For this episode I interviewed local music booker and advocate Samir Baijal, in honour of his receiving of the "Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award", recognizing Sam's ongoing commitment to supporting live music. I interviewed Sam about this, and about his career in music booking. More about Samir, and this award:
Samir [was recently] awarded the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award, as an advocate, supporter, and champion of the Ontario Folk music community throughout his career, and is in particular an advocate of a more diverse, more welcoming, and more inclusive Folk and independent music community. Sam is the Artistic Director of Hillside Festival (a role he has served in for 26 years) and the Coordinator of Programming at the University Centre at the University of Guelph. The recipients [were] presented with their awards by CBC q host Tom Power at the Ontario Folk Music Awards on Sunday, October 6th, 2024.
Folk Music Ontario Executive Director, Rosalyn Dennett shares, “Samir has been a driving force in promoting cultural diversity, environmental sustainability, and musical excellence in the Ontario folk music community through his roles at Hillside Festival and the University of Guelph. He has been a steadfast mentor and advocate of artists and live music workers through his board service and event participation. Congratulations, Samir! Your vision for a greener, more vibrant, and inclusive Folk music community is beautifully honoured by the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award”.
This interview was originally recorded live on Nov 22 2024
