The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has announced the amazing line-up of music acts slated to perform over the weekend of July 18 to 20. Over 60 artists and groups from 12 different countries, seven provinces and 12 states, with roots in many more, will gather in beautiful Jericho Beach Park for a weekend of concerts and workshops.
The festival runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, as well as all day Saturday and Sunday, with multiple daytime stages, early evening, and Main concert stages.
Performing for the first time at the VFMF will be legendary folksinger Joan Baez, headlining the Main Stage on Saturday evening. She’s joined on the roster by the indie-folk voices of Andrew Bird, Amos Lee, Great Lake Swimmers, Wintersleep, Born Ruffians, and others.
According to VFMF Artistic Director Linda Tanaka, “Our 37th festival promises an extraordinary musical experience for folks of every age and background. This year’s roster offers audiences well-known and celebrated names along with a diverse and eclectic spectrum of brilliant artists and music to discover. There are almost too many genres, styles, and streams of folk, world and roots music to name. Some music is based solidly in the traditions of a particular world culture or tradition; and some that can only be described by referencing a myriad of influences. Some music has ancient roots, and some will be played and sung for the first time on our stages. We welcome folks of all cultures, ages lifestyles and interests to share a one-of-a-kind, live, exciting summer weekend of entertaining, lively and inspiring music with us.”
[La Manta]
For world music fans, there’s Seun Kuti playing with his father Fela’s band, Egypt 80, Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali, Mexico’s La Manta, Mozambique’s Banda Kakana, Korea’s Dulsori, Italy’s Beppe Gambetta and Riccardo Tesi & Banditaliana, Australia’s wild Wagons, and Scotland’s Karine Polwart.
Toronto’s party-punks, The Lemon Bucket Orkestra will also perform along with a number of Americana-roots firebrands such as The Howlin’ Brothers, and Ashleigh Flynn & the Back Porch Majority. The festival welcomes renowned singer-songwriters Eliza Gilkyson, Rose Cousins, and sizzling new talent Mary Lambert.
[Leo “Bud” Welch]
Indigenous voices will also featured, including Australia’s Frank Yamma, and Canadians the Iskwew Singers and Leonard Sumner. Young BC band Fish & Bird, veteran Oliver Swain’s BIG MACHINE, and “recently discovered” 82 year-old Mississippi gospel-bluesman, Leo “Bud” Welch: all part of Vancouver’s favourite summer music festival.
Two recent additions have just been added to the lineup: the powerhouse a cappella gospel voices of Como, Mississippi’s The Como Mamas, and from Australia, the King of Koori Country, Roger Knox with Jon Langford and Jean Cook.
[Fish and Bird]
The names above represent just some of the amazing variety of talent that will grace the multi-stage festival. Visit the VFMF website for details and a complete list of festival artists.
Detailed Ticket Information
Adult
Weekend Passes: Early Bird (to June 14): $140 | Advance (to July 17): $155 | Gate: $170
Sat/Sunday 1-day tickets: Early Bird (to June 14): $75 | Advance (to July 17): $80 | Gate: $85
Friday night: Early Bird (to June 14): $45 | Advance (to July 17): $45 | Gate: $50
Students (19+ w/ ID)
Weekend Passes: Early Bird (to June 14): $90 | Advance (to July 17): $100 | Gate: $110
Sat/Sunday 1-day tickets: Early Bird (to June 14): $60 | Advance (to July 17): $65 | Gate: $70
Friday night: Early Bird (to June 14): $40 | Advance (to July 17): $40 | Gate: $45
Youth (13 to 18 w/ ID at gate)
Weekend Passes: Early Bird (to June 14): $65 | Advance (to July 17): $75 | Gate: $85
Sat/Sunday 1-day tickets: Early Bird (to June 14): $45 | Advance (to July 17): $50 | Gate: $55
Friday night: Early Bird (to June 14): $40 | Advance (to July 17): $40 | Gate: $45
Elder (65+ w/ ID at gate)
Weekend Passes: Early Bird (to June 14): $70 | Advance (to July 17): $80 | Gate: $90
Sat/Sunday 1-day tickets: Early Bird (to June 14): $45 | Advance (to July 17): $50 | Gate: $55
Friday night: Early Bird (to June 14): $40 | Advance (to July 17): $40 | Gate: $45
Children 12 and under are free, when accompanied by a parent/adult/guardian. Follow Vancouver Folk Fest on Twitter.
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Folk Music Festival.