The Calgary Folk Festival was held once again last weekend. In my humble opinion, it's probably the best event in Calgary. It is held on Prince's Island Park, situated in the middle of the Bow River, right next to downtown Calgary. So the location is pretty special. Add to that some sunshine, the company of great people and a ton of terrific music, and you have yourself a good time. I was slightly apprehensive about the festival because it was just so amazing last year. But, I wasn't disappointed. I discovered heaps of new bands and listened to some live music that Australians rarely have access to. Jewish rapping anyone? How about some bluegrass music from a hillbilly band? Or perhaps the music of a 70 year old Native Canadian is more your style? Well, the 2011 Calgary Folk Festival had it all. Here's a sample for you ...
The hit of the festival - The Head and The Heart, a Seattle based band ...
Wayne Petti (also a member of Blue Rodeo) singing 'Alberta Bound' ...
The hillbilly band led by Morgan O'Kane on the banjo ...
Canada's favourite band, Blue Rodeo ...
Joseph Arthur, king of audio looping ...
The folk fest is such a great way to discover new bands and enjoy those you already know. Over the two days I saw a total of 29 bands and loved most of them. Famous musicians such as k.d lang and Blue Rodeo were unsurprisingly excellent, but it was the unknowns who proved to be the big hits for me. I bought several CDs and downloaded a ton more songs on itunes, mainly from my favourites from the weekend - The Head and the Heart, Joseph Arthur, Felice Brothers, Imaginary Cities. Give them a go if you're after some new music!
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| Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - his wife (on the washboard) had such great attitude |
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| CR Avery - this guy did the most amazing spoken word performances, interspersed with beat boxing. |
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| Les Chauds Lapins (The Hot Rabbits) - I saw these guys in NYC with Mum last year. Cool, quirky songs. |
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| Oh, I'm in love - The Head and The Heart |
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| I love the look on Wayne Petti's (on the right) face - 'Who are these crazy hillbillies?!' |
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| Another crazy hillbilly from Morgan O'Kane's band |
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| Buffy Sainte Marie - 70 year old Native Canadian singer |
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| The lantern parade |
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| Baby is set for the day |
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| TD water guys |
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| Two Tassie girls wearing their free TD sunglasses |
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