The Forest Festival – Eco-Arts in Canada's Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, August 22 – August 31

www.theforestfestival.com

Mark Twain once said, "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." This summer, The Forest Festival will leave you breathless.

The Forest Festival is a 10 day celebration of the arts and the environment. Set in the rugged splendor of the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, The Forest Festival invites audiences to experience the work of fabulous Canadian performers and artists in a whole new way.

Imagine seeing Mary-Lou Fallis, Canada's foremost musical comedienne, performing on a floating stage with nothing but nature as a backdrop. Accompanied by Peter Tiefenbach she will be reprising one of her most popular roles in " Primadonna goes Into The Woods" a show developed just for The Forest Festival .

Adding excitement and energy to the mix OnnanoKo , a high-octane, all woman Taiko Drumming Ensemble, presents "Drumming to the Stars" which promises to be a sunset concert spectacular.

Prepare to be impressed by the remarkable acoustics and intimate, rustic ambience of the Logging Museum at the Haliburton Forest where Porkbelly Futures, a folk/roots band with a unique perspective, will present Words and Music, featuring award-winning author Paul Quarrington.

A highlight of last year's sunset concert series and back again by popular demand, The Forest Festival Brass featuring trumpet player extraordinaire, Stuart Laughton, rounds out the concert line up. Anyone lucky enough to have caught their show last year will agree that little compares to the haunting quality of horns echoing across a quiet lake as the first evening stars appear.

This year the Forest Festival offers so much more than simply music to enjoy. Experience the beauty in motion of woodland dance performances choreographed by acclaimed dancer/teacher/creator, Davida Monk and M-body. Walk through the wilderness art show where five artists under the direction of Reinhard Reitzenstein will create the first in a series of installations which will become known as The Landart Project. Last but not least, R. Murray Schafer will give you a delightful peek behind the scenes in Schafer's Patria. Schafer will be joined by his principal designer Jerrard Smith and together they will explain the concepts of environmental art and share stories of the joys and rigours of mounting music theatre in the woods.

For more information please call or email Lesley English at: 705-754-4167; admin@theforestfestival.com