What a fantastic weekend at the Greenway Jam! The new format was a huge success and over 2700 people were in attendance at the different venues.
Friday night kicked off with Kathleen Edwards, Slocan Ramblers, Garnet Rogers, Big Little Lions, and Durham County Poets.
Garnet Rogers is a passionate and sensitive baritone singer. He was also a great story teller and had the audience laughing in between songs.
In addition to this Garnet Rogers is also the author of two books — “Night Drive: Travels With My Brother“ and “6 Crows Gold.”
On Saturday afternoon, free concerts were popping up in a number of different locations in town.
They were happening at the Grovedale House Community Hall, the Mettawas Station Mediterranean Restaurant and the Grove Brewing Company.
The Grovedale House was packed for Steven Page, Garnet Rogers, and Tannis & Lewis, as they entertained us with their songs and funny stories.
During COVID isolation, Tannis & Lewis had opened up their backyard in Guelph performing to a small audience and live-streaming to the rest of the world.
Soul City Music Co-op Showcase was also happening at the Grovedale House in the afternoon.
The Showcase featured Mike Hargreaves, Brendan Scott Friel and many more.
Steven Page was very down to earth. He connected well with the audience and told some funny stories.
Loved his “Zoom” song about technology in our COVID era. He still has such fabulous vocals!
Come Saturday night, it was back to the Kingsville Brewery.
Steven Page rocked the house, along with Ashley MacIsaac, Elliot Brood, Julian Taylor and Sarah Smith.
Julian Taylor won Solo Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2021. He has also earned JUNO Award nominations for his second solo acoustic album “The Ridge.”
The nomination categories were Contemporary Roots Album of the Year and Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year.
The wrap-up for the Greenway Jam weekend took place on Sunday afternoon at the Pelee Island Winery.
The musicians who were featured were Washboard Hank, Suzie Vinnick, Julian Taylor and Big Little Lions.
The Big Little Lions songwriting duo of Canadian Helen Austin and American Paul Otten are Canadian Folk Music Award and JUNO Award winners.
They have also won a John Lennon Song of the Year competition. Check out their new album “Happy Accident.”
Suzie Vinnick is a Canadian roots and blues singer and songwriter. She has received awards for Best Bassist and Best Acoustic Act.
Suzie is a six-time winner of the Maple Blues Award for Best Female Vocalist and has won Maple Blues Award for Best Songwriter twice. as Juno Awards nominee.
All of the performers were very accommodating and friendly.
They were all happy to converse with their fans and sign autographs on their CDs and merchandise at the General Store.
Despite the threat of rain the weather cooperated, making the Greenway Jam another memorable weekend after a 2-year COVID hiatus.
Thanks to John and Michele Law, the Kingsville Music Society, and the Town of Kingsville for taking this Greenway Jam from a dream to a reality.
And a great big Thank You has to go out to the many volunteers who helped to make this weekend such a huge success.
This could never have worked without you all and your labour of love!
It’s hard to say good-bye after such a wonderful experience. But hey, it’s not too soon to start looking forward to the Greenway Jam in 2023.
See you next August!
All photos provided by Marilyn Farnworth