Westfest's cultural army
Dayanti Karunaratne
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Just enough room in producer Elaina Martin's backyard to squeeze in most of Westfest
photo: Aaron McKenzie Fraser
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Third annual street party marches out with the real deal
There is an army lurking within this city. Hiding amidst the NCC-sponsored cultural events like Winterlude is a horde of artists and musicians ready to take to the streets - Westboro's Richmond Road to be precise - to prove that this city's culture is something more organic than, and every bit as relevant as, that of other Canadian entertainment meccas.
Sure, this year's Westfest has got the usual out-of-towner faves - the Skydiggers and The Cash Brothers - but the festival's focus is squarely on locals, namely Sunday's headliner Jim Bryson.
From seasoned veterans like Bryson, who has just returned from an overseas post in Europe, to teenage alt-punk rockers Bleeding Heart, this third annual Westfest gives more stage time to the women and men that keep our home fires - well, at least our dance floors - burning all winter long.
And these troops are anything but uniform. Rather, an interdisciplinary, inclusive (and 100 per cent Canadian) approach to Westfest includes a diverse array of performers - all of whom, in their own way, march to the beat of a different drum.
DR. LEE AND BLEEDING HEART
The Ottawa-centric day starts with an open drum circle or "tam-tam" with Lee Garbutt, a.k.a. Dr. Lee, a performance and percussion artist who has been teaching and playing in Ottawa for over 15 years.
For Garbutt, who learnt the art from masters in Guinea, drumming represents the pulse of life - just what the festival needs to wake up the city (the event takes place at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday).
Garbutt invites all drum enthusiasts, or toddlers with pots and spoons, to wake up the neighbours and call them to the front lines of the village party. Up next are boot-camp rookies from Ottawa's punk scene. Bleeding Heart is an alt-punk group made up of three teenage girls from Notre Dame high school: Hannah Stewart plays lead vocals and guitar, Helen Pike on bass guitar, and Thea Cunningham on drums. Definitely greenhorns - they've only played a handful of gigs - they were wooed to appear on the coveted main stage (located on Richmond Road between Berkley and Golden) by Westfest's producer Elaina Martin.
"They thought they were shooting at the stars," says Martin about Bleeding Heart's chances of landing a spot on the main stage. "The community stage [at Athlone and Richmond] is meant "to house the smaller acts, the non-professional acts," she adds.
Martin says she told Stewart, "First, you have to get a bio, a CD and a picture. And that's a press kit and you have to have it on my desk in the next week.
"And she did," continues Martin, a hint of surprise still in her voice. She adds that their promo CD was a bit rough around the edges, but it was enough to lure Martin to a performance in the Bleeding Heart's basement. The rest reads like music history, and Martin warns that Stewart will be Canada's next Courtney Love (that's Love during her better years).
THE HABIT
Then there's The Habit - proof positive that Westfest packs diversity that's both musical and sexual.
The eight-piece band crosses genres from Afro-Acadian R&B to folk-funk, and uses their music and website to promote equal marriage rights for same-sex couples (watch out Harper). These musicians deliver a cacophonic aphrodisiac of sorts, with saxophone, clarinet and violin ballads that will make you horny.
The Habit fit well into what Martin refers to as Westfest's "free and inclusive celebration of diversity." This year's festival is meant to cross all lines, from gender to race, literature to contemporary dance.
For Martin, who has been the festival's producer since its creation in 2004, "free and inclusive" go hand in hand.
"You have five dollars in your pocket and four kids? Come on down. We'll give out 1,000 bottles of free water on the street and you'll have entertainment like you've never seen for a full weekend straight." With double the budget and a bigger main stage that welcomes 10,000 (up from last year's 5,000), Martin hopes for double the party.
"There's a lot to see in Ottawa and I just want everyone to come and celebrate what we have, and bring their lawn chair," adds Martin.
The headliner on Sunday's music program only serves to highlight Martin's point about Ottawa.
JIM BRYSON
Local musician Jim Bryson has no difficulties defending his hometown as a cultural city.
"There's no way that Ottawa hinders, in any way, shape or form, playing music," says Jim Bryson. He suggests that because it's a smaller city, the music community is more close-knit.
