Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2018

The 2018 Edmonton Folk Music Festival took place August 9-12 at Gallagher Park. As always, it featured an eclectic line up of music from different generations, genres, and cultures.

Here is a link to an article I write for GigCity.ca about the Thursday evening line up, which included Tinariwen, DakhaBrakha, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and The Decemberists.

REVIEW: Heat on the hill at folk fest

My second piece for GigCity.ca focuses on the Saturday daytime line up, as well as some personal reflections of the unusual weather experienced during the weekend.

I SURVIVED THE FOLK FEST (almost)

Here is my complete collection of photos, including all of the acts I discuss in the above articles, the obligatory views from the hill, and more.

~Paula E. Kirman

World Music a focus at 2017 Edmonton Folk Music Festival

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival took place August 10-13 at Gallagher Park. Known for its diverse selection of musical artists, this year in particular there was an eclectic assortment of acts from different countries and cultures.

On the first night of the festival, things got kicked off with Solo. The name was ironic: the band was composed of numerous members of two of Quebec's most well-known traditional groups, Le Vent Du Nord and De Temps Antan. Their performance was exciting, with the sound heavy on fiddles and stomping.

Solo

Solo

Next up was Lakou Mizik, a collective of musicians from Haiti from different generations. The group formed in the wake of the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti. Consisting of vocalists, rare horns, guitars, accordion, and percussion, the music and stage performance (which was very physical) captivated the Thursday night audience.

Lakou Mizik

Lakou Mizik

Lakou Mizik

Lakou Mizik

Unfortunately, the evening had to be called to a conclusion early, as a sudden and severe windstorm resulted in the last two performances being cancelled, and the park evacuated. Shakey Graves and The Decemberists have been invited back to perform at the 2018 festival.

The Thursday evening sky.

With their traditional instruments made by the band itself, and captivating throat singing, Huun Huur Tu's sound was mesmerizing. The band is from Tuva, a very small country on the Mongolia-Russia border.

Huun Huur Tu

Edmonton's Mohsin Zaman, originally from Pakistan, has become a driving force in the local music scene and was named the Folk Fest's first Artist in Residence.

Mohsin Zaman

A number of Indigenous acts appeared at this year's Folk Fest. From the Treaty 6 land upon which the Folk Fest takes place was the Logan Alexis Singers and friends, presenting a variety of singing, drumming, and dance styles. During their concert performance on Sunday, they had the audience up on their feet for a round dance.

Logan Alexis Singers

Logan Alexis Singers

Round Dancing

William Prince is a folk/country singer/songwriter from Manitoba whose First Nations roots are very evident in his lyrics. 

William Prince

The Jerry Cans, from Nunavut, had Stage One in a dancing frenzy during their Saturday evening concert. Inuit throat-singing and traditional language of Inuktituk mixed with their roots-rock sound.

The Jerry Cans

Taking the afternoon main stage on Sunday was Amadou & Mariam, a couple from Mali who met at a school for the blind. Mariam's vocals and Amadou's incredible guitar work soared through bluesy, danceable songs.

Amadou & Mariam

Like every year, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival featured a food court that also seemed to have a world influence, including Asian, East Indian, Native American, and western choices, as well as a lot of vegetarian/vegan items. There was also a craft/artisan market and merchandise tent where fans could get t-shirts and CDs.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2016

The 2016 Edmonton Folk Music Festival happened August 4-7 and I was there to take in the sights and sounds. I was thrilled to see a few of my favourite acts this year, Like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dar Williams, Calexico, and LP. Here is my write up at DigitalJournal.com.

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2015

I attended the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, which happened this year from August 6-9. It was quite an exciting event for me. For starters, this was the first year I actually attended on all four days.

You can read my full report at DigitalJournal.com. However, here are some of the personal highlights for me.

I really wanted to see The Duhks, from Winnipeg, first up on the main stage on the Thursday evening. The group combines folk, country, and bluegrass with a contemporary flair.

The highlight of my Friday was seeing Oysterband. From various parts of the UK, these men in black first blew me away at the 2009 Folk Fest and have been one of my favourite bands ever since. Socially conscious folk that is extremely melodic and deep.

Saturday was my long day at Gallagher Park. It was a huge treat to see Tinariwen from Mali present their wall of sound to Edmonton for the first time.

