top5s online

When they announced this year's lineup, I was super disappointed. No big names. No Quebecois band. No one I loved. Heck, very few I even sort of liked! In fact, I almost didn't go. It's such hard work and quite stressful, but one of my music people really wanted us to be there for her, so go I did. And I don't regret it. Because while the music was meh, the people were awesome. I love my tarp family, and cherish the moments I get to spend with them. So much so, that despite the lineup, I'll be there for 2017 too. But here's a Top 3 nonetheless: 1. The Year of the African Bands I always try to see an African Band at the folk fest, but this year was their year and I had all the time for them. Friday's second session with Daby Toure, Black Umfolosi, Joel Fafard and Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar was probably the best jamming session I saw. Joel Fafard, Black Umfolosi, Daby Toure and Samantha Martin et al. I took in Black Umfolosi's concert and it was as jo...

Interstellar Rodeo handily won over the crown of my most favourite music festival. Civilized. Relaxed. It was a fantastic venue for spending time with my favourite music family. Here's my top 3 of 2016: 1. Marty Stuart I knew I'd enjoy him, because my dad used to play his 'Tempted' cassette tape all the time, but I was surprised he was the top highlight of the festival. The music. The showmanship. The voice. The outfits. And he capped it all off by shaking fans hands as he walked off the stage. A set can't get much better than that! 2. The Strumbellas You gotta love singing along, knowing all the words, dancing in your chair. They are a great live band. 3. Kathleen Edwards Since she's technically retired, it's always a privilege to see her in concert. She was high-larious, with her own brand of self deprecating humour, and the songs are as always fantastic. She brought out Luke Doucet to play a few songs with her too. Honourable Mention: Henry Wagons only di...

I can't remember how I found out about David Alexander Robertson , through the rabbit hole of the internet at work one day. Robertson is of Cree heritage, and the author of many graphic novels portraying Aboriginal history and present day issues. Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story By David Alexander Robertson and Scott B. Henderson 2015 A story about a murdered indigenous women, this is an emotional read with not a happy ending. Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story By David Alexander Robertson and Scott B. Henderson 2012 This poignant story about a residential school experience, ultimately ends with strength and hope. 7 Generations By David Alexander Robertson and Scott B. Henderson 2012 Collecting four stories in one volume, this novel traces a family from 1800 to present day, through tragedy and bravery and strength. All of these graphic novels were great reads and I recommend them to everyone. I opened my mind and learned. I sure hope Robertson's works find themselves i...

In June of 2015, I happened to be in Ottawa for a library conference at the same time as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada wrapped up. I happened to be walking by the park where Buffy Sainte-Maire was performing, just in time to catch her entire set. I was mesmerized. The music was amazing, and she was just...well she's one cool lady. I spent the next six weeks listening to her CDs, and a month later she played a fantastic show at Interstellar Rodeo. Her music continues to get heavy play as my office music. So I was pleased to come across her biography recently, and excitedly learned more about one of the world's great women... Buffy Sainte-Maire: It's My Way By Blair Stonechild 2012 282 pages And learn more about Buffy I did. Though not strictly chronological, Stonechild takes us through Buffy's life from childhood, to university, to her early music career, to her artistic pursuits, to her advocacy and impact on Aboriginal education and culture, to he...