Now approaching its twenty-sixth birthday, the Canmore Folk Festival is going stronger than ever with a great lineup of performers slated for this year. It’s no wonder that the festival has grown to an annual attendance of 12,000 considering the extraordinary setting and family atmosphere of the event.

The incredible resurgence of folk festivals in Alberta can give thanks to the amazing events at the Canmore Festival over its years of great music. I have witnessed magical moments on Canmore’s main stage and workshop tents. Eric Bibb, Laura Love, and Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir had me on my feet the entire time for a soul and blues workshop in 2000.

Hearing Canadian folk treasure, Roy Forbes, and southern U.S. soulman, Terry Evans, spontaneously rip through Bring it on Home to Me was nothing short of brilliant. A totally unpredictable Christine Lavin wandered wireless through the crowd to spread her musical hilarity to any and all unsuspecting victims.

Such fantastic happenings are truly enhanced by the stunning setting in the mountains and the ideal site of Centennial Park. The Stan Rogers memorial main stage venue is surrounded by trees, creating a cozy, intimate, atmosphere. Just outside these trees lies an area for workshop tents, merchandise kiosks, and fun and frolic with clowns, face painting and a climbing wall.

In a beautiful place like this a real family feeling is created, even for the performers themselves. They can often be found wandering the grounds, mingling and chatting with fans. In 2000 my one-year-old son, just taking his first steps, went for a ride in the arms of Valdy (much to his delight) as we were exploring the grounds.

My wife and I sat and chatted with Connie Kaldor for twenty minutes and almost forgot to have her sign our disc. The Canmore Folk Fest is such a comfortable event that the opportunity for such wonderful moments abound.

As always, the lineup for 2003 in Canmore is delightful and diverse. Returning is Eric Bibb who this year will bring his father, Leon, for what will surely be some moving performances. Mary Gauthier from the southern U.S. writes and sings her countrified folk with such an edge that she will be hard to forget. The Bill Hilly Band from Victoria, B.C. is a troupe of young virtuoso musicians who are as eclectic and energetic as they are funny. These are but a few of the extraordinary performers that will be the soul of Canmore this summer.