The One World Music Festival, two days of music and cultural celebration, drew quite a crowd to Midland this weekend.
Brookside Music Association organizes the festival at Little Lake Park as a way to encourage the community to get up and dance to the beat of cultures from all around the world and to share their own with others.
“The main purpose of the event is to celebrate inclusion and diversity,” said John French, founder and artistic director of Brookside Music Association.
“I’d like to grow it and make it an annual attraction for tourism opportunities that inspires community involvement and togetherness," French explained.
With the event starting Friday and playing into Saturday night, musical talents from all around the world were invited on stage to celebrate culture with bands from Huronia Hot Strings, The Red Hot Stove Pipe Band, Michel Payment, Stir It Up, Neema Children's Choir — Africa, Ariko — Franco Ontarian, Lara Wong and Melón Jiménez Quartet — Spanish Flamenco, Pan Fantasy Steel Band — Caribbean, Beny Esguerra and New Tradition Music — Columbia — hip-hop with Latinx music styles, Payadora Tango Ensemble — Argentina —Tango and Waahli —Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop.
“I was here last night and I’m loving it," said attendee Pat File. "It’s such a beautiful setting and I love Little Lake Park ... it’s such a gem."
She was impressed with the range of musical offerings.
“It’s a great diversity of music that they are bringing together to experience with a nice message. One world, all different types of music and cultures," said File, who was impressed by the Neema Child Project.
“They’re so energetic and I love that youthful energy. The instruments are interesting to see as well as the dancing," File explained.
Guests didn’t let Saturday's rainfall stop them from putting on their dancing shoes to celebrate their differences and embrace what makes different cultures unique.
“I just love it and I want to be back next year, it’s so good for Midland. I braved the rain and would do it again for this,” said local volunteer Tim Adams.
“A lot of good people and a lot of fun. Good stuff and new stuff from all around the world," he added.
Attendees were invited to share a cold cider or beer, shop local vendors, and get a taste for culture provided by Auntee Donna’s spicy Jerk Products, The Ten of Tarts handmade butter tarts, Han’s European Beach Bites, and Muna’s Middle East Cuisine.
“Music is universal and I like how our area code embraces different cultures of music,” said Michael Duckett.
“Music is for all of us. Young and old and it’s soulful that we should listen to different types of music so that we can understand different types of cultures and they can understand us," said Duckett.
Fae Brouillard danced, along with others, to Lafontaine Franco Ontarian band Ariko.
“It’s my favourite band. I listen to them all the time and have their CD," she explained.
Laurie Boone raved about Melón Jiménez and Lara Wong World Quartet with Spanish Flemenco.
“The Flemenco dancing was amazing. The talent from all over the world is really incredible,” said Boone.
Tara Portelli agreed.
"The talent from all over the world is really incredible and it’s amazing that Midland values world music,” said Portelli as she danced with Michael Duckett.
