#edmonton folk music festival

[lifemod17]

"that's the kind of love, I've been dreaming of"

Edmonton Folk Music Festival || 08/08/2019

And uhhh... gif version for you know. Science purposes...

[yegphotographer]

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2024 - August 11 by Paula Kirman Via Flickr: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

[singemall-stayallnight]

Edmonton Folk Music Festival, 11 August 2024. | © Paula Kirman/Flickr

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant

Alison continually claims that singing harmony means singing the same thing as the people you're singing with. Robert has said the first time he sang with Alison she shaped his concept of vocal harmony. It's a story he's told many times:

“I was singing away, saying to her, ‘Why don’t you harmonize here?… Maybe if you want to play the fiddle here’…” Exasperated, Krauss stopped the rehearsal and said to him, “If you want me to sing, how about you sing the same thing two or three times so that I can harmonize?”

It was like a light came on. Plant had never given a moment’s thought to their different musical worlds: his, the spontaneous, off-the-cuff rock ’n’ roll of Led Zeppelin and hers, tightly perfected bluegrass (she began playing the violin at the age of five). “She said, ‘I don’t think I can do this if you don’t sing the same thing twice.’ It was an absolute revelation."

They're both committed to the idea that singing harmony means each singer sings the same melodic line. No one is forcing me to pay attention to their interviews, but it's aggravating to hear them repeat this error over and over again. Bear with me.

Homophonic, or chordal, music consists of a central melody supported by harmonic accompaniment.

Homophony is what Alison is referring to when she speaks about coming from a background of regimented harmony singing, singers having to sing the same thing if they're going to harmonize, etc. Songs with one main melody are what she's used to singing. Her view of vocal harmony is limited to this specific type of musical texture.

Counterpoint, a type of polyphony, consists of two or more independent melodies being sung or played simultaneously. The different melodies should complement each other and observe the rules of harmony. Combining distinct melodies creates a rich, intricate, and layered sound.

God Only Knows by the Beach Boys is an example of counterpoint in pop music.

Alison and Robert don't have to stick exclusively to homophony when they're singing together.

Also, Robert is skilled at improvising. Singing contrapuntal music can be beneficial in terms of improvisation and singing harmony.

New photos of Alison Krauss and Robert Plant holding hands during a performance at the 2023 Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. April 28, 2023.

📸 Erika Goldring

[brookston]

Holidays 8.8

Holidays

Abbey Road Crossing Day

Agricultural Worker Health Center Day

Anjin Matsuri (Ito City, Japan)

ARDS Awareness Day

ASEAN Day

Bā bā Day (Father's Day; Taiwan)

Bonza Bottler Day

Bubble Wrap Day (Japan)

Bullet Journal Day

Burry Man Festival (Scotland)

Colorism Awareness Day

Ceasefire Day (Iraqi Kurdistan)

Dalek Day

The Date To Create

Digital Nomad Day

D23 Day (Disneyland)

Dying to Know Day (Australia)

Eleanor Roosevelt Day

Emancipation Day (Kentucky; Tennessee)

Father's Day (a.k.a. Bā bā Day or 爸爸節; Mongolia, Taiwan)

Five Night’s at Freddy’s Day

Flag Day (Sweden)

Global Infinite Possibilities Day

Global Sleep Under the Stars Night

Happiness Happens Day

Horticulture Day (India)

International Allyship Day

International Cat Day

International Character Day

International Consensual Spanking Day

International Female Orgasm Day [a.k.a. 7.31]

International Mountaineering Day

International Ophthalmologist Day

International War Folly Day

Karkidaka Vavu Bali (Kerala, India)

Kranti Diwas (a.k.a. Freedom Day or Quit India Day; Mumbai, India)

Lion’s Gate Portal Day

Mar-A-Lago Search and Seizure Day

Moon Bear Day

Mount Vesuvius Eruption Anniversary Day (1767)

Namesday of the Queen (Sweden)

Nane Nane Day (Farmers' Day; Tanzania)

National Africa-US Rising Cashew Day

National Anne Day

National Assistance Dog Day

National Boundaries Awareness Day

National Braiders Day

National CBD Day (a.k.a. National Cannabidiol Day)

National Clog Dancing Day

National Dollar Day

National Garage Sale Day

National Infinite Possibilities Day

National Liam Day

National Love Your Inmate Day

National Melvin Day

National Perler Day

National Pickleball Day

National Reporter’s Day (Iran)

National Tarantula Appreciation Day

National Taxi Day (Japan)

National Vaping Day

Nixon Resignation Anniversary Day

Odie Day

Panda Cares Day

Peace Festival (Augsburger Friedensfest; Germany)

Safe Sport Day

Salt Water Day (Uruguay)

Scottish Wildcat Day (UK)

