Ottawa's Folk Fest Gets a new Artistic Director, but is it too late?

Ottawa, Ontario, city of festivals. From Winterlude to the Tulip Festival, there’s a festival for everyone in Ottawa. And one of the city’s favorites just got another helping hand from Bluesfest. After years of growing debt climaxing with the bailout from Bluesfest in 2010, Folk Fest is once again on shaky ground. Just before the holidays, Artistic Director Dylan Griffith stepped down after just one year on the job. Enter Bluesfest Artistic Director, Mark Monahan. Monahan is now doing double duty as the Artistic Director for both Bluesfest and Folk Fest.

But is it too late? Can Monahan revive Folk Fest and make it as profitable, notable and successful as Bluesfest? Let’s face it, when the lineup for Bluesfest is announced, the entire population of Ottawa is struck with the juxtaposition of “that’s not blues” and “oh wow, KISS!” Despite acts like KISS and Ozomatli, Bluesfest still throws in a number of the world’s greatest blues acts. It’s an exciting and eclectic blend of artists known and unknown in a series of beautiful outdoor spots in Ottawa.

From a marketing perspective, Folk Fest needs to do the same. If you take a look at the 2010 Folk Fest lineup, it’s all Folk; yes, that’s the point of a folk festival, but it is not bringing the fans to the seats (notable exception: Arrested Development, but most fans were wondering where Jason Bateman and Michael Cera were). Even bigger names like Ani DiFranco and Rufus Wainwright are missing from the list – those names are at least well known. It’s all about content marketing and with a music festival, your lineup is your content.

Mr. Monahan, please do the city a favour, do Folk Fest a favour, and sell out just a little bit. Get some bigger names into Folk Fest. While you may create an underground nickname of “Folkish Fest,” that’s ok. At least they’re talking. At least they’re buying tickets. At least you’re out of the red.

Tell us what you think by commenting below. What does Folk Fest need to do to get back on track? Is Monahan the right pick? Did Bluesfest sell out too much over the years? We want to know.

Click here for the source article from the Ottawa Citizen.

MB Team Launches 2011 in Style at Le Moulin Wakefield

On January 3, 2011, eleven MB staff pulled into the parking lot of Wakefield, Quebec’s Le Moulin Inn and Spa, in the heart of breath taking Gatineau Park. They were invited by CEO Steve Klein for a “Launch Party and Retreat”, a full day and night of team building and goal setting for the new year. After a review of 2010, the client and staff experiences with MB and the objectives for the upcoming year, they were ushered into Chef Remy’s gourmet kitchen for a competitive canapé-making contest!

Three teams squared off to see who could make the best crème brulée, fresh spring roll, and bison tartar. Chef Remy avoided making even the smallest suggestion and awarded points for presentation, creativity, and not making his eyes water.

After the winning Ottawa Senators tickets were handed out, the staff handed the reigns over to Le Moulin’s culinary experts who wowed with a selection of sweet and savoury tapas and mouth-watering entrees. Everything from blackened cod to elegant duck confit was devoured against a stunning natural backdrop in Le Moulin’s new Heron Room.

After dinner, feeling warm and ready for some merriment, the team participated in “Minute to Win It” games inspired by the NBC television show. Lead by Melinda Hudson and Peter McGregor, seemingly impossible tasks were assigned and completed (or not completed) in 60 seconds or less.

After fast-paced meetings, energizing team-building exercises and fun-filled camaraderie, the staff at Marketing Breakthroughs returned to the office ready to take on the New Year with a renewed sense of vision and cohesion.

Staff retreats are a great way to enhance your team’s effectiveness outside of the office. Has your company gone on a similar retreat? What are your favourite do’s and don’ts of a staff getaway? Comment below, we would love your input.