Chris Hazel, Author at Mariposa Folk Festival

Mariposa Folk Festival announces first live event of the year, presenting Matchedash Parish on August 22, 2021 at 7:30pm at the Orillia Opera House as part of the Kinaxis InConcert series

Posted on August 5, 2021August 5, 2021

Orillia, Ontario – August 5, 2021 –

Mariposa Folk Festival is excited to announce that it will be presenting Matchedash Parish on August 22, 2021 at 7:30pm at the Orillia Opera House as part of the Kinaxis InConcert series. It is fitting that Lance Anderson and Matchedash Parish will help launch Mariposa’s return to live music as its last live performance featured Lance.

Mariposa Folk Festival was selected by Kinaxis and Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) as one of thirty organizations across the country to host a Kinaxis InConcert program. With the support of the Kinaxis and CLMA sponsorship , Mariposa will also present a free stream of the concert on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MariposaFolkFestivalOfficial) on August 27^th at 7:30pm. Fans of Mariposa, Lance and Matchedash Parish will not want to miss this amazing opportunity.

Matchedash Parish is a powerhouse band, featuring 12 of Canada’s top blues and roots artists, performing original songs – a joyful explosion of soul, blues and roots music!

Juno award-winning producer Lance Anderson has brought together this diverse and multi-generational roster of all-stars to perform original songs written by Anderson and Kitchener phenom, Matt Weidinger.

The group’s debut CD, Saturday Night, produced by Anderson, captures the raw energy and positive vibe of this remarkable band, featuring Weidinger’s stunning vocals, along with three amazing background singers, led by R&B vocalist Quisha Wint.

Matchedash Parish’s premiere performance was as the festival closer on the main stage of the 2018 Mariposa Folk Festival, where the audience was moved to numerous standing ovations. In 2019, the band wowed festival audiences at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Mont Tremblant International Blues Fest, and Kitchener Blues Fest.

Tickets for the live show will be available from the Orillia Opera House as of August 5 at 11:00am online at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca or by phoning the box office at 705-326-8011. Tickets are $30, including HST and service charges and will be limited in number due to COVID protocols.

About Mariposa Folk Festival

Canada’s most iconic music event, the Mariposa Folk Festival was first held in Orillia in 1961. It later moved to Toronto and other sites in Ontario until returning home in 2000 to Orillia. The three-day festival is a family-friendly celebration of song, story, dance and craft in the bucolic setting of Tudhope Park.

Over 60 artists play on 11 stages throughout the park including a pub stage, with outstanding evening main stage performances. Special areas for children’s activities, artisans, and food vendors make Mariposa a magical experience for people of all ages. For more information, visit www.mariposafolk.com .

Media Contact:

Chris Hazel

officemanager@mariposafolk.com

705-326-3655

Mariposa Folk Festival and Sawdust City Brewing Company are ready to celebrate summer with the re-launch of Mariposa Sun Lager on June 3rd – this year with a social mission

Posted on June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

ORILLIA & GRAVENHURST, ONTARIO (JUNE 1, 2021) – In 2020, Mariposa Folk Festival and Sawdust City Brewing Company teamed up to create Mariposa Sun Lager.

“We can’t be together at the Mariposa Folk Festival again this year. But we can still share a Mariposa Sun Lager – at a distance – turn up the music, and dream of next year’s festival at Tudhope Park in Orillia,” said Mariposa Folk Foundation President, Pam Carter.

Mariposa’s twice-cancelled folk festival is symptomatic of the devastation felt across the live music industry. Therefore, Sawdust City and Mariposa will donate a portion of every sale of Mariposa Sun Lager to Unison Fund, Canada’s music industry charity.

“Supporting Unison means helping artists, production crews, and the entire live music ecosystem. When we’re allowed to gather again for live music, Mariposa will be ready, and we want all of our friends in the industry to be there with us. We’re all in this together!” added Carter.

This super drinkable, light lager is made with flaked corn, Canadian pale 2-row malt, and a touch of German pilsner malt. The result is a clean, crisp, classic light lager, perfect for enjoying with your favourite tunes outside on a sunny day.

Starting on June 3^rd, the brew is available at the Sawdust City Brewing Company retail location in Gravenhurst, Ontario or can be ordered online at www.SawdustCityBrewing.com. The tasty brew sold out quickly last summer so production will be doubled for 2021.

