The Mariposa Folk Festival announced today that legendary Canadian band, Blue Rodeo, has been added to its already stellar lineup.
In the 35 years since forming, Blue Rodeo have sold over 4 million albums, received dozens of JUNO Award nominations and wins, played over 2,000 shows, been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, been named to the Order of Canada and have been honoured with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. And they’re still as strong as ever with the recent release of their 16th album Many A Mile.
The Mariposa Folk Festival is set to return to Tudhope Park in Orillia, July 8-10, and the recent lineup announcements of Blue Rodeo and The Strumbellas are added to a remarkable list of performers that includes Mavis Staples, Serena Ryder, Lennon Stella, JP Saxe, Allison Russell, Kathleen Edwards, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and many more.
Mariposa Folk Foundation Artistic Director Liz Scott said, “It’s going to be fun to celebrate a Mariposa reunion this summer with Blue Rodeo, a band that is well-loved across this country. We can’t wait.”
The Mariposa Folk Festival was founded in Orillia, Ontario in 1961. Through the decades it has found a way to remain Canada’s most relevant and not-to-be-missed musical gathering. The festival was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19.
The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival features more than ten stages of top folk-roots music, along with presentations of story, dance, and craft. All ticket categories are on sale. Kids 12 & under are admitted free. The festival has special pricing for youth and young adults. Onsite RV and tent camping is available. https://mariposafolk.com/
The Mariposa Folk Festival is set to return to Tudhope Park in Orillia this year, and previously announced a stellar initial lineup that includes Mavis Staples, Serena Ryder, Lennon Stella, JP Saxe, Allison Russell, Kathleen Edwards, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and more.
Ten more acts were revealed today for the 2022 edition of the iconic folk music festival that will take place July 8 to 10. Newly announced artists include: Alysha Brilla, Begonia, Diyet & the Love Soldiers, Ginalina, Joe Nolan, The Way We Feel, This Way North, and Tommy Prine.
Two other very special musical celebrations have also been added to the lineup.
60 in 60: Mariposa Anniversary Celebration is a show produced by Juno award winning Lance Anderson to mark 60 years of the Mariposa Folk Festival. With the festival cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, we were not able to gather to celebrate Mariposa’s 60th anniversary, but Lance and his talented band will ensure that the return to Mariposa captures the magic of the last 60 years.
Souvenirs: Songs of John Prine featuring the John Prine Band. Legendary songwriter and Grammy award winning folk icon, John Prine, was scheduled to headline the 2020 Mariposa Folk Festival, before his tragic death in April 2020 from coronavirus complications. Mariposa is proud to welcome John Prine’s band to the 2022 festival, to share his songs and celebrate his legacy.
Mariposa Folk Foundation President Pam Carter said, “After missing the chance to celebrate our 60th anniversary, and, sadly, to host Mariposa favourite John Prine, these special musical performances from Lance Anderson and the John Prine Band will add to the magic of our return to Mariposa.”
More names will be announced in the coming months. Tickets for Mariposa are on sale via the festival website.
The Mariposa Folk Festival was founded in Orillia, Ontario in 1961. Through the decades it has found a way to remain Canada’s most relevant and not-to-be-missed musical gathering. The festival was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19.
The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival features more than ten stages of top folk-roots music, along with presentations of story, dance, and craft. All ticket categories are on sale. Kids 12 & under are admitted free. The festival has special pricing for youth and young adults. Onsite RV and tent camping is available. https://mariposafolk.com/
The Mariposa Folk Foundation recently sat down with Juno award-winning musician, author, painter and poet Tom Wilson. Along with Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden, Wilson is a member of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, the Canadian folk-rock band set to take the stage when Mariposa makes its comeback on July 8-10, 2022.
It was between releasing music for Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, at age 56, that Tom Wilson realized he had been living a lie. Growing up an adopted child, Wilson always questioned his origins. Riding in the back of a limo, a coordinator revealed that she knew his real mother, of Mohawk descent, was living on the Kahnawake reserve in Montreal. To Wilson, it felt like the walls around him came crashing down. His album, “Mohawk” and memoir, Beautiful Scars honour his Indigenous community.
