25th Annual Calgary Folk Festival

Went to Kaffa for breakfast before heading to Sunday's sold-out Calgary Folk Festival. Staked out our territory on the main stage and headed out to our first workshop. The Raices Latin had Fiamma Fumana, who performed on Thursday, combined with flamenco and mexican bands played an uptempo set that had folks dancing on the sides. Caught Steve Earle's rebel mentality, at separate times praising and griping about social causes in both Canada and the US. Had a brash sense of humour too, "The first guy that mentions to play 'Copperhead Road' probably got hit in the head by a hockey puck. Of course, I'm gonna play it... Dontcha think I'm gonna play it !?! Sheesh... If that guy keeps going... I just might not play it..." If I was closer I would have heckled him to "get to the chorus!"

Had some tough choices to make for lunch as there was plenty of variety and then headed towards to more workshops in the afternoon. Saw Spirit of the West for the second time in a month as they combined with the Warsaw Village Band and then the Axis of Whatever which comprised of Nathan (a country-folk band from the 'Peg), Weakerthans (a band that played mellow tunes that didn't allow other artists to jam in), Wil (local solo artist), and aussie Paul Kelly (who brought along a slide guitarist that stole every song he jammed in).

Then everything shut down as the focus went onto the main stage with UK folk artist Thea Gilmore kicking things off with an impressive repretoire of songs that crossed many styles (folk, blues, alt-country). Didn't really get a good vibe from R&BCorey Harris and the african fusion of Youssou N'Dour, but you do have to give the folk fest organizers props for trying different things. We then packed up camp and headed towards the side of the stage away from the sea of tarps & blankets for Lucinda Williams. She had a very humble demeanor, especially when bringing in Steve Earle for a few songs. But her passion came through on my favourite songs 'Those Three Days' and 'Righteously'. So after a long day of music from a variety of genres, we headed out and look forward to next's year lineup.