Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 89
Air Date: 08/12/2011 6:00 PM on UMFM 101.5 FM
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Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com/
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Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wakeupwinnipeg
Rebroadcast: 08/17/2011 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM
On episode 89 Natty and I continued on in our Folklorama journeys by visiting new pavilions that we both wanted to explore during the second week of the festival.
We also welcomed some special guests to our program including pavilion ambassadors, coordinators and Conservative leader of Manitoba's Opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The pavilions that we explored in week two included the final performance of the Caribbean pavilion and then into week to with visits to the Paraguayan Ukraine-Kiev pavilion's as well as the Ireland Irish, Romanian, Japanese and the Pavilion Nayong Pilipino pavilion's.
Here's a recap of episode 89:
As some of you that have been to the islands would know The Caribbean people are very relaxed, and hospitable. When we arrived at the pavilion we were quickly taken to our reserved seats and were served glasses of rum punch (the drink of choice for the pavilion) and some jerk chicken.
From what those who attended last years pavilion described the line went out from the CCFM building to Provencher boulevard, went up to Des Meurons Street in a square shape and then headed back into the CCFM.
Apparently it was quite the experience to be a part of.
Who could forget the steel drum band composed of various youth from the Caribbean community who played melodic tunes. With eyes closed it almost felt like I was in the Caribbean. . . or perhaps it was the rum punch. . . Either way, the show was just stunning.
- More Pictures from the Caribbean Pavilion can be found on our Facebook Fanpage.
While we were at the pavilion we had the opportunity to meet with Nicolette Gittens, the adult ambassador to the Caribbean, where she made her suggestions on what new comers should expect while visiting,
"Come down (to the pavilion) and get the full experience, try the food, try the drink and make sure you take in the shows and pay attention! You'll learn some things. Check out the displays as well. We have a lovely organization of displays from all of the islands that we represent."
And learn something we did, not only from the talented stage show but from those cultural display that Nicolette referred to. While we were touring the pavilion Natty had found a favorite vacation beverage that she had before while in the Caribbean. We asked one of the pavilion volunteers to describe what the drink was.
"(Icee) is a flavored blended drink from the from the country for Guiana. This one has bananas and ginger in it I think, but there are several flavors. There's a tonic, a cream soda, and several other flavors."
Our visit to the Caribbean pavilion wrapped up our coverage of Folklorama week one.
Week two started with a impromptu visit to the Paraguayan pavilion.
When we arrived at the Maples Community Centre we noticed that there was a Winnipeg Fire Department engine outside which had Natty and I concerned as to whether or not the pavilion would open.
The authentic Paraguayan barbeque menu consisted of ribs or steak with sopa, mandioca, and coleslaw. For those looking for a lighter snack, empanadas were available with a variety of desserts on the side. The dishes were delicious and full of South American flavor.
As with any true performance the show went on, or at least tried to. During the performance the overhead stage lights and audio continuously cut out which may have been due by to technical overloading. It would seem that no matter how many times the a/v systems were re-started the lights and music would quickly cut out. In total the power cut out on five separate occasions.
Despite being plagued by technical problems the Paraguayan pavilion went on to produce a amazing heartfelt performance. The dedication and commitment was applaud worthy. The dancers even managed to keep guests clapping and entertained while the technical volunteers worked to resolve their issues.
Once the issues were finally resolved, the show continued.
With education being a continuing theme throughout Folklorama, Natty and I learned a lot more about Paraguay's rich history and how it achived it's independence. It's also worth noting that the Paraguayan pavilion certainly had the most elaborately crafted stage backdrops out of the venues we explored during our travels.
While at the Paraguayan pavilion we had the opportunity to meet with Manitoba's Official Leader of the Opposition Hugh McFayden where we talked about his views on the Folklorama Festival.
"I've been getting around to a number of pavilions over the last couple of weeks and I had never been to the Paraguayan pavilion before and it's a really significant part of our community. So we managed to get here tonight and I'm happy we did.
(Folklorama) is a really great tradition in our province and I think what it shows is that people from different backgrounds can live together in one province, as we do here in Manitoba, and preserve some of those important aspects of those cultures as well.
The thing I find most encouraging is the number of young people who are picking up their cultural traditions and carrying on with them, it really is something special about our Provence. The Message I see is that these cultural traditions are important but there's also a message that we can all live together in spite of those differences."