The first time he attended Mariposa as a young boy, Wilson recalls the impact: “Mariposa was a magical world to me as a kid looking in. It represented freedom of thought and choice.” Later, in 2006, during his first performance at Mariposa, before he knew of his true background, he spoke openly about his activism and made a call to action in support of Indigenous land claims.
Talk about your album, Mohawk and your memoir, “Beautiful Scars.” What did these two pieces of art mean to you?
“Well, I mean I’m on a journey of identity right now. The next book that I’m writing for Penguin Random House, a movie that we’re just finishing, and a play that opens up in 2023, my music with Serena Ryder. Right now it’s about defining my identity because [it] was taken from me for 56 years. So, now it’s time for me to honour and shine a light on the Mohawk culture and for Indigenous issues and rights across the board. I ended up getting arrested for the first time in my life as a Land Defender and I’m going to continue to fight through my art and through my actions.”
What’s your perspective on Mariposa’s role in highlighting Indigenous performers? In the 1970s and 1980s, former Artistic Director, Estelle Klein, collaborated with Alanis Obonsawin to create the “Native Stage” that featured Inuit throat singers, Cree storytellers, artists from the Dogrib nation and others. Today there is not a specific space for Indigenous culture at the festival.
“Well as a 62-year-old man in 2021, I say fuck that anyways… Like put all the Indians over there and if you want to go look at them, go look at them… So, putting us off on a stage somewhere – I’m sure somebody thought that was a great idea and it was quite acceptable at the time and you can quote me and just say, “fuck that shit man.”
What more can Mariposa do?
“Mariposa… was a starting place for many and it was a destination at the end of the road for all of us. My mother used to talk about it and she was of the age where she got to travel to Orillia and dance in the streets during Mariposa weekends.
I tuned in when it hit Toronto Islands, I was about 11 or 12, I guess. There were all these photos of Leon Redbone and Buffy Sainte-Marie, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, all of these guys were scattered across newspapers in the early 70s and at that time Mariposa woke me up as an 11- or 12-year-old boy. It was my dreamland – you know what I mean? But by the time I finally got there things had changed. My dream was over or it had been changed or swallowed up by time, or money, or human weakness. It had turned into something else. Dreams are never really what you want them to be when you finally arrive. That’s not to be critical of Mariposa, it’s just that times and money and things like that change our ideals.”
What was it like performing at Mariposa? What was your experience?
“I brought the album, Mohawk to the stage and it was hot-as-fuck and I refused not to wear my Indigenous beaded hat and refused to back down to the heat. I was able to present readings from my book and music from that album. For me it was a personal triumph because it was how I wanted to represent myself and it was a proud moment for me to be on the Mariposa stage performing…”
Credit: Nathan Taylor, BarrieToday.com
What’s the role of Canadian music festivals in highlighting Indigenous performers?
“To get the people, the newer and unknown Indigenous artists into the forefront because man, they are so good. They speak with voices that come from another world. They’re so wise and they’re young and they’re vibrant and their intensity is so great, I think that Mariposa would really flourish with them involved.”
What can Mariposa improve in continuing to highlight Indigenous voices?
“I don’t have the answers to what people should do. I think as a collective we have to show strength. Mariposa… has to show strength and commitment to telling the truth without trying to make it a cute story… Let’s act like we need to educate people that this is real and… with a few hard lessons allowing people to tell each other stories. I don’t just mean Indigenous. We need to hear the stories coming off the lips of colonials of the country and the Indigenous side of the country. It’s the only way we’re going to end up standing together. I hope that I’m not talking too much… I’m speaking from the heart.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“I think that my story is one that I’m just going to keep telling and hopefully Mariposa will have me come and play there again, hopefully it won’t take 13 years for them to have me back because by that time I’m gonna be 75 and I might not feel like coming… Mariposa is still that land of freedom to me, you know? This is a great step in the right direction, just having you write this article. I praise you and I praise Mariposa, I truly love that festival.”
And you can catch Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden, and Tom Wilson) at the Mariposa Folk Festival, July 8-10, 2022.
Mariposa in Concert’s (MIC) wildly popular ‘An Evening of Blues & Gospel’ is back April 9 with another impressive lineup of all-star vocalists and musicians assembled, arranged and directed by Orillia’s own JUNO award winning producer, Lance Anderson.
“This is our 10th Blues & Gospel Show and it’s a sell-out every year,” said Pam Carter, Mariposa in Concert Chair. “Everyone is well-advised to pick up their tickets early.”
