“The talent from all over the world is really incredible and it is great that Midland appreciates world music,” says an impressed visitor to the weekend festival
The One World Music Festival, two days of music and cultural celebration, attracted quite a crowd to Midland this weekend.
The Brookside Music Association organizes the festival at Little Lake Park to encourage the community to dance to the rhythm of cultures from around the world and share their own rhythm with others.
“The main purpose of the event is to celebrate inclusion and diversity,” said John French, founder and artistic director of the Brookside Music Association.
“I want to grow it and make it an annual tourism attraction that promotes community engagement and cohesion,” French explained.
The event began on Friday and continued through Saturday night, inviting musical talent from around the world to take to the stage to celebrate culture with bands such as Huronia Hot Strings, The Red Hot Stove Pipe Band, Michel Payment, Stir It Up, Neema Children’s Choir – Africa, Ariko – Franco Ontarian, Lara Wong and Melón Jiménez Quartet – Spanish Flamenco, Pan Fantasy Steel Band – Caribbean, Beny Esguerra and New Tradition Music – Colombia – Hip-Hop with Latin American musical styles, Payadora Tango Ensemble – Argentina – Tango and Waahli – Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop.
“I was here last night and I really like it,” said visitor Pat File. “The setting is beautiful and I love Little Lake Park… it’s a real gem.”
She was impressed by the range of musical offerings.
“They bring together a great variety of music to experience with a beautiful message. One world, all kinds of music and cultures,” said File, who was impressed by the Neema Child Project.
“They are so full of energy and I love that youthful energy. The instruments are as interesting to watch as the dancing,” File explained.
Guests didn’t let Saturday’s rain stop them from putting on their dancing shoes to celebrate their differences and acknowledge what makes different cultures unique.
“I just love it and want to do it again next year, it’s so good for Midland. I braved the rain and would do it again for that,” said local volunteer Tim Adams.
“Lots of nice people and lots of fun. Good stuff and new things from all over the world,” he added.
Attendees were invited to share a cold cider or beer, shop at local vendors, and get a taste of the culture offered at Auntee Donna’s spicy jerk products, The Ten of Tarts’ handmade butter tarts, Han’s European Beach Bites, and Muna’s Middle East Cuisine.
“Music is universal and I like how our area code encompasses different musical cultures,” said Michael Duckett.
“Music is for all of us. Whether young or old. It’s nice that we listen to different styles of music so that we can understand different cultures and they can understand us,” says Duckett.
Fae Brouillard danced along with others to the Ontarian band Ariko, played by Lafontaine Franco.
“It’s my favorite band. I listen to them all the time and have their CD,” she explained.
Laurie Boone raved about the Melón Jiménez and Lara Wong World Quartet with Spanish flamenco.
“The flamenco dancing was incredible. The talent from all over the world is really incredible,” Boone said.
Tara Portelli agreed.
“The talent from all over the world is really incredible and it’s amazing that Midland appreciates world music,” said Portelli as she danced with Michael Duckett.
