Broad and eclectic in range, and with something for every music aficionado, this year’s festival is global in spirit. For three days, morning to evening, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival (Jul 14–16) hits the grass at Jericho Beach Park.
The festival schedule is posted online, and with over 40 music acts – with roots in over 12 countries, 10 states and eight provinces and territories – audiences can fully experience abundant and diverse musical talents.
The festival’s gates open Fri (July 14) at 3p.m., and music runs Sat and Sun from 11a.m. to 11p.m.
Evening main stage concerts
Fri, July 14| MC: Tim Reinert
A Musqueam Ceremony with Thelma Stogan and family opens the festival, followed by performances from: Amythyst Kiah, Aoife O’Donovan, Calexico and Medicine Singers.
Short performances by Melón Jiménez & Lara Wong Flamenco-World Trio, Tiny Habits and Blick Bassy.
Sat, July 15 | MC: Lisa Christiansen
On stage: Toubab Krewe, William Prince, American Beauties: Songs of the Grateful Dead Re-Imagined and True Loves.
Short performances by Cedric Watson & Jourdan Thibodeaux, Susan O’Neill, and Tré Burt.
Sun, July 16 | MC: Margaret Gallagher
Concerts by: Joe Henry, Albert Lee, Las Cafeteras and Kalàscima featuring Andrea Ramolo.
Short performances from Twin Flames and Don McGlashan w/Anita Clark.
A Festival Finale follows the evening’s last performance. Stay to see the parade of hauntingly beautiful lanterns which lead everyone out of the park.
Day stage concerts and workshops
On Friday (4–6 p.m.), and both Saturday and Sunday (starting at 11 a.m.), audiences can get better acquainted with individual artists and groups on the festival roster.
At workshops, they’ll see and hear unique, one-of-a-kind live gatherings of musicians from varied music genres and cultures coming together around a theme such as “Storytellers” or “Globetrotters”. The results are always unpredictable, and on a regular basis, extraordinary – and always good watching.
Kids are welcome
There’s a special place for kids and families on site: explore, create and discover in the Little Folks Village. This year, in addition to the Creative Station and Musical Playground, folks can enjoy Redbird and Friends, Sand Northrup’s one woman circus and the North Shore Celtic Ensemble.
Food, beverage, accessibility services and more
Adding to that festival vibe, there are lots of choices of places to eat and drink, things to learn and amazing places to shop over festival weekend.
Pete’s Eats outdoor food court offers over two dozen global meal, snack, dessert and beverage vendors.
The Beer and Wine Garden features beverages from Whistler Brewing, Lonetree Cider and Hester Creek Estate Wines.
The Artisan Market’s 28 booths offer shoppers beautiful, useful and unique locally-made items as well as ethically-sourced imported goods.
In the Community Village, the public can visit local organizations and learn about what they do.
And at the Festival Merchandise & the Artists’ Emporium: Music ‘n’ More tent, people can stock up on their 2023 souvenirs and mementos – and even have items signed by festival artists.
The festival offers Accessibility Services for those who need assistance and ASL interpreters on some daytime stages.
Services include free drinking water stations (no bottled water is sold on site, so all festival-goers are asked to bring their own beverage receptacles), a secure Bike Lock area, Information Tent, Lost and Found and a fully-realized and extensive plan to minimize the festival’s impact on the park environment and on the planet.
For more information visit:
www.thefestival.bc.ca
Follow @vanfolkfest on IG & Facebook