Tickets are $30 (all fees and taxes included) and are available at the Orillia Opera House – online (www.orilliaoperahouse.ca) or at the box office. The show is on Saturday, April 9 at the Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street North in downtown Orillia. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Effective March 1st, the province has lifted its vaccine mandate requirement. Orillia Opera House, under the direction of the City of Orillia is following the province’s directive so as a result proof of vaccination will not be required. A mask mandate is currently in effect but is subject to change between now and April 9th depending on the province and the City of Orillia.
Winner and this year’s nominee for the Maple Blues Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, Lance Anderson, is musical arranger and director of the show. This year a young phenom will headline the show – Quincy Bullen. Sam and Ryan Weber from The Weber Brothers band will be joined by Selena Evangeline, one of the best vocalists in Canada today.
Quincy Bullen
Quincy Bullen is an extraordinarily talented multi-instrumentalist. With a jazz, funky style, Quincy’s repertoire includes his own versions of popular standards from jazz, R&B, Pop, and soul as well as original compositions. He has been a featured performer at many large music festivals and venues in Canada and the Caribbean. Quincy has been splitting his time between Toronto and Los Angeles. He also works as a producer and DJ.
Working with his father, Juno award winning Eddie Bullen, Quincy has released three solo albums, On Q, Quantumplations and Poise Debris. “On Q” is mostly original material featuring Larnell Lewis on drums, Alex Toth on bass and Rob Christian on sax. The father-son duo is continually refining their two-man show, ‘Dueling Pianos – Father and Son’ for the stage.
Sam and Ryan Weber
Ryan Weber (upright and electric bass, piano, guitar, vocal) and brother Sam (guitar, vocals) are alumni of Ronnie Hawks’ backing band, The Hawks. The brothers have
toured extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe and recorded 12 independent albums.
They have shared stages and recording studios with a who’s who of music pioneers, from Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kristofferson and The Band to Chuck Berry, Willie Nelson and The Tragically Hip. Their high-energy, awe-inspiring performances make them the ultimate roots band.
Selena Evangeline
Selena Evangeline is, without question, a world-class singer. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, her songs are musical snapshots of real life and emotions. Those “snapshots” helped to win her an Ontario Independent Music Award for Best Urban, Barrie New Music Award as well as honourable mention in the John Lennon Song Writing Competition.
By way of her travels through various countries Selena has shared stages with Sheila E., Patrice Rushen, Jocelyn Brown, The Nylons, Delta Goodrem, Ivete Sangalo, Latin Grammy winner Maia, and the list goes on. Recently, you may have seen Selena on stage backing Canadian icon Amanda Marshall as well as CMA winner Johnny Reid.
Selena’s newest release “Left Alone” is the third in the Slaight Music/7 Arts Entertainment signature series of duets with pianist Bill King and Canada’s top vocalists. Evangeline charts her own direction focusing on songs remembered through women who made them classics – Gladys Knight, Dinah Washington, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughan, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Billie Holiday, and others. It’s her musical letter of thanks; paying homage to the great singers and songwriters who have come before us.
Lance Anderson
JUNO award winning producer Lance Anderson returns once again to reprise his role as musical arranger/director behind Mariposa in Concert’s ‘An Evening of Blues and Gospel’ Show.
Anderson, who has been performing for 49 years, has once again been nominated for the Maple Blues Award for Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, and his new band, Matchedash Parish, was nominated for two Maple Blues Awards in 2020 — New Artist/Group of the Year and Record of the Year (Saturday Night).
The Orillia resident has maintained a busy season during the pandemic lockdown. He recorded a virtual concert with the Mariposa Folk Festival and Kinaxis in concert featuring the Matchedash Parish in August 2021 and with Hugh’s Room Live – The Last Waltz – A Musical Celebration of The Band; and Everyday People – The Music of Sly and the Family Stone. He recorded Lance Anderson and NOLA Parish with the Niagara Jazz and Blues Fest and Calgary Blues Festivals.
His theatrical presentation, Oscar Peterson – The Jazz Legend and the Man I Knew was a hit at the Orillia Jazz Festival this fall. Add to that an orchestral work that Lance scored called Queens of Soul that was performed by the Windsor Symphony, featuring Shakura S’Aida in October 2021, and you have a full calendar.
