SappyFest Songwriter-In-Residence: Call for Applications

SappyFest is now accepting applications from qualifying musicians to the 2017 SappyFest songwriter in residence program. This program is grant-dependant and is contingent on receiving funds from the province of New Brunswick.

The residency offers one songwriter or songwriting team for a period of two to four weeks in July/August 2017 the opportunity to live and create in Sackville. The successful applicant will be provided with accommodations and a private studio space to write, rehearse and practice new material. Artists will also have the opportunity and be encouraged to facilitate community outreach programs such as talks, workshops or performances, intended to promote interaction and professional development. Artists will also be asked to perform at SappyFest XII: August 4-6 2017.

The ideal applicant will have an extensive history of performance in Canada, and a desire to embrace the unique cultural and physical setting of Sackville, New Brunswick.

Applications must include a statement of interest (500 words max), brief personal and artistic history and examples of any previous recordings. Please send all relevant information (no large attachments please) to producer@sappyfest.com. The deadline for this application is January 25, 2017.  

xo Team Sappy.

SappyFest XII: Yes, we are hiring!

Ever wanted to help run SappyFest? Now is your chance:

SappyFest is hiring a Creative Director for the 2017 festival. This is a one-year contract with the possibility of renewal.

Responsibilities of the Creative Director include:

·             Festival Programming: organizing the line-up, booking and coordinating with artists involved with Sappy XII in consultation with the SappyFest Board of Directors.

·             Festival Management: collaborating with the town of Sackville and local businesses to coordinate venues, street closures, technical rentals and other festival logistics. Working alongside and supervising 1-2 SappyFest interns with volunteer coordination, media outreach, and festival logistics.

·             Festival Outreach: working with organizations in Sackville and beyond to develop new partnerships and initiatives to help strengthen the festival's relationship to its broader arts and music community. This also includes seeking out fundraising and sponsorship opportunities.

·             Grant writing and report writing as necessary and in consultation with the SappyFest Board of Directors.

Salary: $20/hour.

Contract Duration: February 1 to August 14th 2017. 20 hours per week before May 15, 40 hours per week for final three months.

SappyFest is an equal opportunity employer. SappyFest welcomes and encourages applications from women, racially visible persons, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. 

If interested, please submit your CV and cover letter to producer@sappyfest.com by January 15, 2017. Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SappyFest XII runs August 4-6, 2017.

Looking forward to working together!

SAPPYFEST AGM 2016

SappyFest Inc.
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, November 30, 2016 - 7PM
Struts Gallery
7 Lorne Street, Sackville NB

—————————————————

SappyFest would like to invite its membership and those interested in becoming members to the 2016 Annual General Meeting. This is an open meeting with presentations from staff and board members on the organization's activities, financials, and future.

The agenda, last year's minutes, current bylaws and the agenda, are available by request.

Key agenda items will include:

- Elections to the SappyFest Board of Directors
- Approval of 2015 Financial Statements

Sappy Rag & Review // Telegraphic

For the last seven years dear friend and author Sean Michaels has penned Sappy's Sappy Times: a daily journal, printed on real paper, distributed across the festival site. Every night I'd get home at 1 or 2 a.m. and collect my thoughts on all the marvels I heard. The Times were penned between the hours of midnight and 6:47 a.m.

(To view the Sappy Times archive, click HERE).

Due to life's beauty & complications Sean was unable to make it to the eleventh edition of SappyFest this summer, however, we had local artists Patrick Allaby, Geodie Miller, Erin Wunker, and Jerry Ropson produce the Sappy Rag & Review // Telegraphic.  

INTERVIEW - JENNY GILLESPIE TAKES ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 

For our final week of The Doiron Questionnaire, we had Halifax's own Jenny Gillespie A.K.A. Coco Barracuda tackle the questions in true style. Check out what she had to say below and catch her set at SappyFest XI on Sunday, July 31st at 1PM on the Main Stage.

