Taj Mahal, Richard Thompson among top acts at folk festival
Blues legend Taj Mahal, British singer-songwriter Richard Thomspon and Minnesota folkrockers Trampled By Turtles will top the bill at the 2015 Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
The festival announced its lineup Wednesday, boasting 60 music acts to perform July 17-19 at Jericho Beach Park.
Acts from more than 14 countries, 10 U.S. states and seven provinces are on the bill.
Vancouver’s Frazey Ford is one of many Canadians who will grace the VFMF stage this year, among other favourites like Ontario songstress Basia Bulat, rocker Hawksley Workman and singer-songwriter Adam Cohen (son of Leonard).
International performers will include Angola’s Paulo Flores, South Africa’s Bongeziwe Mabandla and Illinois’ Pokey LaFarge, a Vancouver fest favourite.
“They come to the park for one weekend, from lands of war and strife, and from just around the corner,” Folk Fest artistic director Linda Tanaka said in a news release. “They perform to share their thoughts and dreams, to raise awareness, to have some fun, inspire and send a message, evoke emotions, share their culture, dance, comfort. They come … to be part of an extraordinary weekend of music and community that, every year, is unique, alive, engaging, and inspiring.”
The festival is facing some stiff competition this year because it is scheduled the same weekend as the Pemberton Music Festival (July 17-19) and Surrey’s Fusion Fest (July 18-19), with major concerts including progressive rockers Rush at Rogers Arena (July 17) and pop group One Direction at BC Place (July 18).
Early bird tickets for the 38th edition of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival are available at thefestival.bc.ca until June 15. Early bird weekend passes are priced at $145.
As usual, children under 12 receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. Discounts are also available for seniors and students.