Past Performers

2017 Performers

• 100 Mile House
• Altameda
• Amadou & Mariam
• Amos Garrett and the House Band
• Anaïs Mitchell
• Anderson East
• Andy Shauf
• Ashley MacIsaac and Cape Breton’s Finest
• Birds of Chicago
• Brandi Carlile
• Calum Graham
• Cécile Doo-Kingué
• City and Colour
• Colleen Brown & MAJOR LOVE
• Courtney Marie Andrews
• Darlingside
• The Decemberists
• Delgres
• Duncan Chisholm
• Dylan Menzie
• Field Report
• Four Men and A Dog
• Foy Vance
• Hiss Golden Messenger
• Huun Huur Tu
• Irish Mythen
• The Jerry Cans
• José González
• Kacy & Clayton
• La Santa Cecilia
• Lakou Mizik
• Leon Bridges
• Logan Alexis Singers
• Mandolin Orange
• Marlon Williams & The Yarra Benders
• Martin Harley
• Martin Kerr
• Martyn Joseph
• The McCrary Sisters
• McGoldrick, McCusker and Doyle
• Mohsin Zaman
• Mokoomba
• MonkeyJunk + Paul Reddick
• The Paul McKenna Band
• Rhiannon Giddens
• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
• Rodney Crowell
• School of Song (Bardic Form, Mariel Buckley, Maddie Storvold and North of Here)
• Shakey Graves
• Shovels & Rope
• Solo• St. Paul & The Broken Bones
• Steve Dawson •Sultans of String
• Ten Strings and a Goat Skin
• Three Women and the Truth (Eliza Gilkyson, Mary Gauthier, Lynn Miles)
• Tift Merritt
• Tim Williams
• The Unthanks
• Valerie June
• William Bell
• William Prince
• Yola Carter

2016 Performers

• Amadou Fall Trio (Senegal/USA) 
• Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band (Canada/AB/ON)
• Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers (USA)
• The Barr Brothers (Canada/PQ)
• Black Umfolosi (Zimbabwe)
• Bobby Bazini (Canada/PQ)
• Calexico (USA)
• The Cat Empire (Australia)
• Chloe Albert (Canada/AB)
• Colin Linden (Canada/ON)
• Curtis Harding (USA)
• Daby Touré (Mauritania/FR)
• Dar Williams (USA)
• Dervish (Ireland)
• Digging Roots (Canada/ON)
• Dreamer's Circus (Denmark)
• The East Pointers (Canada/PEI) 
• Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite (USA)
• Eric Bibb & Corey Harris (USA/Sweden)
• Fatoumata Diawara (Mali)
• Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys (Canada/PEI)
• The Head and the Heart (USA)
• Jah Prayzah & the 3rd Generation Band (Zimbabwe)
• Jason Isbell (USA)
• Jim Byrnes and the Sojourners (Canada/BC)
• Joan Shelley (USA) 
• Joel Fafard (Canada/SK)
• John Wort Hannam and the Blue Collars (Canada/AB)
• KaiL Baxley (USA)
• Kaleo (Iceland)
• Kruger Brothers (Switzerland/USA)
• Lera Lynn (USA) 
• Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir (USA)
• Lisa Hannigan (Ireland) 
• LP (USA) 
• The Mae Trio (Austrailia) 
• Martin and Eliza Carthy (UK/England) 
• Mary Chapin Carpenter (USA)
• Matthew Byrne (Canada/NF) 
• Maura O'Connell and Karan Casey (Ireland) 
• Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue (USA)
• Mohsin Zaman (Canada/Pakistan)
• Matt Molloy & John Carty with Arty McGlynn (Ireland)
• Murray Porter (Canada/BC) 
• Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats (USA)
• Passenger (UK/England)
• Peter Asher and Albert Lee (UK/England)
• The Pines (USA)
• River Whyless (USA) 
• Rose Cousins (Canada/NS) 
• Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop (USA) 
• Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar (Canada/ON)
• Sarah Harmer (Canada/ON)
• Sarah MacDougall (Canada/Sweden) 
• School of Song (Canada/AB)
• Songhoy Blues (Mali) 
• The Staves (UK/England) 
• Steep Canyon Rangers (USA)
• The StepCrew (Canada) 
• T Nile (Canada/BC) 
• The Tallest Man on Earth (Sweden) 
• Tasman Jude (Canada/AB) 
• Tom Russell (USA) 
• Willy Mason (USA) 

