Youth Discovery Winners!
Over April the Youth Discoveries team was on the road discovering youth musicians throughout Southwestern Ontario for this year’s Youth Discoveries program. This past Sunday, the finale took place at […]
Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concert-May 25
Join us for an evening of songs from the pen of Gordon Lightfoot! A fundraiser for Summerfolk! Featuring Tara Mackenzie, Josh Ritchie, Kailey Hawkins, Larry Jensen’Morgan Barrie’Brian Barrie’JD Crosstown’Alison MacGregor,Amber […]
Summerfolk Forever! 50 more years!
Introducing Summerfolk Forever: 50 More Years! Celebrate 50 years of Summerfolk with us and help us secure 50 more by supporting the Summerfolk Forever campaign. Thank you for your interest […]
Sumnmerfolk 47 Poster
Artisans and Food Vendor applications open!
Hello Y’all. We understand the future is uncertain and we hope you are doing all you need to do in order to keep yourselves safe. We also know that […]
Holiday Ticket Sale
Tickets for the 47th annual Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival at Kelso Beach Park, Owen Sound (August 19th-21st, 2022) will be on sale starting December 14th (until December 31st) […]
Summerfolk Does Tie Dye for Giving Tuesday
Summerfolk Does Tie Dye for Giving Tuesday The Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival will use this Giving Tuesday to support the Summerfolk Endowment Fund – and to mildly annoy the […]
Audition your back yard for Summerfolk46
Audition your Backyard for Summerfolk 46 This year, Summerfolk is coming to you! Summerfolk 46 is going to look a little different to previous editions, as past years of a […]
What’s up with Summerfolk 46
We’ve been hard at work planning for a festival this year, provided that the health restrictions at the time allow us to do so. This year is not going to […]
Shred Kelly LIVE!
Shred Kelly Shred Kelly is a five piece, alternative folk rock band that emerged from the heart of the Canadian Rockies in 2009. Over the past decade the band have […]
Announcing the Business of Music Essentials Workshop Series
We’re super excited to announce the Business of Music Essentials, an online workshop series, in partnership with Paisley Blues Festival! This series focuses on the essential aspects of the music business. […]
Business of Music Essentials in World Wide Web on 09/14/20
Summerfolk Virtual Sunday Night Schedule!
We are very excited about tonight’s virtual Sunday night. Here is the line-up, and you can grab the stream here at video.summerfolk.org 7PM Intros, Greetings from Dignitaries 7:04 Grier Coppins […]
Summerfolk Virtual Sunday Night August 23
Although Summerfolk 2020 is cancelled, the Georgian Bay Folk Society has announced a virtual Sunday night event to celebrate what would have been the 45th Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival. […]
Summerfolk Covid19 Update
Monday, April 27th, 2020 Owen Sound, ON – After much consideration, the Georgian Bay Folk Society has regretfully decided to cancel the 45th Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival, scheduled for […]
Covid-19 update
Here at The Georgian Bay Folk Society, we have been keeping ourselves up to date with our information regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic and how it may affect Summerfolk 45: Music, […]
Summerfolk and COVID-19
Hello Friends, Families, Volunteers, Patrons and Community Members, Our Georgian Bay Folk Society staff, the board of directors, and committees are watching the COVID-19 developments with careful judgement and while […]
Georgian Bay Roots Seeks New Host(s)
Summerfolk’s official radio show Georgian Bay Roots is looking for a new host, or pair, to take over a monthly spot. The weekly radio show shares an hour of the […]
Summerfolk 45 in Owen Sound on 08/21/20
Youth Discoveries Alumni in Owen Sound on 10/24/19
Performer submission guidelines
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Summerfolk Youth Discovery Playback in Owen Sound on 02/22/19
Summerfolk in Owen Sound on 08/16/19
Show Case Line Up Announced
At 1pm on Sunday January 20th, The Georgian Bay Folk Society will host its second annual curated open showcase at Heartwood Concert Hall in Owen Sound. Nine acts from across […]
Applications Open for 2nd Annual Open Showcase
It’s hard for a band to get an Artistic Director out to a gig so we’re planning the second annual curated showcase to give acts a chance to play for Summerfolk’s […]
Georgian Bay Roots – Episode 98 – the Summerfolk Spoiler with Kelly
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Lauren, Jon, Kailey, and Kelly Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 97 – August 5, 2018 (Kailey)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Lauren, Jon, Kailey, and Kelly Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 96 – July 29, 2018 (Lauren)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Jon, Kailey, Kelly, and Lauren Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 95 – Baseball and Summerfolk with Jon
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Jon, Kailey, Kelly & Lauren Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 94 – Kelly Joins the Team!
