PLAIN FOLK
by Les Pearson
Alberta Folk Festivals Are a Sure Cure for All That Ails Us

Summer vacation plans are on hold? Just too much on your plate and no time to think about insects, sun, and itineraries? Americans are in a fighting mood because we were not. SARS threatens to keep you out of Ontario and off planes. West Nile bullies you into the video wasteland of your basement. And Mad Cow? It has to be politically incorrect to think that this is your spouse if you don't get him or her out of town for at least a week this summer!

Your salvation is just one ticket reservation away. Alberta's Blues and Folk Festivals have bargain prices until the end of June. Prices are marked down by as much as 40%. All you have to do is pick the week or weekend and a made-in-Alberta Festival is there like answered prayer. Just think! A holiday only one day's drive from your doctor and golf course.

Here is this summer's Alberta Festival line-up.

This weekend is the North Country Fair, June 20-22, in Joussard. Call (780) 988-3258 for the artists and rush tickets.

The South Country Fair in Fort MacLeod is on our doorstep. It runs from July 17-20. Festured artists are Ira Provost and Sid Marty.

The Calgary Folk Festival is one of Alberta's biggies! It runs from July 24-27 and features name acts like Elvis Costello, Ani DiFranco, Sarah Harmer, the Waifs, Ian Tyson, and Blue Rodeo. Most Alberta festivals can be accessed through LINKS on their web site at www.calgaryfolkfest.com

Jasper Heritage Folk Festival runs Aug. 1-2. It attracts some acts from Canmore and Edmonton and is a bargain at $50 for a weekend pass.

Last week Ron Mason introduced you to the Canmore Folk Music Festival that runs from Aug. 2-4.

The gubermonster of all Alberta festivals is the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Aug. 7-10. The line-up for this one is mythical: all the big acts from Calgary plus Eric Bibb, Taj Mahal, Bruce Cockburn, Tom Russell, Norah Jones and even the Wailin' Jennys, an act that is featured in our local Club series this year! Organizers warn wanna-be stars that this is a festival "...not primarily for new performers." Adults over 65 and kids under 11 are FREE.

The Shady Grove & Old Tyme Music Festival plays in Nanton on Aug. 15-17. This year's artists include Restless Lester and the Dry River Boys.

The Calgary Blues and Roots Festival hits cow town on Aug. 22-24. Buddy Guy, Buckwheat Zydeco, and the Co-Dependents are featured. The Co-D's are a local favourite and will appear as part of our Club's concert series. Don't miss this one!

Finally, there is Waynefest! The Waynefest Folk Festival runs Sept. 6-7, in--you guessed it!--Wayne, Alberta.

That leaves the first two weeks in July to mow grass and weed the garden. The rest is sweet summer music! Music to heal the soul and prepare us for whatever new calamity remains in 2003.