2015 Performers

• Amelia Curran
• Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band
• Angus & Julia Stone
• Ashley MacIsaac
• Aurelio
• The Barr Brothers
• Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba
• Bear’s Den
• Bill Bourne
• Bombino
• Braden Gates
• Brandi Carlile
• Brian McNeill
• Calvin Vollrath
• Chuck Brodsky
• Còig
• Danny Michel
• The Duhks
• Eddie Berman
• Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
• Eliza Gilkyson
• Emmanuel Jal
• The Fairfield Four
• Frazey Ford
• Geoff Muldaur
• Good for Grapes
• Gregory Alan Isakov
• Hanggai
• Harry Manx
• The Hearts
• Helen Blum & Harald Haugaard
• I Draw Slow
• Jenn Grant
• Jenny Lewis
• Jerry Douglas presents the Earls of Leicester
• John Smith
• Laura Marling
• Le Vent du Nord
• Leo Bud Welch
• Les Hay Babies
• Letts
• Lord Huron
• Lucius
• Lynched
• Makana
• Matt Andersen
• The McCrary Sisters
• Mike Farris
• The Milk Carton Kids
• Monica Heldal
• Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats
• Of Monsters and Men
• Old Man Luedecke
• The Once
• Oscar Lopez
• Oysterband
• Reuben and the Dark
• Richard Thompson
• Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson
• Sara Watkins,Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan
• School of Song
• Si Kahn
• Slocan Ramblers
• Tinariwen
• Tony McManus & Beppe Gambetta
• The Wind and the Wave

2014 Performers

• 100 Mile House
• Albert Lee
• Alejandra Ribera
• Alela Diane
• Alpha Yaya Diallo’s West African Summit
• Baka Beyond
• Basia Bulat
• Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite
• Ben Howard
• Blind Boys of Alabama
• Blue Rodeo
• Cody ChesnuTT
• DahkaBrahka
• Dan Mangan + Blacksmith
• Daniel Lanois
• Dave Gunning
• Della Mae
• Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine
• Elephant Revival
• Festival House Band
• Foy Vance
• Gregory Alan Isakov
• Holly Williams
• Hudson Taylor
• Imelda May
• James Keelaghan
• James Vincent McMorrow
• Jez Lowe
• John Mann
• Jordie Lane
• Kidum & the Boda Boda
• Lúnasa
• Leeroy Stagger
• Leon Redbone
• Los Lobos
• Lost Bayou Ramblers
• Lucius
• Mandolin Orange
• Maria Dunn & Lizzy Hoyt
• Masters of Hawaiian Music
• Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
• Michael Franti and Spearhead
• Mokoomba
• Mortal Coil
• Parker Millsap
• Parsonsfield
• Pharis and Jason Romero
• Phosphorescent
• Ron Kavana, Niamh Parsons…
• Rose Cousins
• Roy Forbes
• Roy Rogers and Carlos Reyes
• Ruth Moody
• School of Song
• Septeto Santiaguero
• Sera Cahoone
• Sharon Shannon
• Street Performers
• The Stray Sisters
• Tony Joe White
• Vance Joy

2014 Performers

• Alan Kelly Gang
• Alex Cuba
• Amos Garrett and Festival House Band
• Amy Helm
• Avett Brothers
• Bruce Cockburn
• Caitlin Rose
• Carlos Nunez
• Carolina Chocolate Drops
• Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires
• Cold Specks
• Dave Alvin and The Guilty Ones
• David Francey
• Delhi 2 Dublin
• Dick Gaughan
• Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson
• Elvis Perkins
• Evening Hymns
• Fatoumata Diawara
• Feist
• Good For Grapes
• Havana d’Primera
• Head And the Heart
• Iskwew Singers
• James Hunter Six
• Jerry Douglas
• Joe Nolan
• John Butler Trio
• John Reischman and the Jaybirds
• John Smith
• John Wort Hannam
• Karan Casey Band
• Langhorne Slim and the Law
• Laura Smith
• Lisa Hannigan
• Loreena McKennit
• LP
• Lynn Miles
• Makana
• Marco Claveria Project
• Martin Sexton
• Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac
• Mcihael Jerome Browne
• Mighty Clouds Of Joy
• Milk Carton Kids
• Mortal Coil
• Neko Case
• Niyaz
• Rachelle van Zantern
• Rayland Baxter
• Ron Hynes
• Rosanne Cash
• Ross Ainslei and Jariath Henderson
• Russell deCarle
• Ruthie Foster
• Sarar Watkins
• Scarlett Jane
• School Of Song
• Shakey Graves
• Steep Canyon Rangers
• Tim Chiasson with Colin Linden
• Tim O’Brien
• Tony McManus
• Vieux Farka Toure
• Wilson and Swarbrick