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Lauren, Jon, Kailey, and Kelly Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 93 – Summertime/Mariposa with Kailey
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Lauren, Jon, Kailey, and Kelly Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Accessibility
ACCESSIBILITY @ SUMMERFOLK FESTIVAL – JUST ASK Summerfolk makes its best efforts to ensure the festival is as accessible as possible to people with special needs. Our complete Persons with Disabilities Customer […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 92 – Canada Day with Jon
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Jon, Kailey, Kelly & Lauren Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 91 – Lauren’s Debut
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 89 – R.I.P Ted Rusk
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 90 – Father’s Day with Kailey
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 88 (with Jon)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Job Opportunities
JOB POSTINGS Mail resumes and expressions of interest to gbfs@bmts.com The Georgian Bay Folk Society (GBFS) is seeking applications for two (2) summer positions. Applicants must be students returning to full-time […]
Georgian Bay Roots #86 May 20 2018- Ted’s TOOFOR Weekend!
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted This week’s host, Ted Rusk is a 40-year veteran of the music industry as a songwriter and performer. Talking […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 83 (with Kailey)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 82 with Ted
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted This week’s host, Ted Rusk is a 40-year veteran of the music industry as a songwriter and performer. Talking […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 81 (with Dylan)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 80 (with Jon)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Youth Discoveries Finalists
Last Night a couple of hundred people turned out to watch the finals of the Youth Discoveries 2018. It was an amazing evening of music. A big thank you to […]
Youth Discovery Finals and finalists!
After 3 preliminaries, we would like to introduce to you the finalists for this year’s Youth Discoveries. The finals take place Friday, March 23 at 7 PM at the Roxy […]
An Ode to Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival #42, in the year 2017.
Last year, at Summerfolk 42, our Sharing Circle coordinator, Robert Menzies conceived his most ambitious democratic poem yet. We will present it over the next three weeks, in three parts. […]
Ist annual Summerfolk Golf Tournament
Ist Annual Summerfolk Singing’ and swinging’ Golf Tournament register now.. https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/y25s0XNBmv3zQ Saturday, June 23 1 PM Join us at Stonetree Golf and Fitness for our 1st Annual Festival Golf Tournament. […]
Summerfolk Volunteer Wins Folk DJ Scholarship
Summerfolk volunteer Jon Farmer is headed to Kansas City Missouri after being awarded the inaugural Gene Shay Scholarship from Folk Alliance International. The award – named after legendary Philadelphia DJ […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 67 – New Beginnings with Kailey
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 66 – New Year’s Eve with Ted
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 65 – Christmas Eve with Dylan
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 64 – (Jon)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 63 – Tis the Season
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 61
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 60
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 59
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 58 (November Blues)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 57 (Halloween with Dylan)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 56
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 55 (What is Folk?)