What is the principle vibe of your music?
"A serum of sour grapes. A rubber sand dune that jiggles as you jiggle. Running free in a virtual body. Dream rider: L'Ange de la nuit. Baby-grade pineapple juice. I'm always crying."

If you weren’t in your band, who’s band would you be in?
"I'd wanna collaborate with Jun Togawa during her Yapoos phase... right now, I dig/respect Lido Pimienta from Toronto so much, and would be so sick to sing with her one day."

What defines a good base line?
"Bass that makes you clench your teeth like your squeezing a cute puppy."

What are the worst qualities of the best musicians?
"Artists being absolved of racism, sexism, etc. because of their creative output."

Your idea of the worst live show?
"Sausage fest. And no windows when it's hot!"

What talent would you sell your soul for?
"When I was a kid, I used to wish the same thing every time: 'I wish I had all the powers that elves have in Elfquest.'"

Your idea of the best stage outfit?
"A body suit with an absurd amount of layered, coloured chiffon, making me into a big fluffy, flowing monster!"

Your idea of the worst stage outfit?
"Anything that restricts movement, or leather pants?"

What would make you quit a band?
"A creative direction where being offensive for the sake of being "edgy", rather than for an underlying message. Do whatever you want, but that's not my thing."

What are you afraid of?
"Not being productive enough--stagnating into oblivion. Purgatory???? It's something I'm trying to let go of because the pressure of that can get too much sometimes."

What quality as a musician do you most wish you had but don’t?
"Being able to function without adequate sleep. I can be a cranky baby."

Which musician, political figure or event of the past did the most damage to music, be gentle?
"I could write an essay about this."

Which musician, political figure or event has done the most good?
"In recent memory, women of colour who are asserting themselves and their art unapologetically. More representation, please!"

Would you rather a child, a dog, or a toyota privia?
"A pupperoni."

Favourite small town other than Sackville?
"I grew up in Deep Brook, NS. I wouldn't say it's totally my favourite, but those special childhood spots are pretty sacred to me."

What is your motto?
"I don't know... a mish mash of stuff. Learn your boundaries, be empathetic and kind-hearted. Be genuine and only fuck with people who truly care about you. That last one takes awhile to figure out."

What do you wish everyone else’s motto was?
"~PLUR~"

INTERVIEW - GEORDIE MILLER TAKES ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 

Recent Halifax-to-Sackville transplant Geordie Miller will be hosting and performing at the annual Universal Dawn literary event at the Vogue Cinema on Sunday, July 31st.

Between his studies, writing and bartending at Thunder & Lightning Ltd., Miller took the time to take on the weekly Doiron Questionnaire, organized by Sappy XI performer Julie Doiron. Check out his answers below.

Favourite qualities in a collaborator?
"Enthusiasm and honesty. Say we're driving near dusk. We spot a lynx on the horizon. Days later, one of us admits that we didn't actually see it.  Were just excited to be in on the moment."

What is the principle vibe of your work?
"Observational."

If you weren't in your band, who's band would you be in?
"I'm not in my band! I'd totally be in a band. Let me join the band?"

What defines a good bass line?
"Please tell me."

What are the worst qualities of the best writers?
"A certain kind of egoism. The kind that might be creatively necessary, but can also be socially destructive. You know the type."

Your idea of the worst live show?
"Three words: Donald Trump rally."

What talent would you sell your soul for?
"Is anyone good at candlepin bowling? I don't think so. I'd like to be the first."

Your idea of the best stage outfit?
"For me personally it has to include jorts."

Your idea of the worst stage outfit?
"Tom Brady jersey."

What would make you quit a project?
"If the project started to get really mean."

What would make you kick someone out of a tour van?
"They steal my insulin."

What are you afraid of?
"Heights."

What quality as a writer do you most wish you had but don't?
"Fearlessness."

Which musician, political figure or event of the past did the most damage to writing? (be gentle)
"Ronald Reagan."

Which musician, political figure or event has done the most good?
"Margaret Thatcher."

Would you rather a child, a dog, or a Toyota Privia?
"Dog."

