While the 2015 Winnipeg Folk Festival still seems like ages away, the Winnipeg Folk Festival non-profit organization remains active. Holding their annual fundraising gala, Folk Fest in the City, on Nov.. 21 at the Fairmont, the organization hopes to raise funds and awareness for their community programs in Winnipeg.
Going into its third year, the fundraising gala is focusing on two of Winnipeg Folk Festival’s community programs.
“This year we are highlighting our Musical Mentors program and our Guest for a Day program,” explains Tim Sidock, Winnipeg Folk Festival sponsorship and special events co-ordinator.
The Winnipeg Folk Festival’s Musical Mentors program helps junior high and high school students by providing mentorship from professional musicians in Winnipeg. The goal is to bring the joys of folk music to students. The program has featured contributions from artists such as Rusty Matyas (The Sheepdogs, Imaginary Cities) and Vanessa Kuzina (Oh My Darling).
The Guest for a Day program allows applicants to attend the Winnipeg Folk Festival who might not otherwise be able to attend. Providing meals, transportations, and tickets, the guests are given the full Winnipeg Folk Festival experience.
The Folk Fest in the City fundraiser will feature dinner, live performances by acts such as Black Sea Station, as well as live and silent auctions. The night will also honour musician David Lindley with the 2014 Artistic Achievement Award.
Lindley is an American multi-instrumentalist who is world-renowned in the music scene. Having played the Winnipeg Folk Festival six times since 1986, Lindley has collaborated with acts such as Warren Zevon; Rod Stewart; and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
“He captures the essence of the festival’s jam-style workshops, which are very representational of our Folk Fest community,” says Winnipeg Folk Festival artistic director Chris Frayer.
“Folk Fest in the City” takes place on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Fairmont Winnipeg. Tickets are $150 and corporate tables are $1,500, available at winnipegfolkfestival.ca
