Harmony Bazaar plans underway

This will mark the second year for the festival and according to chairperson Erin Spivle, it will run for three days instead of one.

“Last year was a really big success,� said Spivle, “it is a fun weekend for the whole family to come out and enjoy.�

The festival focuses on women artists and creates a place for them to show off their talents in music, songwriting, storytelling, crafts and artistic expression.

The women and song festival was a project born out of the Shelburne County’s Fishnet group, a non-profit organization to support the women, seniors and youth of Shelburne County for the betterment of the community.

Fishnet groups arose from the impact that changes on the fishing industry had on communities, families and women, and tend to plant most of their successful ideas around the kitchen table.

It shows how hard they are working towards their mission statement with the upcoming festival and Spivle calls out to the community for volunteers to help out with the event.

“It’s an excellent way to gain new skills,� said Spivle.

They will be holding a meeting open to the public in Shelburne on Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. held at Enterprise Square.

Volunteers could do such things as ticket sales, public relations to the media, organizing artists or anything to allow the event to run smoothly.

According to Spivle they would also like to hire a producer on contract to give a fresh approach and to help tie together the whole event.

The festival promises female artists performing their own music, varying in style from folk and gospel to rock and bluegrass.

A crafter’s market, workshops (including songwriting and storytelling) and art displays are also on the agenda.

Last year the festival received much support from the community and local businesses as well as a grant from the provincial government.

Spivle says the Harmony Bazaar Festival for Women & Song is the only women’s festival in the entire province.

She also wanted to point out the festival is not just for women but also for entire families.