2012 Performers

Kiran Ahluwalia (Canada) comes to Edmonton following her 2012 Juno Award for the World Music Album of the Year. Kiran is an innovator who looks beyond her Indian heritage to create a musical world outside geographical boundaries.www.kiranmusic.com

Amadou & Mariam (Mali) are one of the most successful bands in the history of African Music. Their music is possibly the most joyful sound in roots music today. www.amadou-mariam.com

Arrested Development (USA) are a two-time Grammy award winning hip hop group who brings substance and fresh sounds to the genre. These trail blazers were a huge hit at our 2009 festival. www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com

Bahamas (Canada) Afie Jurvanen has played our festival several times in the past, most notably with Feist. Now this Finnish-Canadian brings his own great music to the EFMF. bahamasmusic.net

The Barr Brothers (Canada) Brad and Andrew Barr moved from the USA to Montreal. There, they joined up with multi-instrumentalist Andres Vial and classically trained harpist Sarah Page. A unique sound was born.thebarrbrothers.com

Kim Beggs and TNile (Canada) Two of Canada’s leading young songwriters will collaborate with their bandmates for some special shows at our festival. www.kimbeggs.com www.tnile.com

Geoff Berner (Canada) has built a cult following with insightful humour, politically inflammatory compositions and his showmanship. “I want to make original Klezmer music that’s drunk, dirty, political and passionate,” says Geoff. geoffberner.com

Rory Block (USA) is widely regarded as a top interpreter and authority on traditional country blues. “Rory has been an inspiration to me since we started out years ago.” (Bonnie Raitt) www.roryblock.com

Blue Highway (USA) is one of the most esteemed acts in contemporary Bluegrass. Their hallmark is an unwavering commitment to the ensemble even though it has five gifted writers in its ranks. bluehighwayband.com

La Bottine Souriante (Canada) is a living legend of French North American Folk Music. The band pays homage to traditional Quebec Folk music and successfully allies folk music with a dash of Salsa and Jazz. www.bottinesouriante.com

David Bromberg (USA) He’s played with everyone, he’s toured everywhere, he can lead a raucous big band or hold an audience silent with solo acoustic blues. He also makes, sells and repairs high quality violins. He’s a true legend.www.davidbromberg.net

Calypso Rose (Tobago, West Indes) started singing at the age of 15, and for over fifty years she has been the reigning Queen of Calypso. www.calypsorosediva.com

Mary Chapin Carpenter (USA) By combining folk, country and blues, she has proven herself to be an artist for whom the conventional boundaries disappear, and her career has led to 12 studio albums and five Grammy awards.www.marychapincarpenter.com

The Johnny Clegg Band (South Africa) Johnny is a dancer, anthropologist, singer, songwriter, academic, activist and French knight. He has campaigned against apartheid and is one of South Africa’s greatest musical ambassadors.www.johnnyclegg.com

Scott Cook (Canada) Alberta’s own Prairie balladeer is a tirelessly travelling songwriter who brings honesty, humour, and a deep love of humanity to his storytelling. www.scottcook.net

Rose Cousins (Canada) You feel as though Rose sings for you, about your life and it is that sincerity that leads to comparisons with Canada’s most beloved songwriters. rosecousins.com

Rodney Crowell (USA) In 1975, Rodney joined Emmylou Harris’ hot band as a guitarist. He has since gained widespread recognition as a leader of the new traditionalist movement. Simply put, he is one of America’s foremost singer songwriters. www.rodneycrowell.com

Jim Cuddy Band (Canada) “When I write songs for my solo material, the songs tend to be a lot more personal.” Jim has three solo albums to his credit including the critically acclaimed 2011 release Skyscraper Soul. www.jimcuddy.com

David Wax Museum (USA) fuses traditional Mexican folk with American roots to create an utterly unique sound. Combining Latin rhythms, call and response hollering and donkey jawbone rattling, they have electrified audiences around the continent. www.davidwaxmuseum.com

Dry Bones (Canada) Leonard Podolak, JD Edwards and Nathan Rogers make up one of Canada’s most exciting new bands. These three exceptional talents came together in summer of 2011 and are going from strength to strength.

