Took the secret path to the summit; International Indigenous Music Summit in TO June 1-4

L-R: Amanda Rheaume, Louise Lahache, Banakonda Kennedy-Kish Bell, ShoShona Kish 

By Will McGuirk
Photos by Mirijana Simenunovich

Erykah Badu, Gil Scott-Heron, Bob Marley, Kendrik Lamar, Beyonce. Mumu Fresh is all of them over the course of her performance as the final act of the International Indigenous Music Summit gala held at the TD Music Hall Wednesday May 31 2023.

Mumu Fresh aka Maimouna Youssef is one of the most exciting artists I have seen in quite some time; that statement speaks to the channels we find ourselves in these days. Mumu Fresh has been nominated for a Grammy, has two solo albums, two group albums, one sole EP, a mixtape, singles; has worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff, played alongside Common, the Roots, Femi Kuit, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran. She has been on Broadway, Netflix and her Tiny Desk showcase has over 1 m views, and yet new to me. So it’s not her, it's me and maybe you too. Mumu is blowing up. . . over there. 

“I am my ancestors wildest dreams.”

— Mumu Fresh

At one point maybe the mainstream was more an ocean with all streams leading to it  - acts on the margins crossover into the mainstream or music from the margins was adopted by those in the mainstream opening up new audiences - Elvis, Clapton covering Marley, Beastie Boys but these days the streams flow parallel, there is no crossover, you have to be the crossover now, you have to seek, you have to leave, you have to make the effort, and I am so happy I made the effort to meet Indigenous artists from around the globe on their own terms, their own territory. I haven’t been so excited about a new musical direction in decades; I said to my pal there I was tossing all my records to make room for these artists, turning the world upside down to right it up. I make room for politics in my music, I make more for human rights, I will make room for marginalised peoples, and if you’re talking politics you can dance too - well hello all day long.

The gala was the launch of the four day celebration of Indigenous Music from across the world, featuring showcases and panels, at venues in Toronto, including the RIvoli, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Tranzac, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, and the TD Music Hall at Massey Hall. The more than 40 artists include Andrina Turenne, Aysanabee, Garret T Willie, Miesha and the Spanks, Ombiigizi. 

“Songs became safe spaces for our people”

— Elisapie

The gala also featured Inuk singer/songwriter Elisapie, Goombine of the Yuin Wodi Wodi Nation in Australia, Sebastian Gaskin from Split Lake Manitoba, poet and elder Duke Redbird, and the Eagleheart Drummers and Singers led by Jimmy Dick of the Moose Cree First Nation.

The International Indigenous Music Summit continues through to June 4. If you have time go, if you can make time do, if you can take time to listen to the artists do so, and if you can make room on your playlist for Indigenous artists then do that too.  Yah you will hear some difficult truths, but with such love and passion and sounds - clearly that is the path out.

Follow the path, uncover the secrets, reach for the summit, look up and around and out. . .

Sebastian Gaskin

Goombine

Duke Redbird

girl in red, Hayely Kiyoko, Wreckno at debut Toronto's Lavender Wild fest June 4

By Will McGuirk

It is always important, particularly so in these polarizing times, to clearly state which side you are on - first lets say clearly we are on the side of There is no Them there is only Us. But also lets not be naive, the 2SLGBTQ+ community is under pressure thus here we stand as allies. So we are happy here to hear of a new festival celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ community, Lavender Wild - and lavender happens to one of our fave plants to boot!

Lavender Wild takes place June 4 at RBC Echo Beach in Toronto and was founded by Alex Simpson, Festival Manager at Live Nation Canada. The day long fest is headlined by Norwegian singer/songwriter girl in red ( so great, we are fans as well), Hayley Kiyoko, Daya, The Aces, G Flip, Wreckno and many more.

More information, tickets etc here - and we wish them well in this new fest.

Durham trio, Robyn Ottolini, Meghan Patrick, Jeff Daziel nominated for 2023 CMAOawards

By Will McGuirk

We’re a lot of country round here in the Durham Region so we at Slowcity.ca are always happy to check in on the crew, see how they’re doing, and what, and they’re doing a lot and getting a lot of attention. Much of it at this year’s Country Music Association of Ontario awards taking place in Hamilton this June 2 to 4 2023 (ticket info here).

