If you love the sound of drums, the weekend of Aug. 18 and 19 in Barrie is your time to shine. That’s when Rhythmfest takeover the downtown and various other stages around the city.
Lindsay Babcock is the chief organizer of this year’s event, and looks for festivities to be the best yet.
“This year’s Rhythmfest will be extending our celebration of rhythm into downtown Barrie on Friday night with our kick-off concert taking place at the main stage tent in Heritage Park starting at 7 p.m.”
Babcock adds there will be more workshops for folks to get involved in – more than you can, well, shake a stick at.
“Our workshops (are) starting with the free Educator’s Drumming workshop on Friday night at 5 p.m., followed on Saturday by a kit drumming workshop, bucket drumming, a traditional Celtic drumming workshop, and a number of dancing workshops in all different styles.”
Lindsay also shines a light on the festival’s special guests.
“On Friday night we’ll kick off the weekend with a performance by the award-winning Imbayakunas at 8 p.m., and then on Saturday night our headliners Eh440 will show off their a capella stylings. To check them out in advance visit here to see the official video for their newest single Boss Level.
“And finally, on Saturday afternoon we’ll be honouring Sylvie Bouchard, the artistic director of the Dusk Dances Festival and legendary contemporary dancer.”
And all of us can get involved, whether picking up the sticks for the first time, or whether you’re as good as Ringo Starr or Tito Puente.
“At our main stage, we’ll have event ambassadors loaning out cowbells, hand drums and other instruments to anyone who’d like to try them. Ultimately, we want to encourage event attendees to pick up a drum and try something new!”
Not to mention workshops in belly dance and hip-hop if dancing is more your speed than drumming.
Babcock concludes by saying what Barrie offers with Rhythmfest truly unique and awesome.
“It’s unique in that attendees of all ages can visit the event and find something that is geared for them from infants and toddlers attending our Music Pups Rhythm workshop and learning about rhythm and sound for the first time to rock drummers looking to improve their skills.”
Rhythmfest takes place Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19.
To find out more, click here.
