Harvestfest -- This year's program and special guests

special guests

Wendy Rule Every so often Melbourne throws up a singular talent, someone previously hidden amongst the well-established musical tribes, someone possessed of a unique vision. Wendy Rule, the vocalist, songwriter and visionary, is such and artist. Beat Magazine, Melbourne, Australia

Witch Doctor Utu and Prince Bamidele Bajowa of Nigera will also be joining us for a workshop and special Voodoo Ceremony.

things to remember

Indoor cabin space is limited so early registration is advisable.
Bring all-season clothing -- October weather is unpredictable.
Bring "stuff" to decorate this year's Corn King as we prepare him to go on his fiery journey.
If you just want to relax and not have to worry about making your own food, a full meal plan is available (see our registration page for details).

This year's program

For a complete copy of this year's program, click here!

For a complete list of this year's presenters, click here!

Wendy Rule

With the release of her fifth full length album, The Wolf Sky, Wendy Rule has firmly established herself as one of Australia's most uniquely gifted and prolific artists. Her music is a passionate union of her incredible voice – moving from soaring heights to intimate whispers – and her beautifully dark and visionary lyrics. Wendy’s live performances draw on her love of ritual and theatre, enticing her audience into an otherworldly realm of power and Magic. After years of local shows and national tours, Wendy’s music is now being recognised internationally. She has recently returned from her 9th tour of the USA, and has also performed in France, Germany, England and Scotland.

Alongside her five full length studio albums, Wendy has recently released a meditation album - Meditations on the 4 Elements. Her other releases include a live album of jazz standards and a collaborative album with Californian artist Gary Stadler. She has toured and performed extensively within Australia and internationally.

witch doctor utu ~ niagara voodoo shrine

Utu is a Witchdoctor of the North American Voodoo tradition. His temple, the Niagara Voodoo Shrine, is located in the heart of the historic free slave quarter in St. Catharines Ontario, where the legendary Underground Railroad ended. The Niagara Voodoo Shrine has been sharing for many years the beautiful traditions of this Carolinian forest and swamp magik that inspires transformation and inner healing with the help of the spirits and animals of the marsh. www.myspace.com/niagaravoodooshrine

prince bamidele bajowa

Prince Bamidele Bajowa was born into the Royal House of Rebuja Ruling Dynasty in Igbotako, Osooro, Ondo State, Nigeria. Initiated into Awo Ifa (Orunmila) about 10 years ago, and divining with sixteen cowries and palm nuts, he has been honoured with being the custodian of his family’s ancestral masker cultural Egungun Ayeloja from Ijiobounre family Igbotako, Osooro, Ondo State, Nigeria. Using his music and storytelling to bring awareness to preserving the Yoruba heritage and culture.

john huculiak

John Huculiak is a busy guy who is in need of a personal assistant. He is a father-to-be (December 2009), a legal wedding & ritual officiant, a freelance lecturer & archivist, and a Spiritual Care Visitor for the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health. An adept in several fields of Divinatory Arts and Indigenous Spiritualities; a Wayfarer and a former Dharma worker; you will often find him talking the strangers in transit to somewhere. john@heretic.ca

Friday Night's Community Ritual – Latcho Drom Rota Baksheesh

We come from different faiths & lifestyles, live in different places, and have different “faces” which we travel with; but for a time, we gather and make Harvest Fest 2009 our meeting grounds, living space – our encampment & Kumpania! Let us celebrate this fact – together with a simple rite from the Wandering Nation.

Marija Kuncaitis

Marija has been a long time member of Romuva (Baltic paganism), moderating the Romuva mailing list for the past 11 years and acting as a point of contact for all of North America and holds the position of Co-ordinator for Canada. Growing up in a Lithuanian household, and hearing the various folktales, and fairytales, as well as observing Romuva’s various customs and traditions provided a natural easy transition to the Baltic Faith. Marija has also been a member of OBOD (Order Bards Ovates and Druids) for the past 14 years.