Still one of the busiest producers and arrangers in Canada, Anderson looks forward to another year of projects, including a new CD by The Matchedash Parish, his new, large ensemble featuring Matt Weidinger. Anderson is currently co-executive producer of the Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival and the Beaches Jazz and Blues Festival both in Panama.
Kevan McKenzie
Kevan has played drums on hundreds of recordings, TV shows, films, thousands of jingles and many tours all over the world as a first-call studio musician in Toronto since 1979. Some of his credits include Anne Murray, David Foster, James Taylor, Buffy Sainte- Marie, Ray Charles, Marc Jordan, Gene Simmons, Rob McConnell, Lisa Minnelli and the TSO.
He has produced, written, and recorded three international albums for the Somerset label (including a certified gold) and a CD with renowned Canadian pianist/composer Jack Lenz as well as music for commercials and film at his home studio.
Andrew Stewart
At 6 years old, with the guidance of his father, Andrew learned to play guitar and bass. By the time he was 8 he was copying bass lines and guitar licks he heard in church, on television, radio and from records.
Influenced by great bass players such as Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and Victor Wooten, Andrew decided to attend the internationally acclaimed jazz program at Humber College in 2000. There he studied with bassist Lenny Boyd and Even Tarleton.
Since then, Andrew has played in the studio and on stage with Blackburn, Larnell Lewis, Salome Bey, Liberty Silver, Eddie Bullen, Michael Stuart, Robert Botos, Kalabash, Pieces of a Dream, The Liamuiga Project and many others. He has also appeared on the television series “Soulfood” with Musiq Soulchild.
The Mariposa Folk Foundation’s 2021-22 Concert Series is sponsored by Alleycats Music & Art, Apple Annie’s Café, Bell Chiropractic and Soft Tissue Centre, Cathy Cleary Design, Dapper Depot, Dentistry on West, Downtown Computers, Hog ‘n Penny Pub, IG Wealth Management, Lavender Hills Farm, Tim Lauer, Sales Representative, Royal LePage Real Quest Realty; Wes Trinier and Wildflower Farm.
Mariposa 2022 First Wave Lineup Announcement: Mavis Staples, Serena Ryder, Lennon Stella, JP Saxe, Allison Russell, Kathleen Edwards, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, 33 more
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ORILLIA ONTARIO – Feb. 3, 2022, 10:00 am
The Mariposa Folk Festival is set to return to Tudhope Park in Orillia this year, with a lineup that includes Mavis Staples, Serena Ryder, Lennon Stella, JP Saxe, Allison Russell, Kathleen Edwards, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and more.
Forty acts were revealed today for the 2022 edition of the iconic folk music festival that will take place July 8 to 10. More names will be announced later this spring. Tickets for Mariposa are on sale via the festival website.
The Mariposa Folk Festival was founded in Orillia, Ontario in 1961. Through the decades it has found a way to remain Canada’s most relevant and not-to-be-missed musical gathering. The festival was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19.
“Mariposa may have been forced to take a two-year pandemic hiatus, but we stayed busy creating virtual concerts, alternative live performances, and working hard on our return in 2022,” said Mariposa Folk Foundation President, Pam Carter. “We are excited to be back with this stellar lineup. There’s something for everyone, and that’s what matters, staying true to our roots for generations to come.”
Festival Artistic Director, Liz Scott, crafted the lineup with certain guiding principles in mind. “I always aim to create a program that embodies and enriches the collective experience on our beautiful site, with live music that feeds our souls. And this year more than ever, it feels key to make sure the magic is there. It’ll be exciting to unveil the rest of the lineup!”
The 2022 lineup will include: Mavis Staples, Serena Ryder, Lennon Stella, JP Saxe, Allison Russell, Kathleen Edwards, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. Also appearing: Andrew Waite, Aysanabee, Celeigh Cardinal, Charlie Cunningham, Dala, Dwayne Gretzky, Harrow Fair, Ian Sherwood, Irish Mythen, James Keelaghan, Jane’s Party, John Craigie, Kellie Loder, Le Ren, Leyla McCalla, Lido Pimienta, Logan Staats, Marla & David Celia, Moscow Apartment, Reuben & the Dark, Ruby Waters, Rup Loops, Sarah Hagen, Stephen Lewis & the Big Band of Fun, Tami Neilson, The Arrogant Worms, The Fretless, The Pairs, The Small Glories, The Weather Station, Vinta, Youngtree & the Blooms, and Zaki Ibrahim.