Robyn Ottolini from Uxbridge is nominated for five awards, and will perform twice during the weekend. Meghan Patrick from Bowmanville is nominated for Fan's Choice, and recently had her debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville where she now lives. Jeff Dalziel from Oshawa is nominated for Record Producer of the Year, an award he has won several times.

Robyn also has a new track just out, in time for the awards yes, but also for Pride Month, the track is called ‘Katie’s Song’ a tribute to her sister. We reached out to Robyn, with whom we have chatted many times, ( one of the first airings I had of ‘F150’ was when she came in for a quick show at the Kops Records Upstairs Basement) and she very graciously, within a very busy schedule, took the time.

All the best to the nominees but obv best of the best to our homies.

Slowcity.ca: Since we last chatted you have achieved what I would imagine are many of your dreams. But dreams happen because of hustle and hardwork - what have you learned about your journey and could pass on to anyone younger looking to do something similar?

Robyn Ottolini: Biggest thing I’d say to someone younger is trust your gut and keep your head down. It’s easy to question yourself when more opinions find their way to you but keep your head down, be nice to everyone & yourself and let your work speak for itself.

 SC: " I'm a hard worker just like my father" Hard work and resilience is key to getting it all done, I know your community of course, and its resilience in the wake of that tornado - talk to me about growing up there and how it shaped you and your work ethic, if at all?  

 RO: Growing up in Uxbridge was amazing. I was a big nerd in high school but I also loved the music scene after high school. There were tons of bars & breweries to play music at where I was able to put all my hard work and practice to the test. My work ethic definitely stems from my parents though. They just kept their heads down & hustled and made a beautiful life for me and my sister.

 SC: There's such a lightness in your songs, a great sense of fun but also honesty - how do the songs come about for you - do you notice things and then songs are how you communicate thoughts on those experiences - or do you create characters and build songs for them?

 RO: A little of both. Songwriting is my way of processing emotions & communicate my thoughts to people. Speaking about my thoughts is definitely a lot harder for me but when I have a few hours to put my feelings to a melody, I feel way more secure putting them out in the world. Sometimes, someone does say something random though and it’ll trigger a song.

SC: 'You can't call in sad to work" - what a great phrase - it's true but of course depression is real, and post-Covid people's relationship with mental health is so much more informed - what prompted this song, it's such a brave track too? 

RO: I used to go to work very sad & found it especially hard after a breakup. I find people talk about breakups all the time but never that life goes on? That’s the hardest part is that when you’re down in the depths, you still have to provide for yourself. There’s still bills to pay & responsibilities to complete so unfortunately, and hopefully this will change over time… you can’t call in sad to work.

Oshawa band Dizzy to headline Downtown festival, plays Kingston Spring Reverb Jun 4

By Will McGuirk

Oh man who doesn’t love Kingston? What a great city, and a great music scene, and sure you know all the names from the past, Sarah Harmer, the Hip, Glorious Sons, but even today our pals in Kasador are continuing on with the goods - anyway this is the time to get out of Dodge and get thee to Kingston.

The Spring Reverb by KPP Concerts is happening June 1 to 4 and it's got some great bands and great panels, and dollars from sponsors such the city itself, the city’s Arts Council which obv then gets a budget, SOCAN, Factor, the Ontario Arts Council, and Ontario Creates (note to anyone planning fests or award shows !!)

Headlining is Dizzy, who are really kicking it up this year, great to see and looking forward to the new record which drops in August; Gord Sinclair, of the aforementioned Canada’s five band, who has a new album out; Status/Non-Status, a project by Adam Sturgeon, no stranger to us; as well as Fucked Up the progy punky act from TO, plus so much more, Zoon, Hotel Mira, Texas King, and then some more - its packed.

One of the things to Kingston is its ability to retain talent - (not something the great city of Oshawa is any good at) and thus better known names are in the area, working, living, and involved

Thus a panel such as Album Art and Music Marketing features Rob Baker also of Canada’s fave band.

