The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) has always been renowned for its mix of big-name entertainers and unexpected gems. But one thing that surprises many first-time attendees is the intimacy of the entire experience.
That’s particularly true of the marquee names, which this year include Jim Cuddy, Serena Ryder, Howie Mandell, and Matt Anderson. “These are people who play Massey Hall, and then they come up here and play an intimate space in Huntsville,” says artistic director Dan Watson. “It’s a unique opportunity for the performers and the audience alike.”
Those shows are always a delight, but long-time festivalgoers are just as excited about the lesser-known performers. “The Kuné show on July 11 has a lot of people talking,” says Dan. “It’s an 11-piece orchestra made up of musicians from 11 different countries. They all immigrated to Canada and have created an amazing group that draws on all their different musical cultures.”
Then there’s a rare performance by Elizabeth and Beverley Glenn-Copeland on July 26. Glenn has been a working musician since the early 1970s, but only saw fame a few years ago when audiophiles in Japan discovered a self-produced album he had released in 1985. It was hailed as a hidden masterpiece, and the 74-year-old was suddenly besieged by offers to remaster the album, a documentary, and his first-ever international tour.
Other highlights on the calendar include Choir Choir Choir, the Toronto phenomenon where audiences learn to sing beloved songs in four-part harmony. They will be singing songs by Taylor Swift and Queen at two separate shows on August 9.
Broadcaster Terry O’Reilly (Under The Influence) will be appearing at the Algonquin Theatre. So, too, will Classic Albums Live, George Canyon, and more. And there are plenty of shows at unique venues, including the barn at Hillside Farm, and the outdoor stage in the woods at Etwell.
As the name implies, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts isn’t just about music. The annual Nuit Blanche North (July 19) is a free open-air nighttime festival that takes over downtown Huntsville with multimedia installations and a wide array of different performances.
The Canoe Murals Project, meanwhile, showcases local artists who each paint a canoe. This year Indigenous artists are front and centre, painting canoes that depict the Seven Grandfather Teachings, a core part of local First Nations knowledge.
Membership is the best way to take full advantage of the expansive festival, giving advanced access to tickets, discounts, and more.
TEXT A. WAGNER-CHAZALON