The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival features more than ten stages of top folk-roots music, along with presentations of story, dance, and craft. All ticket categories are on sale. Kids 12 & under are admitted free. The festival has special pricing for youth and young adults. Onsite RV and tent camping is available. https://mariposafolk.com/
Announcing Mariposa In Concert November 20th – Betty and the Bobs
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Mariposa Folk Festival
Orillia, Ontario – October 28, 2021 –
Mariposa In Concert Returns With Betty and The Bobs November 20!
The triumphant return of the Mariposa in Concert series features Betty and The Bobs, a group of seven talented artists providing an entertaining, fun-filled night of great music!
“Betty and The Bobs were a favourite at the 2000 Mariposa Folk Festival, which was the first year of the festival’s return to Orillia,” explained MIC Chair Pam Carter. “It’s only fitting to have them open up our first concert series since the pandemic shutdown.”
Betty and The Bobs formed as an extracurricular vehicle for a group of well-known musicians and friends who work together in various combinations. Their repertoire includes a bunch of tunes from a wide variety of genres, including country, blues, R&B, Beatles, jazz and some of their own wacky songs.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 28. They are $30 advance (all fees and taxes included) and are available online at mariposafolk.com or at the Mariposa Foundation office, 10 Peter Street South, Orillia (705-326-3655). Tickets at the door will be $35. The show is on Saturday, November 20th at St. Paul’s Centre, 62 Peter Street North in Orillia. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Proof of full vaccination is required.
Betty and The Bobs, in alphabetical order, includes Wendell Ferguson, Rich Greenspoon, David Matheson, Soozi Schlanger, Suzie Vinnick, Katherine Wheatley and David Woodhead.
Wendell Ferguson (vocals, guitar) is the six-time Canadian Country Music Association Guitar Player of the Year and has traveled the globe accompanying a who’s who in both the country field (George Fox, Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks) and the folk arena (Quartette, Bob Snider, Cindy Church). As for his own hilarious tunes, well – when the band has a “Wendell moment”, everything stops for a sideways look at the world.
Rich Greenspoon (drums) has played drums with Oliver Schroer’s Stewed Tomatoes, Njacko Backo, and Rare Air as well as on recordings in many contemporary styles, including world music and jazz. He’s an esteemed drum teacher and has been busy in the last few years producing albums for other artists.
David Matheson (piano, vocals and more) is a guitar, dobro and banjo picking, accordion/keyboard playing, singer/songwriter and one-quarter of the former Canadian folk group, Moxy Früvous – is the newest Bob. His songs are original, moving, quirky and perfect for this band.
Soozi Schlanger (vocals, fiddle) is best known as the voice and fiddle that drives “Swamperella,” a traditional Cajun band with a devoted following and a strong CD offering. As one of the Betties, she sings old-time country and forties jazz with unstoppable conviction.
Suzie Vinnick (vocals, bass, guitar, and mandolin) is a multiple award-winner (for bass playing, songwriting and singing) including ten Maple Blues Awards, the 2011 Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Vocalist of the Year and a three-time JUNO nominee. With Betty and the Bobs, this talented multi-instrumentalist can play anyone’s part, but it’s her voice, a voice of spun honey and gold, and her original rendering of classic songs that knocks peoples’ socks off.
Katherine Wheatley (vocals, guitar) plays at folk clubs across Canada and in Europe and has released three CDs. Hailed by critics as “a truly Canadian original” and a songwriter with “an uncanny depth of observation”, she always comes up with gems for the band to perform and for the audience to sing along with.
David Woodhead (vocals, bass, mandolin) is best known for his creative instrumental work in the folk world, including recordings and/or performances with Perth County Conspiracy, Stan Rogers, Brent Titcomb, Valdy and Loreena McKennitt. In addition to producing albums and writing music for film and television, he’s released his own CD, Sweets and Conundrums. In Betty and the Bobs, David gets to expose a roots-ier side and do some lead vocals.
