Canmore Folk Festival

Folk fest promises both new and familiar entertainment

Jesse Winter

Canmore Leader

There's just over a month to go till the 34th annual Canmore Folk Festival, and things are coming together nicely, according to Carol Picard, the festival's operations manager.

Picard said the festival is making some changes this year, but many of it's staples will remain as well.

One of the biggest changes is the addition of a "Festival Pub" at the Canmore Union Hall.

"It will run thorough the weekend, with live music all day by festival performers and lots of local talent as well, including young talent Layton Kramer," said Picard.

The Pub has limited seating, and a festival pass will get you in for free, but if you don't have a pass, you're still in luck. There will be at the door admission, and seating is first come, first serve.

"We also want it to be a place for people to come get a taste of what kind of music the festival has to offer," Picard said.

Along with the Festival Pub, there will also be other off-site activities for people to check out, festival wrist-band or no.

There is the Festival Friday, a free evening concert presented by CKUA at the Civic Centre on Friday, July 29, featuring Michael Bernard Fitzgerald.

Saturday, July 30 is a free Children's Fest concert at the Seniors Centre featuring Canadian folk legend Ken Whitely. Admission to the children's concert is free, but adults must be accompanied by a responsible child.

"Any adults that want to see Ken Whitely will have to beg, borrow or steal a kid to get in," Picard joked.

Monday, Aug 1 is the annual and much celebrated pancake breakfast, featuring music by The Bag Boys.

Picard said she is also incredibly excited about the lineup for this years festival. Highlights include Elliott Brood, Luke Doucet and Malissa McClelland, Joel Plaskett, Delhi2Dublin, Newfoundland's The Once and a host of other impressive talent.

Check out canmorefolkfestival.com for details and ticket information.

Laura Smith – October 21/2011 | Barrie Folk Society

In Laura Smith’s music, real emotions ebb and flow. Your heart is in her capable hands, and likewise, she has entrusted you with hers. As she sings, her strong, melodious voice waves and catches, snagging on a scar here and there, surfing on a wonder, staring down a riddle… As you listen, the two of you go along together; brave and surfacing; calm and inquisitive.

Smith’s music is direct and honest. Sometimes, fiddles and guitars gently lift and carry her spirited vocals, while her melodies and careful poetry dig deep.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Smith grew up loving horses, theatre and language. As a teenager, she found comfort in the voices of Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles and Paul Simon. She began to play music at age 19, first teaching herself piano chords, then guitar. Her public debut performance occurred at Smale’s Place, the coffee house where she worked as a waitress, when she was invited on stage to sing a song with the headlining act.

In 1996, she won two East Coast Music Awards (Female Artist, Album of the Year) and two Juno nominations (for Best New Solo Artist and Best Roots and Traditional Album). In 1995, her song “Shade of Your Love” was the most played AC song in Canada. In 1997, she won a Gemini Award for Best Performance in a Performing Arts Program or Series.

In May 2003, Laura received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Mount Saint Vincent University on the strength of her songwriting. She toured small cafes and clubs that year with Tony Quarrington, Terry Tufts and her long-time collaborator, George Antoniak. 2004 saw her join up with Cindy Church and Susan Crowe to form ‘Brava’. They toured major centres to great audiences and lovely reviews. Festival appearances included stops at the Canmore Folk Festival, Edmonton Folk Festival and Stanfest.

The show takes place at the MacLaren Art Centre . Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. A portion of the concert proceeds will go to the Barrie SPCA .

For more information on Laura, visit www.laurasmith.ca .

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