The Dunwells (England) Brothers Joe and Dave Dunwell, along with Jonny Lamb, David Hanson and Lee Dawson are ready to take their well crafted “New Folk” songs to Canada this summer. thedunwells.com

Steve Forbert (USA) can mesmerize a crowd with his distinctive voice, an acoustic guitar and his trusty harmonica slung around his neck. He writes timeless songs sweetened by a poetic sensibility. www.steveforbert.com

Lennie Gallant (Canada) Lennie’s intense delivery reaches down to the very soul of his audience, moving effortlessly through stirring narratives, comic observations and hard driving rhythms. www.lenniegallant.com

Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band (Canada) The festival band returns once again with Amos Garrett (guitar), Kit Johnson (bass), Michelle Josef (drums), Ron Casat (keys), Rusty Reed (harmonica) and Dave Babcock (horns).

Arlo Guthrie–Guthrie Family Reunion (USA ) Celebrating Woody’s 100^th, the performance will feature Arlo, Abe, Cathy, Annie and Sara Lee Guthrie along with Johnny Irion. This promises to be a very special performance. www.arlo.net

Emmylou Harris (USA) Already celebrated as a discoverer and interpreter of songs, 12 time Grammy Award winner Emmylou has, in the last decade, gained admiration for her eloquently straightforward songwriting including 11 originals on her album Hard Bargain. www.emmylouharris.com

Joe Henry (USA) Three time Grammy Award winner Joe is a “Critics Darling” as a singer/songwriter and as a producer. He has worked with Salif Keita, Solomon Burke, Ani DiFranco, Rodney Crowell and Bonnie Raitt. He will be in good company in Edmonton. www.joehenrylovesyoumadly.com

Hills To Hollers (USA) Bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis, soul icon Linda Tillery and multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie have created a new vocal trio that is an instant sensation as they explore the intertwined roots of American Music. www.lindatillery.com, www.laurielewis.com, www.barbarahigbie.com

Andrea House (Canada) Andrea’s songwriting is full of melody and romance, floating somewhere between Patsy Cline and Billie Holliday. www.andreahouse.com

Emmanuel Jal (Sudan) was swept up into the Sudanese Rebel Army at the age of seven. Escaping with 400 soldiers only 16 of whom survived, and rescued by an Aid worker, he has become an international hip hop star, author and activist for children in war zones. http://www.we-want-peace.com/

Martyn Joseph (Wales) His songs are pictures and stories and feelings, all put to music by a master craftsman and as he often tells his audiences, “you keep turning up and so will I.” www.martynjoseph.net

George Kahumoku Jr. and the Masters of Hawaiian Music (Hawaii/USA) George is a Grammy and Hoku award winning master slack key guitarist, songwriter, high school and college teacher, sculptor, storyteller and taro farmer. He will be joined by Richard Ho’opi, Keoki Haumoku and Bobby Ingano. http://www.pasifika-artists.com/

Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa) For over 40 years they have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African traditions to gospel music. From Paul Simon’s Graceland to Grammy awards and the Lion King, they have been on quite a journey and that journey now takes them to the EFMF.www.mambazo.com

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three (USA) Their creative blend of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing rings true and fine, making them among the most innovative of all the purists performing early American roots music. www.pokeylafarge.net

Jimmy LaFave (USA) Although living in Texas, Jimmy has strong musical ties to the state of Oklahoma and what he often refers to as its “red dirt music.” In this landscape he began to define his sound and soak up a combination of his experiences among authentic songwriters from the tradition of Woody Guthrie.http://www.jimmylafave.com

Jim Lauderdale (USA) is among the A list of Nashville songwriters. With over 20 albums and two Grammy awards to his credit, Jim makes his EFMF debut along with his band. www.jimlauderdale.com

David Lindley (USA) is a long time champion of world music. You can expect to hear Hawaiian lap steel guitar, Turkish saz, middle eastern oud and Irish bouzouki. Add in his sartorial splendor and demented sense of humour, and you have the unique Mr. Dave.www.davidlindley.com

Oscar Lopez (Canada) lets the passion and fire within his soul loose through his fingertips and onto the guitar strings. Oscar easily incorporates many styles into his impassioned playing style. www.oscarlopez.com

Corb Lund (Canada) Juno award winner and seven time CCMA Roots Artist of the Year, Corb is at heart an unparalleled Prairie storyteller. http://corblund.com/