The Mariposa Folk Foundation’s 2021-22 Concert Series is sponsored by Alleycats Music & Art, Apple Annie’s Café, Bell Chiropractic and Soft Tissue Centre, Cathy Cleary Design, Dapper Depot, Dentistry on West, Downtown Computers, Hog ‘n Penny Pub, Lavender Hills Farm, Mariposa Market, Mary Bouchard IG Wealth Management, Tim Lauer, Sales Representative, Royal LePage Real Quest Realty; Wes Trinier and Wildflower Farm.
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 705-326-3655www.mariposafolk.com
Mariposa Folk Festival is excited to announce that it will be presenting the Mariposa Satellite Concerts on October 23, 2021. This event will include an amazing lineup of artists with afternoon shows at five satellite venues and a main stage performance at night.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 11am and are available at the Orillia Opera House box office.
The satellite venues will include a wide range of experiences: a tent at ODAS Fairground will be reminiscent of a Mariposa pub tent; the Mariposa Grande ballroom at the Best Western Mariposa Inn will provide an unmatched intimate setting; the barn at Braestone is nestled in an idyllic pastoral setting; St. Paul’s Centre is a beautifully refurbished church space; and, finally, the historic Orillia Opera House which will host a daytime satellite stage as well as the evening main stage performance.
Mariposa Folk Foundation President, Pam Carter, stated, “The return to live music, with an extraordinary lineup, is a joyous occasion for Mariposa. We are deeply grateful for the support of the Government of Ontario, whose Reconnect grant has helped to make this event possible, as well as the ongoing support of the Paul Quarrington Legacy Fund and the BruceGreySimcoe Regional Tourism Organization.”
The main stage at the Orillia Opera House will commence at 7:30pm and features Donovan Woods, winner of the 2019 Juno Award for contemporary roots album, plus Mariposa favourite Shakura S’Aida and Evangeline Gentle.
The afternoon concerts will run from 1:00pm to about 5:00pm and patrons can choose one of these breathtaking lineups:
ODAS Fairground – Jay Stiles, The Connors Brothers, The Honeyrunners, and Danny Michel Best Western Mariposa Inn – James Gray, The Doozies, Kaia Kater, and Amanda Rheaume Braestone Barn – Mimi O’Bonsawin, Ariko, Rick Fines, and Terra Lightfoot St. Paul’s Centre – Zachary Lucky, Kyla Charter, Birds of Bellwoods, and Suzie Vinnick Orillia Opera House – Lydia Persaud, Coco Love Alcorn, Angelique Francis
Mariposa Folk Festival Artistic Director Liz Scott enthused, “There really is something for everyone in the Satellite Concerts lineup – longtime Mariposa favourites, established folk stars, and remarkable emerging talents.”
Event coordinator Fred Addis said “The seed of the idea for the Mariposa Satellite Concerts event grew out of the disappointment of the Mariposa Folk Festival’s cancellation and the ongoing COVID restrictions. How could we return to live music, in a safe environment, while hiring artists and production professionals who have been largely out of work for 18 months? The answer was to spread a mini-festival out over multiple satellite venues, each with limited capacities. We think audiences are in for a treat.”
Tickets for all the shows go on sale on Tuesday, September 28th at 11am from the Orillia Opera House, online at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca or by phoning the box office at 705-326-8011. Tickets for each of the daytime satellite concerts are $30. Tickets for the evening main stage performance at the Opera House are $40. While quantities last, for $60, a patron can purchase one satellite stage concert of their choosing plus the main stage show. All prices include HST and service charges.
Carter stressed that “Mariposa’s primary focus continues to be the safety of our patrons, artists, and volunteers, so comprehensive COVID-19 protocols will be in place at all venues”.
COVID-19 requirements for admission are as follows. Participants will need to provide digital or printed proof that they are fully vaccinated along with proof of identification. Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will need to provide a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate. In addition, those with medical exemptions will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, within 48 hours of the scheduled show. Children born in 2010 or later, who are unable to be vaccinated, will be permitted to attend if accompanied by an adult who meets these COVID-19 requirements. Masks must be worn at all times. Removal of a mask is allowed as per provincial guidelines when you are eating, drinking, or for other medical needs.
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 705-326-3655www.mariposafolk.com
Mariposa Folk Festival 2021 Canceled Due to COVID-19
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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 60th 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.
