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Open Stage

House Concerts, Open Stage; Library Shows

In February 2003, the Barrie Folk Society developed a wonderful partnership with the Barrie Public Library. Through this community friendship the Barrie Folk Society began hosting an open stage in the Library on the fourth Saturday of the month (with the exception of December).

Barrie Folk Society Open Stage:

  • When: Running from 7:30-10:30 p.m; fourth Saturday of the month (except December)
  • Where: Barrie Public Library
  • Who: All musicians are welcome to sign up for set on stage via our draw system (see below)
  • Cost: There is no admission cost for the evening

July and August open stage will feature an acoustic set-up.

This is an all-ages evening and children are encouraged to attend as well as participate.

Draw system: The number of songs/length of set will be determined by the number of people signing up. 11 and under performers – nine 15-minute sets and two two-song sets are available; more than 11 musicians – each performer will get two songs (up to a maximum of 15 performers due to time). Musicians fill in their performer card and names for available time slots are drawn at 7:20 p.m.

Donations to the jar to offset any potential expenses are welcome. The Library Cafe will be open for refreshments.

All musicians – budding and otherwise, are welcome to the Barrie Folk Society open stage – Unplugged Saturday Nights.

For more information on the open stage:

This partnership with the Library has also resulted in the BFS presenting a few larger concerts during the year.

Whether you participate in the open stage, host or attend a house concert or Library show, either way it’s a life enhancing experience. You’ll meet interesting people, hear incredible music and feel blissfully enriched. It may even inspire you to pick up a guitar or begin that folk career you’ve been denying yourself all these years.

The possibilities are endless. Enjoy.

How does it work?

How do house concerts work?

Our booking guy, Arnie Ivsins takes great care in lining up an amazing array of musicians ranging from those who have been performing for years, to those just breaking into the folk scene.

The Barrie Folk Society has a list of dedicated people who act as hosts. Guests are invited to reserve a seat at each event.