I've attended four music fests this summer, and now it's time for me to reflect on them, and share my experiences. Hopefully it'll make you want to attend them yourself! Or perhaps attend a music festival near you! I found that all music festivals have their own little personalities, so I'm also going to share some "tips" on how to survive, and an analysis to see if that festival is for you!
Enjoy!
PS. In case you missed it... here's Part One: NxNE
Mariposa
Where do I begin?
This year was my second time attending Mariposa. Before last year I didn't even know it existsed. Mind you, last year was when I first discovered a lot of things. I was quite the naive young girl when I first arrived to Toronto! I thought I knew it all! Anyway, my friend won passes to Mariposa, and another friend was attending the festival, so we thought it was a great excuse to get out of the city! We had a wonderful and life changing time. Therefore, we decided to attend this year!
The Mariposa Folk Festival is located in Orillia, Ontario, just 90 mins north of Toronto. It takes place in Tudhope Park, along the shores of Lake Couchiching. The park is quite large, and close to the water (perfect for afternoon swims). Now, Mariposa started back in 1961, but not always in Orillia! It originated in Orillia, but if you read up on it's history, you'll see that it has been moved around quite a bit in the last 50 years! The festival was forced out of Orillia in 1964, and didn't come back until 2000! Crazy eh!? I'm happy that it's back in Orillia, beautiful setting for a folk festival :)
For those who know a thing or two about Canadian music, or music in general, you'll know that Gordon Lightfoot is quite a huge name when it comes to folk music. Well, Orillia is his home town. He is no stranger to the festival. However, here's a fun tidbit: during the festival's first year, they deemed Lightfoot, "not high enough caliber". Silly eh!? He has played there since, and is now a renowned folk musician. Fun fact eh?
The line up for this year's festival was quite special! Unlike NxNE which is busting through the roof with artists, Mariposa is smaller and more intimate. They'll book "bigger" musicians to play the main stage, but you're able to see these musicians a few times throughout the course of the weekend in workshops and playing their set at smaller stages. It's perfect for those who might not be able to catch the entire weekend. If you miss a band Friday night, you'll most likely get to see them Saturday night or Sunday afternoon!
The musician we were most looking forward to this year was Jim Bryson, who brought The Weakerthans as his backing band. It was brilliant! Not only did we catch the main stage show on Friday night with the full band, but on Saturday afternoon as well! We had some more Bryson action later Saturday evening. It was amazing! Throughout the weekend we saw Yukon Blonde, The Beauties, a surprise guest appearance by Danny Michel, and much more!
Now, the type of crowd you'll see at Mariposa is the laid back hippies that love their lawn chairs and blankets. The festival even needed to put a rule in place that requires patrons to take their lawn chairs and blankets with them at the end of the night. You see, patrons basically "set up camp" by the main stage, and leave their chairs in order to be prepared for the evening show. Mariposa patrons LOVE sitting. They love sitting there, watching their music, basking in the sun, feeling the breeze off the lake...very relaxing experience. There is dancing, but not much. I believe I saw a sign at the "Mariposa Pub Tent" that designated an area at the back of the tent for "dancing". This is a very different sight at the Hillside Music Festival, I'll explain more in part four! Anyway, it's a very "sit" down type of festival.
On to food. Food at Mariposa is quite yummy! You can live off corn on the cob (dipped in flavoured butter like dill pickle and maple chipotle), and the always delicious samosas. The samosas are cheap and filling. It's all you will ever need at Mariposa. Trust me!
As for the bugs...well it's expected. I mean, we are by a lake after all! However, this year the bugs were horrible. You literally had to swat mosquitoes out of your face the entire time once Saturday night rolled around. It was so horrible that my friends and I called it an early night. So, just be warmed, you are in a park by water, so don't be surprised if there are tons of bugs flying around!
How to Survive Mariposa:
- If you love sitting, bring a lawn chair or blanket. If you're more of sit and go type of festival goers, than just wear something comfortable to sit in!
- Bring a water bottle. They have a free water re-fill station. Stay hydrated!
- Bring a hat and sunscreen. There isn't always a lot of shade at certain stages. You don't want a burnt red nose!
- Don't carry to much around if you are planning on hopping from one stage to the next.
- Do bring your schedule and map with you. You'll need to in order to figure out the grounds and the distance between things.
- If you want a space up at the front for shows at the Mariposa Pub Tent, make sure to get there before it starts and scope out the space. You'll probably be able to squeeze in once the act beforehand finishes up!
Musical Discoveries/Highlights
- Jim Bryson and the Weakerthans
- Yukon Blonde w/ The Beauties
- Surprise appearance by Danny Michel
Mariposa is Good For:
- Those who love sit down festivals
- Laid back atmosphere
- Samosa and corn lovers
- Folk and Rock lovers
- young at heart.
That's the end of Part Two!
Part Three will be about the Home County Folk Festival in London Ontario!
Keep Smilin' Gang!
- Monica
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