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 54
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 53
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 52
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 51
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 50
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 49
Georgian Bay Roots With your hosts Dylan, Jon, Kailey, & Ted Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 48
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Summerfolk Hosts Open Showcase
Performance showcases are one of the key ways that performers get exposure. Traditionally they’re done at large conferences and professional networking events so that booking agents, venue owners, and artistic […]
Summerfolk to host Music Biz Conference in Sept
On September 23rd, Summerfolk will host a one-day intensive music business conference in Owen Sound to help aspiring and emerging artists of all ages and genres develop the skills they […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 47
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 46
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 45
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay roots Ep 44
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Family Ties
Several years ago, I was teaching at a music camp in New Jersey. I had a group of about 16 songwriters as students. On the first night they invited me […]
Bringing the world to the OS
Musically, I was raised on a strange brew. My Da, Irish by birth, loved traditional Irish music. The Clancy Brothers were the high priests of his musical church. Any deviation […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 43
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 42
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
On the Road Survival with Samantha Martin
Travel can be exhausting and for touring musicians everyday travel struggles come with the added pressure to perform at your best every time you take to the stage. Five Time […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 41
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Those magic moments
I could fill a book with the magical moments I’ve had at festivals. As a performer, I had the opportunity to sit in with some of my musical heroes in […]
Trying on Pants
Shawn Hall of The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer has provided me with my mantra for the next year. In an interview with Mike Usinger of the Georgia Straight, Hall […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 40 – Canada Day
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots EP 39
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 38
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 37
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Small town…
When I am not wearing my Artistic Director’s hat, I’m wearing my touring, singer-songwriter’s hat. I’ve been wearing that headgear for over 30 years now. That job takes me to […]
We have you covered
Every year the Artistic Director of Summerfolk writes a series of 12 articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times in the 12 weeks leading up to the festival. […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 36
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 35
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 34
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 33 – Mother’s Day
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Music Biz Tune Up Workshop About Website and Promotional Materials
On May 28th, Summerfolk will host the next installment of the Music Biz Tune Up workshop series helping local artists develop the skills they need to support their art. This […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 32
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 31
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 30
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 29
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Canadian Connection Celebration
Summerfolk and the GBFS will present the Canadian Connection Celebration, taking place at Kelso Beach Park on Thursday, August 17th, 2017, featuring musicians such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Chippewa Travellers, The Jerry […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 28
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 27
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 026
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Youth Discoveries finals!!!
After 3 preliminaries, these are the performers moving on to the finals of the Summerfolk Youth Discoveries. The show begins at 1PM at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound. […]
Music Biz Tune Up: Bookings with Andrea Ramolo (and a concert)
On Sunday April 2nd, Summerfolk will present the third workshop in the monthly Music Biz Tune Up series helping Grey Bruce musicians develop the business skills they need to start […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 25
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 24
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 023
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 022
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 21
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 20 Valentine’s Special
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 19 – The Mid-Winter Blues Show
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Episode 18
