Article content continued

Morin and company have tried to incorporate all ages too.

“We even have an 11-year-old opera singer singing off the Paradiso Balcony this year. I fell in love with this little Filipino guy Angelo Cornell and asked him to come to the festival because he has such a big, beautiful, clear voice. It will be a treat to have him.”

Since Morin founded the festival in 2006 she’s been busy searching out new artists all year, but more and more they are approaching the fest. While the talent roster is predominantly local there are some notable acts coming from across the country.

Music acts tap all manner of roots, blues, jazz and global sounds from Celtic to Gypsy jazz, to Latin grooves and the Trincan Steel Orchestra. Several shades of indigenous dance and drumming highlight the Takwakin Village, while the Jazz Alley features names like Jeremiah McDade, Audrey Ochoa, John Sweenie and Jamie Philp. The African dance, percussion and acrobatics of Yamoussa Bangoura’s Cirque Kalabanté is a must-see Saturday afternoon on the Avenue Central Stage.

If interaction is your thing try workshopping at the Rhythm Speaks Hip Hop Stage. Five galleries feature visual exhibitions and sales. Theatres play to puppets and the improv experts 11 O’Clock Show. Various food and beverage options dot the site.

To check out the festival’s vast offerings it’s suggested that you survey kaleidofest.ca first or stroll over to one of the information booths on Alberta Avenue to consult the full schedule.