Herds of music lovers travelled along Bank Street Saturday afternoon in search of Marvest acts—some stopping to groove outside bars and restaurants, while others huddled into the Aberdeen Pavilion beside Lansdowne Park. Although the free music festival started on Thursday night in partnership with CityFolk, there was an inflow of eager groups on Saturday afternoon.
The Marvest headquarters were in the Aberdeen Pavilion—next to CityFolk grounds—and were host to many different local music acts. There were several vendors selling handmade jewellery, clothing, and bags.
“I love the atmosphere,” said Joanne Morag, a former Ottawa-based musician and Marvest volunteer. “I remember when I played in small venues like Irene’s and now I’m here watching the young [acts].”
The music festival had acts playing fourteen different locations during the weekend. Morag was dancing outside the Aberdeen Pavilion fashioning a fluorescent pink volunteer shirt and a black cowboy hat.
The East Pointers played their Celtic-inspired music on Saturday to a dancing crowd. The group consisted of banjoist Koady Chaisson, fiddle player Tim Chaisson, and guitarist Jake Charron.
“We love the music and we smile a lot,” Chaisson said as he exited the stage after their set.
After the East Pointers’ set, singer/songwriter Mindy Amelotte of Dynamite Motel began playing outside of David’s Tea.
“This is my passion,” Amelotte said. “I’ve been all over Ottawa playing and I plan on travelling more.”
Moonfruits took the stage in the mid-afternoon during the height of the rainfall and set the mood for the rest of the evening with their jazz-inspired music.
