Jane Siberry to Gnawa rock: Vancouver Folk Music Festival announces program

Tanzania’s Zawose Queens and Congo’s Les Mamans du Congo x Rrobin rub shoulders with Canadian names like Elisapie and Ocie Elliott at ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park, July 18 to 20

Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Photo by Chris Randle

VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL has just announced a program that spans acts from across Africa as well as across Canada for the celebration July 18 to 20 at ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park.

Musicians are coming from all over Africa, including Tanzania’s Zawose Queens, Congolese collective Les Mamans du Congo x Rrobin, Mali’s Bamba Wassoulou Groove, and South Africa’s Derek Gripper & Guy Buttery; joining the roster is Moroccan-French Gnawa-rock sensation Bab L’ Bluz.

Other world entries include Scotland’s Shooglenifty, Scandinavia’s VÍÍK, Ireland’s Ye Vagabonds, and Australia’s Emily Wurramara, whose music celebrates her Indigenous heritage of Anindilyakwa.

Among the Canadian standouts are celebrated Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen, Elisapie, Jane Siberry with Rebecca Jenkins, Julian Taylor, and Victoria’s Ocie Elliott.

For folk-inflected-bluegrass fans, there’s The Milk Carton Kids, while indie-folk duo Watchhouse has built a fan base from its earliest incarnation as Mandolin Orange.

“In a world that sometimes feels like it is being pulled apart, there’s comfort in knowing that we’ll again be gathering to feel the positive power of music and community, and their ability to change us all for the better,” Vancouver Folk Music Festival artistic director Fiona Black said in the announcement today.

There’s much more: find the full lineup, as well as Early Bird weekend passes and tickets, at the website.

Entry also includes artisan markets, world-ranging food vendors, interactive artist workshops and panels, family-friendly zones, and sunset sing-alongs.

Featured

Janet Smith

Janet Smith is cofounder and editorial director of Stir. She is an award-winning arts journalist who has spent more than two decades immersed in Vancouver’s dance, screen, design, theatre, music, opera, and gallery scenes. She sits on the Vancouver Film Critics’ Circle.

Articles

Elektra honours outgoing artistic director Morna Edmundson’s ability to “lead with love”

All-Canadian program Legacy celebrates spring and rebirth as Cassie Luftspring prepares to take the baton

Tanzanian percussion and indie icons as Vancouver Folk Music Festival unveils 2025 lineup, July 18 to 20

The Zawose Queens, The Milk Cartons Kids, and more to hit the Main Stage at ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park

Otto Tausk leads the VSO and guest soloists in Beethoven’s Ninth: “Ode to Joy”, June 6 and 7

Program also features North American premiere of Danish composer Thomas Agerfeldt Olesen’s Violin Concerto with violinist Simone Lamsma

Vancouver Chamber Choir sings Sonnets by the Sea, June 6

Season-closing concert features guest artist Christopher Gaze and a world premiere by composer Thuthuka Sibisi

Vancouver Chopin Society hosts famed Russian pianist Mikhail Voskresensky, May 30

Now based in the U.S., artist brings more than 60 years of performance experience and award wins to the stage

Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs closes its season with SummerSing!, May 13

Beatles songs and Broadway hits are on the program featuring performers of all ages

With the VSO’s Coastal Soundscapes, Naomi Woo brings a study in contrasts to the Annex

In the latest installment of the VSO at the Annex series, the conductor and pianist hopes the eclectic program will take some of the intimidation factor out of new music

Bruce Liu joins the VSO for Prokofiev's Third Piano Concerto, May 30 to June 1

Paris-born, Montreal-raised pianist won the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw

Toronto’s SlowPitchSound tells stories through his sci-fi turntablism

At Vancouver New Music, Cheldon Paterson’s uncategorizable music fuses his love for nature with his taste for obscure sound

Pianist Avery Gagliano plays a Vancouver Chopin Society recital, May 18

Compelling young artist has performed worldwide and won prizes at the National Chopin Piano Competition

Mary Ancheta’s MAQkestra, Mick Flannery, and more perform at North Shore Jazz, June 20 to 29

Genre-spanning international and local talents take to North Shore venues in BlueShore at CapU and Vancouver International Jazz Festival presentation

Fresh Ink fetes five years of Vancouver Chamber Choir commissions and premieres, May 9

Program includes an Emily Carr–inspired piece by Tawnie Olson, a composition about a satellite falling out of orbit by Chris Sivak, and more

Stir Q&A: At DOXA, Baljit Sangra throws a spotlight on an undersung Canadian jazz songstress

In Have You Heard Judi Singh?, Vancouver director interweaves archival footage, re-created moments, and mesmerizing music in tribute to late Punjabi-Black artist

Music review: A poignant and resonant Madama Butterfly to close Vancouver Opera season

Set in the aftermath of World War II, updated production adds depth and nuance to the iconic work

Vancouver International Jazz Festival unveils full Granville Island Jazz programming

Another 30 concerts will take place at Performance Works, Ocean Artworks, and the Revue Stage from June 20 to July 1

Jane Siberry to Gnawa rock: Vancouver Folk Music Festival announces program

Tanzania’s Zawose Queens and Congo’s Les Mamans du Congo x Rrobin rub shoulders with Canadian names like Elisapie and Ocie Elliott at ʔəy̓alməxʷ Jericho Beach Park, July 18 to 20