Annual FAM Festival highlights Windsor's arts community
By Alanna Magri
Lance Writer
September 30, 2009
We’ve officially reached that time of year again where we have to pack up our beach towels and situate ourselves into our new semester. Not to worry, there is still one big three-day party waiting to welcome us into fall.
Taking place Oct. 1-4 in Downtown Windsor is the annual Harvesting the FAM Festival. This is Windsor’s largest independent arts festival that allows local artists to display, promote, perform, or sell their works for the public’s enjoyment.
Emily Copeland, member of the festival’s organizing team, speaks about the importance of exposure for these artists. “We want the artists and creative talents involved to feel nurtured by their fellow community members and to gain exposure,”
Participating in this festival are artists, musicians, and directors from Windsor, Detroit, and Southwestern Ontario.
Windsor will also benefit from this festival, which keeps the organizing team hard at work.
Copeland says it best herself, “Our objective is to throw a great big, three-day party for the people of Windsor. We want them to recognize the potential for growth if we focus on our community, and the benefits of reaching outward to maximize that growth.”
Combining film, artistic, and musical talents, the FAM Festival features over 70 musical acts and over 40 visual artists, film and video, spoken word performers as well as fashion shows.
To further break down the categories, the art component will cover all areas including paintings, illustrations, fashion, photography, spoken word, and jewelry.
After browsing through the art, it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy films ranging from comedy, to animation, music videos, shorts, and documentaries.
When the day turns to night, make sure to head over to one of the venues to listen to some tunes.
Sounds of folk, metal, hip hop, electronic, indie, and rock 'n' roll can be heard throughout the weekend. Needless to say, there is something for everyone.
“Supporting our arts community is the name of the game,” is what Windsor’s own High Mother had to say.
After a successful performance during last year's FAM festival, High Mother is back for another round.
The band is ready to entertain us with old school rock/punk/garage music.
High Mother describes themselves as a “high energy, make your ears bleed and leave stunned, but happy, kind of band.”
Not only are these guys eager to perform, but they are also excited to see what other musical talents Windsor has to offer, in particular The Vaudevillianaires, as well as playing with Blasternaut.
You can catch High Mother’s performance on Friday, Oct. 2, at Phog Lounge alongside Shawn Ladd & The Wall of Bees, Blasternaut, and Datura.
Join others who are ready to party at The Loop on Oct. 1 for the festivals big kick-off party.
Featured musical performances of the night are The Peace Leeches, Explode When They Bloom, and (wh)y.m.e.(??).
This festival could not be made possible without an incredible and dedicated organizing team.
Deserving of recognition for their hard work are Murad Erzinclioglu, Emily Copeland, Daniel Bombardier, Chad Howson, and Ben Young Hart, who have all dedicated their time and effort to organizing this festival.
Stop by and support one of these local businesses and organizations to receive your free tickets to the festival: Chanosos, Oishii, Phog Lounge, Rogues Gallery Comics, Artcite Inc., Printhouse, The Loop Building, Windsor Workers Action Centre, Milk Coffee Bar, and Empire Lounge.
Visit www.famfest.ca to access more information, view a full schedule of performances, obtain addresses for the above locations, or to contact F.A.M. Fest.
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