Plain Folk
by Les Pearson

“Early Birds” Feast on Folk Fest Bargains!

Ken Rooks is the robin who heralds my Spring. Ken is the Director of the Canmore Folk Festival. His recent email is a reminder that advance tickets go on sale May 1 at TicketMaster or in several Canmore stores.

Canmore is a favourite with local folkies. The twenty-ninth version runs on Heritage Day weekend, August 5 – 7 at Canmore’s Centennial Park famous for its Stan Roger’s main stage. Stan’s son, Nathan, is finally one of this year’s featured acts.

Other main stage attractions include Susan Aglukark, Eileen Ivers (the nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion), Celson Machado, Jane Siberry, The Duhks, Cape Breton’s The Cottars, along with Linda Tillery, Karla Anderson and the Craig Korth Band.

Canmore always manages a mellow mix of exotic international acts with staple Canadian regulars. This year’s spice is FRUIT, an Aussie folk fusion act, and Show of Hands, England’s acoustic roots duo.

An advance, adult, three-day pass costs $72 or $28 a day at the gate. Be certain to reserve Canmore lodgings now or be prepared for commuting from Banff.

Hear a call from the West? I do! Salmon Arm’s Roots & Blues Festival runs from August 18 to 20. A senior’s pass (65+) costs $65 or $75 after August 12. An adult three-day pass is $90 now, but $125 later.

I love this Festival because it offers a special number for patrons with disabilities. To arrange special accommodations, call 250-833-4096. For regular tickets the number is 250-833-4096.

Salmon Arm offers more than 50 acts on seven stages. This year’s features include Corey Harris, the 5x5 Band, and the Gospel Hummingbirds.

Alberta’s two major festivals, Edmonton and Calgary, are late Spring starters. Calgary’s Folk Music Festival runs from July 27 to 30. Tickets go on sale May 18, the same day that the full roster of performers is announced. Ticket prices are currently unavailable.

But there are promo “leaks”! Calgary’s web site lists Ani DiFranco, Dan Bern, Feist, Austin’s Grupo Fantasma, and Dar Williams as confirmed headliners. Each of these acts has heat enough to stoke a folk revival!

Edmonton’s festival borrows acts from both Canmore and Calgary. Bruce Cockburn and Ricky Skaggs caught my eye. And I love their unique choice of quirky Iris DeMent!

Tickets go on sale June 1. The four-day pass costs $109 but rises to $150 in August. Mark your calendar! The Edmonton Festival runs from August 10 to 13.

Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Salmon Arm…. Summer holidays are nearly booked!

For those who want an earlier start, there is Winnipeg on July 6 to 9. From now until May 31, Winnipeg offers a four-day pass for $117. Youth and seniors pay $70. Prices soar later. Call (204) 780-333 to book your four-day walk in the (Bird’s Hill) Park!

This year’s headliners include great American acts like Rickie Lee Jones, the Ridgetop Syncopators, and the Austin Jug Band. Check www.winnipegfolkfestival.com for the complete line-up.

Next week: Little Festivals That Rock!