‘ … we’ll meet again at the Festival of Friends’
After 15 years — and the return to Gage Park — it’s time for a change at the helm
I have always been aware of the importance of the Festival of Friends. As a young teenager, just discovering my musical tastes, I found my way to Gage Park and have been a part of things for more than 30 years. I began as a volunteer, working backstage. Years later, I had the honour of being a board member. And in 2002, when the festival was in a precarious position, I became the executive director. It has been the ultimate privilege to serve the festival.
The music of Wilcox, Hawkins, Bachman and Cockburn will play in my head for an eternity. The friendships with Tom, Jackie, Steve, et al. will be cherished forever. Air Supply in the pouring rain, City and Colour with the biggest crowd in the history of this city, Eric Burdon, B52’s, Leon Redbone, Vince Neil, just a few of the memories that fill me with pride. F of F has been a keen supporter of local music since its inception, and that remains true today. Watching the emergence of bands like Monster Truck and Walk Off the Earth, who played early in their careers on a side stage, is most satisfying. All the various musical incarnations of Tom Wilson, over the years, could fill an entire festival line up. MusicCityCanada is not new.
After 15 years at the helm, it’s time to say goodbye. But, more importantly, it’s vital that I say thank you.
Thank you to the staff of the Tivoli, who worked so hard and truly saved the festival when things were pretty murky.
Thank you to the board of directors, coordinators and volunteers. Nothing would ever have been possible without your countless hours.
Thank you to our government partners, sponsors and vendors. You helped us produce world-class concerts.
Thank you to the millions of audience members. Your support is why we do what we do.
And finally, thank you to the Powells. Bill Powell, the founder of the Festival of Friends, is missed by me and this community every day. As Bill had Lynn, I had Lisa at my side. Bill taught me that anything worth doing is worth doing better with a great woman beside you.
My tenure with the festival had its tense moments with City Hall. I hope council knows that I was only ever doing what I thought was best for the festival. Those days are long ago. A renewed willingness to make it work again at Gage Park is a blessing for the entire city of Hamilton. We enjoyed our time at the Ancaster Fairgrounds. We did some amazing shows, but it never really was our home.
As I exit, I ask this community to continue to embrace the festival. Please, go to Gage Park and discover some music this summer. And, when you are there, buy something to eat or drink or wear, etc. And most importantly, find someone wearing a volunteer shirt and thank them. I know the new management team will continue to deliver the finest in free entertainment.
“Whatever happens, it’s not the end, we’ll meet again at the Festival of Friends.” — Bruce Cockburn
… continue to embrace the festival. Please, go to Gage Park and discover some music this summer.