Global Sounds Shine on Day 2 of Vancouver Folk Fest

• Vancouver Folk Music Festival Day 2 featured a diverse lineup
• Shooglenifty brought Scottish traditional sounds to life
• Steve Dawson’s set included a unique take on Neil Young
• Ocie Elliott delivered gentle melodies and intimate harmonies
• Bab L’ Bluz electrified the crowd with Moroccan rock vibes

Vancouver Folk Fest Celebrates Diversity in Music

Day two of the 48th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival kicked off amid a moody blanket of marine clouds and a brisk breeze that offered respite for those avoiding the heat. As the sun eventually broke through, attendees were greeted with ideal conditions: sunny, yet comfortably cool. Scattered laughter and music filled the air, as festival-goers eagerly anticipated a rich lineup, all while recognizing and honoring the land’s First Nations history, particularly that of the x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), s?wx?wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel?íl?witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

Shooglenifty Drives the Energy Higher

Shooglenifty took to the main stage, reigniting their legacy of blending traditional Scottish sounds with an eclectic mix of modern genres including electronica and rock since their inception in 1990. Though the lineup has shifted over the years, the vibrant essence remains, thrilling crowds with lively grooves and infectious rhythms that got dancers moving almost instantly. One has to wonder if they had performed later in the evening, when more festival patrons were gathered, it might have made an even bigger impact, but their performance was top-notch, as always, and a delight to witness alongside the spectacle of the Snowbirds flying overhead during the Festival of Light fireworks.

Steve Dawson Reimagines Neil Young’s Iconic Tracks

Following that explosive start, Steve Dawson stepped in to present an interpretation of Neil Young’s iconic album, “On the Beach,” but things pivoted somewhat. Instead of a direct reimagining, guest singers selected various tracks to perform from Young’s extensive catalog, leading to varying levels of delivery. For instance, Rich Hope nailed “Cinnamon Girl,” but not every singer met the mark; some performances, like Sam Parsons’ shaky rendition of “After the Gold Rush,” fell flat. Still, Krystle Dos Santos had the crowd enthralled with her rendition of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” while Sue Foley shone on “This Note’s for You.” The eventual group sing-a-long for “Helpless” brought everyone together, though it felt a bit uncoordinated at times. Still, the musicianship remained high as Dawson’s band offered lovely pedal steel moments throughout.

Ocie Elliott Brings Mellow Harmonies to the Stage

Victoria’s very own Ocie Elliott graced the stage next, offering a soothing curative to the festival’s vibrant tempo. Joined by singers Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy, their gentle harmonies and simple melodies filled the audience’s hearts with haunting sweetness. The use of understated instrumentation ramped up the intimacy of their performance; however, one could argue that the mellow vibe might have worked better earlier in the evening, perhaps swapped with the more upbeat Shooglenifty. Regardless, their set anchored a lovely moment in the festival’s flow.

Bab L’ Bluz Infuses Moroccan Flair into Rock

A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Bab L’ Bluz, a Moroccan-French ensemble that electrified the crowd with their fusion of contemporary rock and Moroccan heritage sounds. Frontwoman Yousra Mansour, equipped with her electric awisha, ignited an atmosphere of punk rock rebelliousness. She not only captivated the audience with her fiery stage presence but infused their music with infectious rhythms that encouraged audience participation through clapping and singing along. The band’s eclectic mix – with electric gimbri player Brice Bottin leading the way, complemented by a solid drummer – drove their exhilarating performance. As their set raged on, an explosive display of fireworks from the Festival of Light painted the sky, providing a fitting backdrop to their vigorous performance, underscoring a night that felt both international and deeply personal.

A Memorable Night with Room for Improvement

As Saturday night came to a close, it was clear the main stage had hosted an enjoyable mix of music styles and cultural influences. While the performances showcased a clear talent, there were certainly areas where sequencing and artist selection could have provided a more cohesive experience. All in all, the festival served as a vibrant reminder of the richness and diversity contained within folk music from around the globe, reminding everyone that there’s always a little room for improvement in future iterations.

Day two of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival was a vibrant celebration of music, featuring performances from diverse acts like Shooglenifty, Steve Dawson, Ocie Elliott, and Bab L’ Bluz. While each band contributed their unique flair to the festival, some moments suggested that organization and sequence tweaks could enhance the overall experience. Regardless, the eclectic show fostered a lively atmosphere while highlighting the importance of honoring First Nations histories amidst the festivities.