Celebrating Oskar Graf: Influential Luthier and Festival Founder

Oskar Graf, a celebrated luthier and the founder of the long-running Blue Skies Music Festival, passed away at his home in Clarendon, north of Sharbot Lake, in late August at the age of 81. Friends, family, and the music community are honoring his legacy through various celebrations, with a special event planned for Saturday and another in Westport set for November.

Born during an air raid in 1944 in a small town in southern Germany, Graf’s family moved to Berlin after World War II. His son, Tony Graf, shared insights into his father’s formative years and his heritage. “My father trained in fine cabinetry and later pursued interior architecture and furniture design,” Tony explained. Oskar’s journey led him to meet his wife, Shoshannah (known as Susan), on a ferry in Denmark in 1964. The couple emigrated from Germany to Toronto in 1968 and eventually settled in Clarendon as part of the back-to-the-land movement.

In Clarendon, Graf channeled his skills into crafting hand-built instruments, starting with dulcimers before focusing on guitars. Fellow luthier Gord Mylks praised Graf’s craftsmanship, describing him as the “finest of craftsmen.” Mylks noted, “Oskar mastered the subtleties of wood and grain, making his guitars stand out in both sound and beauty.” Many renowned musicians, including members of The Tragically Hip, have played Graf’s guitars, a testament to their exceptional quality.

Musician Don Ross reflected on his first encounter with Graf at the Blue Skies Festival, held on Graf’s property. After admiring Graf’s work, Ross commissioned a unique seven-string guitar in 1995. “It’s one of my prized possessions,” he stated, emphasizing Graf’s welcoming nature and hospitality. Their friendship deepened over the years, with Ross often visiting Graf whenever in the area.

Longtime friend and festival emcee Bruce McGregor, known as Magoo, recalled his first meeting with Graf after the festival’s inception in 1975. “He welcomed me in with open arms,” Magoo said, reminiscing about their immediate connection. Graf’s influence extended beyond instrument-making; he played a crucial role in the festival’s continuity. After the festival’s 25th anniversary, Graf expressed concerns about the property’s future and offered to sell it to the festival at appraised value, a gesture that ensured its longevity.

Graf’s commitment to maintaining the festival’s spirit was clear. Al Rankin, former artistic director, described Graf as humble and uninterested in commercialization. “He liked the festival the way it was,” Rankin noted, highlighting Graf’s preference for a smaller, more intimate gathering.

Tony Graf shared a personal reflection on his father’s life, noting that Oskar’s travels shaped his worldview. Oskar explored Germany on motorcycle as a teenager and worked across the Atlantic as a ship’s carpenter. “He was a curious person, well-informed and politically astute,” Tony remarked. Their conversations often revolved around larger world issues, illustrating the depth of their relationship.

In the days following Oskar Graf’s passing, tributes have poured in, revealing the profound impact he had on those who knew him. “It was gratifying to see how highly regarded he was,” Tony said, reflecting on the stories shared about his father’s generosity and creativity.

As the music community gathers to celebrate Oskar Graf’s life and contributions, his legacy as both a master luthier and a compassionate friend endures, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the hearts of many.