outstanding festival.
Keelaghan replaces Richard Knechtel.
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News Release from Georgian Bay Folk Society
After an extensive search and interview process, the Georgian Bay Folk Society (GBFS) announced it has hired a new Artistic Director for the 2012 – 2013 Summerfolk festivals. GBFS President Ruth Parsons said: “We are excited and honoured to introduce James Keelaghan, one of Canada’s finest singer-songwriters, and internationally renowned artist, as our new Artistic Director.”
Keelaghans masterful storytelling, over the course of eleven recordings, has been part of the bedrock of his success, earning him his share of nominations, awards and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia. Armed with a songbook that has enlightened and enthralled, Keelaghan has been embraced by audiences around the world, and his life as an artist is one that is a perpetual journey on so many levels.
Keelaghan has this to say of his appointment as the new Artistic Director of the Summerfolk Festival :
“I have played Folk Festivals all over the world from HongKong to Denmark and Summerfolk has always stood out as one of my favourites. I played it first as Margaret Christl’s guitar player in 1984 and whenever it appears on my itinerary I get a huge thrill. In many ways Summerfolk exemplifies everything a Folk Festival should be: personal, ethical, open and exciting. I am honoured to become even more involved with Summerfolk and look forward to helping to bring the best in the world to Kelso Beach.”
With the vision, experience and enthusiasm of Summerfolks new Artistic Director, the Summerfolk Committee has begun planning for another outstanding festival.
