A number of big festivals have lost their headliners this summer – Jazz Fest with Aretha Franklin and Neil Young and Crazy Horse with Folk Fest. Both adjusted quickly and while I think Neil Young might have had a bigger draw, his very capable replacement, City and Colour, may bring out more of the kids, just returning to Ottawa for university. And that’s not a bad thing for the festival.
This year again, Mark Monaghan and co. have put together a stellar lineup that pushes the boundaries of traditional folk to incorporate an alternative night highlighting Vampire Weekend and a hip hop night with big time Canadian rapper Shad and a rapper that’s at the top of his game, Kendrick Lamar. This year, I think all of the headliners are must see, although I’m most curious how the crowd will react to West Coaster Lamar’s beats and lyrics. I mean, is Ottawa ready for Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe?
Below is a list of must see acts from editors Trevor Pritchard, Diane Bond and myself.
Who out there is a fan of The Decemberists? Head man, Colin Meloy also has a solo career. In addition to vocals, he performs with an acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bouzouki, harmonica and percussion. If you love Portland (and who doesn’t?), you’ll love this man and his music.
Winchester Warm‘s a homegrown talent. They’ve been working for a looong time on their sophomore album and I hope they’ll play some songs from their forthcoming new opus.
Aston “Family Man” Barrett may be the only original Wailers left but this is as close as you’ll get to a Bob Marley concert.
Our visual arts editor Diane is looking forward to seeing Rachel Sermanni on Sunday, September 8. “I caught her last month at the Dawson City Music Festival, where she captivated audiences with her poetic lyrics, whimsical humour and haunting voice.” She is an absolute delight to watch and I can’t wait to see her perform again.
Leif Vollebekk. He still makes an appearance in Ottawa every so often but I have yet to hear his wonderful new songs live. Folk Fest is the perfect setting for him. It’d be swell to see him solo but a special treat if he were there with a full band.
It’s a pretty big stretch to call what he does folk, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on Compton hip-hop sensation Kendrick Lamar, who’s been riding a wave of positive buzz from his debut 2012 album good kid, M.A.A.D. city.Alternatively, Vancouver indie rock up-and-comers The Belle Game should appeal to anyone who’s slow-danced to a Broken Social Scene tune before.
What makes Folk Fest for me though are the afternoon workshops. It’s a chance to get closer to the artists and see them interact with each other and with the fans. Danny Michel is one lucky man, hosting at least two of these workshops; one on the history and evolution of reggae with members of the Wailers and a special chat with astronaut and Canadian darling Chris Hadfield.
Another great thing Folk Fest’s got going for it lots of acts and all workshops are held on the free stage!
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