Severe ME Awareness Day

Signal Troops Day (Ukraine)

Silver Dollar Day

Stakeholder Appreciation Day

Tendong Lho Rum Fiat (Sikkim, India)

Thistle Day (French Republic)

Top 8 Challenge Day (Australia)

TR-808

Universal and International Infinity Day

Vore Day

Wakulima ya Nane Nane (Peasants’ Day or Farmers’ Day; Tanzania)

Wear Your Mother’s Jewelry Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Frozen Custard Day

National Africa-US Rising Cashew Day

National Fried Chicken and Waffles Day

National Mochi Day

National Oatcake Day (UK)

National Spam Musubi Day

National Whataburger Day

National Zucchini Day

Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbors Porch Night

Independence & Related Days

Batavia (a.k.a. Duchy of Batavia; Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Cote d'Ivoire (a.k.a. Ivory Coast, from France, 1960)

Delhi (Becomes Capital; India; 1947)

Karachi (Becomes Capital; Pakistan; 1947)

Majerówka (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Montosh (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

Poulo Wai (Declared; 1995) [unrecognized]

2nd Thursday in August

August Thursday (Anguilla) [2nd Thursday]

Crayfish Festival (Kräftpremiär; Sweden) [Date Varies]

Miracle Treat Day (Canada) [2nd Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning August 8 (1st Full Week of August)

Fardagar (Iceland) [Thursday of 7th Week of Summer thru Sunday]

National Hobo Week (thru 8.10)

Festivals Beginning August 8, 2024

Edmonton Folk Music Festival (Edmonton, Canada) [thru 8.11]

Fairport’s Cropredy Convention (Cropredy, United Kingdom) [thru 8.10]

Gone Wild Festival Norfolk (Wells-next-the-Sea, United Kingdom) [thru 8.11]

Grand Tasting Alpharetta (Alpharetta, Georgia)

Henry County Fair (Napoleon, Ohio) [thr 8.15]

Hope Watermelon Festival (Hope, Arkansas) [thru 8.10]

Illinois State Fair (Springfield, Illinois) [thru 8.18]

Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, Iowa) [thru 8.18]

Key West Lobsterfest (Key West, Florida) [thru 8.11]

Melbourne International Film Festival (Melbourne, Australia) [thru 8.25]

Mendota Sweet Corn Festival (Mendota, Illinois) [thru 8.11]

Missouri State Fair (Sedalia, Missouri) [thru 8.18]

Mozamboogy (Lopes, Mozambique) [thru 8.12]

National Blueberry Festival (South Haven, Michigan) [thru 8.11]

Northwest Washington Fair (Lynden, Washington) [thru 8.17]

Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival (Goshen, Connecticut) [thru 8.11]

Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) [thru 8.10]

Skowhegan State Fair (Skowhegan, Maine) [thru 8.17]

State Fair of West Virginia (Fairlea, West Virginia) [thru 8.17]

Sweet Corn Festival (Oakland City, Indiana) [thru 8.10]

Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee (Sycamore, Illinois) [thru 8.10]

The Upstage Music Fest (Clearfield, Pennsylvania) [thru 8.10]

Way Out West (Gothenburg, Sweden) [thru 8.10]

Worldcon (Glasgow, United Kingdom) [thru 8.12]

Feast Days

Altmann of Passau (Christian; Saint)

British Thermal Unit Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Cyriacus, Largus, Smaragdus, and companions (Christian; Martyrs)

Dominic de Guzmán, founder of the Dominican Order (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Venus Eve (Ancient Rome)

Finest Fairy Finals (Shamanism)

Four Crowned Martyrs (Christian; Martyrs)

Fourteen Holy Helpers’ Day (Christian)

Friedrich Georg Weitsch (Artology)

Godfrey Kneller (Artology)

Happiness Happens Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Hormisdas, Pope (Christian; Martyr)

International Cat Day (Pastafarian)

International Goat Day (Pastafarian)

Jan Pieńkowski (Artology)

Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (Artology)

Jostein Gaarder (Writerism)

Károly Reich (Artology)

Mme. de Lafayette (Positivist; Saint)

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Writerism)

Mary MacKillop (Christian; Saint) [Australia]

Rye Day (Pagan)

Sara Teasdale (Writerism)

Season of Bureaucracy begins (Discordian)

Smaragdus and companions (Christian; Martyrs)

Spaghettini (Muppetism)

Triskal Day (Celtic Book of Days)

Venus Festival (Ancient Rome; from sunset to sunset)

Virgin Mary Nativity (Christian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Unluckiest Day of the Year (India)

Premieres

Alice the Beach Nut (Ub Iwerks Disney Cartoon; 1927)

Another Side of Bob Dylan, by Bob Dylan (Album; 1964)

