In anticipation of the second annual Shivering Songs Festival in Fredericton, NB, we spoke with organizer Kyle Cunjak, who also plays in trio The Olympic Symphonium.
The festival boasts a stellar line-up which includes Postdata (Wintersleep’s Paul Murphy), Catherine Maclellan, Snailhouse and more. Local favourite David Myles will host the songwriters and storytellers’ matinee. And if all of thatdoesn’t tempt you, perhaps the Bluegrass Brunch at the market on Sunday morning will! Click through the logo above for ticket information.
E&TS: What was the response like for the inaugural edition of Shivering Songs?
KC: Response for the first year was completely overwhelming. It was a rewarding feeling to see the community come out in droves and support us and our event. We decided that it needed to be an annual festival. That energy was put into planning right away and it has continued to exceed our expectations.
E&TS: “Shivering Songs” evokes such a sensory image…
KC: We called it ‘Shivering Songs’ because it’s a festival in the middle of Winter. There are literally shivering songs happening.
E&TS: What role do you hope Shivering Songs can play in the city and the region?
KC: We are committed to bringing beautiful music to New Brunswick and putting on intimate shows to best experience these artists. We want people to trust us. Although you may not have heard their names before, we know you’ll enjoy the shows. If the public supports us, we’ll keep stepping up our game and bringing in great stuff.
One of the unique aspects of the festival is our ‘Songwriters and Storytellers’ event where we bring in an author to read thus switching up the format of your typical songwriters circle. This worked really well last year with Grant Lawrence and we’re incredibly honoured to have David Adams Richards reading in 2012.
Another one of our initiatives this year is to begin a partnership with the state of Maine. Being neighbours, we’re constantly talking about how it’s a shame there isn’t more music crossing the borders. We’re bringing in an artist from Fort Kent, Micah Blue Smaldone, and have invited some folks in the ME music community to attend. Hopefully this will spark some cross-cultural growth.
Shivering Songs Festival will run from February 3-5. Weekend passes, $60 although valued at over $100, are available online, at Read’s and Backstreet Records.
