Off The Beaten Track

Jo Beattie is a community builder who sees culture as infrastructure—creating spaces where people gather and belong. A longtime educator and UVic graduate, she has spent over 30 years using music and storytelling to connect communities across Canada and the UK. She co-founded the Prince George Folkfest Society and grew it into the Coldsnap Winter Music Festival, helping establish the region as a folk/roots hub. Now based on Pender Island, she co-founded The Crisp Festival and continues to champion artists, dialogue, and community connection. Jo is host of Off The Beaten Track and remains dedicated to strengthening communities especially through music, the arts. “Music will help dissolve your perplexities ... and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer