Voices from Cape Spear is an outdoor concert series that runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays for ten weeks during the summer months. The series was created and is hosted by traditional singer Anita Best and takes place in the World War II bunkers at the extreme edge of the Cape--the most easterly point in North America. The gun placements act as a natural amphitheatre around which audiences gather to enjoy Newfoundland traditional music, folktales and readings from local writers.

During the 2000 season, Best will welcome wordsmiths Ford Elms, Michael Winter, Joan Clark, Boyd Chubbs, Ed Kavanagh, Agnes Walsh, Mary Dalton, Carmelita McGrath, Tom Dawe and Enos Watts, among a host of others. Featured musicians this summer are Pamela Morgan, Sandy Morris, the Walsh Family, Jim Payne, Colin Carrigan and Jason Whelan, Denis Parker, Baxter Wareham and others.

Over the past six years, Best has commissioned work from various writers and musicians, as well as a local photographer. Some of these original works have been performed at Cape Spear during the concert season. Several of them have been the seed for larger efforts: Janet Michael's one-woman play, Legends of New Gower is being turned into a documentary drama by the National Film Board; Ron Hynes' song "Courage or Dare at Cape Spear" will be featured on his next recording.

Voices from Cape Spear has earned a national reputation and was selected by Chatelaine magazine in 1998 as "one of the most romantic evenings in Canada". Every year, Best gets letters from performers all over Canada and the US looking to play at this mysterious venue.

Those who attend the concerts at this remarkable venue speak glowingly of the magical atmosphere. When the weather is warm and the sky is clear, there is simply no better place to hear Newfoundland music. Even when the weather is not so agreeable, patrons who are familiar with the vagaries of maritime climates come wrapped in layers ready to listen to the waves and watch the stars. Whales often come close enough to shore that you can hear them breathing.

Newfoundland Voices Inc. began its seventh concert season at Cape Spear on July 4, 2000. Weather is always the unknown factor in an outdoor concert series, but site manager Kate Power reported that during the 1999 season, only 4 of 20 concerts were cancelled for weather. Generally speaking, only a downpour or the threat of thunder and lightning will cause a concert cancellation. Concerts start at 9 PM. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. Small children may enter free with their parents or guardians. For further information please call Parks Canada [772-4444] or Newfoundland Voices [738-3945] or visit our web site: www.voices.nf.ca.