Favourite small town other than Sackville?
"Truro."

What is your motto?
"Be the weird people you used to fear."

What do you wish everyone else's motto was?
"An injury to one is an injury to all."

Check out the full schedule of events for SappyFest XI HERE.

"WISH YOU WERE HERE" POSTCARD CONTEST - FINAL WINNER ANNOUNCED

 

The final winner of the Republic of SappyFest "Wish You Were Here" postcard contest has been announced. Congratulations to @candicecloutier (dice)! You've won two (2) full weekend passes to SappyFest XI on July 29-31.

Thanks to all past and present festival supporters for collecting and mailing postcards and thank you to our sponsors and partners for collaborating in bringing this project to life!

Check out all of the entries for #republicofsappyfest on Instagram.

Pick up your full weekend or day passes to SappyFest XI HERE.

COMEDY AND UNIVERSAL DAWN ADDED TO SAPPYFEST XI LINEUP

 
Kaleigh Trace

Kaleigh Trace

SappyFest XI is happy to announce more artists and performers to the already bustling lineup for the festival on July 29-31.

As in previous years, we're excited to bring together writers, poets and storytellers from across the country at the Universal Dawn literary event in honour of our late friend Dawn Wason. Hosted by Andrew Patterson and Geordie Miller and curated by Patterson, Universal Dawn at SappyFest XI is excited to welcome Erinn Beth Langille, Laura Legge, Tim Darcy and Patrick Kyle to the stages of the Vogue Cinema for an afternoon of intimate readings and performances on Sunday, July 31st at 12PM.

We're also excited to bring together some of the sharpest comedic minds in Canada to Sackville, NB with two comedy shows planned for SappyFest XI.

To kick off the fun ahead of the festival weekend, the Laugh Track Stars Showcase at Thunder & Lightning Ltd. on Friday, July 22nd will welcome the talents of Megan McDowell, Nolan Natasha and host Kaleigh Trace.

During the festival, you will be able to catch more laughs with the comedic talents of Flag on the Play, Kira Daube and more appearing throughout the weekend.

INTERVIEW - NICK EVERETT TAKES ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 
Photo: Lenny Mullins

Photo: Lenny Mullins

After the boys of GIRTH took on the questionnaire last week, our attention has turned to dear Nick Everett of the Halifax group Mauno for this week's Doiron Questionnaire, organized by Julie Doiron.

While all of our respondents have so far been quite creative, Nick decided to focus his energy by responding in photos to articulate what passed through his mind with each question.

Click on each of the thumbnails below to see what Nick said (or saw) for each question of the Doiron Questionnaire and be sure to tune into Sappy Radio this Friday at 12PM AST on CHMA 106.9FM to hear an interview with Nick by CKDU 88.1FM correspondent Stephen Chew.

SAPPYFEST XI SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN

 
Dario Ayala / The Gazzette

Dario Ayala / The Gazzette

HEY JABRONIS.

Think you have what it takes to perform at SappyFest XI? Well, now's your chance, so don't screw it up.

We're putting together the first annual Showcase Showdown Show at SappyFest XI and we want to give you a shot to join the ranks of Sappy stardom by performing on our hallowed stages.

The first three (3) artists to submit an application to submissions@sappyfest.com will be accepted into the SappyFest XI Showcase Showdown Show.

What we need from you:
- Artist information so we can confirm you're not a total jabroni.
- MP3 of recorded music so we know you don't sound like a total jabroni.
- Confirmation that you will be available between Friday, July 29 and Sunday, July 31 so you don't flake like a total jabroni.

You are responsible for getting yourself here. We'll have a limited selection of gear available, but you will need to bring your essentials. 

If you're in, we'll be in touch. If you're not, move quicker next time.

The Showcase Showdown Show is brought to you by Thunder & Lightning Ideas Ltd.

CROWN CAMPING ON KING STREET & SAPPY RIDESHARE

 

In partnership with Mount Allison University, we are happy to announce the return of Crown Camping on King Street for SappyFest XI on July 29-31.