Richard Thompson, singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire, was on the main stage later in the evening.

Also, I wanted to see the hill in the darkness in person for the first time. I have seen many photos of the hill and grounds in the dark, but I could finally take a few of my own.

Despite my late night on Saturday, I made it to the park bright and early on Sunday morning to see Hanggai from China in concert. Layers of sound with traditional and contemporary instruments, throat-singing, and the ability to get everyone on their feet dancing.

Also, as an Inside World Music exclusive: Frazey Ford, a singer/songwriter who was a founding member of the Be Good Tanyas, allowed us media types to film her first three songs in their entirety. She was on the main stage on the Friday evening to replace Sinead O'Connor, who cancelled her entire summer tour due to health issues. The Folk Fest made a great decision in picking Ford, whose lilting vocals soared over the hill.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2014

Another Edmonton Folk Music Festival has come and gone for the year. Once it again, the event featured a huge variety of both established and emerging musical artists, from genres not only of folk but World, blues, country, and even a little bit of rock. Here are some of my highlights.

For me, the highlight of this year's festival was the chance to finally see Daniel Lanois perform live. The legendary producer and composer took a chance by playing some of his newer, electronic experimental sounds. He also played many crowd favourites from his earlier work, such as "Jolie Louise" and an epic, 10 minute version of "The Maker."

Another favourite performer of mine who I just had not yet had the chance to see in concert was James Keelaghan. His rich, mellow voice soared through his songs, several of which were based in Canadian history.

A performer I have heard of but was not that familiar with, was Joe Ely. I was captivated by his country-rock, Tex-Mex stylings, and even recognized a couple of songs from my country phase.

I was excited that local singer/songwriter Maria Dunn take the stage at the Folk Fest. Her often political lyrics capture much of what folk music used to be about. I especially enjoyed her song about Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban for pursuing her education. Maria shared the stage with Canadian Celtic performer Lizzy Hoyt.

An African music workshop featuring Baka Beyond and Alpha Yaya Diallo's West African Summit was as exciting to watch as it was to listen.

The Folk Fest always features at least some traditional Irish music, and this year was no exception. Lunasa graced the afternoon main stage on the Saturday.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2013 - Worlds of Music

This year's Edmonton Folk Music Festival once again presented a huge variety of folk, blues, Worldbeat, and fusions of these genres and more. For me, a highlight is discovering new sounds from around the World as well as up and coming talent.

The Steep Canyon Rangers was probably my discovery of the weekend. The Grammy-award winning bluegrass band fuse country and folk into their lively music.

Havana D'Primera, from Cuba, presented an exciting main stage show on Sunday afternoon. The Salsa beats were contagious and I had a hard time stopping myself from getting up to dance right there in the photo pit!

Sometimes the most memorable performances don't happen on any of the stages. Here is Rosanne Cash playing at the CKUA booth. She has such a beautiful voice and her songs are haunting.

I have seen Alex Cuba a number of times at the EFMF and he always attracts a huge crowd. When he started to play his signature song "Si Pero No" people danced and sang along - it really is a great song that I never get tired of!

Niyaz, from Iran, was absolutely mesmerizing. The multi-faceted performance included traditional instruments, vocals, dress, and dance. There were even a few belly dancers in the audience!

Makana totally changed my view of music from Hawaii. Noted as a slack key guitarist, this guy can really play! He is also an activist and enthralling performer.

Don't accuse Amy Helm of resting on the laurels of her famous father, the late, great Levon Helm. Her performance is full of passion and she has an incredible voice.

On the local front, Edmonton singer/songwriter Joe Nolan is someone to watch out for. His memorable songs and unique delivery are just some of the reasons why he just landed a deal with Canadian label Six Shooter Records.

Tim O'Brien was on my must-see list this year. His abilities on guitar and fiddle with his signature bluegrass style translated very well on Stage 2.

Scotland's Dick Gaughan is another performer I have seen multiple times at the EFMF and I always enjoy his storytelling through song.

I love music from Canada's First Nations, so I was excited to catch the performance from the Iskwew Singers. A trio of three Cree women from British Columbia, the group performs songs in the plains tradition, telling stories of connection to the earth, Creator, and each other.

