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Barrie Rhythmfest: Barrie’s Top Multicultural and Community Event

As one of the top vacation destinations in Ontario, Barrie is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and features enough activities and attractions to appeal to everyone.

 

Few other place can compare to Barrie during summertime.  You’ll find stunning natural features, various activities, and can't miss events, all without leaving the city. When it comes to outdoor activities, Barrie has you covered. The metro area has an extensive network of trails that are ideal for cycling, walking, and exploring the city. Barrie is a foodie’s paradise with numerous eating establishments from a wide selection of culinary disciplines. You’ll find bars, pubs, fine dining, food trucks, sports bars, dessert restaurants, cafes and tea rooms. Live entertainment here is plentiful and on-display in establishments all over the city like Theater by the Bay, which perform critically acclaimed classic music and theater. Clubs like Violets Venue play great blues music from around the world in an intimate and exciting environment. Barrie is known throughout North America for its large scale events and festivals. Barrie Rhythmfest is returning this year bigger and better than ever and is a perfect add-on activity for your next getaway.

 

Barrie Rhythmfest is the region's top multicultural community experience and they are heading into their 7th year in 2016. The event continues to grow annually and they are expecting over 5,000 people in attendance. The structure of the festival makes it a fully interactive experience that is centered around music, dance and drumming. You’ll love the hands-on experience at workshops, clinics, and live performances. Whether you're a seasoned professional or you're just a fan of music, this is a great learning experience for everyone. The dining options at the festival are diverse, and you’ll encounter food styles from all over the planet. As Barrie’s only multicultural event, you're certainly in for a unique experience. Schedule your vacation during the Barrie Rhythmfest and get ready to make lasting memories. We got the chance to interview Amanda Dyke, Community Events Programmer for the City of Barrie, to talk about the highly anticipated Barrie Rhythmfest.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

AD: This is our 7th year for Barrie Rhythmfest and we’re excited to present a fun-filled weekend.  Our 2016 schedule will look like this:

  • Friday (August 12th) 5:00 pm-10:00 pm @ Holly Community Park

  • Saturday (August 13th) 10:00 am-10:00 pm @ Heritage Park.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw and who are they?

AD: We typically see between 5,000 and 6,000 people in attendance each year. As far as the demographics of the crowd, we see couples, families, youth and young adults, baby boomers and anyone who has a passion for drumming, dancing and world music.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

AD: It’s Barrie’s only truly interactive festival. All performances, clinics and workshops have an audience participation element. Whether it’s getting on stage with the presenter, playing along with the loaner instruments we provide to the crowd, or learning a new instrument or dance at one of the many workshops we program.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities at the event.

AD: We have so many great activities going on that it’s difficult to list them all.  Here’s a sampling of what you can enjoy:

  • Workshops on hand drumming

  • Cajon

  • Drum kit

  • Drumming and rhythm for educators

  • Kirtan yoga

  • Salsa and Bachata dancing

  • Step dancing

  • Children’s dance

  • Poi dancing

  • Drum circle

  • Just Beat It! The Search for Central Ontario’s Best Drummer (drum solo competition)

  • Performances by JUNO-nominated Sultans of String and Autorickshaw

  • Modus Factor

  • NEEMA Children’s Choir from Uganda

  • Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue educational exhibit with photo opportunities and children’s activities featuring native and exotic animal species

  • Plus dozens of vendors and on-site exhibitors demoing and selling products from Barrie and around the world

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

AD: Each year we pay tribute to a Canadian legend of rhythm. This year we honor Trichy Sankaran, an Indian percussionist, composer, scholar, and educator. He is acknowledged as one of the foremost virtuosos of the mridangam (speciality drum). The tribute will include speeches and performances featuring Mr. Sankaran, Autorickshaw and others. Other special guests are Chris Lesso, one of the best drummers from our region, who will be presenting a drum kit clinic and judging the drum solo competition, plus JUNO award nominee and multiple award winning violinist, guitarist, composer, producer and singer-songwriter Chris McKhool, and more.

 

RAL: What will attendees find for dining options?

AD: We offer a variety of onsite food vendors reflective of the many cultures we celebrate at Rhythmfest. The food options include Auntee Donna’s Caribbean and Jerk food, Chacha Churros and Empanadas, Knots About Pretzels, Kona Ice shaved ice treats, Domino’s Pizza, Mini Junction fries, Mrs. Softy Ice Cream and frozen treats, and Treats 4 U festival food truck.

 

RAL: What is the overall environment like?

AD: The event takes place in two of Barrie’s best parks: Holly Community Park for the Friday, August 12th kick-off concert, and Heritage Park for the Saturday, August 13th full festival day. Holly is a neighborhood park adjacent to one of our community centers and offers lush grass, a tree-lined perimeter, playground and sports fields/courts. Heritage is located in downtown Barrie, on Kempenfelt Bay, and features gorgeous views of the bay and historic downtown, plus a pond, gazebo (used for performances and workshops), splash pad play area, adjacent transient docking slips for boaters, and waterfront walking and cycling trails

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

AD: Yes, the event hires local performers, provides onsite promotional and sales space for many local music and dance schools and shops, plus other businesses and vendors. Tourism dollars spent while in Barrie are a huge economic boost for the community. The event also employs seven part-time or casual staff each year.

   

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

AD: This event gives audience members the opportunity to learn about a variety of cultures and musical genres through high-quality interactive performances and workshops, vendors and presentations. It is currently Barrie’s only multicultural festival and brings people of all ages together to learn and celebrate. Families can drum together, couples can try out the Salsa and Bachata workshop or explore the vendors’ villages for inspiration to plan their next holiday, and reunion groups can participate in the drum circle. Enjoy some great authentic food and enjoy the waterfront with incredible music as the backdrop.


For more information about the Barrie Rhythmfest, please visit their website.