Bryson's music is a folk-rock blend with lyrics that, while greatly influenced by the people and places of Ottawa, may not speak physically about them, unlike fellow Ottawa musician Andrew Vincent (of Andrew Vincent & The Pirates fame), whose lyrics, Bryson points out, often refer specifically to landmarks and locales in the city.
Unsure if his own lyrics are "geographically centred" in any way, Bryson simply gives a nod to the people of Ottawa and says, "It's how it is for me - does that make sense?"
Unlike our more regimented, official army (i.e., the Armed Forces), Ottawa's cultural force seems to excel through the miscellany of its many expressions and methods.
Stewart of Bleeding Heart, for example, knows that the band is young and inexperienced. So they try to draw from things they figure everyone has felt at one time or another: being rejected, feeling like there's no one there, and, of course, heartbreak. And it seems to be making an impact, at least on Martin, who recalls one line in particular: "You've broken my heart and it was paper thin to start."
"That's pretty good," Martin adds.
Then there are those that hold on to the logbooks, watching and recording the neighbourhood goings-on for posterity.
ANITA LAHEY
While the WestfestLit performances are scheduled for Saturday (headlining with Toronto's bestselling author Anne-Marie MacDonald), there is ample local talent to be seen and heard, like poet Anita Lahey.
Lahey will read from her collection Out to Dry in Cape Breton, and despite the name, the editor of Arc, Canada's national poetry magazine, has lived in Ottawa for almost eight years. She will be sharing some of her "clothesline" poems, which were inspired by her time in the area.
Clotheslines may be the initial subject matter of Lahey's poems, but "they lead into other things, relationships and other worlds. Clotheslines tend to get my imagination going," she says.
Spoken word is the newest form of art to be welcomed to the lineup.
Hosted by Greg Frankson, a.k.a. Ritallin, and featuring the likes of DJ Morales and John Akpata, these voices will surely declare the messages of hope, hardship and humour that have hit home with audiences across the country.
"We've got what's hot in spoken word, and they're all from Ottawa," Martin says proudly.
Between shows and stages, Westfest revellers can also enjoy WestfestArt. Located at the intersection of Richmond Road and Edgewood, the tented area houses not only a display of different genres of art, but also the artists themselves.
Famed curator, photographer and mixed-media artist Cheryl Mazak emphasizes the continued theme of diversity and inclusion in her own works (at Westfest) and that of her peers, from the fibre-based artwork of Maggie Glossop to the photography of Aaron McKenzie Fraser, and assures visitors that there's a bank machine close by.
So bring your wallet, your lawn chairs and your open-mindedness and support our local troops at Westfest in Westboro, June 10 and 11.
I can't believe something as innocuous and innocent as three fourteen year olds playing their first paying gig could cause so much controversy.
First, the contention of intellectual property rights should be addressed. Mr. Murray and Bond should consider that the late, great Muddy Waters was proud that The Rolling Stones promoted the blues and used his words for their name, as I'm sure Jimi Hendrix would if he were alive today, although I don't think Bleeding Heart considered this in the naming of their band. I believe you can chalk up their use of that name to youth and innocence, which is a really nice way to look at this cynical world. I wonder what kind of luck these people would have suing under aged musicians and how it would look to the public and their fans, although I believe, the worst they would see is a cease and desist order.
I say these young prodigies should be applauded for their initiative and perseverance to pull this off. Ms. Martin (thank you for giving these young ladies a chance) clearly states that Bleeding Heart followed her advice and gave her a demo and a press kit before she would consider them for this venue. She must have seen something in these kids to give them a chance to shine and anyone of your "cool (cool being subjective) bands" could have done the same.
I don't know if Mr. Murray and Bond were at the gig, but if they were, they would have seen a packed house with 3 young rockers giving it their all. As The Stones so aptly put, after all, "It's Only Rock & Roll." (I hoped I don't get sued).
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David Reid
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{13 votes}
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Ok Bleeding Heart clearly missed the web research angle on their name (how about the Decatur female group called "Bleeding Heart" eh?). And yes there are some questions about why they got on the main stage. But what are we talking about here? Three people who asked the right question: "How do I get on the main stage?"