With a celebrated track record of tasty and flavourful ales, porters, stouts, sours, IPAs, and more, Sawdust City is proud to continue the tradition of precision craft brewing with the release of Mariposa Sun Lager.

“This is the ideal summer lager,” said Sam Corbeil, Sawdust City Brewmaster. “When discussing this collaboration with our partners at Mariposa we were inspired to create something flavourful yet sessionable, that captures the unique spirit of the Mariposa Folk Festival. So we did our collective thing – seeking out the perfect balance of ingredients and producing a beer with classic lager characteristics. It’s a labour of love when it all comes together like it has for Mariposa Sun Lager.”

The beer’s name and label are nods to the magical Mariposa moments that have been shared for more than 60 plus years. “Everyone who has attended the festival would agree, there is nothing like a Mariposa sunset, a hippie van in the distance, acoustic guitars strumming, and people singing along,” said Mariposa Folk Foundation Vice-president Ken Rovinelli. “We wanted to capture that vibe in both the beer and the branding.”

Brewed in a small batch and available for a limited time, Mariposa Sun Lager has a 4.2% alcohol by volume and is brewed to be enjoyed fresh, which means directly from the fridge or cooler in back yards, on patios, at campsites or at beaches with folk music playing in the background.

#mariposacheers

Unison Fund, Canada’s music industry charity, provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community in times of hardship or difficulties. For over a decade, Unison has been committed to helping producers, engineers, singers/songwriters, musicians, production crews, and thousands more through our financial assistance and counselling and health solutions programs. For more information, please visit: www.unisonfund.ca. If you can, PLEASE make a donation by visiting www.unisonfund.ca or text the word ‘UNISON’ to 45678 and follow the prompts to donate $10, $20, or $25. Every donation counts. Every donation helps. Let’s keep Canadian music and entertainment ALIVE.

Mariposa Folk Festival 2021 Canceled Due to COVID-19

Posted on February 9, 2021February 9, 2021

Today, organizers of the storied Mariposa Folk Festival, held in Orillia, announced the cancellation of this year’s festival scheduled for July 9-11, 2021, due to COVID-19.

During the past many months, Mariposa Folk Foundation has been in regular communication with the festival community, artist managers, core organizing volunteers and members of the production team. Organizers have also been following the communications of public health and other authorities.

In the spirit of Mariposa’s values, including maintaining trust, it was important to us to consider the interests of everyone with a stake in Mariposa Folk Festival as we made the decision on the fate of the 2021 festival.

The 2021 festival, even at reduced capacity and/or programming, no longer seems viable under the current conditions with the number of COVID-19 cases, a continuing lockdown, the unavoidable setbacks in the rollout of vaccines and the low likelihood of receiving permits in time to do the extensive planning that is required. As a result, organizers have determined that cancellation is the only appropriate course of action.

The festival had, once again, planned to celebrate its much anticipated 60^th anniversary this year with one of the strongest lineups assembled in decades.

Artistic Director, Liz Scott, stated “It was exciting building this lineup of amazing musicians and of course it’s disheartening that we won’t be able to gather together to watch it all unfold. But when we do get back together in July 2022, everything will seem sweeter”.

In a statement issued to the media, the organization stated that its top priority is the health and safety of the audience, artists, volunteers and other supporters. It also stated that, even though the festival is still some months away, organizers felt that the announcement should be made as early as possible to allow interested parties and ticketholders maximum time to plan accordingly.

Mariposa is offering ticket purchasers a deferral for 2022 festival tickets, a full refund, or the option of donating ticket purchases back to the festival, a non-profit organization and a registered charity. Donations can also be made via Canada Helps.

The President of the Mariposa Folk Foundation and Festival Chair, Pam Carter, stated: “It’s very disappointing that we’ll all miss Mariposa Folk Festival again this summer, especially considering the incredible lineup. We will begin to plan for a fantastic return and celebration on July 8-10, 2022”. Organizers are planning alternate activities for the later part of 2021, which will be announced once plans have been finalized and it is determined that it is safe to proceed.

Carter wishes to assure all that the organization is strong, vibrant, financially sound and ready to gather in celebration as soon as it is safe to do so. We have remained active for 61 years and will continue to be part of the arts community. She also wishes to thank all Mariposa’s supporters who conveyed messages of hope and goodwill to the organizers.

For more information and interviews phone 705-326-3655.

www.mariposafolk.com

Mariposa Folk Foundation announces video documentary honouring John Prine

Posted on December 15, 2020December 15, 2020

Mariposa Folk Festival is releasing a special documentary video to honour the life and career of John Prine, legendary songwriter and winner of the 2020 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Mariposa Virtual Stage will be hosting this 30-minute video, titled “Episode 4” on Mariposa’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MariposaFolkFestivalOfficial) at 8:00pm on Tuesday, December 15^th.

For those who miss the launch event, the video will also be available on Mariposa’s website at www.mariposafolk.com.

Episode 4 will be hosted by Tre Burt, critically acclaimed folk singer on John Prine’s Oh Boy record label, and also features Mariposa favourites: Birds of Chicago, performing a Prine classic. The video includes tremendous footage of John Prine, and some special appearances from his legion of friends.

These Mariposa Virtual Stage’s “Episodes” are unlike any other online concerts, as they pay homage to folk and Mariposa legends by combining rare and unearthed archival footage with compelling contemporary performances.

The Episodes are a celebration of the Mariposa Folk Festival’s 60^th anniversary and another example of Mariposa remaining “true to our roots – for generations to come”.

Mariposa Folk Foundation announces release of Video Vignette celebrating Buffy Sainte-Marie

Posted on December 15, 2020December 15, 2020

Mariposa Folk Festival, in co-promotion with imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, is releasing a video vignette showcasing the music and history of the legendary Buffy Sainte-Marie. The Mariposa Virtual Stage will be hosting this short video, titled “Episode 3” on Mariposa’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MariposaFolkFestivalOfficial) at 8:00pm on Wednesday, November 18^th. For those who miss the launch event, the vignette will also be available on Mariposa’s website at www.mariposafolk.com.

These Mariposa Virtual Stage’s “Episodes” are unlike any other online concerts, as they pay homage to folk and Mariposa legends by combining rare and unearthed archival footage with compelling contemporary performances. The Episodes are a celebration of the Mariposa Folk Festival’s 60^th anniversary and another example of Mariposa remaining “true to our roots – for generations to come”. Episode 3 will be hosted by CBC Radio One’s The Next Chapter Producer and Host Shelagh Rogers. It features historical footage of Buffy Sainte-Marie from the 1960’s to the present day. Celeigh Cardinal, winner of the 2020 Juno Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, adds a powerful, personal performance of Buffy’s classic anthem “Universal Soldier”.

Mariposa Folk Festival 2021 Tickets

Posted on November 2, 2020November 2, 2020

This year has been filled with challenges, for Mariposa and for our whole community. We have tried to make the best of the situation by producing a series of virtual concerts and videos, but we all really want to get back to live music.

With our eyes wide open, we are planning for the 2021 festival, scheduled for July 9-11 at Tudhope Park. The health and safety of our patrons, volunteers, artists and community are paramount, so we will be ready to change plans in accordance with any health authority recommendations in place at the time.

Our 2021 tickets are on sale on our website and our early bird prices are the same as last year. If the festival has to be cancelled, full refunds would be available. If capacity is restricted at the festival, due to health and safety rules or recommendations, priority for attendance will be based on date of purchase, and refunds will be issued to those who cannot be admitted .

If you don’t feel ready to commit to a ticket purchase just yet, we understand. You may consider other ways of supporting Mariposa – buying a $25 membership (which comes with a free compilation CD), joining our e-mail list, or making a donation. With the holiday season approaching, what better gift could there be than a Mariposa membership – supporting the arts and giving a great CD!

Buy tickets or memberships

Donate to Mariposa

Join our Mailing List

Mariposa plans to be here when the pandemic retreats, better than ever and “true to our roots, for generations to come”.

If you purchased tickets through the office for the 2020 festival and deferred those tickets to 2021, please contact the office (705-326-3655) to arrange for pick-up or mailing of your 2021 tickets.

If you purchased your 2020 tickets online and deferred those tickets to 2021, then you don’t need to take any further action – your tickets will be emailed to you in May 2021.

Mariposa Folk Foundation Announces Release of Joni Mitchell Vignette and Future Virtual Episodes

Posted on October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

Orillia, Ontario – October 13, 2020

Mariposa Folk Festival has announced that it is releasing a short video vignette showcasing the music and legend of Joni Mitchell. The Mariposa Virtual Stage will be hosting this 15-minute video, titled “Episode 2” on Mariposa’s Facebook page at 8:00pm EDT, on Thursday, October 15^th. For those who miss the launch event, the vignette will also be available on Mariposa’s website at www.mariposafolk.com.

