Do you play a traditional musical instrument or sing folk songs??? I'm writing on behalf of the St. John's Folk Arts Council (SJFAC) regarding an upcoming project that will be produced in February which will be a repeat of last year's successful workshops and concert at the LSPU Hall.

As you may know the SJFAC presents the annual folk festival in Bannerman Park. For the last few years it's been noted that the Neil Murray stage at the festival (as well as the main stage) has attracted some fine young singers and musicians. We believe that it would be beneficial to these young folk enthusiasts, and the general folk music community, if they were presented with an opportunity to further interact and explore their musical talents.

With this in mind, we will be producing a concert at the LSPU Hall on February 23rd featuring some of these, and other, young musicians. Leading up to the concert we feel it would be beneficial to host two Saturday afternoon workshops on February 15th and February 22nd. These sessions will take place at St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's. The purpose of the workshops will be to give the young musicians an opportunity to share their talents with other young musicians in an informal setting; to develop musical relationships among the young musicians; and primarily, to foster the idea that playing music in a "session" setting is an enjoyable and fulfilling activity. The content of the Sunday afternoon concert will emanate from these two workshops. However, some children may feel that they only wish to attend the workshops and not perform on the Sunday Concert. This option is being offered at this year's workshops.

Several of our seasoned members, myself included, will facilitate these workshops sessions. The workshops will give the young musicians and singers an opportunity to talk to and play with regular session players, learn more about their instrument of choice (voice included) and explore the possibility of musical liaisons with their peers…. and have FUN!!.

The workshops will be free of charge, sponsored by the SJFAC, and any proceeds from the concert will help produce the Neil Murray Stage at the annual Folk Festival in August. If you are interested please complete the following form and mail (or email) it to the return address as soon as possible. Unfortunately space is limited so please register early.

Yours truly,

Fergus O'Byrne
email: fobyrne@roadrunner.nf.net
(709) 576-4759
P.O. 411
St. John's, NL A1C 5J9

For further information, please email Jean Hewson at jhewson@nfld.com"