Event unites community in celebration of creativity and connection
By Barb Sharp and Paige Morgan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woodstock was full of melodies and artistry in July, as musical talents from the Maritimes and Quebec showcased their talent at a spectrum of venues for the Dooryard Arts Festival.
Ross Kinney is the festival’s program director. He said this year was wonderful due to the enthusiastic crowds, captivating performances, and excellent weather.
“It was great to see people enjoying themselves, catching up with friends, and even coming from out of town to see the main stage. We are fortunate to have so many local sponsors and a town that supports these events. It makes a difference in the community,” said Kinney.
Three days of festivities kicked off with Fredericton’s (first-ever and only) comedy club, The Comic Sutra. Three of the club’s most popular comedians, Brad Rice, Maggie Estey, and Kelly Lamrock, had people chuckling at the Best Western conference room.
On Friday, artist Zack Ingles, Adam Baldwin and the Jenny Wren, and Elyse Aeryn and Money Doll performed at the main stage.
The final day was packed full of various forms of art, like music, magic, photography, paintings, and crafts.
Barb Sharp, a Dooryard Arts Festival volunteer, said it’s a time for everyone of all ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy art.
“It brings people together from all walks of life. Music and art are inclusive, a universal language that builds bridges, sparks creativity, and brings joy to many,” said Sharp.
This was the Fredericton-based singer-songwriter Danielle Doiron’s first time performing at the festival on the Kierstead Court stage; however, she couldn’t have felt more at home.
The musician admitted she was “a little nervous” to perform for a new community, but she found it very exciting to connect with new artists.
After losing her mother four years ago, music became an outlet for her, and she hopes her music helps other people heal as much as it did for her.
One of Dooryard’s original co-founders, Amy Anderson, is happy to see how far the Dooryard Arts Festival has come since 2009.
“I’m super proud it’s still going and current organizers Ross Kinney and Gloria Yachyshen are carrying on the important traditions of Dooryard, keeping it accessible and all ages, mixing artistic genres and celebrating the incredible wealth of creative talent we have in the Woodstock area,” said Anderson.
(Gallery photos below taken by Barb Sharp)