Episode 2 will be hosted by CBC Radio One’s The Next Chapter Producer and Host Shelagh Rogers. It features rare, remarkable footage of Joni Mitchell performing her classic “Both Sides Now” at the 1969 Mariposa Folk Festival, taken from the CBC Documentary, Mariposa: A Folk Festival. Contemporary folk duo, Harrow Fair (Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner) add a touching and poignant performance of Joni’s “A Case of You”.

Episode 3, coming in November, will celebrate Buffy Sainte-Marie, with a contemporary performance by Juno Award winner Celeigh Cardinal. It will be a co-promotion with the wonderful ImagiNative Film + Media Arts Festival, which is online this year, October 20-25, 2020 (https://festival.imaginenative.org/). An exciting Episode 4 is in the works as well.

After making the decision to cancel this year’s festival due to COVID-19, the Mariposa Virtual Stage aspires to keep the festival’s community and patrons engaged and musically satisfied until the festival’s return. Mariposa President Pam Carter says, “We all missed getting together this summer for the Mariposa Folk Festival, but the Mariposa Virtual Stage Episodes provide an opportunity to celebrate our 60-year history, entertain our loyal fans, and enjoy great music together in the safest way possible”.

Audiences are encouraged to share their music-viewing experience using the hashtag #MariposaVirtualStage on social media.

About Mariposa Folk Festival

Media Contact:

Chris Hazel

officemanager@mariposafolk.com

705-326-3655

The Mariposa Folk Foundation Announces Mariposa Virtual Festival 2020 – a free online concert on the Mariposa Virtual Stage

Posted on July 2, 2020July 10, 2020

Mariposa Folk Festival

Orillia, Ontario – July 2, 2020 –

Mariposa Folk Festival is excited to announce that, although its 60^th anniversary festival was cancelled this summer, it is bringing a taste of Mariposa to our loyal fans. On Sunday, July 5^th at 7pm Mariposa will release Mariposa Virtual Festival 2020 – a free online concert on the Mariposa Virtual Stage.

The stellar lineup for the Virtual Festival includes a “workshop” featuring The Small Glories, OKAN, and Mimi O’Bonsawin. Following the workshop, there will be two performances, featuring Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and This Way North. The Virtual Festival will be hosted by regular main stage host, and long-time friend of Mariposa – Treasa Levasseur.

Mariposa’s Artistic Director, Liz Scott says, “The Sunday show features a talented, diverse lineup of familiar performers plus some new discoveries. We’re excited to host these performers at the Mariposa Virtual Festival 2020.”

The Mariposa Virtual Stage will present this free, pre-recorded Virtual Festival as an online watch party on Mariposa’s Facebook page at 7pm on July 5^th. The Concert will also be available as a link on Mariposa’s website shortly after the live launch: www.mariposafolk.com.

Mariposa Folk Foundation President, Pam Carter says, “We wish we could all be together in person at Tudhope Park this weekend, celebrating Mariposa’s 60^th anniversary. But we are hopeful that this presentation of the Virtual Festival on the Mariposa Virtual Stage will give our patrons, sponsors, and volunteers a reason to sit back, listen to some fantastic music, and dream of returning to the Mariposa Folk Festival next summer.”

Audiences are encouraged to share their music-viewing experience using the hashtag #MariposaVirtualStage on social media.

About Mariposa Folk Festival

Media Contact:

Chris Hazel

officemanager@mariposafolk.com

705-326-3655

Mariposa Folk Festival Takes The Virtual Stage For Summer 2020

Posted on June 23, 2020July 10, 2020

Orillia, Ontario – June 23, 2020 – Mariposa Folk Festival has announced, that for the first time in its 60-year history, it will be hosting a free online concert series over the coming months called Mariposa Virtual Stage. Episode 1, hosted by CBC Radio One’s The Next Chapter Producer and Host Shelagh Rogers, will launch Sunday, June 28 at 8:00pm EST, with an online watch party on Mariposa’s Facebook page. For those who miss the launch event, the concert will also be available on Mariposa’s newly designed website at: www.mariposafolk.com.

