Vancouver Folk Music Festival Day 2: A Fusion of Global Sounds
- Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival brings varied performances.
- Shooglenifty gets the crowd dancing with their infectious energy.
- Steve Dawson’s Neil Young tribute takes unexpected turns.
- Ocie Elliott delivers haunting harmonies to a mellow crowd.
- Bab L’ Bluz combines Moroccan traditions with punk rock flavors.
Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Begins Under Clouds
Vancouver is buzzing with energy as Day 2 of the 48th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival kicks off, shrouded in a somewhat moody marine cloud. Saturday arrives with a little wind—welcoming news for those who find heat unbearable, but not so much for the sun-loving festival-goers. The clouds eventually give way to beautiful sunshine, creating an ideal day for some music appreciation: perfect temperatures, clear skies, and a lively crowd ready to groove.
Shooglenifty Takes the Stage with Infectious Energy
The day gets an official start with a warm welcome from representatives of the s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation. The festival honors its location, situated on the ancestral and unceded territories of the x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), s?wx?wú7mesh (Squamish), sel?íl?witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and Coast Salish peoples. Shooglenifty—known for mixing traditional Scottish music with influences from electronica and even rock—takes the stage and instantly gets people moving. They’re all about dance music, and right from that first groove, you can see the crowd’s energy shift as the fiddle and mandolin vibrate in unison with the Scottish melody. Though I wish they’d played later to an even bigger audience, it’s hard to complain; they never disappoint.
Unexpected Turns in Neil Young Tribute Set
The evening’s diversity continues as Steve Dawson gears up to perform a reimagined tribute to Neil Young. Surprise! Plans change, and it turns out guests pick their favorites from Young’s catalogue instead—talk about unpredictability! Rich Hope delivers a solid rendition of “Cinnamon Girl,” while others stumble a bit. I mean, Marcus Mosley tries his hand at “Tonight’s the Night,” but it’s not really a soulful number anymore. Still, Sam Parsons gives “After the Gold Rush” a shaky spin, and “Heart of Gold” gets an unexpected twist from one of the Milk Carton Kids, though I can’t see who from where I’m standing! With strange media policies limiting access, it’s frustrating. Come on, Vancouver, what’s the deal?
Ocie Elliott’s Mellow Set Brings Haunting Harmonies
Next up, Ocie Elliott, the duo from Victoria, BC, brings some breathy harmonies that are almost spellbinding. Their music is simple yet haunting—only acoustic guitar, keyboard, and bass accompaniment. They set a more mellow tone, perhaps too mellow for peak evening hours. It leaves me wondering if they should have switched slots with Shooglenifty. Regardless, it is seamless and the audience responds in kind; their gentle melodies provide a nice breather amongst the energetic acts we’ve seen earlier.
Bab L’ Bluz Brings Moroccan Flavors to the Stage
Then, there’s Bab L’ Bluz, a Moroccan-French band that knows how to make a statement. Their fusion of modern rock with traditional Moroccan sounds creates an intoxicating groove. Lead vocalist Yousra Mansour is a force of nature—her presence ignites the crowd! Demonstrating a punk rock attitude with a twist of their heritage, their performance becomes very interactive; attendees are clapping along, and the energy is infectious! Brice Bottin on the electric gimbri serves as the backbone, harmonizing seamlessly with the pulsating beats from the drummer. When Yousra goes for a solo, it’s fiery—almost a wall of sound that gets everyone moving.
A Night to Remember with Fireworks and Music
As the night winds down, the Festival of Light fireworks burst overhead, perfectly synching with the band’s energetic finale. All in all, Saturday serves up a rich platter of international sounds, from Scotland’s folk vibes to Morocco’s spirited rock tunes. Yet, honestly, it felt like the festival left a few opportunities untouched, especially in set sequencing. It was a fun night, but maybe a touch of reorganization could elevate it to something even more special for attendees!
In conclusion, Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival offered a vibrant mix of performances, showcasing diverse international styles ranging from Scottish folk to Moroccan rock. With engaging acts like Shooglenifty and Bab L’ Bluz energizing the crowd, the experience was enjoyable yet left room for improvement in organization and set flow. All in all, an eventful evening, wrapped up with magnificent fireworks lighting up the night sky.