“Our guests will share insights on the significance of album art in capturing the listener's attention, and how social media, NFTs, and other technologies can be leveraged to promote music and create unique experiences for fans.” - interesting stuff, how tech and tunes converge.

And there’s one titled Local Music x Local Film which features Paul Langlois also of Canada’s fave band. Paul also has an album out and is playing some gigs, Mariposa being one of them. 

There are panels on touring, including to Australia, mental health challenges, income opportunities, innovation, climate change, and more, plus more. It's packed.

Many of the panels have members of the bands playing the festival onstage as well as moderators of experience, some academic, some industry. 

There are multiple venues involved, including my fave spot the legendary Toucan Pub where Wolfe Island records has a couple of free showcases.

So yes get outta Dodge, get thee to Kingston!!

Mariposa Festival: Early Bird pricing ends Jun 1

By Will McGuirk

Get your tickets ASAP - Weekend Passes for Adults go from $195 to $220 on Thursday June 1 2023. The Mariposa festival kicks off Friday July 9 and runs through Sunday July 9 at Tudhope Park in Orillia. Headliners include Tegan and Sara, Feist, Rufus Wainwright, The Wood Brothers, The Rural Alberta Advantage, KT Tunstall, Wild Rivers, Judy Collins, Matt Andersen & the Big Bottle of Joy, Jeremy Dutcher, Tim Baker.

 As well this incredible line-up of artists including a Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon, Randi & Friends, Ammoye, Carsie Blanton, Clerel, Danny Michel, David Francey, Fast Romantics, HORSEBATH, I, The Mountain, Jack Barksdale, Jaffa Road, Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys, Jill Barber, Kalascima feat. Andrea Ramolo, Keith Mullins, Les Fireflies, Lindy Vopnfjörd, Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar, Lloyd Spiegel, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Martha Wainwright, Melón Jiménez & Lara Wong, Morgan Toney, Mountain City Four feat. Anna McGarrigle and Peter Weldon with special guest Martha Wainwright, OKAN, Paul Langlois Band, PIQSIQ, Quote the Raven, Sam Polley & The Old Tomorrows, Showman & Coole, Sister Ray, Spencer Burton, Splash'N Boots, Steve Poltz, STORRY, Tanika Charles, Terra Spencer, The Bros. Landreth, The McDades, The Paddling Puppeteers, The Pistolettes, The Trews Acoustic, The Trials of Cato, The Vaudevillian, The Weather Station, Tim Greenwood

Gigs This Week: M'Grasker at Dakota Tavern

By Will McGuirk

M'Grasker at Dakota Tavern Saturday June 3 2023. Tickets here.

Gigs This Week: Haley Blais at Lee's Palace

By Will McGuirk

Haley Blais at Lee's Palace Sunday June 4 2023. Tickets here.

Gigs This Week: Doses at the Horseshoe Tavern

By Will McGuirk

Doses at the Horseshoe Tavern Wednesday May 31 2023. Tickets here.

Gigs This Week: Death Cab for Cutie at Massey Hall

By Will McGuirk

Death Cab for Cutie at Massey Hall Friday June 2 and Saturday June 3 2023. Tickets here.

Slowcity.ca Open Mic: Logan Ledger, Lune très belle, The Ironsides, Shane Ghostkeeper, Justin Rutledge, Early James, Sam Casey, and Ghost

By Will McGuirk

“I Know How”, is a prayer for redemption to the country music god of the dance floor: May one of these two left feet turn; To right this two-stepping wrong.” - Ghostkeeper

“This song is supposed to elicit a feeling of nostalgia in its listeners and remind them that social media has created a community of people who will never be fully satisfied. So, there is no point in creating for them. Create for you.” - Sam Casey

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Hillside 2023: 40 years of looking forward

By Will McGuirk

40! Its a big number, brings with it reflection on a journey completed, some trepidation for the future, as if the best years are behind one. . . and yet not so much for Hillside Festival celebrating 40 years this July 28 through 30, 2023.

