Saturday July 30, 2011: Waterway Soundfaire

When I told some Toronto friends I was spending a week or so in Ottawa to attend Chamberfest 2011, many inquired with innocent curiosity whether that meant lackluster, grey-haired classical musicians dressed in long black garb, playing the music of dead composers on stringed instruments with intensely serious and determined expressions. Of course, I corrected them politely on the matter! Had they known of the fun that my buddy Craig and I had this afternoon at the Waterway Soundfaire, they would have surely liked to join me. The outdoor event consisted of an eclectic variety of colourful and lively ensemble performers by the beautiful Rideau Canal.

Among the diversity of music presented was a unique contraption dubbed “The Cube.” One would describe it as a cube-shaped station upon which various-sized containers and tube-like pieces were attached for the purposes of being whacked with random mallets, sticks, and pieces of foam shaped like the bottom of one’s flip flop sandals. The interactive cube was a load of fun, as passersby were encouraged to participate and make noise as their hearts so desired. I stopped to admire Kate Awesome, a beautiful lady mime dressed in snowy white as she posed with various gestures to mimic that of a mermaid. The Arsis Estonian Youth Handbell Ensemble did a mesmerizing job playing various classical works, including Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. TorQ Percussion Quartet also impressed the audience with fun and challenging percussion pieces, including one where the drummer managed an impressive act of balancing the fulcrum of one stick on the edge of the drum while hitting it quickly at another point so both sticks struck the drum though he was only hitting one of them.

Wondering what to do with obsolete computer floppy disks? Aesthetec, a unique design studio whose aim is to create fun, whimsical and interactive sound experiences, created one particularly unique exhibit called ‘Floppy Disk Music.” Floppy disks were hooked up to a sound system where each disk was given a designated musical note. When any eager participant shone a flashlight onto the center of the disk, it sounded with the corresponding note such that a tune could be made! This created lots of interactive fun and noise for everyone who tried it.

I would have to say that Rick Sacks, a one-man band titled “The Boat,” put on the musical act that was most noteworthy and comical for me. Clad with various boat-like gear – a sail, fishing gear, a bullhorn, whistles and the like – Sacks swayed back and forth along the path, making boat-like noises in the process to emulate the experience of being in a boat. For me, it was truly hilarious and entertaining: I still chuckle to myself when I picture it in my head.

Chamberfest 2011 – this is going to be some serious fun.

Posted by: Joannie