After making the decision to cancel this year’s festival due to COVID-19, the Mariposa Virtual Stage aspires to keep the festival’s community and patrons engaged and musically satisfied until next summer. “With an incredible line-up and a meaningful milestone, it was difficult to make the call, however it had to be done”, Mariposa President Pam Carter says about making the decision to cancel this year’s festival. “We value the passion and commitment of the Mariposa community, so we’re excited to announce an online concert series that will keep spirits up and allow the community to celebrate music together in the safest way possible”.

Episode 1 is a 20-minute video, paying homage to folk legend and Mariposa veteran Gordon Lightfoot. Audiences will get the opportunity to listen to an unreleased recording of Lightfoot’s 1964 Mariposa performance of ‘Early Morning Rain’. The second part of Episode 1 features Canadian acoustic-folk duo Dala. The Juno nominees bring a fresh sound of acoustic pop and will pay tribute to the folk legend by performing their rendition of ‘If You Could Read My Mind’.

Unlike any other online concert, Mariposa Virtual Stage will combine contemporary performances with never before seen archival recordings and materials. Each Episode will consist of short pre-recorded online performances, with contemporary performers paying tribute to some of the folk legends who graced the Mariposa stage over the years. The Mariposa Virtual Stage will also host one longer concert, which will feature special headliners and a Mariposa-inspired workshop.

Carter is confident that this first-ever online series will benefit the festival in the future saying, “With Mariposa Virtual Stage, we want to kick-start the 60th anniversary celebration which will continue next summer in 2021. Mariposa Virtual Stage will be another example of remaining true to our roots – for generations to come”.

Audiences are encouraged to share their music-viewing experience using the hashtag #MariposaVirtualStage on social media.

About Mariposa Folk Festival

Media Contact:

Chris Hazel

officemanager@mariposafolk.com

705-326-3655

Mariposa Folk Festival in partnership with Sawdust City Brewing Company launches Mariposa Sun Lager

Posted on June 11, 2020July 10, 2020

Mariposa Folk Festival in partnership with Sawdust City Brewing Company alleviate some of the pain due to cancelled festivals with the launch of Mariposa Sun Lager – a perfect light lager for the sunny summer days of 2020.

ORILLIA & GRAVENHURST, ONTARIO (JUNE 11, 2020) – Mariposa Folk Festival and Sawdust City Brewing Company have teamed up to create Mariposa Sun Lager. The beer was brewed for the now cancelled 60th anniversary festival but is ready to drink, and a good beer waits for no one.

“We can’t be together at the Mariposa Folk Festival this year. But we can still share a Mariposa Sun Lager – at a distance – turn up the music, and dream of next year’s festival at Tudhope Park in Orillia,” said Mariposa Folk Foundation President, Pam Carter.

“It’s important that we find ways to stay connected in this trying year. So let’s raise a glass (or a can) to each other and share a remote-cheers. We’re all in this together!” added Carter.

This super drinkable, light lager is made with flaked corn, Canadian pale 2-row malt, and a touch of German pilsner malt. The result is a clean, crisp, classic light lager, perfect for enjoying with your favourite tunes outside on a sunny day.

The brew is available at the Sawdust City Brewing Company retail location in Gravenhurst, Ontario or can be ordered online at www.SawdustCityBrewing.com.

With a celebrated track record of tasty and flavourful ales, porters, stouts, sours, IPAs, and more, Sawdust City is proud to continue the tradition of precision craft brewing with the release of Mariposa Sun Lager.

“This is the ideal summer lager,” said Sam Corbeil, Sawdust City Brewmaster. “When discussing this collaboration with our partners at Mariposa we were inspired to create something flavourful yet really crushable, that captures the unique spirit of the Mariposa Folk Festival. So we did our collective thing – seeking out the perfect balance of ingredients and producing a beer with classic lager characteristics. It’s a labour of love when it all comes together like it has for Mariposa Sun Lager.”

The beer’s name and label are nods to the magical Mariposa moments that have been shared over the past 60 years. “Everyone who has attended the festival would agree, there is nothing like a Mariposa sunset, a hippie van in the distance, acoustic guitars strumming, and people singing along,” said Mariposa Folk Foundation Vice-president Ken Rovinelli. “We wanted to capture that vibe in both the beer and the branding.”

Brewed in a small batch and available for a limited time, Mariposa Sun Lager has a 4.2% alcohol by volume and is brewed to be enjoyed fresh, which means directly from the fridge or cooler in back yards, on patios, at campsites or at beaches with folk music playing in the background.

#mariposacheers