Peterborough Folk Festival

Putting the folk (that’s you) in folk festival, Sunday is the Peterborough Folk Festival’s do-it-yourself day, when you get hands-on and up-close – crafting, making music, exploring movement and more, with some of our finest musicians, dancers and artists.  Join us from noon – 5pm in Millennium Park, 130 King Street, Peterborough, for an afternoon of free workshops and community conversation!

Curious onlookers and hangers-out on the grass are most welcome, of course, but we encourage you to participate: our workshops are beginner-friendly, family-friendly and fun!  All materials provided free-of-charge, but if you’re participating in a music workshop, please try to bring your own instrument (large waterjugs make great hand-drums).

Children’s Village activities, and the Musical Petting Zoo (as well as the opportunity for light meals and refreshments at the lovely Silver Bean Cafe) will be ongoing throughout the afternoon, but read on to find the scheduled worskhops that work for you!

Workshops

12noon

Drum Circle with Greg Roy

A facilitated drum circle for all to join… there will be a few drums on hand to try, but please bring ‘em if you’ve got ‘em!

Hooping with Basia Baklinski *NEW TIME*

Hula hooping is an energizing, cardio and core-building workout.It strengthens your abdominal muscles, increases your balance and coordination, improves posture, increases cardiovascular endurance, and it makes you feel happy!   Hoops provided. Beginners and kids extremely welcome! basiabaklinski@hotmail.com

1pm

Instant Choir with Curtis Driedger

So much fun last year, we have to do it again!  Whether you consider yourself a shower-only singer, or have been in choirs since childhood, come out and join in – Curtis will have everyone comfortable and laughing and singing together by 2 minutes past 1, if not sooner.  In harmony!

Bellydance with Janel Jarvis *NEW TIME*

With live percussion by Greg Roy.

Needle Felting with Laura Murray

Come and experience the free flow of needle felting. Using a piece of felt as your canvas, a single barbed needle as your brush, and a colourful range of wool roving as your paint you will create your very own masterpiece. Simple, expressive and totally addictive, this workshop will be fun for all and most suitable to adults or kids ages 8 and up.

Yoga for Tweens and Teens with Fiona Wagner, yoga instructor from Wavelengths Yoga Studio and School. wavelengthsyoga.com

2pm

West African Dance with Drothia Higginson

Immerse yourself in the rhythms of West Africa while learning a traditional dance from Guinea. Bare feet and comfortable clothing are the only pre-requisites! Live percussion by Anna Simone Tenennt-Ridell and Zankhna Mody.  drothia.com

Autoharp with Todd Crowley

Totally overdue for a renaissance by diligent musicians and the ensuing hipsters, the autoharp is the unsung hero of folk music: forget about those tricky barre chords on the guitar, just press a button, strum and sing!  Todd Crowley of the incredible Musical Petting Zoo will have autoharps on hand to demonstrate and teach this sweet, rich-sounding instrument to beginners and up.

Learn-to-Crochet with Alissa Paxton

Alissa teaches crochet with the gentlest humour and everlasting patience, so the even the beginner with two left thumbs can master that all-important first chain, taking the first steps along that glorious pathway to ponchos, flowers, purses and more.

Soapstone Carving Just for Kids with Max Sexsmith

Max offers participants the rare opportunity to experience the process of creating art out of soapstone, guiding the participants from the raw stone stage to a finished, polished creation. Please note that there are a limited number of spaces at this workshop.

3pm

Beginners’ Ukulele

(8+ yrs recommended)

David Berger, a master finger-style guitar player, has recently caught the ukulele bug.   Trained in the James Hill Ukulele Method, he’s bursting to share how to get started and make music on this addictive and beautiful little underdog of an instrument.  Come fall David will be leading the new PFF-sponsored Children’s Ukulele Orchestra, but all ages are welcome at this Sunday’s workshop.

Fiddle Jam with Michael Ketemer (‘til 5pm)

All welcome to listen and join in as Michael leads this intermediate to advanced session for traditional music players (not just fiddlers)! Not a taught workshop, but a musical gathering in the style of traditional pub sessions (though minus the beer!)  The first hour will be a slow jam for intermediate players, and get up to speed as the second hour kicks in, depending on the mood and skills of the participants.  michaelketemer.com

Drop-in Knitting (and Crochet) Circle with Monica Vereana Williams (’til 5pm)

Beginners welcome, as well as anyone stuck in the middle of a knitting project with no way out!  Our experienced knitters will get beginners started, and facilitate projects-on-the-go. Enjoy the camaraderie of knitting together – it’s almost fall!  Some needles and yarn provided.  Crochet welcome too!

Guided Sitting and Walking Meditation for Children with Erin Sullivan

It’s getting to that time of day when a bit of quiet time can be a good idea… it’ll feel good right now, and can be the beginning of a lifetime of greater calm.

 4:15pm

Rhythm with Sheesham

Hands, feet, bones, spoons and hambone from Sheesham of Sheesham and Lotus and ‘Son, one our Saturday night Main Stage hosts and a workshop leader extraordinaire.  Just bring your hands and feet and sense of humour.

Ongoing Activities

Children’s Village at Millennium Park 12-4pm

Ongoing crafts and activities for all ages, face-painting, hula hooping, sand table, playspace and more.

The Children’s Village and activities are for you to enjoy with your children; please do not leave children unattended, and take special care near the river!

Musical Petting Zoo 12-5pm

Didn’t get a chance to try that bowed psaltry or cello at the Saturday MPZ?  Here’s  your chance to try the instruments you’ve always been curious about, or that you’re just seeing for the first time!  For ages two to 102.

Enjoy light meals, coffee and treats at the Silver Bean Café, or bring a picnic!

Refill your own bottle at our water station!