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 017
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 016
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in Grey and […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 015
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots Ep 014 The Holiday Episode
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 13
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 12
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 11
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 10
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 9 ( Remembrance Day)
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 8
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 7
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 6
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 5
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots 4
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots #3
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
The return of Irish
Irish Mythen, Harmony Centre, Owen Sound, November 26th Irish Mythen, the breakout favourite of this year’s Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival returns for an evening of powerful song, rollicking humour […]
Georgian Bay Roots Program 2
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Georgian Bay Roots Program 1
Georgian Bay Roots With your host Jon Farmer Every Sunday on CFOS 560 from 4-5pm, Georgian Bay Roots shares some of the best music that’s made in and played in […]
Small Glories at the Roxy
The Small Glories return to Owen Sound They are a duo in the best tradition of Richard and Linda Thompson, Emmylou and Gram Parsons. The Glories took the festival by […]
Summerfolk is For Kids … Too
By David Newland Ask what “folk” means as a musical genre, and the conversation could go on for weeks. One thing we can all agree on is that the “folk” […]
Natalie MacMaster and Bruce Cockburn at Summerfolk
By James Keelaghan You have to understand that there was a full-tilt party going on. The performers’ bar was like a who’s who of Folk Music — Paul Brady, Mary […]
Get Pumped for Summerfolk with The Lifers, Jake Feeney, and Tragedy Ann
This Sunday, July 31st The Heartwood Concert Hall will host an incredible line up of musicians to get you pumped up for the 41st Summerfolk Music Arts and Crafts festival. […]
Honestly Unforgettable Performers
By James Keelaghan Sometimes an artist owns a song. Chances are they didn’t write it, but it’s their voice that you hear when you imagine the song being sung. Judy […]
Refreshing Classics And New Traditions
By James Keelaghan It should be no surprise to you that with a name like Keelaghan, I know a bit about Celtic flavoured music. It might surprise you that it’s […]
Where the music happens
By James Keelaghan When you talk about folk festivals, music is essential, but really it’s all about the space. In 1992, I played the Tønder Festival in Denmark for the […]
Outside of the Box
One of the great things about the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival is that there has always been room for acts that are outside of the box. Acts that are […]
Bringing West Coast Energy to Summerfolk41
By James Keelaghan Last summer, I was able to cross a music festival off my life list. It’s in a little town called Atlin, in Northern BC, population 450. In […]
Keeping the Magic (A)live
By Jon Farmer Lately, I’ve been asking people to describe Summerfolk in one word. The most common response has been ‘magic’. It’s an accurate description but it makes it hard […]
Brothers and Sisters
Every year our artistic director writes a series of 12 articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times in the 12 weeks leading up to the festival. This is the first […]
Wanted: Artistic Director’s Assistant
JOB POSTING The Georgian Bay Folk Society (GBFS) is seeking applications for the position of Artistic Director’s Assistant. Applicants must be students returning to full time studies in the fall […]
Our Volunteers, Our Roots
The Georgian Bay Folk Society is honoured to celebrate the contributions of its many talented and generous volunteers. Without our partnership with over 700 dedicated community members our central annual […]
David Bowie Tribute May 7th
The GBFS presents an evening celebrating the work of David Bowie. With Favourites The Krueger Band Drew McIvor Sons of Perry Ben Turcotte and Andrew Nunno Deanne Hallman w/ […]
GBFS Annual General Meeting – March 20th
The 2016 GBFS Annual General Meeting will take place March 20th from 10am-12 Noon at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound. As a volunteer run nonprofit, the Georgian Bay Folks […]
December 12/13 Work Bees
Hello Folkie Friends, We’ve got to move the Summerfolk materials to a new storage location and we need your help. The new storage unit is nearby but we’ll need lots […]
Fiddlefern Country Dance Dec 5
Come dancing on Saturday, December 5!! The Fiddlefern Country Dancers are hosting the regular monthly dance on Saturday night, December 5, 2015. For anyone who likes to dance. Beginners welcome. No partner […]
James Keelaghan Returns as Artistic Director
After presenting the most successful Summerfolk in recent memory, the Georgian Bay Folk Society is planning for Summerfolk41, opening sales for the festival, and looking to the future. The GBFS […]
Fiddlefern Hosts Workshop and Dance
