'Past Events' Category

Billy Bragg interview re: “Music as a catalyst for change” at the Folk Exchange

Published by tutu on January 18, 2010 in Community Outreach, Concerts & Events, Featured Artist, Folk Exchange Events, News, Past Events, Podcast, Special Features, Special Initiatives and Winter Wassail. 0 Comments

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Photo by Heather Clark

On November 27, Ethan Osland, co-host of CKUW radio show Black Mask: The Frequency of Resistance, interviewed legendary musician Billy Bragg and his longtime Manager, Pete Jenner, at the Winnipeg Folk Festival’s Folk Exchange venue. Billy was in Winnipeg to receive the Winnipeg Folk Festival 2009 Artistic Achievement Award and he performed at the Winter Wassail fundraiser in support of Winnipeg Folk Festival education and outreach programs. After the interview, the floor was open for questions from the audience.

Billy and Pete led the small and intimate audience through a candid conversation about Billy’s politics and his art as a songwriter. Also touched on, were a few projects that Billy is involved in, mainly, the Featured Artist Coalition, which advocates for greater Artist control over their copyrighted material, and the Jail Guitar Doors project, which finds ways to bring musical instruments and education into prisons.

Download the audio and see a few photos of this interview on the CKUW website.

The Duhks January Concert Announcement

Published by Artistic on October 24, 2008 in Concert Series, Concerts & Events, News, Past Events and Upcoming Events Calendar. 1 Comment
January 9, 2009 7:00 pmtoJanuary 10, 2009 12:00 am

Duhks

The Duhks
January 9 & 10 @ The Park Theatre

Onsale Now @ TIcketmaster and the Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE CONCERT

Winnipeg darlings The Duhks  come home to perform 2 shows in celebration of their 3rd and latest release Fast Paced World.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Duhks have always gravitated towards traditional roots-based song structures, but they’ve never stopped evolving since their inception five years ago. Due in part to a collective musical worldview that knows no boundaries, that evolution led the band to their latest offering Fast-Paced World, the first Duhks record to feature wunderkinds Sarah and Christian Dugas (replacing vocalist Jessee Havey and percussionist Scott Senior respectively).  It’s an album that reflects the quintet’s newfound confidence, with Sarah bringing five original songs to the band’s encyclopedic collection of originals and covers both old and new.

Dugas’ emergence as a songwriter has clearly contributed to the group’s progression - the other members are fiddler Tania Elizabeth, guitarist Jordan McConnell and founder/ banjo player Leonard Podolak - from the jaunty pop of “You Don’t See it” to the jazz-waltz of “This Fall,” the Duhks’ enthusiastic fan base has embraced the changes. “The reaction has been really positive,” says Dugas. “We’ve been able to keep the old fans and gotten some new ones as well.”

“There’s a more liberal attitude in the band when it comes to songwriting approaches,” admits Podolak. That attitude has even extended to drummer Christian’s use of a full kit, in contrast to the band’s previous use of just percussion. “My musical tastes have broadened immensely since we first started. I think we’ve evolved musically, while maintaining our roots, but everybody in the band listens to so many different things, it was bound to happen.”

Fast Paced World was produced by the Nashville-based Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, John Hiatt), who joins an impressive set of producers (Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien) before him. “Jay’s basement studio was like something out of the Star Trek Enterprise,” laughs Podolak. Despite trying to quit smoking at the time (4 nicotine patches at once!), Joyce was “very open to our ideas and very easy to work with. I also think he learned as much from us as we did from him about combining the acoustic and electric elements of our songs in a studio setting,” continues Podolak.

As the band continues their own musical evolution, Fast-Paced World illustrates just how far the Duhks have come and just how far they’re willing to go to challenge themselves artistically. Ultimately though, according to Leonard, the Duhks’ ” just want to play music that speaks to everybody.” Mission accomplished

duhks.com
Check out this Video of the Band Jamming with John Paul Jones (Led Zepplin)

This concert is proudly presented by the West End Cultural Centre & The Winnipeg Folk Festival Concert Series.

Festival Announces New Executive Director

Published by becca on October 9, 2008 in News, Past Events and Special Features. 10 Comments

p9043186.JPGThe board of directors of the Winnipeg Folk Festival is very pleased to announce the appointment of Tamara Kater as its new Executive Director. Board chair Terry Sargeant made the announcement today, following a board decision based on an extensive international search.

As Executive Director, Ms. Kater will be responsible for day-to-day management of the organization, ensuring that operations are aligned with the Festival’s vision, mission and mandate. She will also be involved in establishing and implementing strategic goals and for leading a major resource development program.

She will work closely with Artistic Director Chris Frayer, as well as with the staff and volunteers to ensure that the Winnipeg Folk Festival continues to be the number one festival in the country.

Ms. Kater brings fifteen years experience as a cultural manager to the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Most recently she has been Executive Director of the Ottawa Folk Festival where, in less than two years, she oversaw significant positive change in the governance and management of the organization. She has led the Ottawa Folk Festival in a revenue diversification strategy, which increased earned revenues by 25%. Sponsorships and grants increased by 60%.