So no, its not a festival looking back, there’s no alumni of note gathering to celebrate such an anniversary. . . for Hillside age is just a number, its all about whats next, who’s next, and how the next will happen. Its what I love about this island based festival in Guelph, seeing the now and the new.

Maybe perhaps one nod to the past may be the inclusion of Owen Pallett, who in 2009, gave one of the most intense performances, in a rain storm, gathering all those in attendance in an almost Biblical embrace. unbelievable, unforgettable, and he is among the scores of artists scheduled over the three days of the festival.

Scores of artists you maybe don’t know. . . yet. We say yet because Hillside is known as the breakout fest, the Saturday night Island and Lake stage have hosted bands just on the verge. And there are of course scores of artists you may know but whom are not necessarily household names, such as the iconic singer/songwriter Willie Nile, and Martha Wainwright, Hayden, Tami Neilson, U.S. Girls, and Will Butler of Arcade Fire. Fab artists all.

And on the recommended list for us at Slowcity.ca? Well this year no Durham Region artists to note, but as shows have opened here in the D-Rack, bands have come through so there is some familiarity with some of the bands on the line-up, Billianne for one, surberb voice, also Begonia, Ariel Posen, Zoon, Debby Friday, Julianna Riolino, and of course we have been big fans of Daniel Romano’s Outfit as well as Steve Lambke’s work for donkeys.

The schedule as of now is:

FRIDAY, JULY 28
Bedouin Soundclash, Bibi Club, DEBBY FRIDAY, JamSchool Youth Showcase, Royal Castles, Tami Neilson

SATURDAY, JULY 29
Adrian Sutherland, Catherine MacLellan, DakhaBrakha, Izzie Walsh, Lynn Jackson, Moontricks, Priyanka, Sultans of String, Tiny Horse, U.S. Girls, Willie Nile

SUNDAY, JULY 30
Begonia, BuenRostro, Cheikh Ibra Fam, Ghostly Kisses, Hayden, The Human Rights, Kandy Guira, Leith Ross, Lola Kirke, Owen Pallett, Riki Gee’s Time’s Front Lawn, Sunday Gospel Session, Wendy McNeill, Zoh Amba

Tickets available here ->

Mariposa Folk festival: reserving a place in the future for the past

By Will McGuirk

Although the mission statement for the Mariposa Folk Festival speaks to the preservation of folk art in Canada this Grand Dame of festivals is no museum, but rather more akin to an art gallery.

To preserve is to know, and to know is to continue to investigate and research, and one can do such a thing through showcases, which is why when one attends Mariposa one gets the past yes but also the future of folk in Canada, and, broadly, as folk knows no borders, the Americas and the rest of the world.

This year is no different. The 62nd edition of Mariposa takes place in Tudhope Park, Orillia, July 7-9. Although to be fair this year will be different. One could usually anticipate an appearance by festival co-founder Gordon Lightfoot; one would see him sit in the audience or stroll the grounds or hang backstage with friends new and old. However his passing earlier this month will mean there will be an absence felt. But the songs remain, and that is the tradition of folk, the songs, the art, the craft, the dance; a community’s identity handed down over the years hand to hand to hand. As long as the songs are alive so too is Lightfoot, as is Ian Tyson and Leonard Cohen and Stan Rogers and all those others who have graced the stage at Mariposa.

Judy Collins, who by way of her covers bought audiences to Cohen and Joni Mitchell, performs on Sunday evening on the main stage, on a night which features festival closer, Feist, as well as Rufus Wainwright whose latest album Folkocrasy is its own showcase of covers and collaborations, and also Jeremy Dutcher, a member of Tobique First Nation, whose debut album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, drew from the songs and stories of the Wolastoqiyik, whose territories stretched from Quebec, to New Brunswick, and into Maine USA.

“It’s crucial for us to make sure that we’re using our language and passing it on to the next generation. If you lose the language, you’re not just losing words; you’re losing an entire way of seeing and experiencing the world from a distinctly indigenous perspective.” - Jeremy Dutcher

For tickets see here ->

Reckless Rock & Roll at the Dakota Tavern

By Will McGuirk

Reckless Rock & Roll at the Dakota Tavern Saturday May 27 2023. Tickets here.