From Scotland to Morocco: A Global Groove on Day 2 of Vancouver Folk Fest

• Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival welcomed attendees under a mix of clouds and sunshine.
• Shooglenifty opened the show with their unique blend of Scottish traditional music and eclectic influences.
• Steve Dawson surprised audiences with reimagined renditions of Neil Young classics by various guest singers.
• Ocie Elliott captivated listeners with their airy melodies and gentle harmony during their performance.
• Bab L’ Bluz energized the crowd with a punk rock-infused sound rooted in Moroccan heritage.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival Kicks Off Day 2

A cloudy Saturday morning marked Day 2 of the 48th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, as a brisk breeze sweeps through the venue. While it may deter sunseekers, those looking to escape the heat welcomed the gusts. Fortunately, as the day progressed, the sun emerged, scattering clouds and transforming the festival into a picturesque setting that offered perfect weather for the performance lineup ahead.

Traditional Meets Modern in Opening Acts

A welcoming address on the main stage by representatives from the s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation set the tone for the day. It is important to acknowledge that the festival is proudly hosted on the traditional, 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. Leading the evening lineup was Shooglenifty, a band renowned for intermingling Scottish traditional music with diverse genres, including electronica and rock, since 1990. Their latest performance showcased how their spirit remains undiminished, even with a completely changed lineup over the years, including a female vocalist adding new dimensions to their sound.

Dazzling Performances and Unexpected Twists

As the joyful sounds of Shooglenifty filled the air, one could feel the infectious energy as attendees, drawn by the lively mix of fiddle and mandolin, took to dancing. Although it would have been ideal for them to play later when the crowd was fuller, one could hardly find fault with their flawlessly vibrant show. Overhead, the Snowbirds, a renowned military aerobatics team, soared through the sky, part of the concurrent Festival of Light fireworks competition. The band humorously claimed responsibility for the spectacular display, which elicited shared laughter among the audience. Enter Steve Dawson, who took the stage afterward to present reimagined versions of historical albums, with Neil Young’s “On the Beach” serving as the source material — but then pivoted to allow guest singers to select their favorite Neil songs instead.

Diverse Musical Talent Thrives

The evening took an interesting turn, showcasing a series of individual interpretations of classic tracks. While Rich Hope admirably performed “Cinnamon Girl,” Marcus Mosley’s attempt at “Tonight’s the Night” fell short, feeling out of sync with the song’s vibe. However, Marin Patenaude’s rendition of “I Believe in You” shone, while Sam Parsons’ shaky attempt at “After the Gold Rush” left listeners a bit concerned. Conversely, the presence of one half of the Milk Carton Kids delivering “Heart of Gold” provided a cooling moment. An underlying frustration stemmed from limited media access; this festival, unlike others, employed a curious policy that often kept reporters at a distance. Despite that, Krystle Dos Santos ignited the crowd with a powerful rendition of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” while Sue Foley dazzled with “This Note’s for You,” showcasing her incredible guitar skills. Julian Taylor’s rendition of “Southern Man” wrapped things up, leading to a group rendition of “Helpless,” which meandered a tad.

A Gentle and Soulful Interlude

As the crowd retains its energy, next up was Ocie Elliott, a charming duo from Victoria, BC, featuring Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy. Their delicate harmonies enriched their soothing and poignant melodies, employing only bass, keyboard, and acoustic guitar for accompaniment. Their set felt particularly mellow, perhaps more suitable for earlier in the night; a change in the lineup would have likely benefited both acts.

Cultural Fusion and Electric Energy on Stage

Then came Bab L’ Bluz from Marrakesh, a Moroccan-French band that uniquely fuses contemporary rock with traditional Moroccan sounds. Yousra Mansour, the dynamic lead vocalist and electric awisha player, captivated the crowd, igniting a whirlwind of excitement and dance with her energetic stage presence and politically-charged lyrics. The band’s musical style was infectious and included a vibrant mix of Arabic and Berber scales, leading to an engagement with audiences through lively participation, clapping, and invitation to join in. Their ensemble, featuring Brice Bottin on electric gimbri (acting as the bass backbone) alongside a drummer and percussionist, delivered a thrilling performance enhanced by Mansour’s electrifying guitar solos — moments reminiscent of Robert Fripp but uniquely their own. This thrilling set coincided perfectly with the festival’s fireworks exploding in the sky, completing a night of memorable performances.

Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival emerged as a diverse tapestry of musical offerings. From the rousing beats of Shooglenifty to the mesmerizing presence of Bab L’ Bluz, the range of talent displayed a remarkable fusion of genres and cultures. However, adjustments in scheduling or line-up might enhance the festival experience just a notch more, considering the talent showcased throughout the day.