The Boss (Film; 2016)

Bully for Bugs (WB LT Cartoon; 1953)

Cardigan, by Taylor Swift (Song; 2020)

Eleanor Rigby, by The Beatles (Song; 1966)

Farewell, My Lovely (Film; 1975)

Folklore, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2020)

Forty Pink Winks (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1975)

Gangsta’s Paradise, by Coolio (Song; 1995)

Heavy Traffic (Animated Film; 1973)

An Innocent Man, by Billy Joel (Album; 1983)

Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, recorded by Les Brown (Song; 1941)

Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain (WB Animated Film; 2017)

Lookin’ Out My Back Door, by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Song; 1970)

The Old Oaken Bucket (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

One Crazy Summer (Film; 1986)

Ozark Lark (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1960)

Pest Pilot (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1941)

Pictures at an Exhibition, completed by Modest Mussorgsky (Piano Suite; 1874)

Pink Plasma (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1975)

Revolver, by The Beatles (Album; 1966)

The Sheep Look Up, by John Brunner (Novel; 1972)

She’s Gotta Have It (Film; 1986)

Stand By Me (Film; 1986)

A Storm of Swords, by George R.R. Martin (Novel; 2000) [A Song of Fire and Ice #3]

Straight Outta Compton, by N.W.A. (Album; 1988)

Sunday Go to Meeting’ Time (WB MM Cartoon; 1936)

The Wee Men (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1947)

Welcome to the Monkey House, by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (Short Stories; 1968)

Whiplash, by Metallica (Song; 1983)

The Wizard of Arts (Animated Antics Cartoon; 1941)

Xanadu (Film; 1988)

Yellow Submarine, by The Beatles (Song; 1966)

Today’s Name Days

Cyriak, Dominik, Elgar, Gustav (Austria)

Emil, Emilian, Emiliya (Bulgaria)

Dinko, Dominik, Nedjeljko (Croatia)

Soběslav (Czech Republic)

Ruth (Denmark)

Silva, Silve, Silvi, Silvia (Estonia)

Silva, Sylvi, Sylvia (Finland)

Dominique (France)

Cyriak, Dominik, Elgar (Germany)

Triantafilia, Triantafilos Triantafyllos (Greece)

László (Hungary)

Domenico, Emiliano (Italy)

Gotlibs, Mudite, Vladislavs (Latvia)

Daina, Domas, Dominykas, Elidijus, Gustavas, Tulgirdas (Lithuania)

Evy, Yvonne (Norway)

Cyprian, Cyriak, Cyryl, Emil, Emilian, Emiliusz, Niezamysł, Olech, Sylwiusz (Poland)

Oskár (Slovakia)

Domingo (Spain)

Silvia, Sylvia (Sweden)

Amelia, Amillian, Emil, Emily, Fedir, Leonid, Theodore (Ukraine)

Dustin, Dusty, Merrill, Meryl, Muriel, Myron, Myrta, Myrtle, Vic, Vick, Vicki, Vicky, Victor, Victoria (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 221 of 2024; 145 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 32 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 6 of 28]

Chinese: Month 7 (Ren-Shen), Day 5 (Jia-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 4 Av 5784

Islamic: 2 Safar 1446

J Cal: 11 Purple; Foursday [11 of 30]

Julian: 26 July 2024

Moon: 16%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 24 Dante (8th Month) [Mme. de Lafayette]

Runic Half Month: As (Gods) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 50 of 94)

Week: 1st Full Week of August

Zodiac: Leo (Day 18 of 31)

Calendar Changes

As (Gods) [Half-Month 16 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 8.22)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 8.8

Holidays

Abbey Road Crossing Day

Agricultural Worker Health Center Day

Anjin Matsuri (Ito City, Japan)

ARDS Awareness Day

ASEAN Day

Bā bā Day (Father's Day; Taiwan)

Bonza Bottler Day

Bubble Wrap Day (Japan)

Bullet Journal Day

Burry Man Festival (Scotland)

Colorism Awareness Day

Ceasefire Day (Iraqi Kurdistan)

Dalek Day

The Date To Create

Digital Nomad Day

D23 Day (Disneyland)

Dying to Know Day (Australia)

Eleanor Roosevelt Day

Emancipation Day (Kentucky; Tennessee)

Father's Day (a.k.a. Bā bā Day or 爸爸節; Mongolia, Taiwan)

Five Night’s at Freddy’s Day

Flag Day (Sweden)

Global Infinite Possibilities Day

Global Sleep Under the Stars Night

Happiness Happens Day

Horticulture Day (India)

International Allyship Day

International Cat Day

International Character Day

International Consensual Spanking Day

International Female Orgasm Day [a.k.a. 7.31]

