Few events epitomize Vancouvers standing as Canadas capital of laidback, outdoor-loving, guitar-strumming, hippie cool as well as the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
For its 36th edition, this perennially popular outdoor celebration of folk will present 66 artists and groups from around the world on nine stages, with the inlet and the North Shore mountain range providing a stunning backdrop.
Headliners include ex-Dixie Chick Natalie Maines (remember when her public condemnation of fellow Texan President George W. Bush led to CD burnings, protests and one incredibly daring Rolling Stones cover?); folk legend, M*A*S*H guest star and famous father Loudon Wainwright III; alt/new country music icon Steve Earle and the Dukes; Australias The Cat Empire; Canadas Kathleen Edwards; DeVotchKa of Colorado and Irish Celtic-rockers The Waterboys.
Listen also for the Afro-beat rhythms of Refugee All-Stars from Sierra Leone, the fusion strains of Indias Raghu Dixit Project, wholly unique offerings from Hanggai from China and Danish big band Habadekuk, and much more, all under hopefully friendly skies in a one-of-a-kind location.
The 36th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival runs July 19-21 at Jericho Beach Park.
