Acadia University is an essential partner in the continuing success of the Deep Roots Music Festival.
Thanks to them, we can present concerts in world-class venues, comparable to those in large cities, right here in our rural paradise. Since our founding year, Acadia has recognized and valued the contribution our Festival artists and teachers can offer to the university student population. ‘Artists at Acadia’ is a joint initiative with Acadia, featuring Festival artists doing free seminars, on the Acadia campus. Non-students are also welcome to participate in these engaging learning opportunities at Acadia Friday afternoons of Festival weekend.
All seminars are free, and members of the general public are welcome!
1. Thursday, September 21: Festival Theatre, 1:00pm
“Folklore, song collecting, & the modern state of Roots Music in Eastern Canada”
Presented by Dylan Jewers of Big Turnip Records
Dylan Jewers is an Arts Administrator, label runner, and Folklorist from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He has worked in the arts and culture community for over a decade now. His label, Big Turnip Records, which doubles as a concert and event business, is fastly becoming one of Atlantic Canada’s premier music companies. He works extensively with regional Musical Folklore and is a board member of The Helen Creighton Folklore Society. He has worked with The Helen Creighton Collection independently as well.
His latest venture, a CBC Gem documentary called ROOTED, is a detailed look into the world of Traditional music in Nova Scotia.
He lives in Dartmouth.
https://bigturnips.bandcamp.com
https://www.helencreighton.org/folk-club
2. Friday, September 22: KC Irving Garden Room, 2:00pm
“Glooscap Stories, life as an artist in the Annapolis Valley”
Presented by Sandy-Lynn, Lily Beth, and Morgan Joseph Fisher
Sandy Lynn Fisher is a Community Services Officer with the Glooscap First Nation. She will lead the Sacred Smudge Ceremony for the Deep Roots community on Friday at 11:30 am. Sandy Lynn and two of her children will share their experience as artists, their cultural knowledge and stories at Artists@Acadia, Friday at 2pm.
Lily-Beth Fisher is a young Mi’kmaw from Glooscap First Nation, an aspiring artist, fancy shawl dancer, and climate activist. At the 20th Acadia University Truth Before Reconciliation Mawiomi, Lily-Beth collaborated with world renowned Mi’kmaw artist and storyteller, Gerald Gloade.
Morgan Joseph is a 12 yr old young Mi’kmaw. He participates in cultural events demonstrating the grass dance. He has also performed the Honour Song and has drummed with Samqwan Boyz (Millbrook First Nation).
During the Acadia Mawiomi, Morgan was tasked as an Elders Helper, specifically with the lighting and care of the sacred fire. Recently Morgan was an athlete for Team Mi’kmaq – Nova Scotia for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG 2023).
Lily-Beth will be discussing her mural work and recent art pieces. Morgan will demonstrate the grass dance.
Along with their mother, they will tell Glooscap stories and go into depth if anyone wants to know more about the Smudge Ceremony.