winnipeg folk festival

Another hot and sunny day yesterday at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. The extra day of good weather has helped dry up some of the mud left over from Thursday night's downpour, and definitely makes concert-going a more pleasant experience. :-)

More comments about the WFF. This is my first folk festival, and I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. The grounds are far bigger than I anticipated, with 4-5 concert/workshop venues in use during the daytime. Choosing from among them is often difficult...too many interesting things going on at once! There is no official seating...you bring your own chair, which has to be the type with very short legs (regular lawn chairs are only allowed at the periphery) so that you don't obstruct the view of the people behind you. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and water is essential.

Many have been attending the WFF for years. A subgroup organized by Dave Clement and Co. have named themselves "Baggiecon"...the "Baggie" part resulting from the highly useful large plastic bags that this group uses as a tarp in front of the main stage area. Baggies have an advantage over regular tarps in that you can put things inside (like people) as well as sit on top of them...highly useful during a downpour. At night, we all wear halos made of pink glowsticks...makes it easier to find each other at night. I'm amazed at how well this mini-con has been organized. :-)

So far, we (Baggiecon-types) all generally tend to scatter during the day, attending workshops and concerts that interest us. In the evening we congregate on the baggies, either the "front baggie" or "back baggie". The front baggie is for people who are more serious about listening to the music; the back baggie leans more towards socializing (i.e. conversation, playing cards, etc.). I've stuck to the back baggie so far. :-) Yesterday I played two Magic games with Paul, got penny whistle tips from Allan Thompson, watched Allison get a glowstick braided into her hair.

Last night we went to the campground and made music until four in the morning. Baggiecon newbies like me underwent the "mugging" ritual (the details of which I must keep secret, but I have to confess I was relieved to find out it didn't involve physical pain :)).