PLAIN FOLK by Les Pearson If you are a folk fanatic, there is a Western Canadian Folk Festival every weekend from July 6 to September 10. Not all of them attract multitudes like Winnipeg, Edmonton, or Calgary. (Last year Winnipeg topped out at more than 48,000…in the rain!) Just don’t assume small is second rate. Far from it. Some of this year’s best folk festivals may be small ones. By “small,” I mean festivals that attract fewer than 2,500 patrons. Here are some prime picks. The week after Winnipeg, as Albertans begin their homeward trek, Ness Creek Music Festival runs on July 13 to 16. Located 20 clicks northeast of Big River in Northern Saskatchewan—up a logging road, with bears, few outdoor privies, and no running water—this “rustic” festival is positively primitive! Regular admission is $70 for the weekend, but only $50 from now until May 15. How much bang can you expect for few bucks? Think Juno nominees, Martha Wainwright and Elliott Brood! There is folk, jazz and even poetry slammers. Only in Saskatchewan, you say? The following weekend, July 21 to 23, is South Country Fair at the Fish & Game Park outside Fort Macleod. This is the weekend before Calgary’s festival. SCF attracts 2,500 folks and is only marginally small. Early Bird tickets go on sale May 1 and cost $46. At the gate, tickets are $65. While this festival can be rowdy for over-night campers, there is a full day program that includes Crafter’s Mall, Kidz’ Kountry, and the Oldman River. Bonus! This year’s featured performers include Edmonton’s Mad Bomber Society, the Highwater Jug Band from Calgary, Grupo Fantasma from Texas, and New York’s Ari Up & Doubble Standart. What a nice eclectic mix! There is one festival conflict. Regina runs on the same weekend as Edmonton, August 11 to 13. Regina’s advance weekend passes go on sale May 15 for $70. The pass is for the evening show only; afternoon workshops in Victoria Park are free! The pass price has increased. But what a bargain! Featured this year are artists from the mega-festivals: Ani Difranco, Steve Earle, Feist, and my favourite, Utah Phillips. Finally, there is WayneFest on September 8 to 10. No, not Wayne’s World! The TOWN of Wayne, Alberta. Their ad says it all: “A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold for Canada’s most intimate little music festival.” Intimacy costs $95. But that includes a breakfast, dinner, two nights camping and all the shows! Check www.waynfest.com for their line-up in May or June. When is small better? When the crowd is well-mannered and friendly. When the festival is close to home. And when the stage performers are so close, they could be singing on your knee. If there are few food vendors, camp sites, or port-a-potties, small only means disorganized and frantic. Caveat emptor! It is an age-old axiom. Success can spoil the best small festivals. (Why am I telling you about them?) |