For our third Festiva Regionalista event, the Canada Day holiday weekend, we are excited to bring you 'The Oldest Man I know' a 'Punk Bluegrass' trio from Kitchener, Ontario (previously, London, Ontario). We're continuing in the Regionalism theme, of course, of the previous performances by the Steel City Rovers, in 2018, and The Nihilist Spasm Band, in 2017. While Regionalism in this country claims London, Ontario, as its spiritual home, we believe – given the Regionalist preference for decentralization – that such pursuits have no absolute centre. As a place to celebrate Canada, however, Pelee Island (this nation's most Southerly point) is a most suitable location; "Canada Starts Here", as we like to say.

The band arrives at the show venue. The Oldest Man I Know is:
Taylor Esch: Banjo, and Vocals (left)                  Emily (Al) Flowers: Fiddle, and Vocals
Kieran Northbound: Guitar and Vocals            Dave Pike: Double Bass, and Vocals (right)

Spoken Word artist: Robert Landon

The Oldest Man I Know, takes the stage

After the show:
Gathering around the campfire – under the moons of Jupiter – back at the farm.

Robert has been avidly writing, in many forms, for 6 years. His colourful style draws you into a flurry of metered energy and emotion. Walk with him as he paints vivid images with words. He is experienced in producing, rap and poetry. The marriage of these two forms will offer a meaningful and entertaining experience - a unique style seasoned with both a deep and sometimes comic flare.

Visual artists: Anja Karisik, Gary Landon, and W. David Ward

The heart, mind and soul (in no particular order) of the New Regionalism Project; together on Pelee Island in 2016, when this idea was first conceived, these three independent artist have since developed numerous group projects celebrating the two-century old tradition of Regionalism in art. Their work reflects the core values of this perennial art movement – beauty, nature and truth (again, no particular order ;-) – and their playful approach to art and life (centred on the idea of 'Place') seeks to reconnect us with the land. 'Canada starts here', we must remember, on Pelee Island.