International Mountaineering Day

International Ophthalmologist Day

International War Folly Day

Karkidaka Vavu Bali (Kerala, India)

Kranti Diwas (a.k.a. Freedom Day or Quit India Day; Mumbai, India)

Lion’s Gate Portal Day

Mar-A-Lago Search and Seizure Day

Moon Bear Day

Mount Vesuvius Eruption Anniversary Day (1767)

Namesday of the Queen (Sweden)

Nane Nane Day (Farmers' Day; Tanzania)

National Africa-US Rising Cashew Day

National Anne Day

National Assistance Dog Day

National Boundaries Awareness Day

National Braiders Day

National CBD Day (a.k.a. National Cannabidiol Day)

National Clog Dancing Day

National Dollar Day

National Garage Sale Day

National Infinite Possibilities Day

National Liam Day

National Love Your Inmate Day

National Melvin Day

National Perler Day

National Pickleball Day

National Reporter’s Day (Iran)

National Tarantula Appreciation Day

National Taxi Day (Japan)

National Vaping Day

Nixon Resignation Anniversary Day

Odie Day

Panda Cares Day

Peace Festival (Augsburger Friedensfest; Germany)

Safe Sport Day

Salt Water Day (Uruguay)

Scottish Wildcat Day (UK)

Severe ME Awareness Day

Signal Troops Day (Ukraine)

Silver Dollar Day

Stakeholder Appreciation Day

Tendong Lho Rum Fiat (Sikkim, India)

Thistle Day (French Republic)

Top 8 Challenge Day (Australia)

TR-808

Universal and International Infinity Day

Vore Day

Wakulima ya Nane Nane (Peasants’ Day or Farmers’ Day; Tanzania)

Wear Your Mother’s Jewelry Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Frozen Custard Day

National Africa-US Rising Cashew Day

National Fried Chicken and Waffles Day

National Mochi Day

National Oatcake Day (UK)

National Spam Musubi Day

National Whataburger Day

National Zucchini Day

Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbors Porch Night

Independence & Related Days

Batavia (a.k.a. Duchy of Batavia; Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Cote d'Ivoire (a.k.a. Ivory Coast, from France, 1960)

Delhi (Becomes Capital; India; 1947)

Karachi (Becomes Capital; Pakistan; 1947)

Majerówka (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Montosh (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

Poulo Wai (Declared; 1995) [unrecognized]

2nd Thursday in August

August Thursday (Anguilla) [2nd Thursday]

Crayfish Festival (Kräftpremiär; Sweden) [Date Varies]

Miracle Treat Day (Canada) [2nd Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning August 8 (1st Full Week of August)

Fardagar (Iceland) [Thursday of 7th Week of Summer thru Sunday]

National Hobo Week (thru 8.10)

Festivals Beginning August 8, 2024

Edmonton Folk Music Festival (Edmonton, Canada) [thru 8.11]

Fairport’s Cropredy Convention (Cropredy, United Kingdom) [thru 8.10]

Gone Wild Festival Norfolk (Wells-next-the-Sea, United Kingdom) [thru 8.11]

Grand Tasting Alpharetta (Alpharetta, Georgia)

Henry County Fair (Napoleon, Ohio) [thr 8.15]

Hope Watermelon Festival (Hope, Arkansas) [thru 8.10]

Illinois State Fair (Springfield, Illinois) [thru 8.18]

Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, Iowa) [thru 8.18]

Key West Lobsterfest (Key West, Florida) [thru 8.11]

Melbourne International Film Festival (Melbourne, Australia) [thru 8.25]

Mendota Sweet Corn Festival (Mendota, Illinois) [thru 8.11]

Missouri State Fair (Sedalia, Missouri) [thru 8.18]

Mozamboogy (Lopes, Mozambique) [thru 8.12]

National Blueberry Festival (South Haven, Michigan) [thru 8.11]

Northwest Washington Fair (Lynden, Washington) [thru 8.17]

Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival (Goshen, Connecticut) [thru 8.11]

Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) [thru 8.10]

Skowhegan State Fair (Skowhegan, Maine) [thru 8.17]

State Fair of West Virginia (Fairlea, West Virginia) [thru 8.17]

Sweet Corn Festival (Oakland City, Indiana) [thru 8.10]

Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee (Sycamore, Illinois) [thru 8.10]

The Upstage Music Fest (Clearfield, Pennsylvania) [thru 8.10]

Way Out West (Gothenburg, Sweden) [thru 8.10]

Worldcon (Glasgow, United Kingdom) [thru 8.12]

Feast Days

Altmann of Passau (Christian; Saint)

British Thermal Unit Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Cyriacus, Largus, Smaragdus, and companions (Christian; Martyrs)

Dominic de Guzmán, founder of the Dominican Order (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Venus Eve (Ancient Rome)

