The Peterborough Folk Festival has programming for youth of all ages, including a Youth Songwriters' Showcase (14-21), the Emerging Artist Award (18-21), Local-Vocal-Live (our twice-annual young songwriters' workshop and performance, 14-21), and a Children's Village (0-early teen) at the festival.

Read on for more details about our Youth programs!

The Emerging Artist Award

The PFF believes in inveesting in young performers, and in 2001 created an award to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. Judging by the careers of the past recipients, the Emerging Artist Award is a  step on the road to a life-long career in music.

Winners of the Emerging Artist Award:

2001 - Serena Ryder
2002 - James McKenty (The Spades)
2003 - Beau Dixon (Slips and the High-Fives, Dub Trinity)
2004 - Jill Staveley (The Staveley Project)
2005 - Benj Rowland (The County Boys)
2006 - Drea Nasager
2007 - Dave Simard and Kelly McMichaels 

Recipients of this award are given showcase spots on the festival weekend, a guaranteed spot on the festival main stage the following year, a Sonicbids account, and a trip to the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals' annual conference.  

The award is granted to an artist by the Artistic Director based on asessment of skill, dedication, and artistic merit. 

At the festival:

Sunday, August 26 - Children's Village

The Children's Village is for kids and parents. Parents must supervise children in this area at all times. Don't forget to drink lots of water, and wear hats and sunscreen!

The Children’s Village is open 12 noon - 5 pm.

Ongoing Activities

Face Painting with Charlotte Smith
Arts Crafty Table with Nade Nixon
Green Sprouts Fun Table
Drama Games, Water Games, and Camp songs with Angel Drago
Solar Death Ray Workshop - Witness the potential of solar energy first hand! Join environmental educator John Etches for a demonstration of his solar "death ray" made out of garbage. Light wood on fire and cook hot dogs, using just the power of the sun! Come rain or shine.

Children’s Village Schedule

12:00 Seed Harvesting Workshop with Jill Bishop (urbantomato@hotmail.com)

1:00 Make your own Juggling Balls with Alice Horwood and Dave Johnston

1:30 Learn to Juggle with Dave Johnston

2:00 Kids song writing Workshop with Donald Fraser

3:00 Kids Parade to the stage and Pandemonium Chorus with Donald Fraser, Cara Moynes, Sam Gleason and Jessica Hafeli - Come one come all!

 

Children’s Village Sponsors and Supporters include:

Rollin Acres Independent School 705-932-2107

Green Sprouts Childcare www.greensprouts.ca

John Etches has been an environmental educator for 23 years, 
and has a keen interest in the potential of the sun as an 
alternative energy source. He is currently on the Board of 
Directors of Camp Kawartha.

Charlotte Smith is an artist and writer who lives in East City 
with her husband and famed pug dog Steve McQueen. She is
 happy to be a part of the Ptbo Folk Festival as a board 
member, volunteer, and audience member. She works part-
time for the provincial government and will be starting her 
English MA at Trent University in September. She can be 
contacted about face painting and pet portraits at 
charlottesmith81@gmail.com.  

Angel Drago is enthusiastic, energetic, dramatic, and loves children. She worked for Medeba Adventure Learning Centre and was a summer camp counsellor for many years. She is a fourth year Anthropogy/Archaeology graduate from Trent U and a local grassroots artist/emerging musician.

Donald Fraser writes songs for big people and small people, short people and tall people. With characters such as Billy Idle and Dr Gerald Von Greenhaus, he has performed at countless provincial parks, schools, camps and festivals. As a former member of the Paddling Puppeteers and writer/producer for the Cool Captain Climate Show, Donald has garnered both awards and accolades. His newest character, Boxcar Billy, shares history lessons and songs from the 1920's and 30's. Accidentally educating while having fun, Donald delivers social and environmental learning through laughter and song.