At just 14 years of age, Kip Kelly is excited about participating in this weekend’s Winter Folk Camp.
The Grade 8 student started taking music classes when he was three years old, and continued to play piano with Lauren McInnes until he was 11. He then switched to playing electric guitar and has been taking lessons with Nick Russell for three years. He’s sung with Beth Kipping’s youth ensemble too.
Kelly, along with mom of four, Anna Morgan, have been selected by the Haliburton County Folk Society to attend the event for free.
Kelly reckons he will be the youngest in attendance, something he is used to at musical events in the County.
His goal is to “get better at guitar playing and improvising …maybe to get into songwriting.” He is also intrigued at the prospect of learning from some new teachers.
Morgan’s been involved in music since the age of 10. She plays guitar and piano and sings. She is taking piano lessons and would like to teach one day herself.
“I’m excited,” she said of being selected. “I’ve heard there’s some really good musicians that show up, so hopefully we get to learn some new skills.”
Being new to the folk genre, she’d like to add to her knowledge. She’s also keen to boost her songwriting experience. “I’ve been writing a lot of my own stuff so it will be really nice to get some tips and tricks on how to do it faster and better,” she said.
The popular music event, now in its 14th year, sold out in four days after registration opened.
Eighty people will gather on the shores of Koshlong Lake at YMCA Camp Wanakita Feb. 28 – March 3 of music workshops, concerts, song circles, and jam sessions.
The camp generally attracts people from across southern Ontario, but 17 locals will be on-hand. It’s presented by the folk society, which hires music instructors and performers. This year’s roster includes Coco Love Alcorn, Cara Luft of The Small Have you seen it yet? Glories, Rob Lutes, Caroline Brooks of The Good Lovelies, Katherine Wheatley, and Thom Lambert.
Lambert is the second local musician to teach at the camp, after Russell in 20232024.
“Their participation is testament to the state of performing arts in the Haliburton Highlands that boasts a rich community and tradition of presenting and performing music,” the folk society’s Barrie Martin said.
Local music fans can experience camp by attending one of the evening concerts. On March 1, Luft, Wheatley and Lambert will perform. Lutes, Brooks and Love Alcorn will grace the stage March 2.
“There is something incredible that happens at these concerts. The camp participants are well into their camp experience – high on music, so to speak, and when evening concert-goers arrive to listen, they are joining a very engaged audience. The results are electric; it will be an unforgettable concert experience,” Martin said.
More information and a limited number of tickets are available at haliburtonfolk.com
