OTHER PROGRAMS:

The Georgian Bay Folk Society is entering an exciting new phase of presenting concerts and events throughout the year.

We started with two 'Summerfolk Reprise Concerts' at Knox United Church in Owen Sound. The first featured Summerfolk Festival hit Coco Love Alcorn in October and then Jacob Moon in November, 2009.

Starting in 2010, we are introducing 'Monday Night Music Sessions' at the Downtown Bookstore in Owen Sound. Sessions will run up until May long weekend. See complete details below.

We have also introduced an In-the-Schools pilot project and a Creative Aging/Storytelling pilot for seniors. Stay tuned for more programming designed to support and promote folk music.

MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC SESSIONS

At the Downtown Bookstore, 945 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound
Start Time 7:30 pm

There is no admission fee for these sessions other than donation for Concert Nights.
RSVP is preferred for Songwriters Circle and Open Mic nights.

CONCERT NIGHT - First Monday of the Month
See and hear up-close concert performances in an intimate setting.
Suggested donation $10 - all proceeds go to the performer(s).

SONGWRITERS CIRCLE - Second Monday of the Month
The Georgian Bay Folk Society and the Singer-Songwriters of Grey Bruce invite songwriters of all ages, experience and genres to participate.
Special guest songwriters share their expertise at the start of each session.
Then participants can try out their original songs in a supportive, fun and relaxed environment.
Bring your guitar (keyboard on site), friends and come be a part of it.
Seating is limited, RSVP is preferred - please contact Beth Hamilton or Connie Rossitter of Beckon at beckon.official@gmail.com
For updates, join The Singer-Songwriters of Grey Bruce on Facebook.

OPEN MIC - Third Monday of the Month
Musicians are invited to perform 2 tunes in a concert setting.
Up to 10 performers can be accommodated. Order of performance is by random draw. Priority is given to those who reserve a spot in advance.
To ensure a spot, contact the Georgian Bay Folk Society office at 519-371-2995 or  gbfs@bmts.com
One of the Open Mic performers (up until March 8th session) will gain a spot for March 27th's Last Chance Saloon and a chance to play mainstage at Summerfolk.

Thanks to those performing at the GBFS Open Mic Nights.
Ian Reid has been selected for a spot at the LCS... honourable mentions go out to Fran Bouwman and Justin Burgess for their fine performances at Open Mic. We will resume Open Mic in the Fall of 2010.

ACOUSTIC JAM - Fourth Monday of the Month
All are invited to bring their instruments and join musical host for an acoustic jam session.
Typically done 'in-the-round', everyone is encouraged to play along.

LAST CHANCE SALOON - MARCH 27, 2010

Our ever popular Last Chance Saloon will be held Saturday March 27, 2010. This casual pub style evening features 12 acts each playing a 15 minute set. The celebrity judges choose one act, based on criteria, who will be hired to play on main stage at Summerfolk.
This event is open to the public at a modest admission charge. Members of the audience can score the acts and choose their favourite too.

Want to play Last Chance?
There are 11 spots available for Last Chance Saloon on a first-come/first-served basis. The 12th spot is filled by an Open Mic Night selection. Each act will have exactly 15 minutes to 'put their best foot forward' and must register in advance. There is a fee of $25 per person or $50 per duo or group. Entries will be accepted, with payment, until the last opening has been filled.
Go to our Forms & Information page or contact the GBFS office for a Last Chance Saloon Registration Form - gbfs@bmts.com / 519-371-2995

History of Last Chance
Several years ago, because of the number of applications submitted for consideration to perform at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival, it was decided to organize an open audition/showcase to fill the last spot for the main-stage at the Festival. We call this event appropriately, the Last Chance Saloon.

This event is part of our year-round fund raising efforts to ensure the successful operation of the Georgian Bay Folk Society. It is not intended to offend musicians by way of a 'fee-to-perform format. Performers are not only auditioning for Summerfolk as judges are selected specifically because they are music presenters.

DISCOVERIES SHOWCASE - March 27, 2010 - 1:00pm

Three acts are selected at this afternoon event to perform in the Discoveries Concert at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival on Friday August 20, 2010.

To advance to this Final showcase, 3 Preliminary Showcases are being held as follows:

Sunday, March 7 - Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library. Doors open at 2:00, performances begin at 2:20 pm.

Sunday, March 14 - Back Eddie's, Paisley. Open at 1:00, performances 1:30 pm.

Sunday, March 21 - Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre. Open at 1:00, peformances at 1:30 pm.

The Discoveries Showcase is open to performers 21 years of age and under from the Georgian Bay region. There is no fee for registration. Participants should complete and submit on-line registration form.
A total of 12 registrations for each of the Preliminary Showcases are available on a first-come/first-served basis.
These Showcase events are open to the public to attend with no admission fee.