From Joan Baez and Andrew Bird to Ozomatli and Frank Yamma, from Alberta to Zimbabwe, the 37th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival brings a world of music to one of the world's most beautiful festival settings - right in your own back yard. Join us for two days and three nights, and over 60 acts, for the best weekend of your summer.
Festival Opening
This year, along with the traditional Musqueam opening and greetings on Friday evening, audiences will be part of a very special welcome to Jericho Beach Park, once home to the fishing village called Ee'yullmough. READ MORE . . .
Little Folks Village
Little folks not only get to experience all the amazing music on site, but have a whole area just for them! In the Little Folks Village they can create all kinds of unique crafts and experience lots of new and interesting things. READ MORE . . .
SPOTLIGHTS
Jay Malinowski & the Deadcoast
Jay Malinowski has toured the world as the voice of JUNO-winning reggae pop band Bedouin Soundclash, & been half of the critically-acclaimed duo Armistice with Coeur de pirate. Back in Vancouver, Malinowski's latest CD, Martel - part family tree, part introspective based on the tumultuous life of an ancestor - showcases his adventurous vision. Recorded with string trio The End Tree (aka "the Deadcoast"), they cover epic ground, from reggae to flamenco, pop & beyond. There's even a companion Harper Collins e-book novella. See them on Stage 3 at 6pm on Saturday @ the festival! Check out a live session here.
Noura Mint Seymali
From a family of griots whose ancestral home is in the West African desert nation of Mauritania, Noura Mint Seymali's music embodies the dynamic cultural cross-currents between North & Sub-Saharan Africa, & the world. She is releasing her new album, Tzenni TODAY, named for the whirling-style of dance that goes hand-in-hand with the music of Moorish griots. Led by Noura's amazing voice, the sound is "a distillation of essential elements, the 'azawan' and the backbeat", visceral desert music featuring the ardine & the tidinit (or guitar). Noura plays Main Stage on Saturday @ 7pm. See some of the making of her new album here.
Eliza Gilkyson
From her teen years to now, from recording demos for her legendary father, Terry Gilkyson, to her own songs on some 20 albums, to writing tunes covered by music's biggest names, Eliza Gilkyson is a highly esteemed voice in the Americana, folk and roots music world. She is an Austin Music Hall of Fame inductee, a powerful performer and songwriter, a progressive activist, and an influential woman of words and action - in short, an inspiring role model to many. She sings great too! Eliza performs in her own concert @ 3pm on Saturday at the festival. Here is a glimpse of Eliza in performance - what you'll get to see at this year's festival!
5 - 11pm each evening
Friday, July 18
Mokoomba
Tift Merritt
Great Lake Swimmers
Wintersleep
Andrew Bird & the Hands of Glory
Saturday, July 19
La Manta
Foy Vance
Noura Mint Seymali
Alejandro Escovedo & the Sensitive Boys
Joan Baez
Sunday, July 20
Mary Lambert
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
Ozomatli
Amos Lee
(Finale)
6 - 9:30pm each evening
Friday, July 18
Riccardo Tesi & Banditaliana
Banda Kakana
Lemon Bucket Orkestra
Saturday, July 19
Jay Malinowski and the Deadcoast
Brasstronaut
Born Ruffians
Sunday, July 20
Lost Bayou Ramblers
Langhorne Slim & the Law
Typhoon
Program subject to change without notice
More details to follow in mid-June!
SOME DAYTIME WORKSHOPS TO NOTE
STAGE 2
Saturday, July 19 @ 12:20pm
Tribute to Pete Seeger
Alejandro Escovedo
Josh White Jr.
Eliza Gilkyson
Joan Baez
Sunday, July 20 @ 10am
Gospel Session
Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
Leo “Bud” Welch
The Como Mamas
Sunday, July 20 @ 3pm
Celebrating the 100th
Anniversary of Josh White Sr.
A concert with Josh White Jr.
VIDEO SHOWCASE
The Artisan Market showcases the works of artists and artisans from BC and far a-field, who create handcrafted items for your shopping pleasure. The Folk Bazaar, located ocean-front in Jericho Beach Park, is an integral part of the Festival experience, with a diverse collection of treasures to peruse. Goods range from one-of-a-kind jewellery to hand screen printed t-shirts to artisan bath and body products.