Echoes Magical Music Festival

"The Soul of Songwriting" a workshop given by Peter Voith and Ben Cooper
Peter Voith will present an in depth analysis of how songs can be created from previous knowledge of chords and existing song structures and styles, thus showing what it means to be "influenced" by another artist yet still creating something original and new. He will also explain his take on widely used and established songwriting techniques as well as his own reasoning and methods for coming up with melodies, lyrics, and band arrangements. These will be supported by his own original songwriting and the help of Ben Cooper, who will show how accompaniment, specifically vocal harmonies and additional rhythm parts can add to a song. A section on key changes, time signature changes, stylistic inflections, and combining multiple genres in one song will also be included in the workshop.

Serge nous présentera un atelier sur la chanson franco-ontarienne. Il jouera des chansons folkloriques et des chansons du répertoire franco-ontarien.

Samima is willing to facilitate an open discussion for those interested in the Sufi conscept of sound as the basis of creation and music as an essential means towards spiritual development.

The good tidings that the Sufi Message brings to the world is the recognition of the Divine in the soul of the human being. Humanity is one body, the whole of life being one in its source and in its goal, its beginning and its end.

Sufism was brought to the West from India by Hazrat Pir-O-Murshid Inayat Khan, who founded the Sufi Order in the West in 1910. Thus, the ancient wisdom derived from the rich spiritual traditions of the East is merged with the attitude of the West in its tradition of logic and technology, in order to bring about the true union of the human family If one could only see how marvelously, in the diversity of the conception of the Divine Ideal, wisdom has played its part, guiding the souls of all grades of evolution towards the same goal, which in the end becomes spiritual attainment! 'I gave up my music because I had received from it all that I had to receive. To serve God one must sacrifice what is dearest to one; and so I sacrificed my music. I had composed songs; I sang and played the vina; and practicing this music I arrived at a stage where I touched the Music of the Spheres. Then every soul became for me a musical note, and all life became music. Inspired by it I spoke to the people, and those who were attracted by my words listened to them, instead of listening to my songs. Now, if I do anything, it is to tune souls instead of instruments; to harmonize people instead of notes. If there is anything in my philosophy, it is the law of harmony: that one must put oneself in harmony with oneself and with others. I have found in every word a certain musical value, a melody in every thought, harmony in every feeling; and I have tried to interpret the same thing, with clear and simple words, to those who used to listen to my music. I played the vina until my heart turned into this very instrument; then I offered this instrument to the divine Musician, the only musician existing. Since then I have become His flute; and when He chooses, He plays His music. The people give me credit for this music, which in reality is not due to me but to the Musician who plays on His own instrument.' Hazrat Inayat Kahn

Cubeball the Magical Jester will provide a Free Play Zone for the young and young at heart to learn how to juggle and spin staff/baton, experience interesting toys, and see impromptu magic and clowning shows. He will also host a vending stand providing opportunities to take home these toys and his "Space Crafts", 2D and 3D art inspired by sacred geometry.

LESLIE ROHONCZY – Singer / Songwriter

With over 25 years of professional experience in a wide range of musical styles, Leslie Rohonczy is a powerful lead vocalist and dynamic performer.

As the lead singer for The RUNES Blues Band, a 6-piece power blues band made up of some of Ottawa's finest blues players, Leslie’s rich alto vocals convey high-energy blues songs with depth and range. She is also the front person for the Moondogs, a 5-piece Ottawa band playing great roots-based rock & roll, and is developing a new project called “Cougar”, a chick rock tribute band featuring three female vocalists and 5-piece band.

Leslie has performed in several Ottawa-based bands, singing Swing, R&B and Top 40 with popular ‘80s group "8 To The Bar!", "Girls Like Us", and Blues and R&B with "Blue Streak".

Leslie is also a performance & vocal coach, songwriter, professional voice-over artist and studio vocalist.

VOCAL SEMINAR OVERVIEW:
• The Basics (Warm-Ups, Stance, Breathing and Accuracy)
• Performance Techniques (The Power of Intention, Connect with Your Audience, and Make the Right Choices)
• Performers’s Health (Respect your Instrument, and Bad Habits)
• Take It To The Next Level (Kinesthetic Awareness, Authenticity, and Building Performance Confidence)

Kirtan! With: The Bhakti Connection

" The Bhakti Connection... a soul experience...
Join the group for an interactive gathering - creating blissful vibrations to open your heart. Come to elevate divine consciousness using your voice and music. Connect with your higher self and with others. All voices welcome, and no experience is necessary!"

The Bhakti Connection is an Ottawa based group that has been offering and sharing sankirtan for more than a year. Talented and trained musicians, and dedicated Bhakti Yoga and Sound Yoga (Nada Yoga) practioners - the diverse core group is comprised of five members : Amanda Porter, Tara Porter, Lucille Tardif, Joseph Ronco and Jeff Lantz

Lindsay Ferguson

Independent Artist/Musician, Lindsay Ferguson released her first ever full-length album 'SOUND' in September 2007 setting a record breaking attendance CD Release Party at The Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield Quebec. Lindsay's album, (recorded by producer great, Mr. Dave Draves of Little Bullhorn Productions Ottawa Ontario) has been critically acclaimed as Canada's 2nd Best album of 2007 (only after Feists 'Reminder') by the Ottawa Citizen, one of Canada's leading newspapers. Lindsay got her start singing at the young age of two while being interviewed by her radio-journalist Father, the songs just came first, before the words! Now, nearly three decades later, Lindsay has been honing her voice & song-writing by researching life tales through living & singing in various places; Bermuda, Ontario, Newfoundland, Ireland, Peru, Quebec, California, Switzerland and now Toronto. One of her favourite road stories was when she was in Ireland and she knocked on the hotel bedroom door of Bono (U2) and asked him if he'd take a listen to her music...he said yes, and a new inspiration was born!! If you would like to hear more stories from the road or if you would like to hear & share some secrets about song writing, please come to Lindsay's workshop, where excitement will lead to inspiration & in turn, maybe a new song???