Dougie MacLean (Scotland) is one of Scotland’s most successful, respected and popular musicians. He is also a fine guitarist and fiddle player. www.dougiemaclean.com

Paul McKenna Band (Scotland) Possibly the most exciting band to emerge recently from the Scottish traditional scene, their sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving guitar and bouzouki, intense fiddle playing along with flute, bodhran and percussion. www.paulmckennaband.com

Lori McKenna (USA) started performing her songs in public at the age of 27. The songs of this extraordinary writer have been recorded by Faith Hill, Alison Krauss and Carrie Underwood. This hard working mother of five has released her sixth album Lorraine, a tribute to the mother she lost at seven years old.http://lorimckenna.com/

James Vincent McMorrow (Ireland) is known for his dense lyricism, compelling melodies, and mesmerizing voice. His debut CD Early in the Morning has been receiving rave reviews in Europe. http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com

MonkeyJunk (Canada) With a generous helping of swamp rhythm and blues, soul boogie and funk, Ottawa’s MonkeyJunk are the hottest Canadian blues band around. http://monkeyjunkband.com

Mortal Coil (Canada) returns once again with a brilliant, colourful and graceful presence. They have been wowing crowds with their stunning visuals at festivals across Canada and the US for well over a decade. www.mortalcoil.bc.ca

Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits (Zimbabwe) From his debut in 1975 to this day – 57 albums on – Oliver Mtukudzi has written and performed some of the most heart rending music against hatred and violence. www.tukumusik.com

New Country Rehab (Canada) cuts through the clutter with a high voltage, alt country sound. Their powerful music is full of love, loss, longing and joy.http://www.newcountryrehab.com

Mairtín O’Connor Band (Ireland) Mairtín (accordion) is one of the most respected and best loved musicians in traditional Irish Music. He is joined by Cathal Hayden on fiddle (Four Men and a Dog) and Seamie O’Dowd on guitar (ex-member of Dervish). www.mairtinoconnorband.com

Lindi Ortega (Canada) Her arresting vocals combine brilliantly with a catalogue of songs that speak to the desperado in all of us. lindiortega.ca

The Parachute Club (Canada) Riding exuberant, world music rhythms The Parachute Club emerged in 1983 with the smash hit Rise Up. Lorraine Segato will lead a reunited band at Gallagher Park.

Tom Power (Canada) is a musician, broadcaster and writer well known as the host of Deep Roots on CBC Radio.

Bonnie Raitt (USA) is a nine time Grammy winner, brilliant guitarist, expressive singer, social activist and an accomplished songwriter. Bonnie has become an institution in American music. www.bonnieraitt.com

School of Song (Canada) Founded by Rhea March (U22) we will present Bardic Form, The Doll Sisters, Painting with Ella and Micah Turchet. marchmusic.ca

Joanne Shenandoah (USA) is a Grammy winner and holder of a record 13 Native American Music Awards, “she weaves you into a trance with her beautiful Iroquois chants (Robbie Robertson). www.joanneshenandoah.com/

J.R. Shore (Canada) is making a name for himself on the Alberta music scene with song subjects that vary from retired bee keepers to tales of the youth of the Navajo nation. www.jrshore.com

Martin Simpson (England) Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world of folk music, Martin successfully combines elements of British, Afro American and old-timey music. http://www.martinsimpson.com

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (USA) By age 21, Ricky was already considered a “recognized master” of the Bluegrass tradition. It’s been 53 years since Ricky struck his first chord on a mandolin and he can look back on a career of popularity and success along with 12 Grammy Awards. www.rickyskaggs.com

Emily Smith (Scotland) is a leading singer in the Scottish folk scene who is equally adept at presenting evocative interpretations of traditional songs or writing her own contemporary songs. Jamie McClennan joins her on fiddle and guitar. http://www.emilysmith.org

Mavis Staples (USA) is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and she has a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She sings about the world today—poverty, welfare and jobs and making it feel better through songs. http://www.mavisstaples.com/

Jayme Stone (Canada) makes music inspired by folk traditions from around the world. The Edmonton Journal has called Jayme “one of the most adventurous banjo players out there.” jaymestone.com

Street Performers (Canada) will once again be at the festival. Watch for the Privy People, Silver Elvis and more…

Sidi Toure (Mali) Sidi’s music comes from Gao, a city in the north of Mali. It draws on inspiration from traditional music and is also informed by blues, rock and the culture of Mali.