Finest Fairy Finals (Shamanism)

Four Crowned Martyrs (Christian; Martyrs)

Fourteen Holy Helpers’ Day (Christian)

Friedrich Georg Weitsch (Artology)

Godfrey Kneller (Artology)

Happiness Happens Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Hormisdas, Pope (Christian; Martyr)

International Cat Day (Pastafarian)

International Goat Day (Pastafarian)

Jan Pieńkowski (Artology)

Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (Artology)

Jostein Gaarder (Writerism)

Károly Reich (Artology)

Mme. de Lafayette (Positivist; Saint)

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Writerism)

Mary MacKillop (Christian; Saint) [Australia]

Rye Day (Pagan)

Sara Teasdale (Writerism)

Season of Bureaucracy begins (Discordian)

Smaragdus and companions (Christian; Martyrs)

Spaghettini (Muppetism)

Triskal Day (Celtic Book of Days)

Venus Festival (Ancient Rome; from sunset to sunset)

Virgin Mary Nativity (Christian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Unluckiest Day of the Year (India)

Premieres

Alice the Beach Nut (Ub Iwerks Disney Cartoon; 1927)

Another Side of Bob Dylan, by Bob Dylan (Album; 1964)

The Boss (Film; 2016)

Bully for Bugs (WB LT Cartoon; 1953)

Cardigan, by Taylor Swift (Song; 2020)

Eleanor Rigby, by The Beatles (Song; 1966)

Farewell, My Lovely (Film; 1975)

Folklore, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2020)

Forty Pink Winks (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1975)

Gangsta’s Paradise, by Coolio (Song; 1995)

Heavy Traffic (Animated Film; 1973)

An Innocent Man, by Billy Joel (Album; 1983)

Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, recorded by Les Brown (Song; 1941)

Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain (WB Animated Film; 2017)

Lookin’ Out My Back Door, by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Song; 1970)

The Old Oaken Bucket (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

One Crazy Summer (Film; 1986)

Ozark Lark (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1960)

Pest Pilot (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1941)

Pictures at an Exhibition, completed by Modest Mussorgsky (Piano Suite; 1874)

Pink Plasma (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1975)

Revolver, by The Beatles (Album; 1966)

The Sheep Look Up, by John Brunner (Novel; 1972)

She’s Gotta Have It (Film; 1986)

Stand By Me (Film; 1986)

A Storm of Swords, by George R.R. Martin (Novel; 2000) [A Song of Fire and Ice #3]

Straight Outta Compton, by N.W.A. (Album; 1988)

Sunday Go to Meeting’ Time (WB MM Cartoon; 1936)

The Wee Men (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1947)

Welcome to the Monkey House, by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (Short Stories; 1968)

Whiplash, by Metallica (Song; 1983)

The Wizard of Arts (Animated Antics Cartoon; 1941)

Xanadu (Film; 1988)

Yellow Submarine, by The Beatles (Song; 1966)

Today’s Name Days

Cyriak, Dominik, Elgar, Gustav (Austria)

Emil, Emilian, Emiliya (Bulgaria)

Dinko, Dominik, Nedjeljko (Croatia)

Soběslav (Czech Republic)

Ruth (Denmark)

Silva, Silve, Silvi, Silvia (Estonia)

Silva, Sylvi, Sylvia (Finland)

Dominique (France)

Cyriak, Dominik, Elgar (Germany)

Triantafilia, Triantafilos Triantafyllos (Greece)

László (Hungary)

Domenico, Emiliano (Italy)

Gotlibs, Mudite, Vladislavs (Latvia)

Daina, Domas, Dominykas, Elidijus, Gustavas, Tulgirdas (Lithuania)

Evy, Yvonne (Norway)

Cyprian, Cyriak, Cyryl, Emil, Emilian, Emiliusz, Niezamysł, Olech, Sylwiusz (Poland)

Oskár (Slovakia)

Domingo (Spain)

Silvia, Sylvia (Sweden)

Amelia, Amillian, Emil, Emily, Fedir, Leonid, Theodore (Ukraine)

Dustin, Dusty, Merrill, Meryl, Muriel, Myron, Myrta, Myrtle, Vic, Vick, Vicki, Vicky, Victor, Victoria (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 221 of 2024; 145 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 32 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 6 of 28]

Chinese: Month 7 (Ren-Shen), Day 5 (Jia-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 4 Av 5784

Islamic: 2 Safar 1446

J Cal: 11 Purple; Foursday [11 of 30]

Julian: 26 July 2024

Moon: 16%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 24 Dante (8th Month) [Mme. de Lafayette]

Runic Half Month: As (Gods) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 50 of 94)

Week: 1st Full Week of August

Zodiac: Leo (Day 18 of 31)

