Folk — a genre of music typically associated with the freethinking, socially engaged era of the 60s — is making a well-intentioned comeback in the modern era.
Appreciated for its grassroots appeal and unpretentious expression, this genre speaks to music aficionados young and old, no matter the economic status or political inclination.
For Orangeville’s The Mainlanders, the many virtues of folk is a primary reason the group fell headfirst into the genre with their upcoming debut release, Old Country Store.
Despite varied musical backgrounds, singer Jeff Campbell, guitarist Ryan Reed and bassist Murray Abraham found linguistic and stylistic solace in the honesty of the genre, resulting in a solid group mentality and a disc of which they are immensely proud.
“It’s the kind of music that you can always find something to enjoy in it,” Campbell explains. “There’s so many opportunities to change up the music, and you have a lot more variation allowance.”
The Mainlanders began as an evolving assembly of musicians, founded by Campbell and Reed, who met by chance at a local music store 20 years prior.
The group went through a slew of members until a friend told them about Abraham, when he moved to the local area. Abraham, now a teacher, spent 10 years earning his income as a travelling musician.
“And that’s why our Murray never wants to play another cover tune again in his life,” Campbell quips during the band’s interview with The Banner.

>> FULL STORY...   

Movie based on true story
Friday August 1 2008 By Peter Muhvic, REWIND 21
*** out of ****

The movie, 21, based on a true story, is a briskly paced two hours of energetic rags-to-riches fun that tries for a bit too much down the stretch, but still remains a nice gambling romp.
Ben, a super smart but... What’s On
Friday August 1 2008
Festivals
The 58th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship and Festival runs Aug. 6 to 10 in Shelburne.
The event features fiddle competitions, concerts, parade, midway, market and more.
For information, contact the Town of... Two-time 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards recipient
Friday August 1 2008 By David Nairn, CENTRE STAGE All of us at Theatre Orangeville want to thank you, our faithful subscribers, patrons and sponsors, for making Theatre Orangeville truly #1! The readers of The Banner recently voted Theatre Orangeville as the #1 Live Theatre in our community, as... Homegrown talent setting stage for musical success
Friday July 25 2008 By Kate Davis, for the Banner A flourishing musical scene,  catering to a host of different genres without rebuffing the integral hometown connection of the artist, can be found in the bars, halls and other venues in Orangeville.
As the scene continues to grow, so... Next play opens Aug. 22
Friday July 25 2008 By David Nairn, CENTRE STAGE Theatre Orangeville’s Musical Theatre Young Company’s Production of Clowns that took place last weekend was smash-hit success!
Audiences of all ages leapt to their feet at the end of each performance to give a well-deserved “standing o” to the... What’s On
Friday July 25 2008 Festivals
58th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship and Festival runs Aug. 6 to 10 in Shelburne. Features fiddle competitions, concerts, parade, midway, market and more. For information, contact the Town of Shelburne at 519-925-2600 or... Writing contest for kids
Friday July 25 2008 Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada is seeking entries for the annual My Hero Contest.  The 2008 contest is open to all children across Canada aged eight to 12. Finalists will be eligible to receive one of five prizes, including a national... Plenty of plot twists to keep action hot
Friday July 25 2008 By Peter Muhvic, REWIND The Bank Job
*** out of ****

The Bank Job may come packed with enough plot twists to make your head spin, but at heart it’s as straightforward as its on-target title.
The Bank Job follows a posse of British amateur bank robbers... Bus tour makes treasure hunting easy
Friday July 18 2008 By Nelia Raposo, Staff Writer Art lovers won’t have to worry about getting lost on country roads in search of Hockley Valley area treasures.
All they’ll have to do is get on a luxury bus and relax as the driver takes them to three studios featuring 22 artists involved with... Kidding around at Sobeys
Friday July 18 2008 Round up the children Tuesday and head over to the parking lot at the Orangeville Sobeys.
The store is hosting its annual Kids Night event from 5 to 7 p.m., which promises plenty of carefree youth-based entertainment and fun. For the past six... Market offers tempting taste of the season
Friday July 18 2008 Taste of the Season is the theme at the Market on Broadway this Saturday (July 19).
Fresh Ontario cherries, peas, beans and new potatoes will be for sale at Jose and Maria Sousa’s booth. The fresh tender fruits and vegetables are brought by... Bad movie, good try
Friday July 18 2008 By Peter Muhvic, REWIND Superhero Movie
*1/2 out of ****

There are a number of reasons why I feel bad about slamming Superhero Movie.
Unlike pretty much all the other spoofs being made now (Date Movie, Epic Movie, etc.), Superhero Movie actually... Local talent strutting stuff on Toronto stage
Friday July 18 2008 By David Nairn, CENTRE STAGE I hope everyone was able to take in all the wonderful festivities at the Founders’ Fair last weekend. You couldn’t walk down Broadway without realizing we are blessed to live in an incredibly vibrant and dynamic community. Sensational events such as...