Fiddlefern is hosting a Quebec dance music workshop November 7. One of Quebec’s most respected fiddlers and singers will be in Owen Sound with the rad-folk trio Mil on November 7. […]
Call for Artwork
Request for Expressions of Interest – The Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival is seeking an artist to create the artwork for our 2016 festival branding. This is a paid position to […]
Summerfolk40 Survey
Hello Folkie Friends, We’re uploading a copy of the 2015 Summerfolk Survey for those of you who didn’t get the chance to give feedback about the festival. The GBFS is […]
Summerfolk40 President’s Message
Presidents Message on the Anniversary Bash Summerfolk 40 Summerfolk 40 and the Anniversary Birthday Bash certainly exceeded all expectations in every sense of the word. It was a special weekend […]
Summerfolk40 Officially a Success
The Georgian Bay Folk Society (GBFS) is officially declaring the 40th anniversary Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival a success. The festival enjoys a glowing reputation among fans and performers for […]
A Map to Summerfolk40
By James Keelaghan Tonight, we are kicking off the festival with a Birthday Bash in the new Down by the Bay tent. Monkey Junk will kick things off at 8 […]
The View From Stage Right
By David Newland The other day, my teenage daughter confronted me: “Dad, why are you still wearing that t-shirt? It’s ten years old!” I looked down, stunned. “What?! This is […]
Workshops and Festival Magic
By James Keelaghan We have a lot of people who buy tickets to the festival before we announce even one name from the lineup. They know that what happens at […]
Fruitful artists have roots in tradition
By James Keelaghan Several years ago, I was teaching at a music camp in New Jersey. I had a group of about 16 songwriters as students. On the first night […]
Putting the Crafts into Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival
By Jon Farmer When the first Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival was held in 1976, organizers intended to promote folk music and folk arts. They filled the space between musical […]
Q & A with the Wareham Forge
The Artisan Village puts the ‘Craft’ into the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival. Recently, we asked Darrell Markewitz of the Wareham Forge about his over 20 years of Summerfolk experience. […]
Building on Musical Mentors
By James Keelaghan In April this year, I lost a good friend. Ron Casat had been one of my earliest mentors. He taught me pretty well everything I know about […]
Trout Fishing in America
By James Keelaghan Nineteen eighty-eight was the first year I played Summerfolk with my own band. The festival, as usual, supplied rooms to out of town performers. Our rooms were […]
The Story Behind the Logo
By James Keelaghan Performers live for stickers and lanyards. They are the campaign medals of the touring circuit. I’ve got a wall full of them in my office. I had one […]
Deep Roots at Summerfolk
By James Keelaghan The other day, I was doing research into Canadian folk festivals. Every now and again, I like to go old school on the fact finding. I went […]
Claire Lynch Has The Voice
By James Keelaghan Every now and again I play a little game with myself. I imagine which musician I would like to be. Sometimes I’d like to be Phil Ochs, […]
Summerfolk 40 Photo Contest
We’re holding a photography contest in honour of Summerfolk 40. The Georgian Bay Folk Society logo was inspired by the image of David Essig tuning up under a tree on […]
In the Spirit of Camping
If we were going to explain the spirit of Summerfolk in one sentence it would look something like this: “People gathering outside to share music and art”. Visitors find folks […]
General Information 2015
GATES OPEN: Thursday ~ 7pm – music from 8 – 11pm Friday ~ 4:30 pm – music from 6pm – 1 am Saturday ~ 10:30 am – music from 11:00am […]
Fiddlefern Hosts CDSS event all this week in Owen Sound
Fiddlefern has been hosting weekly sessions for the past few months for those interested in playing traditional and dance music. When the tune sessions and musician workshops were conceived, our […]
Alysha Brilla Warmed a Windy April Night
Alysha Brilla brought a taste of the Summerfolk spirit to the Roxy stage on a blustery April night. The Georgian Bay Folk Society partnered with the Roxy Theatre to bring […]
Fiddlefern celebrates the Country Dance and Song Society’s Centenary,April 28-May 3rd
Dance has always been a part of what Summerfolk and the GBFS do. We’re getting behind the Fiddlefern Country dancers as they help celebrate the centenary of the Country Dance […]
$37,000 Boost to Summerfolk Endowment
Georgian Bay Folk Society in partnership with the Community Foundation of Grey Bruce is thrilled to announce that its application to the Federal Government’s Endowment Incentive Program was successful. Heritage […]
Announcing Youth Discovery Winners
The Georgian Bay Folk Society is proud to announce the winners of the 2015 Youth Discovery Showcase series. As part of our on-going work to promote and support the folks […]
Youth Discoveries Finals- 1 PM at the Harmony centre
It’s time for the finals of the Youth Discoveries showcases. Starting at 1 pm on Sunday the 29th , 11 acts will appear before 3 judges and we will […]
Moving Down the Road to Summerfolk
We’re speeding down the Road to Summerfolk and getting closer all the time. On March 15th, 13 youth acts joined a panel of judges, members of the Georgian Bay Folk […]
Marching to the Monthly Open Mic