The EFMF is always a memorable event and this year was no different. To see my full collection of photos, including performers, people, and various shots around the festival site, click here. ~ Paula E. Kirman

This Land is Your Land: Woody at 100 (Arlo Guthrie and Friends)

This Land is Your Land: Woody at 100 (Arlo Guthrie and Friends), a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

For me, one of the biggest treats of the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival was the chance to see Arlo Guthrie live.

"This Land if Your Land" was one of the best workshops I have ever attended at the EFMF. In honour of what would have been folk music icon Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday, his son Arlo and a host of fellow musicians and family members took to the stage to perform classic Woody songs (and a few Arlo ones too!).

Hearing Jerry Gray (The Travellers) perform the Canadian version of "This Land Is Your Land" was a real treat. Many do not know there is another version of that famous song, but my generation grew up learning it in school. Seeing Arlo join in was awesome - truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Most of Arlo's classic songs came later on in the evening during his set on the main stage with his family. However, the Guthrie legacy of father and son will forever be entwined. This workshop breathed new life into the songs of Woody Guthrie. I can't think of a better way to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Johnny Clegg - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Johnny Clegg, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I am so glad I was able to catch some of Johnnny Clegg's show at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 12.

Clegg is a powerhouse of singer/songwriter music that infuses traditional Zulu language and African sounds into music that has a message. His incredibly physical performance had the audience waving their hands and dancing along.

Clegg was one of the most politically-charged performers of the weekend and represented the spirit of what a folk festival is all about.

La Bottine Souriante - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

La Bottine Souriante, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

As a Quebec music enthusiast for many years, I was thrilled when I found out that La Bottine Souriante would be the Saturday afternoon main stage act at the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Although there have been several personnel changes over the years, the music was as lively as ever, featuring accordion, a horn section, foot stomping percussion, and fiddle - lots of fiddle. The dancer also added a lot to the atmosphere of the performance.

Energy and excitement is at the heart of La Bottine Souriante, which takes traditional Quebec music and elevates it beyond linguistic boundaries.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I know people who came to the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival just to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Seeing this incredible band from South Africa that has been around for over 50 years was one of the weekend's highlights for me as well.

Performing in their native Zulu language, the music penetrated the hill at Stage 3 with energy, accented by the group's dance moves. Truly unforgettable.

Jim Cuddy Band - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Jim Cuddy Band, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I have been a fan of Blue Rodeo for more years than I care to count. In fact, the very first time I attended the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, it was to see the band hit the main stage.

This year, I got to see Blue Rodeo's lead singer/guitarist (well, one of them anyways - can't forget Greg Keelor!) up close leading the Jim Cuddy Band. The sound was everything I expected it to be: straight ahead country-tinged roots rock, with a few Blue Rodeo classics thrown in here and there. In fact, Blue Rodeo's bassist Basil Donovan was also part of the band.

Jim Cuddy is a very energetic performer and his vocals - and frankly, he himself - have not aged a bit. An impressive concert!

Lennie Gallant - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Lennie Gallant, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Lennie Gallant is a modern troubadour, a teller of stories through song, and a darn fine vocalist. I finally got to see him in concert at the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 11. He sang many songs from his latest release If We Had a Fire, but also some classics like "Peter's Dream" and "Which Way Does the River Run." I am not ashamed to admit that I cried during the beautiful and heartbreaking "Emily's Letters" and was left wanting more - s much more, in fact, that I think I am going to head to iTunes and get that latest albums, and a few older ones as well (I actually think I have one of his on cassette - kids, do you remember what those are?). If you hear that Lennie Gallant is coming to your city or town, be sure to see him. You will have a memorable time.

Natch'l Blues - EFMF 2011

Natch'l Blues - EFMF 2011, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Natch'l Blues is Canada's longest-running blues radio program, on CKUA since 1969. It is also the name of a Saturday afternoon session at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival featuring a powerful combination of artists.

Janiva Magness hosted the stage and performed her sultry, modern blues to an enthusiastic response. She was accompanied by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans, who also did a few numbers on their own.

Duke Robillard to the stage, and the entire group of musicians at that point played off of each other perfectly.

Then, came the biggest thrill yet: John Mayall, legendary British blues musician, performed a couple of songs with Joe Louis Walker. At 77, Mayall can still rock the house.

Natch'l Blues was one of the most exciting sessions of the weekend, with accomplished musicians strutting their stuff - naturally! ~Paula E. Kirman