By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
Georgina residents had plenty of choices for where to spend their time last weekend. Some of the biggest events were the Music in the Streets Festival at Pioneer Village, and the Free Spirit Festival at Clearwater Farm.
Music in the Streets, organized by Connors Music, has been a beloved tradition since 1996! The Free Spirit Festival is a fresh addition, marking its second year.
John Connors, one of the Music Festival organizers, highlighted how the festival continues to grow each year: “Today we have 180 students taking the stage, alongside 30 local bands and performers,” he says.
The festival grounds echoed with the sounds of every instrument imaginable, from guitar strummings to the twang of bright-sounding ukuleles. The youngest performer was 5 years old, and the oldest—well, maybe 105? Connors quips that he didn’t dare inquire if any were over 100 years old! Well, the festival proves age is just a number when it comes to making music!
One of the performers was the multi-talented Ethan Liburt-Nobles, a piano student, who also sings in a chamber choir and is a member of many school bands, including a symphonic band, and a jazz band. His enthusiasm for music is infectious: “I love music. I just can’t resist experimenting with different sounds. There are so many opportunities for music lovers in Georgina, and the crowd at this event proves that our community appreciates music.”
Darya Bubnov, Ethan’s piano teacher, shares Ethan’s enthusiasm: “I am passionate about music, and I am thankful for our supportive community, ” she says.
While the Music Festival buzzed with electrifying energy, moving at a fast pace, the Free Spirit Festival at Clearwater Farm offered a different atmosphere. Visitors strolled past the newly opened Zen Garden into a serene and unhurried ambience, where gentle music filled the air.
With almost 20 session facilitators and speakers, over 30 vendors, and 9 entertainers, there was plenty to choose from to supercharge your soul, which is indeed the festival’s motto.
One of the facilitators, Michelle Richards-Clermont, a visual artist and art teacher, shared her vision of a beautiful world through her art workshops for both kids and adults.
“The community here is incredible, very supportive, and the kids are so enthusiastic. I absolutely love to work with youngsters,” Michelle remarked.
Taking a break from her sessions, she indulged in an ancient head massage offered by Terry Taln, the owner of Higher Healing Hacienda. Taln explains: “This traditional massage, which originates in India, involves family members sitting in front of each other and performing the massage to relax and connect.”
There were abundant opportunities to relax and connect at both festivals. Although the events have ended, the experiences live on. You can connect with the Free Spirit Festival facilitators, vendors, and entertainers through their website: https://freespiritfest.ca/, and for those interested in exploring musical opportunities, be sure to visit Connors Music website: https://www.connorsmusic.ca/
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