Folk Fest Wrapped Up

The 2010 edition of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival has just wrapped up. From my perspective it was truly one of the best; certainly in the top five of my 20+ years Folking. Best in terms of quality and variety of music, best in terms of sessions, best in terms of weather and best in terms of the overall experience – each and every night. As one of my astute tarp-mates put it: the only problem with Folkfest this year is that there were too many great acts to see. You end up missing one great session to see another. And as far as sessions go the Sunday, 3pm concert with Ian Tyson was the hit of the weekend for me. Four Strong Winds had 4000 people in the palm of Ian’s hands; and who knows how many more times we’ll be able to see him perform this FF classic. Other highlights included Ben Harper, Sarah Harmer, Calexico and of course Brandy Carlisle – the voice on this woman…!

Regarding Van Morrison, sure he’s a cranky old man and it’s a shame he behaved like he did, but I didn’t pay for his banter; and after having seen him live twice before, I’d say this was the best music I’ve heard him play. And, although I didn’t actually see the hill from the stage, I’m told by those who did that it was a sight to behold – 12000+ candles swaying to and fro.

Thank you EFMF for another memorable year.