Regina Folk Festival 2023

 Friday, August 11th, 2023

Songs 4 Nature took the stage at noon at Stage Two. This collective, founded by Glen Sutter, showcased their musical talents. The lineup included Ryan Hicks, Dave Grandal, William John Stewart, and Rhonda Gallant-Morari. Scott Fulton added his percussion skills to the mix. The artists alternated singing the songs they had penned during their time at the Songs For Nature songwriters camp. The performance captivated the audience, even involving them in wild animal sound imitations. A fantastic beginning to an anticipated weekend.

Later, at midnight, I headed to the Artesian to catch The Steves, part of the RFF After Party. This marked my first attendance at one of these after-parties. The Steves, a cherished local band of mine, always compels me to attend their Regina shows. Seeing them this weekend held special significance due to personal connections; Piper, Andy, Ethan, and Chris were people I’d met back in 2014 when I began attending shows in Regina. Their punk rock music energized the crowd with its intensity and danceable rhythms.

I stayed for a few songs by People Of The Sun, but I was ready for bed. Nevertheless, the snippets I caught showcased their great sound, leaving me excited to catch them again during the festival.

Saturday, August 12, 2023

Upon arriving at the park, I crossed paths with Judy, and we reminisced about our attendance at the Regina Folk Festival a decade ago. While chatting, Dave, another friend, greeted us. He informed me of his plans to camp out at Stage Two and continued on his way. After my conversation with Judy, I wandered over to Stage Two and joined Dave, finding that the first workshop was already underway. By the time I returned from Larry’s Bread Machine, the workshop had concluded. I looked after Dave’s belongings while eating and observing the next performer’s setup.

Next on the lineup was Eekwol. Though I hadn’t heard of her before, her performance was captivating. Engaging the crowd with her hip hop style, she left a lasting impression. The subsequent workshop featured Kaminari Rain, Sapa(n)ahon, Pantayo, Polky, and TEKE TEKE. It was a great experience to immerse myself in music from different corners of the world.

Toward the end of the workshop, Judy messaged me, indicating her presence at Stage One. I informed Dave of my plans to meet another friend there and bid him goodbye. I located Stage One and joined Judy. Just as we settled, we noticed an approaching dark cloud. Consulting my weather app, it became apparent that a storm was imminent. Judy and I decided to seek shelter at her nearby apartment but only made it to the library before the rain began. We passed the time chatting until the rain subsided, after which I headed to the bus stop to head home.

Sunday, August 13, 2023

The workshops and performances I had eagerly anticipated were all scheduled for today. First, I attended Nick Faye’s set at Stage Two, featuring his band. Nick engaged the audience, sharing that he would later participate in the “chaos set” with The Steves and Partner. He encouraged the audience to ask questions between songs. Judd and Ashley, accompanied by their dog, joined me during the set. Afterward, I exchanged greetings with Blake and Melanie, seated in front of me.

Remaining at Stage Two, I caught the next workshop, a hip hop showcase featuring Eekwol, People Of The Sun, Shad, and SoCalled. Although I couldn’t witness the entire performance, the segments I caught exuded a contagious energy.

Transitioning to Stage One, I arrived just as the preceding set ended. Leaving my seat, I visited the restroom and grabbed a bite to eat, returning just in time for Last Birds’ performance. Having seen them perform multiple times, I wasn’t disappointed by their usual excellent set.

The final workshop was the one I had been eagerly awaiting all weekend – the “chaos set” featuring Nick Faye, The Steves, and Partner. Each artist took turns playing songs and sharing light-hearted jokes. Following the workshop, I headed home.

Final Thoughts

While waiting for the bus, my mind wandered over the weekend’s experiences. The sight of diverse individuals coming together at Victoria Park to revel in the festivities filled me with joy. I encountered old friends I hadn’t seen in a while, alongside those I regularly meet. It’s astonishing to think that a decade ago, I didn’t know any of them. The past ten years have been a whirlwind of new adventures, heartaches, redemption, and self-discovery. As I contemplate the future, I’m eagerly anticipating the surprises and growth that the next decade will undoubtedly bring.