There is more to Vancouver’s folk fest than just folk music
Posted July 19, 2019 10:33 am.
Last Updated July 19, 2019 10:34 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A local mid-summer tradition returns this weekend — the 42nd annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival is on Friday through Sunday at Jericho Beach Park.
Organizers say they try to offer as varied a slate of performers as possible; everyone from traditional folkies like Ramblin’ Jack Elliott to more mainstream acts like the Sam Roberts Band.
Country artist Corb Lund and soul singers The Hamiltones will be there too.
“We have bluegrass, we have traditional Newfoundland music, we have soul and blues, we have hip hop, we try to be broad in our offering of folk music,” explains Artist Director Debbie Salmonsen.
“We have families who…the grandparents come with the grandkids and some of our attendees have been coming for 42 years, [while] for some, this will be the first year that they’re coming. So we really try to bring a variety of music to appeal to the broadest audience that we can.”
Most of the seating is on the ground, so Salmonsen recommends bringing a blanket or a chair.
“If you’re a person who needs, because of mobility issues, a higher chair we have both a viewing platform for people who are unable to sit on the ground, but also for folks who bring higher chairs, we just ask that they put them far at the back [from] the stages.
In all, there are 59 acts on five different stages. There is also an artisan market, a food bazaar and even a kids zone called the Little Folks Village.
You can find more details on the Folk Music Festival’s website.