We’re getting to the end of another month and that means it’s time to gather at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library for another musical workshop and […]
The Birthday Bash – Because 40 Years is a Big Deal
SUMMERFOLK is turning forty. The Georgian Bay Folk Society is throwing a party to celebrate and you are invited. The festival you know and love will start one day earlier in […]
Fiddlefern Country Dancers Workshops & Contra Dance
Calling all traditional music and dance lovers! The Georgian Bay Folk Society is proud to sponsor the Fiddlefern Country Dancers as they present their monthly workshop and Contra Dance this […]
Summerfolk -Festival of the year at the Owen Sound Cultural Awards
We are honoured to be the recipient of The Owen Sound Cultural Award for Best Festival of 2015. Congratulations to the Board and to all our volunteers who make this […]
Now with even more Thursday
Lordy Lordy Look Who’s Forty That would be Summerfolk. Forty years is a significant milestone whether you are a festival, a human or even a sea turtle. That’s why, this […]
Folk School 2015
First Session of the 2015 term- Sunday February 15 Hosted by Tara MacKenzie Our first session will be at the Harmony Centre on Sunday February 15th at 2:00-4:00pm we can […]
Alysha Brilla
She was one of the most popular acts at the 2014 Summerfolk and now Alysha Brilla is returning for a show at the Roxy Theatre April 10th. Melodically complex and lyrically cheeky, […]
Fiddle Fern Trad Sessions
WEEKLY TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSIONS New Fiddlefern Country Dancers’ initiatives in 2015 include weekly, open music sessions Tuesday nights, and monthly music, dance and dance calling workshops, in partnership with the […]
A message from the President
A Message from the president: Summerfolk 2014 proved once again that festival goers like you are a hardy lot and I want to personally thank-you for your hard work and […]
Sun Times 08022014 Why We Folk
The only thing that keeps me going in the winter is the thought of summer. There used to be a time when I embraced winter, but that time is long […]
Sun Times Article 07/25/2014 Molsky/Naiman
Every year, as part of our continuing sponsorship with the Owen Sound Sun Times, the Artistic Director writes a series of 12 articles about the festival and the performers.The Sun […]
Sun Times Article 07/18/2014 The blues
Every year, as part of our continuing sponsorship with the Owen Sound Sun Times, the Artistic Director writes a series of 12 articles about the festival and the performers.The Sun […]
Sun Times Articles 07/11/2014 Oh Susanna
Every year, as part of our continuing sponsorship with the Owen Sound Sun Times, the Artistic Director writes a series of 12 articles about the festival and the performers.The Sun […]
T-shirt Give-away
Post by Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival.
Sun Times Article 06/27/2014 Buffy Sainte-Marie
Every year, as part of our continuing sponsorship with the Owen Sound Sun Times, the Artistic Director writes a series of 12 articles about the festival and the performers. When […]
Sun Time Article Jez Lowe 06/13/2014
Every year, as part of our continuing sponsorship with the Owen Sound Sun Times, the Artistic Director writes a series of 12 articles about the festival and the performers. Jez […]
Sun Times Article 06/06/2014 Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards/Alysha Brilla
Every year, as part of our continuing sponsorship with the Owen Sound Sun Times, the Artistic Director writes a series of 12 articles about the festival and the performers. You […]
Sun Times Article 05/30/2014 Yves Lambert
Every year, as part of our continuing sponsorship with the Owen Sound Sun Times, The Artistic Director writes a series of 12 articles about the festival and the performers. You […]
Summerfolk Tune Up
The Annual Summerfolk Tune-up The Youth for this year’s festival gets a chance to polish their chops for Summerfolk39. Andrew Nunno, Bekah and Missy, Benjamin Rogers, Smith Magenis, MacKenzie Mcruer. […]
The winners of the this year’s Youth discoveries
The judges have come to a decision. The winners of this years youth discoveries are Andrew Nunno, Smith Magenis, Mackenzie McRuer, Beckah Hawker and Missy Bauman andBenjamin Rogers These performers will […]
Youth Discovery Finals
The Youth Discoveries finals are a go at the Harmony Centre, 890 4th Ave. East in Owen Sound on March 30th at 130 PM. The finalists are: Benjamin Rogers, MacKenzie McRuer, […]
The Songs Of Neil Young
Sunday evening, April 13 at the Harmony Centre 9 acts, 17 songs from the pen of Neil Young. A fundraiser for the GBFS. Ticket info you can buy tickets over […]
Youth Discoveries Owen Sound March 9th
We had a fantastic time at the Harmony Centre on March 9th for the first prelims of the Youth Discoveries. We’d like to thank all the performers for their […]
It’s warming up, really
It’s been a little bit like hibernation. Okay, it’s been a lot like hibernation. The days are getting longer, the clocks are about to spring forward. We’ve got a lot […]
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Georgian Bay Folk Society takes place on Sunday March 16th from 10AM-Noon at the Harmony Centre, 890 4th ave east, Owen Sound, Ontario. In […]
That was a bit of fun
Summerfolk 38 has passed. By any standard, this year’s festival was a huge success. There were more people, more sunshine and more musical highlights per hour than ever before. At […]
The site is going up!
