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