“We are extremely pleased to be welcoming Tamara to the Winnipeg Folk Festival,” said Sargeant. “She brings a reputation as a ‘brilliant, young folk festival manager’ as well as having an excellent track record in managing arts organizations.  She has a life-long passion for folk music and a vitality that will serve us well as the Festival moves toward our goal to be the Folk Music Capital of Canada.”

“I am very honoured and excited to have been selected as the successful candidate,” said Ms. Kater. “I am thrilled to be joining this venerable organization which has long been regarded as the best festival in Canada. I look forward to many more years of outstanding music and community spirit.”

Ms. Kater will be relocating to Winnipeg in the very near future. She will commence her new position on December 1, 2008.

RICHARD THOMPSON to receive WFF 2008 Artistic Achievement Award

Published by becca on September 26, 2008 in Concert Series, Concerts & Events, News, Past Events, Special Features, Supporting the Festival, Upcoming Events Calendar and Winter Wassail. 1 Comment
December 4, 2008
7:00 pmto11:00 pm
December 5, 2008
7:00 pmto9:00 pm

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is pleased to present Richard Thompson with their 2008 Artistic Achievement Award. Iconic British folk-rock interview-richard.jpglegend Richard Thompson will make two appearances for the Folk Festival, accepting his award and performing at the Winter Wassail on Thursday, December 4, and performing a full-length concert at the Garrick Theatre on Friday, December 5.

Internationally renowned as both a songwriter and guitarist, Richard Thompson has had a long and storied career, as a founding member of Fairport Convention, in a duo with then-wife Linda Thompson, and as a solo performer.

His seminal albums include Rumor and Sigh, Shoot Out the Lights (with Linda Thompson), and Liege and Lief (with Fairport Convention), which was named ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’ at the 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. His songs have been recorded by countless recording artists including Bonnie Raitt, Nanci Griffith, June Tabor, Emmylou Harris, David Byrne and Elvis Costello. Thompson was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the Top 20 Guitarists of all-time and was the recent recipient of both an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriting and the 2006 BBC Lifetime Achievement Award.

Richard Thompson has performed numerous times at the Winnipeg Folk Festival: in 1983, 1992, 1998 and 2006. In light of his longstanding relationship with the Festival, the Winnipeg Folk Festival is thrilled that Richard Thompson is the first recipient outside of North America to receive this award.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival Artistic Achievement Award is presented annually to an artist who has performed at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, who has demonstrated musical excellence, and who has contributed at an exceptional level to the field of folk music and to the community as a whole. A work of art by a Manitoba artist is presented to the recipient, along with a cash award of $10,000. The award is presented annually at the Winter Wassail.

The Winter Wassail, held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on Thursday, December 4, also features a dinner, a silent auction, and local entertainment in the form of winter-themed music and animation. Call 231-0096 for tickets ($125 each). A tax receipt is issued for a portion of the ticket price. The event is held in support of the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

In addition to his award acceptance at the Winter Wassail, fans will have a chance to see Richard Thompson in concert on Friday, December 5 at the Garrick Centre. Tickets are $35 and are available through the Festival Music Store or through Ticketmaster. Limited prime seating will be available to Wassail ticket holders through the Winnipeg Folk Festival Office.

2008 Festival Photos

Published by admin on July 16, 2008 in News, Past Events and Special Features. 1 Comment

We are slooowly starting to put up photos from the 2008 Festival in our Photo Gallery. There are just a few now, but more will come throughout the summer. Click here!

Chic Gamine Free Download

Published by admin on July 10, 2008 in Featured Artist and Past Events. 1 Comment

The Winnipeg Folk Festival kicks off another four nights and three days of fantastic music on July 10. This year’s 35th anniversary line-up
features 13 homegrown acts, including soulful, world music tinged vocal group Chic Gamine. To celebrate Folk Fest’s birthday, MARIA is offering a present: a free mp3 of Chic Gamine’s track “I Don’t Lie” off their debut, self-titled release, available from The Loudspeaker on manitobamusic.com from 9am on July 10 to 9am on July 17.


Manitoba Food Charter Signing July 10

Published by admin on July 7, 2008 in Past Events and Special Initiatives. 0 Comments

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is pleased to announce that it will become a signatory to the Manitoba Food Charter during a signing ceremony at the Festival Launch at 12 noon on Thursday, July 10, at Old Market Square.

The Manitoba Food Charter is both a document and an organization. The Charter itself is a publicly owned, one page statement about what Manitobans think our food system should look like. It emerged from input elicited in over 70 community consultations with stakeholder groups and concerned citizens. The document brings together a diversity of voices in a common focus for food security in our province.

