The County of Haliburton is hoping to drum up interest in winter tourism by partnering with area businesses and music venues on a series of intimate concerts throughout February.
The first-annual February Folk Fest will feature more than 30 artists performing at locations across the Highlands. While events are organized by the different venues, the County is reimbursing most performances to the tune of $150, says tourism manager Angelica Ingram.
The goal, she said, is to provide free or lowcost experiences and programs to County residents and visitors on weekends. It kicked off Feb. 1, coinciding with Hike Haliburton winter edition.
“We are very pleased and excited to see how quickly everyone jumped on board with this new initiative. As soon as the festival was announced we had local businesses and musicians eager to get involved,” Ingram said. “February Folk Fest is a celebration of talented musicians and community spirit… I truly believe it will emphasize how Haliburton County has become a destination for live music and hope it spurs continued interest in the performing arts.”
Cover band Franks and Beans performed at Sir Sam’s Feb. 1, with Will Surphlis playing the Boshkung Smokehouse and Terra Lightfoot taking to the stage at the Haliburton Legion.
This coming weekend sees Hilary Hawke play a ‘Home Routes House Concert’ at Haliburton United Church Feb. 7; Woody Woodburn at Sir Sam’s, Van Hilliert at Boshkung Smokehouse, Brian Wilde at the Haliburton Legion, and Nicholas Russell at Sir Sam’s – all Feb. 8.
The ‘Folk Fest Friends’ Jeff Moulton, Anna Morgan, Jodi Timgren and Drew Allen will play the Haliburton Legion Feb. 9, with Erin Blackstock at Boshkung Smokehouse, Heart and Soul at the Dominion Hotel, and Russell at Rhubarb Restaurant.
There are performances later in the month by Trina West, Thom Lambert, Joslynn Burford, The Night Howlers, Mike Stoneman, Bill Black, Homestead Elite, and North of Seven.
Ingram said while the Haliburton County Folk Society is collaborating on the event, and it’s themed around folk music, other genres will be featured.
“My hope is this generates business for our local economy, while celebrating the talented array of artists we have in the Highlands,” Ingram said. “Things like Hike Haliburton have long drawn visitors to the area and I believe the Folk Fest will be similar in nature.”
For a full lineup, visit myhaliburtonhighlands.com/february-folkfest.
