Two Fine Fests in Elphin
by Kris Riendeau
Looking for a good excuse to visit Elphin? C’mon — you know you are. It’s got that great evocative name, it’s up in the wild, far reaches of Lanark County (close to the arts-rich destinations of McDonalds Corners and Maberly), and it boasts the highest per capita concentration of Juno award-winners in all of Canada (according to the experts at Stats-Humm). Well, have we got good news for you — here are not one, but two great reasons to visit Elphin this summer!
Elphin Roots Festival
First up is the second annual Elphin Roots Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 30 from noon until 11PM. This event is organized by Jenny Whiteley, whose credentials for the job include residing in beautiful downtown Elphin and having won two Juno Awards in the Best Solo Roots and Traditional category. Not to mention coming from a brilliantly musical family, being married to another talented musician (Joey Wright), and having been involved with collaborative initiatives like the Hootenanny Review. So well-connected is Jenny in the world of Roots music that she can entice the likes of Jim Bryson, Melwood Cutlery, Luther Wright & The Wrongs, Butterfingers (for the kids), Chris Brown, and a pile of others (including some absolutely amazing, you’ll kick yourself for weeks if you miss them, likely to increase the concentration of Juno award-winning, super special guests) to the grassy knolls of Elphin for a day of outstanding music.
That’s outstanding as in “outstanding in their field” music, because the venue is actually a field, with some lovely rolling hilly bits and just enough dappled shade to keep you from frying. And speaking of frying, if you’re feeling peckish you can head over to the “Elf-Inn Express” — a new chip wagon-with-a-twist on the festival grounds. Add to that a BBQ, a shady kids’ area, a few funky vendors and a post-show bonfire, and you have the perfect family-oriented outdoor summer musical experience. Tickets to Elphin Roots Festival are $20 (kids under 12 get in for free), and can be purchased at Shadowfax in Perth or by phoning 1–800–518–2729. Please bring your own chairs but leave dogs at home. More information on camping, accommodations, and directions can be found here.
Elphinfest
Keep those directions handy, because the next weekend you’ll want to drive back to the very same spot. On Saturday, July 7 from noon–11PM, Elphinfest plans to rock your world. Organizer “Rockin’ Rick” Killingbeck is also the owner of the delightful piece of property that lends itself so well to outdoor events, and he has been running Elphinfest for six consecutive years. His goal is to offer a rocking — but not raunchy — good time to all ages with a line-up that ranges from acoustic blues (Shaun Russell Smith) to “Celtic madness and mayhem” (The Skirmish), with plenty of straight-up rock and blues thrown in (Pocket Change, The Woodrunners, Rukkus, and Still Dangerous).
Rick moved to Elphin eleven years ago, and has since put a great deal of effort into creating a welcoming meeting place in the small hamlet. He has built an outdoor stage and a teepee for kids, cleared away brush, and transformed his property into a venue sure to please both performers and patrons. The latest addition, the Elf-Inn Express, features standard chip truck fare with extras like turkey wraps, succulent fish and chips, and even a Friday night turkey dinner that has become an instant hit with the locals. Rick’s partner Barb Bastian is the talent in the culinary department, and keeps the Elf-Inn running from the first of May through to Thanksgiving weekend (it opens at 11AM, and is closed only on Tuesdays).
Rick describes Elphinfest as “big time on a small scale”, and is clearly enthusiastic about creating an event that makes great music affordable and accessible to all ages. He is a big fan of the Blue Skies festival, and has built up both his property and his event with that intimate, family-oriented model in mind. The emphasis is on good quality rather than ear-splitting sound, and the musical experience is rounded out with face painting, vendors, fair trade coffee, an after-hours bonfire, and of course great food and drinks from the Elf-Inn Express. Admission is only $10 at the gate, and it’s bring-your-own chairs and coolers (but no pooches).
And if you just can’t get enough of the exciting Elphin scene after these two fun-filled Saturdays, Rick is happy to have others book his place for their own musical events. For more information, visit Rick’s website.