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Artist Spotlight: Bonjay
Dancehall-bred. Orchestrated like old soul. Driven by emotive vocals inspired as much by Feist as by Yolanda Adams. There’s a rawness to Bonjay: to the feelings, to the voice, to the sounds clashing. It sounds like something new. In cities and suburbs around the world, the next generation of young musicians are emerging. Inspired by the underground music of the last 30 years, they are unencumbered by the restrictions of style and attitude that traditionally divided genres. Cities that once tried to emulate New York or London are coming to the forefront, newly confident in their local blends. The youth are coming into their own, cheering the home team, celebrating…
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Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (Vancouver, BC) July 17-19, is a Canadian cultural institution; a unique community-based celebration internationally renowned for presenting the finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music from around the world. Each year, the Festival draws more than 40,000 enthusiastic attendees to beautiful Jericho Beach Park. Two and even three generations of families join friends and fellow community members to experience the music and culture of more than 40 international, national, and local artists. They come together to dance and to enjoy food and children’s activities – and the magical ambience of the Festival. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has received an ‘A’ grade on the…
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Artist Spotlight: Riit
From the land that never melts comes a sound that radiates life, youth and promise. Riit, from majestic Panniqtuq, Nunavut, is a new artist making space for herself in the electropop world with Inuktitut lyrics and deep rhythmic vocals layered over gemological synth cuts and sticky, staticky electronic textures. Riit’s music emerges from very distinct circumstances of place, language and experience. Throughout her debut full-length album, produced by Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck) and recorded in Iqaluit, Nunavut and Toronto, Riit sings about the clarity of forgiveness, the imprint of the past on the present, and personal disconnection. In Inuktitut, Riit’s songs explore family, life and love. Riit also nods to…
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Tay Creek Folk Festival
Started in 2008 by Jenifer Jobbins, the Tay Creek Folk Festival (Tay Creek, NB) July 17 – 19, is an annual opportunity for New Brunswick musicians to gather & perform in a beautiful country setting. Tay Creek Folk Festival has received and ‘A’ on the Canadian Festival Report Card for the past two years. Visit their website for tickets and lineup info! http://taycreekfestival.ca/
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Artist Spotlight: The Galpines
The Infamous Galpines! A Nerdy Girly Dirt Band from Moncton, NB The past few years have been busy for The Galpines as they released their first full-length record entitled “Sorry Mom”, toured the summer festival circuit including appearances at Paddlefest, Folly Fest and Messtival, took their live show to Ontario, and added bad bitch Kendra Gale on the drums. If you enjoy your honky-tonk on the bawdy side, this award-winning, all-female, crass-country, hyphen-lovin’ comedy-band from the shady neighbourhoods of Moncton, NB will be right up your alley. Their rich four-part harmonies take centre stage in anthems about binge drinking, baby heckling, and bad credit. Armed with an arsenal of guitar,…
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Artist Spotlight: Kelly Bado
With influences from her African heritage, la chanson française and American gospel, Kelly’s music crosses cultural barriers to bring people together in joy and hope. Striking vocals and uplifting melodies make for a performance that stays with the audience long after the show is over. Kelly has created a sound and message that is an intoxicating blend of Soul/World/Pop. In a very short time she has transitioned from local prominence to National exposure. Her debut French language recording entitled “Entre Deux”, produced by award winning writer/producers Norman Dugas, Daniel Roa and Chris Burke-Gaffney has been rewarded with an unprecedented amount of coveted awards. The latest and not the least being…
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Ness Creek Festival
Ness Creek Cultural and Recreational Society presents the Ness Creek Festival (Saskatoon, SK) July 16-19, is reputed as “The best time you can have in one weekend!” Four Magical Days celebrating Music, Arts, Community and Ecology in the breathtaking setting of the Boreal Forest. Over 30 Main Stage performances, Workshop stage, Eco-Village, Artisan Market, Community Kitchen, Children’s Area, Drum and Dance Circle, Community Sharing Circle, After Hours Tent, and more. Immerse yourself in the Magic of Ness while staying in our rustic campgrounds. The best part is that camping is free with a weekend pass! Feel the sunshine on your face, dance to the beat of live music, breathe the fresh…
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Artist Spotlight: Ursidae
If folk music is “all the music that fits between the cracks”, then ursidae springs forth from the lush, dark soil that lives between rocks and sidewalk squares. This alt-folk offering is the solo project of Vancouver-based musician Caro Deady. Tapped into tradition, and stirred by the indie folk stylings of Daughter, Bon Iver, and Sharon van Etten, ursidae gives voice to her own stories in her newest release, almost//closer: an EP steeped in dusky blues and the salty waters of lonely love. Tender and whimsical, honest and fierce, ursidae takes listeners on a journey through dreamscapes and back alleys—all the while reminding us that there’s beauty in sadness, that…
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Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival
The Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society Festival (St. John’s, NL) July 10-12, is an incredible weekend of entertainment for the whole family. Spread out over three exciting days, the Festival is the coming together of community and culture. Come and enjoy a weekend of celebrating Newfoundland & Labrador’s unique culture with great traditional music, interactive workshops, local art work and craft and plenty to eat, drink, see and do. This is a friendly festival that attracts people from all over the world, and it is heralded as one of the province’s premiere cultural events. The Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival has received an ‘A’ grade on the Canadian Festival…
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Sasquatch Gathering
Sasquatch Gathering (Metis Crossing, AB) June 26-28, is a family friendly, music and arts festival. It has had 8 different locations throughout Alberta and now calls Métis Crossing its home. The festival has received an ‘A’ grade on the Canadian Festival Report Card in 2019 and 2017. Visit their website for more information! http://www.sasquatchgathering.com
