KURATED NO. 246
VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL 48
Who’s playing at the Festival?
CONTENTS
- PLAYLIST: FESTIVAL 48: a 43-song artist sampler curated by Artistic Director Fiona Black
- THE FESTIVAL ON INSTAGRAM
- VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL – Check it out below including the Main Stage line-up
Tanzania’s Zawose Queens are one of Friday night’s main stage concert highlights
The 48th Vancouver Folk Music Festival
WHO’S PLAYING AT THE FESTIVAL?
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival continues to address its hardworking middle age with spirit and vision. Like many of us, it’s faced abrupt ups and downs in recent years. Having survived the COVID crisis counts as an important win. More than a few arts organizations didn’t.
Thanks to the support of a devoted audience, the Festival marks its 48th edition with an eclectic and wide-ranging cohort of performers from around the world, across the strait and down the block. The capable hands and ears of Artistic Director Fiona Black have brought together an exciting collection of more than 40 performing acts to grace the stages at Jericho Beach Park.
Kurated invited Fiona to give us a snapshot this year’s artist lineup.
Scotland’s Shooglenifty are first up on the Festival main stage Saturday night
Ain’t it grand to make it to another year!
by Fiona Black / VFMF Artistic Director
Long before I took on the Artistic Director role for VFMF, the Festival has always been my favourite weekend of the year.
It’s a rare chance to gather in the majesty of Jericho Beach Park and be spoiled not only by the musical riches but connect with my community of musicians, colleagues, friends and long-time attendees of the festival. It’s an important touchstone that we’re here again in this magical place with big smiles, open hearts and ears that are receptive to new musical delights. Ain’t it grand to make it to another year!
Being asked for my picks for this year’s festival is like choosing a favourite child. I love all 44 acts that I’ve booked. They are all chosen with care and insight.
They were on the bill for last year’s Festival but unforeseen circumstances cancelled their show. This year California’s Milk Carton Kids are one of the featured acts on Sunday’s main stage
A few musical themes
As with many festival editions, themes emerge. This year’s line-up presents a plethora of African artists who offer a compelling mix of varied styles.
- Tanzania’s The Zawose Queens are led by a mother and daughter duo who will blow your mind with their trance-inducing harmonies
- Mali’s Bamba Wassoulou Groove, is a veteran group that typifies the Malian sound – intricate guitar-driven grooves accompanied by incredible high energy singing that will make you jump to your feet
- From South Africa, guitarists Derek Gripper and Guy Buttery will intoxicate us with complex rhythms featuring an interplay of African kora music and classical guitar
- DR Congo’s Les Mamans du Congo bring us a heady mix of traditional Congolese singing and rhythm mixed with modern electronica beats
- Morocco’s Bab L’Bluz will be a revelation with their modern mix of blues and ancient gnawa sounds from their region
- From Vancouver, the African Chamber Music Ensemble is an uncommon project led by local percussionist Curtis Andrews. He’s dexterously brought together the music of an adventurous local string quartet playing with local artists of African origins melding their sounds in an other-worldly, ethereal mix that’s wholly unique and compelling.
As a first generation Canadian of Scottish descent, I am particularly proud to have a wee Scottish focus with festival faves, Shooglenifty. Then there’s one of Scotland’s most revered singer/songwriters, Kris Drever (festival audiences may remember Kris from his appearance with his band Lau) plus a festival debut for the Langan Band, a quirky group that mixes a lot of styles and turns your notions of Scottish music on its head.
We have a proud tradition of showcasing Indigenous artists at VFMF and this year is no exception. Elisapie has had tremendous success with a Juno win for Best Adult Alternative Album of the year and much praise for Inuktitut her fascinating album. We’re thrilled to be showcasing her on our mainstage opening night.
Other Canadian indigenous acts include Ontario-based cellist Cris Derksen who mixes her classical training with indigenous beats.
- Julian Taylor, another artist with a break-out year and gaining a legion of fans with his beautiful voice and songs
- Mimi O’Bonsawin, also from Ontario, will make her VFMF debut in a duo with feel-good songs and warm rapport
- Vancouver Island’s Blue Moon Marquee return to the Festival with their high energy retro swing-blues that is 100
per cent upbeat fun. Usually a duo, they’re expanding to a five-piece for the Festival - And all the way from Australia, Emily Wurrumara will make her VFMF debut. Her modern indie material packs a big musical punch with power and grace.
There’s much more to check out! Come and discover your new favourite band and, if I may be so bold, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one.
Victoria’s Ocie Elliot bring their easy-on-the-ears sound to Saturday’s main stage
17 May 2025
About Festival 48
WHEN
The 48th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival runs from July 18 to 20
TICKETS
Early Bird tickets are available and you can purchase them at The Festival
HEAR
Listen to excellent 43-song Festival sampler curated by artistic director Fiona Black
VIEW
The full artist line-up
The Main Stage
Friday Night
Haram | Margaret Glaspy | Elisapie | The Zawose Queens
Saturday Night
Shooglenifty | On the Beach: Neil Young Reimagined | Ocie Elliott | Bab L’ Bluz
Sunday Night
Watchhouse | Ruthie Foster | The Milk Carton Kids | The Heavy Heavy
Britain’s The Heavy Heavy will close the Festival on Sunday night’s main stage
