Edmonton Folk Fest release full line-up

On May 28 at the Edmonton Folk Festival’s media launch, festival producer Terry Wickham announced the full line-up. Organizers said 60 per cent of artists will be performing in Edmonton for the first time. 

With 23 out of over 50 performances being Canadian, the festival is definitely a Canadian affair. Wickham said “it’s a Canadian folk festival first.” He added that there would have been one more Canadian performance, but due the current climate surrounding the southern border, he had to cancel. 

Wickham said that he looks to take on lots of local artists as well, but clarified that he views “local as being Alberta.” Wickham highlighted the School of Song performers, Asiah Holm, Halfway Home, Sam Steffan, and Tayler Grace specifically as being local talent. 

During the announcement, he also called out Secondhand Dreamcar as a “powerhouse band from Edmonton.” 

Alongside these local acts are some notable newcomers such as Goldie Boutilier and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. 

“Finding that balance of diversity and range with returning and new artists is always a challenge,” Wickham says

Returning acts include Las Cafeteras, Danielle Ponder, John Butler, Dervish, Mary Gauthier, and Martyn Joseph. 

“Finding that balance of diversity and range with returning and new artists is always a challenge, and this year I’m very pleased with where we landed,” Wickham said in the announcement.

This year’s festival is set to have “more food vendors than last year, hearing loop upgrades will be completed at all stages except stage two, and more accessibility/shade tents” than previous years.

Aside from these additions, Wickham said the festival will be the same as usual. “The running times are the same, the number of artists is the same, and the stages will be in the same place. This is our 46th festival. You may not notice from year-to-year, but looking back 10 years [you’ll notice changes].”

Aside from little changes being made, the ticket prices are set to be the same as years previous. 

Tickets will go on sale on “the first Saturday of June,” which is keeping with tradition, Wickham said. 

Wickam explained that part of the reason for this tradition is “people who have $250 to spare around Christmas tend to be wealthier.” The intent is to go on sale at a time when folks can afford tickets. 

Tickets go on sale June 7. Tickets for ages 18 – 24 will be $189 and $234 for ages 25 – 64.