Moments after the Paraguayan pavilion wrapped up we made the five minute walk over to the Maples Collegiate where we had the opportunity to visit the Ukraine-Kyiv pavilion.
After having been to the Spirit of the Ukraine pavilion in Week one I was going into the Ukraine-Kyiv pavilion with open eyes so that I could compare the two.
The Ukraine-Kyiv pavilion's theme was honoring Taras Shevchenko the historical figure who lead the Ukraine through their revolution.
Shevchenko was arrested in 1847 by the police for his writings and activities during the revolution and exiled for ten years of punitive military service.
It was during this time he was not allowed to write or paint.
We learned that the harsh conditions of his captivity seriously undermined Shevchenko's health. Even before he was allowed to return to his beloved Ukraine, he fell ill and died in Saint Petersburg where he was temporarily buried. He was later relocated to the Ukraine high on the banks of the mighty Dnieper River according to wishes he had written in a poem.
Perhaps what was most fascinating to learn about was the amount of monuments that have been dedicated to Taras Shevchenko. Statues may be found throughout the world most notably in Kyiv, Washington DC., and right here in Winnipeg Manitoba. The statue that sits in front of the Provincial legislative building was unveiled in 1961 by then Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker. The statue was the created and designed by Andrew Daragan from New York City.
In similar fashion to the Spirit of the Ukraine pavilion the Ukraine-Kyiv pavilion's menu included the traditional Borscht, Kapusta, Perogies and more. The entertainment consisted of Ukrainian dances and folklore.
After having been to the Spirit of the Ukraine pavilion I found that the general tone of the Ukrainian-Kyiv pavilion was a little bit darker in comparison and not as animated or energetic. Natty and I both agreed that the dancing was still entertaining and also uniquely diverse than that of the Spirit of The Ukraine pavilion. This lead me to remember the conversation I had with Spirit of Ukraine assistant coordinator Scott Gordon who said,
"If a pavilion was well organized and well presented there would be enough room in Folklorama for two pavilions representing the same country."
I couldn't agree with him more.
Our next pavilion is home to the Carpathian Mountains which arch throughout the country of Romania. Located within them is the region of Transylvania.
Now, when I think of Transylvania the first think I think of is Count Dracula who in fact, contrary to popular belief, was not a blood sucking vampire but in fact a prince in the 15th century.
After looking at the menu it only made sense that one of the main dishes was called "Chicken Dracula". I asked more about the meal and was told by volunteers that the concept of Dracula is treated more like an inside joke that's shared sarcastically between visitors and those in the know. This showed that the Romanian people had a sincere sense of humor about their now infamous prince Vlad III.
The dish itself was oven roasted chicken with spices and traditional garlic sauce and was served with red Romanian wine.
Included in their performance were songs that had been lost in translation over the years because when the songs were originally written, the chorus's were no more than drunken slurs. This was best explained by the youth ambassador Lucas Alexander Giubega,
"Most people don't realize that parts of this song are drunken ramblings, in other words, someone had too much to drink, however those parts have been lost because the transcriber was a little bit 'happy' also."
- More: Watch Maria Tanase sing Ciuleandra, a traditional Romanian folk song on Youtube:
After the performance Natty and I were taken on a cultural display tour which focused on Romania's rich history. The tour contained information on the multiple castles that surround the mountain ranges throughout Romania including the famed Bran Castle where, according to the legend, Count Dracula lived.
Next were taken to a photo-booth that used Chroma Key technology. Natty and I were photographed in front of a large green screen and developed onto a cartoon sketch of the Bran Castle dressed in full Dracula gear.
If there was an award for creative ideas during Folklorama I would award it to Romania for thinking outside of the box and introducing the green-screen photo booth. The picture made for a great personal souvenir of our visit to the pavilion.
Next up on our Folklorama Frolic was our visit to the Ireland-Irish pavlion that was held at the Holy Cross Gym.
Back in the days of "The Aimless & Andy Show After Hours" former co-host Paul and and I had the chance to visit the pavilion and speak to the (at the time) ambassadors Mark Maloy and Pat MacDonald who told us a little more about the luck of the Irish:
"Our favorite part of the pavilion are the volunteers, the comradery, and the way people work together. We have great volunteers and that's one of the things I love about Folklorama.
(The planning process) starts in January and there are various things with the folk arts council that you have to do and deadlines, detailed things like permits for food and occasional permits and that sort of thing.
On average (at the time) there are 75 volunteers and we have fun, we work our ass off, but we have fun and that's the most important thing."
