2011 Community Open Stage

Community Open Stage

Hosted by Kerri Manning

The Community Open Stage has moved to the corner of Wellington and Central. The stage runs from noon – 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Musicians can sign up to perform 15 minute or 3 song sets when the stage is not programmed with community performers. Sign up starts at 11:30 each day at the Community Open Stage. New this year, we have scheduled several community groups to showcase their programs:

Saturday July 16

Noon
Open Stage
   
1:00 PM The Ukellettes
  London’s all female ukulele ensemble includes the talents of Anna Chamberlain, Annie Grindstaff, Vivian Huard, Jo- Ann Lawton, Karen McLaughlin, Amber Raymond and Nancy Jane Small. These diverse ladies deliver heavenly harmonies accompanied by various ukuleles. They have graced the stages of  Aeolian Hall, BanjoMania, Diversities and other venues. This winter and spring they performed Friday nights at East Village Coffeehouse, and return there in the fall. Come and feel the pure joy of the ukulele.
   
2:00 PM Music Balm
  Music Balm is a music event brought to you by the Mental Health Promotions Committee. It is a celebration of musical talent and creativity of those with lived experience of mental illness. Music is a wonderful venue to explore the recovery process of mental illness. It is our hope that through music we will reduce the stigma of mental illness and create an opportunity for musicians and community members to make musical connections. The mandate is to increase understanding about mental illness and to allow the musicians to share their voice. This will be the third year for Music Balm with auditions taking place in June. The Music Balm annual concert will be held on Sunday October 2, 2011 at Aeolian Hall from 2 pm. – 5 pm.
   
2:00 PM Cordcalling
  Cordcalling is a creative duo, comprised of Denise and Brian Conway from London, ON, whose sound has been agreed upon by critics as “a style of their own”. They have performed at such acclaimed festivals as Canadian Music Week, receiving airplay, including FM 96, and are currently performing shows in Ontario in support of their 2010 CD release “Obsessed by the Light”.
   
2:15 PM Sean McCready
  Original compositions of blues influenced songs performed by Sean McCready and accompanied by Brent Jones. Both vocalists, Sean plays acoustic instruments and Brent plays percussion.
   
2:30 PM Kyle Peterkin
  Kyle Peterkin is a comedian, visual artist, songwriter and musician who has an earnest love of performing. He believes in a balance of passion, haste, heartache, joy and spontaneity in his craft.
   
2:45 PM Mike Clancy
  Mike Clancy‘s music reflects his inner musings of love and redemption.  His songs reflect the eternal quest for peace and salvation.
   
3:00 PM Ruby Tuesdays
  Ruby Tuesday comes every Tuesday (from September to June) at 8 pm, and it’s open to performers, aspiring performers, and audiences alike. The evening is of special interest to musicians looking for a chance to grow. Perhaps you’d like the opportunity to practice playing in front of people, or playing along with other musicians; or perhaps you’re a songwriter who’d like feedback on a work in progress. It’s also a terrific opportunity to jam along, or just listen. Old East Studios, 755 Dundas Street East (between Lyle and Rectory).
   
4:00-6:00 Open Stage
   

Sunday July 17th

Noon – 2:00 PM
Open Stage
   
2:00 PM The Southern Ukelele Players
  The Southern Ontario Ukulele Players (S.O.U.P.), was founded in 2009 by June Cole. Uke enthusiasts come together every Monday evening at Old East Studios, 755 Dundas St. E. in the heart of Old East Village, to play, pluck, strum, sing and learn all about this light hearted instrument.  You may be a seasoned musician or have never played an instrument before.  All are welcome.  Our intention is to have fun and learn from each other.  You can play anything on this 4 stringed little wonder from Bach to rock.   Discover the simple joy of making music, your way, a ukelele way.
   
3:00 PM Home County’s Session for Songwriters
  Over the fall, winter and spring, the festival has hosted monthly sessions for songwriters on Saturday afternoons at Landon Library in Old South. Songwriters share songs and give and receive feedback on the songs presented. Several ‘regulars’ have been asked to share their songs at the festival – hosted by local songwriter and session facilitator Steve Hardy. Home County is proud to showcase local songwriters Dan Rutledge, Murray Snelgrove, Ken Peters and Ken Thorne.
   
4:00 PM -
6:00 PM		 Open Stage
   

2011 Festival Sponsors