They were out on the site working on Saturday morning. They have in years past worked in rainier conditions, but the work is hard dry or wet. They are banging […]
Sun Times Article#5
This week’s article is on some of the performer’s providing Maritime Music at the festival. Music for the Tall Ships Ian Bell Fergus O’Byrne and Jim Payne […]
Sun Times Article #4
Article 4 highlights the The Proclaimers. It’s become something of a tradition- a series of articles written by the Summerfolk AD for the Owen Sound Sun Times. An article a […]
Tshirt design is in!
Designed by the legendary Michael Wrycraft,the 38th anniversary edition of the Summerfolk Tshirt ( available shortly!)
The Sun Times Articles 2013 – 1 and 3
It’s become something of a tradition- a series of articles written by the Summerfolk AD for the Owen Sound Sun Times. An article a week is published between now and […]
Summerfolk TuneUp
Saturday, June 9th from 1-4 PM at the Marine and Rail Museum 1155 1st ave west, Owen Sound it’s this year’s edition of the Summerfolk TuneUp. Grea t music to […]
Sounds at the Market June 9th
The final show of our great 5th season. It should be a doozy. SOUNDS just keeps growing stronger. We always provide some of the best musicians in the area, performing […]
Now Headed for Summerfolk!
It was an amazing afternoon at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound. Fate cruelly placed the finals on the first sunny hot day of the decade. A couple of hundred […]
Summerfolk Youth Discoveries Finals!
The finals for the Discoveries showcases will be happening this coming Sunday at the fabulous Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound. 12 acts have advanced from the preliminaries and will be […]
Youth Discoveries Paisley!
It was a most exciting day at Back Eddie’s in Paisley for the third round of the Youth Discoveries Preliminaries. We’d like to thanks the judges- Tara MacKenzie, Coco Love […]
Camping for Summerfolk
Last summer, for the week before the festival, my family and I decided to camp at Harrison Park. Since it was my first year as AD I wanted to be […]
Second Preliminary Meaford!
The second preliminary in the Youth Discoveries showcase happened this afternoon at the Meaford Hall in Meaford Ontario. 10 Performers were slated to take the stage as of 1PM. We’d […]
First Preliminary Results
We had a fantastic first preliminary at the the Owen Sound Public Library. Thanks to Nadia Danyluk and the staff at the library for their assistance in putting on this […]
April is all about Discovery
For the next 4 weeks, we’re all about the youth Discoveries.Coming up in less than a week -first preliminary in the Georgian Bay Folk Society’s Youth Discoveries program. Starting at […]
Deadline for Earlybird tickets, Sunday March 31
Just a reminder that the deadline for Earlybird tickets is this Sunday, the 31st of March. They are a fantastic deal. Really. You can still order your passes on line. […]
Summerfolk Club
The second Summerfolk Club is happening on March 23 at St Andrew’s with R-P-R. The boys have been getting around as you tell from the article below. Tickets available at […]
Welcome to our new web home
We are very pleased to launch the all new summerfolk.org. We’ve added new features and streamlined others in the hopes that you’ll be able to find everything you need to […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 8
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. July 25 I played my first paying […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 7
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. July 12 My six year old, Tomas, […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 6
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. July 5th – Andersen and Vishtèn All […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 5
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. Gunning and Miles If Dave Gunning had […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 4
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. Something in the Winter In 2001 my […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 3
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. Lemon Bucket Orchestra When I was hired […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 2
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. Oscar and Popo If you love the […]
Sun Times Articles 2012 – part 1
James Keelaghan wrote a series of articles for the Owen Sound Sun Times last year as part of the lead up to Summerfolk. Article 1, Rogers and Prescott In my […]
Performer Submission Guidelines
We are open to submissions starting on October 1. If you wish to apply by email please send to artisticdirector@summerfolk.org. Please put Artist Submission 2019 in the subject line. Include links to […]