Second SunRun Revival Festival a success

By Chris Houston

On Labour Day weekend, Maynooth's SunRun Farm hosted the second annual SunRun Revival Music Festival. Thirteen bands and artists played over two days. Organizers described the event as taking place on “August 31 and 32” in a bold attempt to delay the onset of September. September has since landed as usual, but every other part of the festival planning appeared to result in great success.
In an exclusive interview with Bancroft This Week, festival organizers shared their recollections and plans for next year's festival. “It all started with Benj Rowland,” said co-organizer Tim Logan. The “folk, rock, pop, and more” themed festival took place on Logan's family farm. “Since 2010, I've wanted him to come,” Logan said, speaking of his respect for Rowland's use of the hand-cranked stringed instrument the hurdy-gurdy. “He also played a bouzouki,” explained Tammy Lin Foreman. Co-organizer Ian Russell opened day two. Wayne Elliott, who uses the stage name WEBmadman was the fourth organizer.
Rowland played his hurdy-gurdy as the third performer on day one and he “did a great set”, according to Foreman. Saturday also saw performances from Him & Her, Albert Saxby, Babe Chorus, Sarah DeCarlo, and freedubstar. Saturday's performers were mostly from Peterborough.
After an open mic session, Sunday saw mostly local performers on the stage. Ian Russell, John Foreman and Appalachian Celtic, OsMoses, The Salt Cellars, WEBmadman, The Ephemerals (Tammy Lin Foreman's Band with Michael Hankus, Mike Schell, Miriam Hookings, and Ian Russell), and Anomalia all performed.
The inaugural SunRun Revival Festival occurred last year and included three bands. The organizers were keen to fill the gap left since the once-annual Maynooth Madness festival came to an end.
The very loosely enforced entrance fee for the festival was $30 a day, or $50 for both. Anyone who could not afford that was welcome under the “pay what you can” concept. Around 150 people attended, including both festival goers and volunteers.
Organizers were united in their strong praise for Lake St. Peter-based sound technician Damon Gold. Festival goer Dave asked Bancroft This Week not to publish his family name and said that that the festival had “good vibes” and that he had “a wicked good time”. Dave also stated that “Tammy was amazing. I'd see her again and I'll be going back next year.”
The third SunRun Revival Music Festival is scheduled for Labour Day weekend in 2024. A planned Halloween fundraiser for the festival is scheduled for “October 33rd”, more commonly known as Nov. 2. Next year's festival is planned to include a wider range of arts, including dance, theater, and visual arts amidst forest walks.