Folkin’ Right

By Amanda Nygard
Contributing Writer

This week the Winnipeg folk festival kicks off its boots again in Birds Hill Provincial Park, Marking its 36th year. The Original festival in 1974, which boasts a young hitch hiker on its program cover, was originally free, celebrating Canada’s centennial celebration. Now a multi-million dollar non-profit, the organization boasts a series of year-round concerts, educational series, and programs promoting the education and preservation of folk music. With a wide array of newcomers and living legends, this years line-up offers up just one more reason not to get a DUI.

Elvis Costello

“Veronica sits in her favorite chair, she sits there quiet and still.”

The festival kicks off with a concert that will bring older folks back while letting the younger generation know. With a career that spans more than thirty years, Elvis Costello takes his place on the Main Stage Wednesday night with Martha Wainwright as an opener. Spanning multiple genres, Costello has created a body of work that runs the gamut from rock, pop, new wave, jazz, and most recently (a second try after an album released in the early 80s) country. Although some may say that his adventures away from his original work aren’t their favorite, at least he went there. Catch him and his band, The Imposters, 9:10 p.m. on the main stage.

King Sunny Adé

King Sunny Ade, a Nigerian born performer, plays a popular style of music from his country titled Juju music. Known as “The Minister of Enjoyment,” Adé combines the traditions of Yoruban culture with international influence, leaving his audiences dancing and him smiling. With an orchestra of twenty, and his amazing afro-beat style on guitar, this performer will inspire movement and joy to all who listen. An amazing fusion of Western-pop and African rhythms, this is a must-see for the festival. Dance with him on Thursday, 9:20 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Neko Case

An old traveling friend once sent me a package including a CD and a postcard with a Jack Daniel’s picture on the front. The CD was of Neko Case, and the postcard included stated “All I could think as I rolled away from Fargo, with the plains rolling by was ‘At night all I hear, all I hear….” Born in Virginia, and brought up in Washington, Neko Case has taken the music scene by storm. Originally a band member of The New Pornographers, she has taken her solo career to the next level with her intelligent lyrics and intense delivery. Her voice is a mixture of Patti Smith and Susanne Vega, sweet and coarse. A newer face on an older scene, she will make impressions in the sand. Check her out on Friday, 11 p.m. on the main stage.

Arlo Guthrie

Holy S#$% I get to see Arlo Guthrie! With the release of the famous album “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie, son of famed Woodie Guthrie, gained fame and folk fortune. Arlo was a child of the “Folk Boom” era of the 1960s, and how. Influenced by his father, Guthrie writes from the heart and tells of life how it is. Still releasing albums, running a record label, and a non-profit organization called The Guthrie Foundation, Arlo is as folk as folk can get. Stick around, and listen for him on Sunday at 7:10 p.m.
In writing an article, we can only cover so much of this amazing event. For those of you who can’t make it, we would encourage you to do a little searching, and find out about these amazing artists that will grace the stage this weekend in Birds Hill Provincial Park. To find the full schedule of events and volunteer opportunities, you can visit the website at http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca. Take care and drive safe!