Continue reading ‘Manitoba Food Charter Signing July 10′

2008 Festival Site Map

Published by admin on July 7, 2008 in Past Events. 1 Comment

A few new things on the Festival site this year! Billy and Mike’s Li’l Tavern will be in a new location near the Big Bluestem Stage. Also in that area will be the CBC Music and Memories tent, hosted by CBC Radio, where you can get your photo taken and participate in other activities. There will also be a couple of new food booths across the way near the Chickadee Big Top tent.

You can check out the map of this year’s site using this PDF: Site Map 08

Festival Launch with Outlaw Social

Published by admin on July 7, 2008 in Featured Artist, Festival Lineup / Schedule, Past Events and Upcoming Events Calendar. 0 Comments
July 10, 2008
12:00 pmto1:00 pm

launch invite

Before the music starts out in Birds Hill Park, the Winnipeg Folk Festival offers a free taste of the music to come at the Festival launch event in Old Market Square, 12 noon, Thursday, July 10.
The event includes opening remarks by the Festival President, Executive Director and Artistic Director, plus other dignitaries. Some lucky spectators will win day passes to the Folk Festival. A special feature of the launch will be the Festival’s signing of the Manitoba Food Charter.
But the highlight of the event is a free outdoor concert by Outlaw Social. After the concert, they’ll be heading out to Birds Hill to entertain Festival-goers Outlaw Social was formed by five friends with a love of traditional stringband music. Did they stay strictly trad? That electric guitar and unmistakable rock’n’roll appeal says otherwise. Featuring the talents of veteran roots musicians Catherine Black, Kendel Carson, Adam Dobres, Pharis Romero, and Oliver Swain, the Victoria-based quintet took the roots world by storm with the release of their 2007 debut, Dry Bones. Led by vibrant three-part harmonies and noodling through old-fashioned stringband songs, fresh originals and contemporary covers with equal fl air, Outlaw Social has earned raves as Victoria’s favourite band (Monday Magazine Awards) and one of the West Coast’s most exciting roots acts (Penguin Eggs).

Festival Opening Times

Published by admin on July 7, 2008 in Camping, Festival Lineup / Schedule and Past Events. 0 Comments

Keep in mind these opening times as you head out to the Festival this year!

Provincial Park Gates - Open between 7 am and 11 pm

Festival Campground - opens at 9 am Wednesday

Quiet Campground - opens at 12 noon Thursday

Festival Main Gate Box Office - 4:30 pm - 11 pm Thursday, 9:30 am - 11 pm Fri. and Sat., 9:30 am - 9 pm Sun.

Festival Gate: 5 pm - 11:30 pm Thurs., 10 am - 11:30 pm Fri. and Sat, 10 am - 10 pm Sun

Main Stage Seating - opens approximately 20 minutes after the gate opens, or 30 minutes before Main Stage show if ground is wet

See you at the Festival!

“What’s Your Reason?” Contest Winner

Published by admin on July 3, 2008 in Past Events. 0 Comments

Congratulations to Lindsay McDonald, the winner of our “What’s Your Reason?” contest!

For telling us her “reason to love the Folk Festival”, Lindsay has won some festival merch AND a prime tarp spot in front of the Main Stage on the night of her choice at this year’s festival!

Here is Lindsay’s winning “reason”:

“For as long as I can remember, I have attended the Winnipeg Folk Festival with my family. I know this is not a rare occurrence, but I believe that the fact that not only do I attend with my brother and mom, but also with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other members of my extended family, including my grand-parents, makes it even more special.This year in particular will be extremely special, as my grandfather was sick over the winter, and has recently been given a clean bill of health. Continue reading ‘“What’s Your Reason?” Contest Winner’

Car pooling or biking, anyone?

Published by admin on June 27, 2008 in Past Events. 1 Comment

Looking for people to car pool with or bike with to the Festival? Let this be your message board! Use the comments area below to post your car pooling or group biking dreams.

Or, visit the Facebook group or the Facebook page and look at what’s already been posted there.

Winnipeg Transit: Festival bus schedule now up

Published by admin on June 27, 2008 in Past Events. 8 Comments

Taking transit to the Festival this year? Winnipeg Transit has now posted its Folk Festival Shuttle schedule. The adult fare is $4.50 each way.

2009 Update: Winnipeg Transit’s 2009 Folk Festival Shuttle. Adult fare is $4.60.

Family Area Schedules

Published by admin on June 24, 2008 in Children and Youth, Festival Lineup / Schedule and Past Events. 0 Comments

The Family Area at the Winnipeg Folk Festival is like another festival unto itself, there’s so much to see and do! Remember, it’s not a daycare; kids must always be accompanied by a caregiver to participate.

See the Family Area page for more information about the performers and special guests at this year’s Family Area.

Here are the 2008 Family Area schedules, subject to change. Continue reading ‘Family Area Schedules’

Folk School Tent Schedule

Published by admin on June 24, 2008 in Education programs, Festival Lineup / Schedule and Past Events. 0 Comments

Bring your guitar, your harmonica, your fiddle, your banjo, your kids and brain to The Folk School Tent, Friday through Sunday at the Festival! Continue reading ‘Folk School Tent Schedule’