As far as poor organization, Hillside didn't have passes for us when we got there, although once we got over that it was cool. Basically, they're all trying hard. I would never avoid a festival. Except maybe that short-lived solar one at the Broadview Park. Again, people were trying hard to make it happen, but they didn't have a big enough P.A. system, and they had to use a gas generator. A bit of a let-down, really.

For me, a festival should allow people the chance to be exposed to loads of different things in a short period of time. Hillside definitely does that, although Winnipeg Folk Fest and Dawson City are famous for that as well. It's great to see a favourite artist out in the open air trying things out and taking their time with music in a workshop or a group jam-type setting.

I had a bad experience once at Hillside. I was getting my double bass form my car, and the security guard made me go around this long security fence to get 30 feet from my car. I became a bit irate, and I probably said some things that can't be printed. Anyhow, the person was just doing her job.

Festivals are a different experience than club gigs. But in the summer, I think we Canadians have been cooped up long enough! Get outside and, as my mother would say, "Go blow the stink off ya". The worst thing about outdoor festivals is that I keep getting sunburned, even though I think I have enough sunscreen on.

Festivals do generally pay better. The very least you should get for a folk slot is $100-150. And we all know you can make a lot less (like lose your shirt) at a club gig.