Calendar Changes

As (Gods) [Half-Month 16 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 8.22)

[celtic-cd-releases]

https://www.paulmckennaband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thepaulmckennaband/

https://thepaulmckennaband.bandcamp.com/album/setting-sun

https://open.spotify.com/album/21uN55BZxaWpuaW7eKKokG

[avnnetwork]

Exploring Edmonton: The Vibrant Heart of Alberta's Cultural Scene

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Alberta, Canada, lies Edmonton, a city pulsating with an energy that stems from its rich cultural tapestry. Beyond its reputation as the capital of Alberta, Edmonton boasts a dynamic arts and cultural scene that captivates visitors and locals alike. From its world-class museums and galleries to its thriving performing arts venues and diverse culinary offerings, Edmonton exudes an undeniable charm that invites exploration and discovery.

Check video:

One of the city's crowning jewels is its extensive array of museums and galleries, each offering a unique glimpse into Edmonton's past, present, and future. The Art Gallery of Alberta, with its striking architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions, serves as a testament to the city's commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Royal Alberta Museum showcases the natural and human history of the region, providing visitors with an immersive journey through time.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the performing arts, Edmonton does not disappoint. The Francis Winspear Centre for Music stands as a beacon for classical music enthusiasts, hosting performances by renowned orchestras and soloists from around the world. Meanwhile, the Citadel Theatre offers a diverse repertoire of plays and musicals, showcasing both local talent and internationally acclaimed productions.

Beyond its cultural institutions, Edmonton's streets come alive with a myriad of festivals and events throughout the year. From the lively Edmonton International Fringe Festival, where performers from all walks of life converge to entertain audiences with their creativity, to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, which celebrates the rich tapestry of folk music from around the globe, there is never a shortage of excitement in the city.

Edmonton's cultural vibrancy is further enhanced by its thriving culinary scene, which reflects the city's multicultural makeup. From cozy cafes serving up artisanal coffee and freshly baked pastries to fine dining establishments offering innovative takes on global cuisines, Edmonton is a paradise for food lovers. The city's diverse communities contribute to its culinary landscape, ensuring that there is something to tantalize every palate.

In addition to its cultural attractions and culinary delights, Edmonton's natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor exploration. The North Saskatchewan River Valley, often referred to as the city's "green ribbon," offers a vast network of trails and parks for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Whether strolling along the riverbanks or admiring the panoramic views from one of the many lookout points, visitors can connect with nature without ever leaving the city limits.

As evening falls, Edmonton's nightlife comes alive with a plethora of entertainment options. From trendy cocktail bars and live music venues to cozy pubs and underground speakeasies, there is no shortage of places to unwind and socialize. Whether seeking a quiet corner to enjoy a craft cocktail or dancing the night away to live music, Edmonton offers something for every nocturnal adventurer.

In conclusion, Edmonton's cultural scene is a testament to the city's rich history, diverse population, and unwavering spirit of creativity. From its world-class museums and galleries to its vibrant festivals and culinary offerings, there is no shortage of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to explore anew, Edmonton never fails to leave a lasting impression on those who venture into its vibrant heart.

[independentartistbuzz]

Edmonton Indie Pop Band, Baby Jey, Releases Sophomore Album, ‘Crop Circles,’ feat. Adamant and Soulful “I Can’t Just Stop”

Baby Jey, Edmonton, Alberta’s cosmic indie pop band, are sharing their sophomore album, Crop Circles, in full. 

“The album is born from an unusual balance: trying to write music that reflects on trite Alberta stereotypes: ranchers, cowboys, lumberjacks, while also hypothesizing about something foreign and otherworldly. 

Alberta has a long history of folk festivals and singer-songwriters. While that might be a musical starting place and an important memory for us, it’s not an aspiration or ultimate goal. The challenge is to be true to where you’ve come from without stopping yourself from dreaming wild dreams,” explains Jeremy Witten, vocalist and co-writer, whose main collaborator on the record was bassist and co-writer Dean Kheroufi.

Crop Circles includes “I Can’t Just Stop,” a song which captures a relationship falling apart during a cold Edmonton winter, as Witten reflects on an inability to let go of deeply felt emotions.

“Everyone knows that the pandemic created a lot of stress…and that stress either drew people closer together, or else did the opposite and exacerbated relational fault lines,” Witten explains.

The jaunty pop number belies its heartful and frustrated lyrics: “When I called you it was freezing cold out and when I told you I still love you, you hung up. I could see my breath though–that’s when I knew that my love was just steam.”

Crop Circles takes a darker approach to the band’s infectious pop melodies, which feel as if they were born out of the middle of a deserted plain. The album is interspersed with old radio interludes from when Alberta farmers began finding crop circles in their fields in the 1980s. 

