Skyway: New Look but Same Outlook

RFH 2010, Featured Articles, HamilTunes

Fri, Feb 12, 2010

There will be a new section of sky hanging over the third annual Skyway Music Festival come June. And, there will be some new local folks honored, a different feel and, of course, some new music on the schedule.

But, organizers say the goal remains the same: honor the memory of local musicians and help those players still in their formative stages.

Some of the basics have changed:

1. New date: Skyway will be held June 12 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (It previously was held in July and last year in September.)

2. New location: It will be held at Hooks Wiltse Field at the Eaton Street Park. (It has been on the village green since it began.)

3. New feel: It is becoming more of a big picnic instead of a concert. Restaurants are being asked to donate food and folks can bring their own.(Some vendors like Holy Smoke sold food on their own.)

4. New price: And, there will be admission charged: $10 per carload of picnicers. (The concert was free on the village green.)

Pamme Swan, one of the organizers of event, said the changes are for good reasons: "Skyway is being revamped and moving to Wiltse Field for a few reasons. Its cheaper to rent. The whole event will be under cover as it always rains."

Skyway will continue to be a tribute to the life and music of Hamilton musician Craig Getchonis. Swan said that "... sadly now in memory of Keith Liddle and David Bartlett," two other local young men who passed recently.

And, the concert will continue to raise money for the Friends of Music, which supports the HCS music program.

Look for a differnt music flavor to Skyway this year. Swan said performers from previous years have been invted back, and there are plans for an ope mic jam session. Plans are in the works for a prominent headline band as well.

Swan said organizers hope to have other activities like workshops and a Skyway lounge chair painting.

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