And let us consider one other thing. Did anyone buy that demo that they produced? It is indeed raw and unfocussed - they did not have all that much time did they? But there is something there - clearly. Give the kids a break! And the last time I looked 14 years old counted as being a kid. And in this case the kids are very talented.
Folks have you pulled your old Demix album out; the first Blondie etc. ?
Get a life.
It is after all only rock and roll.
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Mac Jamieson
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{6 votes}
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The Bleeding Hearts is simalar to our name, but truth is, its not the same. There is no band that I can find whos name is exactly Bleeding Heart, even on the internet. There are many bands with similar names such as "Your Bleeding Heart" ect., but no Bleeding Heart.
Also, we have only been in this since December, and we knew no one in this buisness when we started. We took chances and contacted Elaina, got the stuff we needed to her, and we got a gig. Just because there are a bunch of "cool" local bands who have been working hard, it's not our fault you didn't get a break. WestFest was our first real gig apart from 1-3 songs ones at our school, and why is it our fault that you didn't get into it? Stop whining, we're working hard too, and if we're only 14 and can get a gig of this stamina after being together for only 7 months, should "cool" local bands be able to do it too? We are new at this, know limited amount of people in this buisness, and still can get into it because we tryed. We deserve a break too for showing innutuative from the start, and it works. Also, please don't use the line "Maybe they don't know the right people", because you can find connections anywhere. You could have tryed to get into WestFest by just going to the site and e-mailing them, and look for gigs on the internet and contact the "right people" from there. Common, if a new local band of three 14-year-old girls can do it, don't you think the "cool" bands should be fully capable of getting themselves a couple of breaks as well?
-Lead Singer/Guitarist of Bleeding Heart,
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Hannah Stewart
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{11 votes}
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WAKE UP OTTAWA!
Time and time again opportunities to experience a great celebration of music and diversity are overlooked by so many Ottawans. Westfest was an extreme success on stage but in terms of attendance, I'm not sure whether we can all give it a standing ovation. Ottawans, more often than no, can be found sitting on their proverbial/unimaginative couches complaining that there's nothing going on in and around their city...WESTFEST is going on, it happend, and so many people missed it again. There are the organizers of festivals like westfest that do their part, why can't we do ours. Spread the word...next year they deserve better attention.
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Ryan Hodgins
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So were 14, does that automatically say to you that we can never be professional? Our advantage is our dissadvantage, were young, we just have to deal with it. So the 'cool bands' that Jack Bon mentioned are older than us, I thought people who are older know more, but it seems that you 'cool bands' have been outwitted by 3 14 year olds. The reason we got the gig was because we thought outside of the box, I mean if you went to an auction and waited for the guy to give you the item you wanted would you get it? I dont think so!
So to all the "cool bands" all I have to say is, we have something you dont, we are different and well we benifited from it. And as for our name, and lawsuits, WERE 14! Id look that up on the internet.
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Helen Pike
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{2 votes}
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re: Bryan Murray's comments:
Hey Bryan (shouldn't that be 'Brian'?), it's Wal Mart - not Wall Mart; I smell lawsuit there. It's a lawsuit hungry place when there's money involved, and someone's livelihood has been jeopardized: I don't see that happenin' here. As for "a world of hurt" . I think you might be a tad stressed.
Re: Jack Bond's comments:
Jack's references to obscure bands of the 80's was VERY impressive. I wonder if the Janitor at that H.S. in Florida is still upset about the name 'Lynyrd Skynyrd'? Or if Eddy Vedder's Grandmother is still speaking to him? You know what Jack - no one cares! They're 14 years old and are having fun. If other 'cool' bands want a 'break', why don't they do something about it? It amazes me how people like Jack always feel entitled to things. I'm sure these 'cool' bands are very talented also - but why do they deserve anything? I'm sure if this H.S. band can get gigs, so can all of the 'cool' bands mister; after all, how many industry people can these girls know??