Set up at the Mount Allison University parking lot on the corner of Main Street and King Street in Sackville, NB, just a short walk from the festival site on Bridge Street. This space is offered for festival attendees to find a place for rest during the festival weekend. The cost to rent a space for the entire weekend (July 29-31) is $40.00 per site. A limited number of spots are available, so please check out the full details and rules for Crown Camping on King Street and sign up HERE.

Making your travel plans or deciding last minute that you want to hop in a car to travel to SappyFest XI? Have no fear - we've organized a Rideshare group on Facebook so you can catch up with other festivalgoers and see who has an open spot heading to the fun. Make sure to add your friends so they can join in the conversation too!

SIGN UP FOR THE KIDS CORNER POWER JAM AT SAPPYFEST XI

 
Poster: Patrick Allaby

Poster: Patrick Allaby

Each summer, the next generation of musicians gather the week of SappyFest to learn, rehearse and rock out in the Kids Corner Power Jam.

KCPJ is back for SappyFest XI and will take place July 25th-29th from 9AM-12PM daily. The camp will take place in the Bill Johnstone Memorial Park Field House and campers between the ages of 8 and 14 will be able to sign up. 

Activities include forming bands, writing songs, makings t-shirts, creating posters, recording demos and performing LIVE on-stage at SappyFest XI under the guidance of local musicians and scenemakers. This year's camp will be facilitated by Banded Stilts and Heat Vision's Steve Haley.

To register or request additional info, please submit your name, contact info and participant(s) name(s) to submissions@sappyfest.com.

The Kids Corner Power Jam is proudly supported by the Sackville Rotary Club.

GREVILLE TAPES TAKE THE STAGE AT SAPPY XI

 

We are excited to announced that The Greville Tapes Music Club Revue will feature performances from all of the collaborators from the first session of the project. This means that you'll be able to catch Motherhood & Catriona Sturton, Julie Doiron & Nancy Pants, Little You, Little Me & Eamon McGrath and Jon McKiel and WHOOP-szo at SappyFest XI!

Today, SappyFest is premiering a video from The Greville Tapes Music Club that encapsulates the experiences of working, writing and recording in scenic Port Greville, NS at the home of Colleen Collins and David Trenaman of Construction & Destruction.

A special thank you to Peter Rowan, Penelope Stevens and everyone else involved from The Shifty Bits Cult and beyond for the production of this video.

INTERVIEW - GIRTH TAKE ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 

Like April of Hooded Fang before them, Sackville residents and Sappy XI performers Zack Bruce, James Gomori and Phil Legere of the band GIRTH took on this week's edition of The Doiron Questionnaire from guest contributor Julie Doiron.

Tune in below and find out about the band's love of shredding, suits and Partner's Dan Legere.

Favourite qualities in a bandmate?
Zack: "Not suggesting things be “more trapped out.” Or “sound huge.""

What is the principle vibe of your music?
Jamie: "It’s not rap-rock, but on paper it looks like it's rap-rock."

If you weren'’t in your band, who’'s band would you be in?
Jamie: "I would like to play bass in Rihanna’s band."

What defines a good bass line?
Phil: "Hit it on the ‘one’ and fit in as much as you can after that."

Your idea of the worst live show?
Jamie: "Phil wore a suit to our first show ever and played Primus covers before our set started."
Zack: "This was just after we told him we didn’t want to look like a joke band."

What talent would you sell your soul for?
Phil: "Town? I can’t hear you, I’m at the zoo. Did you say ‘what town’? Like Springhill?"

Your idea of the worst stage outfit?
Jamie: "A full suit."

What would make you quit a band?
Zack: "Nothing could make me quit a band. Once I join, I won’t quit no matter how much I hate it."

What would make you kick someone out of a tour van?
Zack: "I don’t think I would kick someone out of a van. I think I’d probably just complain about them after."

What are you afraid of?
Phil: "Sharks."

What quality as a musician do you most wish you had but don’'t?
Jamie: "Shredding. I can’t shred."
Phil: "I also wish I could shred."

Which musician, political figure or event of the past did the most damage to music (be gentle)?
Jamie: "Whatever led to nü-metal."

Which musician, political figure or event has done the most good?
Phil: "My brother and best friend, Dan Legere of the band Partner. He’s the leader of the band."

Would you rather a child, a dog, or a Toyota Privia?
Zack: "It would be nice to have a car."

Favourite small town other than Sackville?
Phil: "New Waterford, Cape Breton. That’s where my Dad’s from."

What is your motto?
Jamie: "Zack’s motto is whatever Eeyore says."

What do you wish everyone else’s motto was?
Jamie: "When in doubt, trap it out."
Zack: "Not that. Don’t put that."

Check out music from GIRTH on Soundcloud.

INTERVIEW - APRIL ALIERMO TAKES ON THE DOIRON QUESTIONNAIRE

 
Photo Credit: Tanja-Tiziana via Now Toronto

Photo Credit: Tanja-Tiziana via Now Toronto

Last week, we had a chance to chat with April Aliermo and Daniel Lee of Hooded Fang and Phèdre on Sappy Radio. April was gracious enough to answer our new weekly feature known as The Doiron Questionnaire with guest interviewer and Sappy XI performer Julie Doiron. 

Julie organized a serious of thought-provoking questions to challenge the wits and desires of our dear Sappy XI performers, and April proved wildly successful as a respondent. Check out what she answered below:
 

APRIL ALIERMO (HOODED FANG, PHÈDRE)

Favourite qualities in a bandmate?
"Small, quiet and still, sort of like a garden gnome."

What is the principle vibe of your music?
"Dancing in dark dens."

If you weren't in your band, who's band would you be in?
"M.I.A.'s band"

What defines a good bass line?
"Depends on the song... sometime heart, sometimes sex, sometimes both."

What are the worst qualities of the best musicians?
"Large, loud and moving around all the time - sort of like a busy rush hour crowd."

What talent would you sell your soul for?
"Drumming and rapping at the same time."

Your idea of the best stage outfit?
"Yo, I wear it all the time, guy!"

Your idea of the worst stage outfit?
"I don't have an imagination for that kind of thing."

What would make you quit a band?
"If Daniel makes this terrible joke one more time..."

What would make you kick someone out of a tour van?
"Oh, it's happened... have you smelled Dan's farts?"

What are you afraid of?
"Capitalism, overcosumption and virtual reality."

What quality as a musician do you most wish you had, but don't?
"I wish I were as nuts as Iggy Pop."

Would you rather a child, a dog, or a Toyota Privia?
"Which one could I sell for the most money?"

Favourite small town other than Sackville?
"What? I thought there was only Sackville..."

What is your motto?
"Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well."

MARKET VENDOR + ZINE/CRAFT FAIR VENDOR REGISTRATION

 
Photo Credit: Kim MacMillan 

Photo Credit: Kim MacMillan 

Interested in selling your goods at SappyFest XI? Registration forms are now open.

MARKET VENDORS
If you're interested in selling food or other goods at our festival site on Bridge Street, please find rates, details, and a registration form HERE. 

ZINE/CRAFT FAIR VENDORS
If you're interested in having a table at our Zine/Craft Fair (which will take place at Cranewood On Main on Saturday, July 30th from 12pm-5pm) please find rates, details, and a registration form HERE.

CENTURY EGG, ADRIAN TEACHER AND THE SUBS, HORSES, DARK FOR DARK + MORE JOIN SAPPY XI LINEUP

 

SappyFest is excited to announce the addition of Century Egg, Adrian Teacher and the Subs, Dark for Dark, G.L.A.M. Bats, Coco Barracuda, Horses, Zack Bruce and GIRTH to the roster of musicians already announced for the festival on July 29th through 31st. 

A full schedule of performances and events will be released shortly. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out our full slate of artist profiles HERE.

Full weekend passes are now available for $100 (taxes & fees included) and can be purchased via TicketPro HERE.