And yet, the band's fascination with "crop circles" moves beyond their Canadian prairie context, floating high above the stratosphere, reaching for the ones who formed crop circles in the first place, with an impressive arsenal of spacey synthesizers and an array of cosmic samples.

[juhnkit]

Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Edmonton Canada

[piperambury]

This weekend made me very happy, thank you for coming and sitting in the rain with me @growingupisbeyondus

[yegphotographer]

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2024 - August 11 by Paula Kirman Via Flickr: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

[boody31]

Lil' edmonton things: casually seeing rachel notley at folk fest

[jacobverbrugh]

EFMF was great, Leon Bridges performance was awesome as assumed!! Only negative is our burgundy woven mexi blanket was stolen...which pissed me off. but what can you do I guess.

Add and message me if you saw me at efmf, I will do the same.

[oscarisaacasimov]

Hozier performs at Edmonton Folk Festival, August 2022

[definitely-not-5urreal-w4nderer]

Such a privelage to catch this artist and her fabulous band live this weekend! Did I show up to the performance early and get a front row spot? Yes. Did I choke at the opportunity to tell her how much I loved the show bc I don't trust my face blind ass to know for sure who I'm talking to? Also yes.

Would've loved to share how much the song New Kind Of Outlaw means to mean as someone who grew up queer and country. Especially now that I know she's Albertan too! But I digress.

The festival ruled even though I was too fatigued to spend much time on the island. I made it to see D'orjay and Allison Russell along with some others and that's what was important to me. Plus being a hotel artist liason was the most accessible volunteer task for me I could've hoped for, if sometimes dull in the quiet moments. Many doodles and origami were made, and friends as well.

Neither the sketch nor the photo do the fairy lights justice, she had twinkling lights throughout her curls on stage

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Darka Tarnawsky, Executive Director of Shumka

Photo credit: Aaron Pedersen

Shumka. Chances are just seeing the word makes you think of someone or some occasion that’s special to you. Maybe you took lessons as a child. Maybe you saw a performance during the holidays. Maybe you even danced on stage. If you’re Darka Tarnawsky, you did all three—and then built a life around it. Today, she’s not only Shumka’s Executive Director but also the founding president of Bottom Line Productions, an Alberta-based arts marketing firm. As you’re about to discover, no one cheers louder for Edmonton’s art scene.

 Topping that list of December events to cheer about? Shumka’s Nutcracker, which promises to be more breathtakingly spectacular than ever. Having skipped a live performance last year, it’s a reunion of culture and family that Tarnawsky is beyond grateful to be part of. Former Shumka dancer, current Executive Director, and lifetime honorary member—this week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Darka Tarnawsky.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and how it’s influenced your path.

Through my young life, I lived in Sherwood Park and spent most of my time in Edmonton. That’s still the case. I love Edmonton’s arts scene for how “real” it is. I see it as a supportive community that embraces innovation and creativity in a cross-collaborative way. It’s a place where red boots are as common as pointe shoes on stages; where multiculturalism has remained a thing to be lauded; where we take a prairie landscape and make it dynamic, colourful, and beautiful with festivals and art and community participation. In our arts scene, it’s not about status. It’s about bravery. It’s about being genuine. I’ve always wanted to be a part of that, so I built my life around it.

Tell us about your history with Shumka and what makes it special to you and the arts community.

When I was a young girl, it was always my dream to be a Shumka dancer. I went to every concert at the Jube and was inspired by my dance instructors who were all Shumka dancers. I started Ukrainian dance lessons at five years of age and finally auditioned and made it into the company when I was 19. In the 80’s when I danced with the company, we were not only dancers but also tour organizers, marketers, fundraisers… we did it all as volunteers. I loved the behind-the-scenes work so much that after I got my BSc at UofA, I decided to go completely the other route and take the Arts Administration Program at MacEwan (now the Arts & Cultural Management Program). I put away my lab coat and started using the right side of my brain. My career path followed.

Photo credit: Oleh Cherkawsky

What advice do you have for dancers balancing more than one career or transitioning out of dance? What’s something you wish you had known?

I think all dancers—except those in large professional ballet companies—have more than one career out of necessity. That’s the reality of it. I feel dancers are hard-working, determined, and tend to be over-achievers by nature. They never cease to amaze me with their accomplishments on and off the stage. The most important career advice I can give is to pursue dance if you are inspired to do so; keep your creative energy and eye on other skills you can cultivate; then develop another avenue to continue your career once your knees are shot. Arts managers, publicists, film/video producers, artistic directors, and choreographers—even trainers and physiotherapists. There are many natural transitions that work for dancers.

In what ways has Shumka grown as an organization in its culture and storytelling, and in what ways has it held true to traditions?

