Branches and Roots Folk Music Festival : Showcasing talent from the grassroots

The Branches and Roots Folk Music Festival is back again with an exceptional line-up for a three-day celebration of local and Canadian music in Ormstown on July 6, 7 and 8. With a mission to “promote folk music at the grassroots level” the local folk music festival has managed year after year to bring together the best of local talent while showcasing an always eclectic variety of Canadian singer-songwriters and bands. This year’s edition promises to be among the best with a line-up that features among other things a predominantly female main stage presented by Heritage Canada and an afternoon of activities for families presented by the Caisse Desjardins du Haut-Saint-Laurent with the help of Bear Productions. “We’ve got a really good set-up in site,” said Daniel McKell, the President of the Branches and Roots Festival, in describing the new venue at the Village Church on the main in Ormstown. “It has a good feel about it,” he adds, noting Lambton Street will not be closed to traffic as in year’s past as the festival will be situated on the very accessible grounds of the Church and in local venues such as Gigzz Resto. Efforts have also been made to ensure the festival is well represented in both official languages. Folk, Country and Soul The Festival kicks off on Friday, July 6, with the opening concert Violins in the Valley, animated by Bruce Barr, at Gigzz Resto. The following day the Festival will include activities for families in the parking area and grounds of the Village Church with local musicians. Visitors are then invited to an evening of folk, country and soul with Becky Fletcher, Sophie et ses Daltons, and Sonja Ball with Silky Sky. At 11, the Taverne de la Ferme will host Branches and Roots: After Dark with Pastel. Sunday will start with the traditional Gospel Show at the Village Church with a selection of local singers and choirs and the Bluegrass Gospel group The Mud Flat Ramblers. For more information on the Branches and Roots Folk Music Festival as well as a detailed schedule of events, check out their website at www.ormstownmusicfestival.com.