In the Soil celebrates homegrown talent

Niagara This Week
Tuesday April 13 2010

In The Soil, Niagara's first multidisciplinary arts festival, is back for its second year to celebrate the original homegrown talents of the region.

With over 70 acts featuring more than 200 artists chosen by a jury of local veteran and professional artists, In The Soil will feature musicians, video, media, theatre, dance and performance artists from April 15th to 24th in a variety of venues throughout the downtown core of St. Catharines.

"It's important for the community to be aware (that) there's a lot of talent here," said Sara Palmieri, Steering Committee Chair for the festival.

Last year, the festival was supposed to be one night; however, due to the response from the community, organizers realized one night wasn't enough.

"(One night) wouldn't do it any justice. We needed more venues," said Palmieri.

This year's festival will include a three-day theatre showcase, as well as a Variety Night consisting of burlesque, music - including Niagara's own Juno-nominated Great Lake Swimmers - spoken word, comedy, performance and sound making.

On Saturday, April 17, organizers are encouraging families to attend Family Day.

King Street will be closed part of the day for music, dancing and children's activities. All Family Day events are free.

The festival launch, dubbed Crop Dusters, will begin with video art presentations displayed on the wall of the former Russel Hotel, on the corner of St. Paul and James Street, as In The Soil begins its 10 days of festivities.

"This is an opportunity for amateurs, professionals and students to share the stage together," according to the official In The Soil festival website."

"This is an opportunity to take chances with your artistic visions and to create something that coincides with the festival's vision to celebrate Niagara arts and culture. This is a celebration of all that is Niagara."

Artists play for free and will receive an honorarium, which just one of the benefits for the bands, especially

In hopes the festival will spread even further in the future, Palmieri believes the festival is "a good way to think about revitalization of downtown St. Catharines."

Tickets are $5 at the door, $10 for the theatre showcase and $20 for the Brock Showcase.

For a full schedule and more information on the festival, visit www.inthesoil.ca