Oskar Graf
1944 - 2025

In 1974, Oskar Graf, his then wife Shoshannah, and a few friends started a little music festival. Friendships were forged, loves were joined, and families were made. Indeed, most of us never would have met if it wasn’t for Oskar. We remember him not only as the founder of the Blue Skies Music Festival, but as a master luthier, a back to the lander, and beloved friend to so many. Oskar leaves behind a community born of his vision, nurtured by his spirit, and sustained by the countless lives he brought together. We will miss his quiet guidance and his practical nature, but most of all, we will just miss our friend.

Share your memories of Oskar

We invite you to share your favourite story, photo or memory of Oskar and his wonderful experiences as the founder of Blue Skies. Please send me an email at richard@freshimage.ca and I will post it on his Tribute page.

September Meeting Notice

As you know, our founder, Oskar Graf, passed away a few weeks ago, and moving forward with the meeting as usual just didn’t feel right. This was unexpected, and navigating the loss of a friend, as well as someone who was so important to the Festival is going to take some time.

So what are we doing on September 27th? Nothing grand or formal - Oskar would not have liked that. But we will be gathering to share remembrances. There will be various campfires to tell stories, sing songs, and quietly reflect on the impact Oskar has had on Blue Skies, as well as our lives. You don’t have to have known Oskar personally to attend - this is an opportunity to get to know him, hear about our history, and the guidance he offered. For those who are not able to come, there will be a tribute to him at the festival next summer.

The schedule will be the same - a potluck of the world’s best food will commence at 11am, and we will wrap up at 4:30. Please note that everyone should bring their own dishes, and while we have water, it has not been tested recently - bring drinking water from home.If the weather is less than ideal, barring anything hazardous, we will still be there, just with raincoats on.

Photo of folks sitting on the hill watching a performance on the main stage at Blue Skies

Blue Skies Music Festival

Welcome to the official Blue Skies Music Festival website.

For over five decades magic has happened for one weekend a year on a very special piece of Ontario wilderness near Clarendon, Ontario.

Like Brigadoon, Blue Skies Music Festival springs forth on the August long weekend. Then just as quickly disappears for another year.

Blue Skies is one of a very small number of completely volunteer-run festivals. Every facet of the festival's operation is performed by volunteers, from booking the acts to cleaning the loos.

If that isn't magic, what is?