Frostbite organizers hope to regroup for 2015
The 2014 Frostbite Music Festival has been cancelled.
The 2014 Frostbite Music Festival has been cancelled.
The board announced the decision Tuesday evening at a public meeting.
Board member Renée-Claude Carrier said in an interview this morning a number of factors are behind the board's decision.
Those include budget constraints, missed funding application deadlines, and the high turnover of festival producers in the last year.
"We just didn't feel like we could go ahead and have a comfortable festival; that it would be really hard,” Carrier told the Star.
"Last year, it was really challenging because there was three producers in one year,” she said.
"We just decided that this year we need to re-group, work on raising some money, work on becoming stronger so we can make the 2015 festival really amazing.”
The festival has been around for 35 years, so it's a good time to stop and rethink and ultimately make it "bigger and better,” said Carrier.
While locals won't be able to look forward to the three-day February reprieve, Carrier said, the board is planning a series of individual shows.
"We've done three amazing shows this summer ...so we're just going to continue that trend and put on some shows and just still be visible,” she said.
The society is also still running its artist-in-residence program.
Old Cabin is currently in the space, but the society will be looking for a new artist come November.
The Frostbite board is carrying about $24,000 in debt.
Carrier said it's manageable considering four years ago the society was closer to $40,000 in the red.
However, the board is planning a number of fund-raisers to lessen the load – including a "pop-up shop” Saturday at the Frostbite house where low-cost used clothing will be available for purchase.
High producer turnover isn't a new experience for the Frostbite society, as Carrier noted the festival is a great training ground. Consequently, many of its producers have gone on to bigger events like the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
"That's something we know that happens; we just weren't ready for it,” she said.
As the board undertakes its renewal and reorganization, it's looking for new, passionate members.
Any interested members of the public can contact the board at info@frostbitefest.ca.
Comments (5)
Up 10 Down 1
Mike Hawk on Oct 18, 2013 at 6:12 am
Kudos Frostbite. Sima should takes notes from you
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Jane Smith on Oct 17, 2013 at 2:46 am
It makes me sad that there will be no Frostbite in 2014. I had such a good time at the 2013 festival. The music was amazing, especially The Once and YWIM.
That being said - I am impressed at how responsible and reasonable the Board is being my taking a one-year break to regroup. I hope that in 2015, organizers are able to put on a festival of which they can be proud.
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Murray Munn on Oct 16, 2013 at 12:39 pm
To me, the festival, which I first attended in 1979, is going too much for names. Headliners, with the drum roll. This is not unique to them ... it's the norm, these days. I'd like to see the 'folk' come back into the festival. Blues, old-timey, Celtic, bluegrass, East Coast shanties, Roumanian zither music--quality but not major names. Might save some money, and rejuvenate the grassroots. Maybe I'm wrong and folks wouldn't pay to see unknowns. I think that year it was Dave Essig, or maybe Willie P. Bennett, and I think Pied Pumpkin? And maybe it's perception: I guess they were big enough names then, but it was a different vibe. The acts then weren't grant-grown and it felt to me like more real music. I think this pause for a needed breath is a wise move.
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Sally Smith on Oct 16, 2013 at 8:16 am
I applaud you Frostbite! You are being transparent and honest unlike Mt. Sima. Good for you for taking a year off to FUNDRAISE extra money to pay off debt and start fresh for 2015. Best of luck, I look forward to your upcoming events.
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June Jackson on Oct 16, 2013 at 8:12 am
To all the Frostbite Board members:
The Frostbite Music Festival has not in the past been an event that I personally supported. However, I am so impressed with the approach the Board is taking at this time that I will not hesitate to contribute, support your events and give the best wishes I can for a successful 2015 event.
To see a Board taking responsibility, putting together a plan, continuing on deserves respect and support.