Most years, you see me roving the festival site, camera in hand; I won’t be doing that this year. I’ve decided to take in the festival on a sensual level that heretofore I have denied myself because of my attachment to the camera lens. I look forward to engaging ears, feet, hands and body more; to allowing the energy of familiar music to move my body; to fully experiencing music that is new to me; to paying close attention to how musicians interact with their instruments; to soaking up the sun’s warmth filtered through leaves on trees and to the sounds of children’s laughter.

I will sit still and absorb the sounds, colours, sensations and vignettes of the festival. I will also go roving, this year with the intention of connecting to stories that we can use for The Broadside. I’m always seeking closet writers, aspiring writers and photographers with a unique perspective on the goings-on at the festival and other SJFAC events. If you are any of these, and would like to volunteer your time and talents to The Broadside or submit something for publication, please contact me through the SJFAC office.

I’ll keep this short and sweet. Caroline Clarke has created a fresh new look for the publication as she takes on the job of design and layout. I very much appreciate her work, and as always I wish to express my thanks to the contributors and editors who worked on this edition.

Write for The Broadside