Literary Photographer

With the title of Malcolm Lowry’s posthumously published novel October Ferry To Gabriola in my head (even though it’s November) I boarded the ferry in Nanaimo to head over an check out the 6th Annual Poetry Gabriola Festival at the Surf Lodge. I had a great time, saw a few familiar faces and met a lot of new people. Artistic Director Hilary Peach and her crew are doing a great job with this island festival. I saw a great group performance, learned a little about haiku, heard an imromptu ukele and voice duet, was read to and listened to an amazing panel discussion.  The only downside was having to leave before Saturday’s evening events including an show featuring Christian Bök, Alexis O’Hara and Paul Dutton which would have been amazing I’m sure.

Artwork  featured on the festival poster and program is by Sheila Norgate

Festival Artistic Director (and performer) Hilary Peach

Hilary Peach and Production Deputy/Publicist Kathy McIntyre contemplate the day ahead

Members of the Easy Writers group practice the finale of their One Sweet Ride show

The lighting director checks out the stage action

Lunch in the Surf pub

Antony Holland in the Surf pub, he was performing Sunday

Christian Bök grabs a few moments of internet time in the Surf pub

Books and Cd’s on sale

Checking out the merchandise

Introducing Winona Baker and Naomi Beth Waken for a presentation on Haiku and Tanka

Hilary with volunteers

An impromtu ukele and voice duet

Festival photographer Victor Anthony shoots a portrait of poet Naomi Beth Wakan

Poet and psychotherapist Drek Daa arrives at the Surf Lodge

(L-R) Alexis o’Hara, Evalyn Parry, Sheila Norgate and Hilary Peach at the Self-Scripted Women event

Poet K. Louise Vincent reads

Vancouver Island poet and novelist Marilyn Bowering reads

Montreal’s Alexis O’Hara sets up for her evening show with Christian Bök and Paul Dutton