Shumka recently hit the 60-year mark, so I’ve given this some thought and reflection. All that Shumka does is based on some element of tradition—whether it is dance lexicon, folk tales and music, costume themes, heroes in history, or celebrations. What it does outside of that is how it grows and develops the art form. We may use unique scenography, themes, movement styles, and collaborations to portray those traditional anchors, but we aren’t a movement-based museum piece. We aim to remain contemporary and relevant as a Ukrainian Canadian dance company that is accepted, enjoyed, and supported by audiences beyond our diaspora.

What’s one of your favourite memories of seeing The Nutcracker?

I have only seen our Nutcracker and that of Alberta Ballet in a live setting. This past year, I watched a few different versions online. There are some very interesting productions out there! (Check this out if you’re a Nutz fan.)

One of my favourite things is how magical Nutcracker productions are to the young audiences who are seeing live dance for the first time. It’s a great “starter piece” for emerging dance-lovers. When Shumka’s Nutcracker was part of the Dance Victoria Virtual Season in 2020, we heard from so many parents and grandparents who were amazed at how attentive and mesmerized their children and grandchildren were when watching it. Even three-year-olds stopped and watched quietly… and many naturally got up and started to dance in certain sections. I love those stories.

What in particular are you excited for audiences to experience at this season’s Nutcracker performance?

Because of the pandemic, seeing big-scale live dance again will be exciting. And this year, in addition to our leads from the Kyiv Ballet, we are bringing in four dancers from Virsky—the best Ukrainian dance company on the planet—to join us on stage. They are nothing short of breathtakingly spectacular! And that is by no means an exaggeration.

Photo credit: Marc J Chalifoux 

What has being part of Shumka taught you about yourself?

That I can accomplish many amazing things as part of the family that is Shumka. (Me? Performing on the stage of the Kyiv Opera House? Ludicrous. But it happened.) Surrounding yourself with creative, determined, and hard-working people who believe in achieving their goals is a recipe to creating magic.

When you think YEG arts, what are the first three things, people, or places that come to mind?

Jubilee Auditorium—I’ve performed there as young as five years old, saw a million shows over my lifetime, from Jesus Christ Superstar to La La La Human Steps, Gladys Knight & the Pip, to Virsky Ukrainian Dance Company, Ray Charles to Leonard Cohen… And I absolutely love working with the wonderful people there, with Shumka as a resident company..

Tommy Banks—Mr. Banks was a brilliant musician, an ardent supporter of young artists and ensembles, and a consummate entertainer who could have easily had a successful showbiz career in New York City or Los Angeles—but chose to stay in Edmonton because he wanted to. A class act through and through. Very genuine. Very “Edmonton.”

Churchill Square on a hot summer afternoon in July—International street performers, green-onion cakes, musicians on piano bikes, brilliant roving characters with accordions, artistic face painters, and the best balloon twisters ever. Lotsa things that make you go, hmmmm? As it should be.

Describe your perfect day in Edmonton. How do you spend it?

Saturday morning cartoons and Cocoa Puffs at Metro Cinema; a walk down Whyte Ave with a stop at the farmer’s market for fresh peas, pita bread, and labneh; people-watching with a locally crafted IPA on a crowded patio; strolling through a local Art Walk, followed by a stop at the Italian Centre and Zocalo for fresh pasta and a stunning bouquet of flowers to take home and enjoy.

What makes you hopeful these days?

Edmonton art. Oh, and Mayor Sohi!

Photo credit: Marc J Chalifoux

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about Darka Tarnawsky, and visit Shumka’s website for info about programs, performances, and much more.

About Darka Tarnawsky

Darka Tarnawsky is founding president of Bottom Line Productions, an Alberta-based arts marketing firm, and has been involved in the industry as a performer, volunteer, supporter, and professional manager for over 30 years. Her client roster has included Edmonton Opera, Edmonton International Jazz Festival; Royal Winnipeg Ballet, CKUA Radio Network, Catalyst Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia, and Broadway Across Canada with their musical touring productions of Lion King and Wicked, to name a few.

Darka holds a BSc with a specialization in Psychology from the University of Alberta (1987), and an Arts & Cultural Management Certificate from Grant MacEwan College (1989). She was the recipient of the 1998 MacEwan Distinguished Alumni Award, won the Mayor’s Award for Promotion of the Arts in Edmonton in 2005, and was a part-time instructor and curriculum developer in the Faculty of Fine Arts & Communications: Arts & Cultural Management Program at MacEwan University from 2003 to 2016.

Darka is a former Ukrainian Shumka Dancer, a Lifetime Honorary Member, and the current Executive Director of the organization. As ED, she has overseen the development of several new artistic works and community engagement projects for the 60-year-old Canadian arts institution.