When asked what the number one reason that guests should come to the Ireland-Irish pavilion over all the other pavilions we were told:
"Because we're here to entertain and we really feel and genuinely want guests to come and have fun. "
MacDonald answered almost echoed that of Maloy's:
"It's the best value for the money. The entertainment, the food prices are very reasonable and so forth...and, we need the money!"
It was there we had the opportunity to review traditional Irish music, history, and merchandise exclusive to Ireland.
The show itself was made up of music, humor, and traditional folk songs, literature and more.
We were treated to a popular Irish combination meal which included stew and soda bread, shepherds pie, and was served with Guinness and Harp beer.
After having watched the show two years ago I had certainly noticed that the pavilion had grown quite a bit. In our interview with Pat in 2007 mentioned that there were 75 volunteers at the time. I would not be surprised if it has grown to include more.
At 8:15 people were already lining up outside for the 9:45 show which had me quite surprised.
Even before we had the chance to catch our breath we were off to another pavilion. We left Ireland and headed to the far east shores of Japan.
We sampled on sushi and washed it down with their featured "moon drink" and headed off to our last pavilion, the Philippine Nayong Pavilion.
When we arrived we were greeted by the adult ambassador Bettina Pogson who ushered us into the pavilion and made us feel quickly at home .
She proceeded to take us on a 45 minute tour and taught us many great things about the Philippines. Some of the facts came as a surprise to us. I was surprised to learn that the Philippines had over 7,000 islands in the country alone, and that the worlds smallest breed of monkeys resided in the Philippines.
The stage show was phenomenal.
At times during the performance members of the audience could feel the energy levels flow from the stage. It was comparable, if not a little more adventurous than the Caribbean pavilion we visited in the previous week.
Those in attendance occasionally found it difficult to stay still as they stood and participated in some of the dance pieces. The 45 minute show seemed longer than it actually was and focused a lot on the youth of the Philippines.
It ended with a finale that was not to be missed and included one of the youth males being hoisted up on a bamboo stick high above as his friends cheered and danced below.
After the performance we visited once again with Bettina Pogson and thanked her for her hospitality.
With a bashful smile she thanked us and replied:
"That's what we Filipino people are, warm and friendly and we take pride in our Filipino food. We like to share, our culture and our dancing especially. I invite you to please come, bring your friends and enjoy the dancing because our kids work so hard to put on a spectacular show for you. I'm so proud of those kids!."
After sipping on some coconut juice and drinking some Filipino beer it was time to say goodbye and wrap up our two weeks of coverage.
Folklorama is something that everybody needs to experience. In fact, the event really opens ones eyes to the amount of diversity and culture that we have right here in our own back yard.
Though Folklorama is something that comes for two weeks every summer little realize that the Folklorama organization runs all year round. Three programs have stemmed from the festivals success, each one working to fulfill the Folklorama mission of "celebrating diversity, and promoting cultural understanding".
Folklorama Talent is a full-service entertainment booking agency that represents multicultural and contemporary performers, plans special events and conventions.
While Folklorama Travel's mission originally started as a means of seeking out group tours throughout North America that wanted to experience traveling the world without leaving Winnipeg. It has since evolved into a year round program providing groups access to cultural experiences in Winnipeg.
Folklorama Teachings brings the cultural diversity that is the trademark of Folklorama into classrooms, daycares and educational settings throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba. Reaching out to children and youth, the Teachings program is designed to help students appreciate the diversity of cultures and motivate students to take pride in their own cultural heritage.
More information about Folklorama may be found at http://www.folklorama.ca and you can also follow them on twitter at twitter.com/folklorama.
- More: Subscribe to our Podcast for free in the iTunes Music Store to listen to this episode and others from Wake Up Winnipeg Season Three.
- Information about Folklorama may be found at the Folklorama website at http://www.folklorama.ca.
- Visit our webpage at http://wakeupwinnipeg.com for more information about our program.
Throughout 7 days we attended Folklorama Natty and I had viewed a combined total of seven and a half hours worth of stage show performances and managed to condense our experiences into two separate podcasts after 10 hours of post broadcast editing and production. Our attendance during Folklorama also concluded our summer festival series.
Natty and I would like to personally thank all of those involved in Folklorama 2011 and for having us out and allowing us to feel welcome. A big thank you also goes out to the Folklorama office staff for their help in producing our coverage of the event. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Always be exploring.
-Av
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