After 10 years with the Cochrane Valley Folk Club (CVFC), artistic director Brian Fitzgerald will be stepping down from his role at the end of the season, handing over the reigns to local music man Angus Wilson.
The announcement was made at the Feb. 15 CVFC show, headlined by Rose Cousins and Del Barber at the Alliance Church.
“I still want to be involved with the music scene here,” said Fitzgerald, adding that he would continue to work with the CVFC, but felt it was time to bring a “slightly different direction and fresh perspective” into the music club.
The CVFC has been ‘bringing music to the valley’ since 2000.
“It’s an opportunity for any organization when you have a talented, passionate person like Angus,” said Fitzgerald, who has been an avid supporter of growing the local music scene and building an arts and cultural community centre for years.
Cochranites have come to know Wilson as the face of Legacy Guitar and Coffee House, particularly since the anything-guitar-slash-coffee-haus opened the doors to its spacious Main Street location a year ago.
Resident guitar instructor and manager at Legacy, Wilson embraces all things musical – including fostering his own musical pursuits: as a solo singer/songwriter and member of alt-rock four-piece Stoning Mary.
For Wilson, stepping into the role of artistic director is a big responsibility – a heavy workload for any volunteer – yet an opportunity to make Cochrane a musical hotspot.
“The more we pump live music into these venues, the better,” said Wilson, explaining that it’s about all Cochrane establishments and organizations working together to promote live music that will serve to make Cochrane a ‘cultural hub’.
“I have a love for Cochrane and for live music…I’m excited to put my stamp on what music is coming in,” he added.
Wilson said he looks forward to learning from Fitzgerald’s lead over the next few months, as well as getting to know the CVFC board members and volunteers, as he prepares to book and launch the 2014-15 season.
For Fitzgerald, the last decade has been filled with memories that generate smiles and laughter — be it eating pizza with Gary Fjellgaard and Valdy in former council chambers while watching the Grey Cup on an afternoon before a show; or piling Cochranites into his living room to watch a ‘Homes Routes’ (intimate singer/songwriter performances held in house concert format); or ripping it up with the Good Lovelies at the Cumbrian Arms following a high-energy performance.
Fitzgerald smiled that it’s been a good run, filled with ups (Tom Wilson pulling out an impromptu set list at the last minute) and downs (the infamous 2002 summer festival that caught a snow storm and nearly bankrupted the club).
For the artistic director, the highlight has been the camaraderie between the club and the community throughout the years.
“What really makes it happen for non-profits is the support of the small businesses,” he said, adding that Cochrane Coffee Traders and Phantoms Music have been tremendous supporters of promoting the CVFC concerts and selling tickets.
If he could change anything, Fitzgerald said he would rebrand it — to change the perception from ‘folk club’ to ‘music club’.
Throughout his tenure, Fitzgerald has booked more than 80 headliners and 24 house concerts through Home Routes (in his own living room, as well as at Java Jamboree).
Past opening acts have included Alanna Clarke, Robbie Aylesworth, Lucas Chaisson, Noel Johnson and Lindsay Ell, among others. Learn more at cochranefolkclub.com.
