Billeting Musicians

What was it like to billet a musician for the folk festival? In a word – GREAT. My husband, Jack, and I provided a home stay for the British/Australian musical duo Nancy Kerr and James Fagan and were delighted with their company. Nancy and James arrived a few days before the festival. This gave them an opportunity to visit friends and explore the Avalon Peninsula.. I'll confess that we were “some pleased” that the weather was fair, the caribou, whales, sea birds were out on cue, and blueberries lined the walking trails. Marvellous musicians both, Nancy and James are also sensitive teachers, and gave Jack and me the experience of playing with them in our own kitchen and sounding a thousand times better than we do on our own.

But we weren't the only ones to enjoy being a host to musicians this year. Ireland’s Cavan Crowd, Labrador legends The Flummies, Quebecois trio Serre l'Ecoute and Placentia Bay singer Tobias Pearson were all billeted with folks living within walking distance of Bannerman Park, and from what I hear a good time was had by all. The performers were especially pleased to be within a few steps of the concert stage.

Besides being a grand way to display legendary Newfoundland hospitality, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet musicians from 'away' who bring with them new perspectives. I expect there will be a call next year asking for volunteers to billet performers. If there is, don't wait – put your name in right away!

Peg Stewart is well-known for her lovely home, her warm hospitality and her enthusiasm for all things musical; she served as billeting coordinator for the Festival this year.

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	A Master Class in Your Own Home – Billeting Musicians for the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival by Peg Stewart The Broadside Vol 10. No. 2 October 2006

	What was it like to billet a musician for the folk festival? In a word – GREAT. My husband, Jack, and I provided a home stay for the British/Australian musical duo Nancy Kerr and James Fagan and were delighted with their company. Nancy and James arrived a few days before the festival. This gave them an opportunity to visit friends and explore the Avalon Peninsula.. I'll confess that we were “some pleased” that the weather was fair, the caribou, whales, sea birds were out on cue, and blueberries lined the walking trails. Marvellous musicians both, Nancy and James are also sensitive teachers, and gave Jack and me the experience of playing with them in our own kitchen and sounding a thousand times better than we do on our own. But we weren't the only ones to enjoy being a host to musicians this year. Ireland’s Cavan Crowd, Labrador legends The Flummies, Quebecois trio Serre l'Ecoute and Placentia Bay singer Tobias Pearson were all billeted with folks living within walking distance of Bannerman Park, and from what I hear a good time was had by all. The performers were especially pleased to be within a few steps of the concert stage. Besides being a grand way to display legendary Newfoundland hospitality, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet musicians from 'away' who bring with them new perspectives. I expect there will be a call next year asking for volunteers to billet performers. If there is, don't wait – put your name in right away! Peg Stewart is well-known for her lovely home, her warm hospitality and her enthusiasm for all things musical; she served as billeting coordinator for the Festival this year. (back to table of contents)