I think that Bleeding Heart has every right to keep their name because they chose that name based on the fact that it sounded cool, or it was dramatic, or .. Who knows - they're in high school! Time to put this to bed, accept it for what it is, and just enjoy their music - regardless of how they spell it.
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Lawrence Brierley
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{1 vote}
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| Dang! Missed it Again This Year! |
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I'm sorry I wasn't able to take in any of Westfest this year. As a festival, its success surely has much to teach the other festivals in the city.
I've been reading about how the city sets aside $ 500,000 for festivals each year, of which $ 100,000 goes automatically to the Chamber Music Festival, thus leaving the Franco-Ontarien Festival, Bluesfest, the Fringe Festival, Pride, etc., to fight for the rest.
For a festival such as this to be so successful, 3rd year running, with so little public money going into it, & yet so many free attractions ... well, clearly they are doing something right!
I think Elaina Martin should be in charge of more of the festivals here in town!
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Brad Thomas
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{1 vote}
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With all the defensive posturing Hannah , the least you could have done is explain how you came up with the bands name. Just because your bands's name is not identical to other bands does not make it unique. In this ever popular lawsuit hungry world, with a quick Google search , you are infringing on no less than three different bands intellectual property rights.
Your bands name is identical to the Jimi Hendrix song " Bleeding Heart " which alone can , and possibly will get you into legal difficulties in the future. If there's any chance that any of these other bands can claim lost revenue , or even simply confusion over names you are in for a world of hurt .
Just look at how Wall Mart took a local company Wool Mart to court and tied them up with expensive legal bills .
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Bryan Murray
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{1 vote}
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| Bleeding heart... time for a new name |
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I wish more bands would do a little bit of research before finalizing on a name. There are several popular bands that use names that were pre-owned. Names that come to mind: Pilate (a '70's band of some note), Tijuana Bibles (an underground act in the '80's featuring Mick Farren). Withe the internet it is very easy to determine if a name has been used in the past. So this local band of young women call themselves Bleeding Heart. It's bad snough that a very similar version of the name has been used before, but it was alocal band to boot. The Bleedin' Hearts were a well liked local rock band that featured future members of Big Jeezus Truck, as well as local slide guitar wiz Paul Fenton.
Would someone please tell me why a band of 14 year olds get this gig, when there are many other cool local bands that have been working hard to break into the local scene and deserve a break. Maybe they don't know the right people.
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Jack Bond
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{8 votes}
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I think the Bleeding Heart band should consider a name change. There used to be a band here in town called The Bleeding Hearts and some people might get confused about it. I heard that they may be staging a reunion which is all the more reason why i don't think it appropriate. I don't know if there is stuff on the web about the First group, but the young kids should do some more/better research when coming up with a name.
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Ger Madden
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{6 votes}
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| Third year for a great local fest... |
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This will be my third year attending the Westfest (www.westfest.ca) with my family.
I remember the first year, we had spent most of the summer with Richmond Road running thru Westboro torn up for "road repairs". While the repair crews spent their time ripping up the roads and filling the holes - repeat - the local merchants were suffering because there were no roads, no parking and little access to our community shops. The first westfest was held on an unpaved Richmond Road with the heavy machines moved to one side.
Westfest's best features - family friendly with free rides/activities and lots to listen to and watch. It's nice to see that a local festival that started out to help a neighbourhood hurt so much by slow road repairs has been able to continue to support the local business and artists.
PS. Looking forward to the poets - go Craig !
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Joe Shebib
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{7 votes}
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hi elaina havent heard from u in a while get in touch with me like what i see - Lianna Duquette
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Lianna Duquette
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| It's also a great festival for children and I hope helps the businesses |
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I am sure that it will be covered later, but there is a lot of street entertainment for youngsters. Hopefully it does not rain so people can cycle there.
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Karen Mohindra
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{3 votes}
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I've always admired people who not only care about their community, but do something to preserve it. This is the case with group bands like Dr. Lee and bleeding heart.
What a wonderful idea going 'tam-Tam' in such a group setting!
It's all about building a better community. I've seen this band on stage before, and let me tell you something, they will definetely wake up the city!
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Valerie Augier
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{3 votes}
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