Trampled by Turtles (USA) started to learn traditional folk songs and fiddle tunes as a break from their own rock bands. They had the time of their lives and switched to folk music full time. We are very happy they did.trampledbyturtles.com

Treme (USA) is a New Orleans extravaganza featuring Dr. John and the Lower 911, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Big Chief Monk and Mardi Gras Indians along with Cyril Neville. Be sure to taste this musical Gumbo at Stage 1 on Sunday afternoon.

Valdy (Canada)Waldemar Horsdal was born in Ottawa and has been part of the fabric of Canadian folk music for over 35 years. He says, “I’m really a lucky man.” www.valdy.com

Suzie Vinnick and Rick Fines (Canada) Not surprisingly, the spotlight is often on Suzie’s voice as she is blessed with a huge range. Joined by Rick Fines, expect a stripped down exploration of the blues. www.suzievinnick.com rickfines.com

Royal Wood (Canada) delivers honest tales of love, loss and life. He was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Junos. His star is on the rise. www.royalwood.ca/

Wool on Wolves (Canada) This Edmonton band is not here to distract you with flashing lights or smoke machines. They’re musicians, music fans, roommates, and friends above all else, who hold a genuine belief that music has the ability to move beyond speakers and headphones to truly encapsulate the human experience.www.woolonwolves.c

2011 Performers

Matt Andersen (Canada/NB)
Matt has a larger than life showmanship that has been earning him a fervent and steadfast audience wherever he graces the stage. His sprawling blues, roots and rock musical hybrid with his sorrowing and soulful voice and astonishing guitar-playing make his appearance at the EFMF highly anticipated.

Karla Anderson (Canada/AB)
Karla’s live performance exudes a genuinely passionate delivery, and holds a powerful connection with her audience. She is truly a gifted performer who leaves audiences wanting more.

Aurelio and Garifuna Soul (Honduras)
Aurelio Martinez is one of the most extraordinary and passionate Garifuna artists of his generation. He follows in the footsteps of the legendary Paranderos of the Carribean coast of Central America to become the new voice of Parandea. Acclaimed for both his preservation and modernization of the Paranda musical tradition, Aurelio’s virtuosity is found in his distinctive, penetrating vocals and his talent as a composer.

Baka Beyond (UK)
are musicians from six countries on the Celtic fringes of Europe and the West coast of Africa who join together to play the most original live world fusion sound around. The spirit of the music lives in the rhythm. All Baka Beyond’s rhythms are played by human beings, not machines.

Del Barber (Canada/MB)
Born and raised on the prairies, Del Barber has found a new home on stage, winning audiences across Canada and the United States with raw talent and ample doses of charm. This is his EFMF debut.

Keola and Moana Beamer (USA)
are Hawaii’s First Couple, touring the world to present their unique vision of Hawaii’s cultural arts. Keola is a master of Slack Key, the mellow, melodic guitar style indigenous to Hawaii, and Moana is renowned for her mastery of authentic Hula dancing.

Andrew Bird (USA)
is a Chicago-based American musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He sings, he whistles, he shifts from violin to guitar to glockenspiel. His distinctive style has been described as updating the traditions of small-group swing, German leider, and New Orleans jazz, mixing gypsy, folk, and rock.

Blackie & the Rodeo Kings (Canada/ON/NS)
originally formed in 1996 when Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson came together to record what was supposed to be a one- off tribute album to the great Canadian songwriter Willie P. Bennett. Their 2011 release Kings & Queens pairs the band with some of their favourite female singers and friends.

Bill Bourne (Canada/AB)
was raised in a musical family in rural Alberta. When he was 2 years old, he was known to sleep behind the piano at country dances. The love of nature, music and of people gathering for celebration has been with him for his whole life.

Pieta Brown (USA)
Distinguishing herself from the crowd of singer/songwriters Pieta is being called “one of the best modern songwriters” (Sonic Boomers) and “a genuine talent” (iTunes). Or, as one of Pieta’s own songwriting heroes, Iris DeMent, put it, “one of the best poets I’ve heard in a long damn time.”

Ane Brun (Norway)
is a songwriter, guitarist and vocalist originally from Norway. Since 2000 she has lived in Stockholm. She has received rave reviews all over the world and received a Norwegian Grammy for best female artist in 2005. This is her EFMF debut.

Brandi Carlile (USA)
After her stellar performance at last year’s festival, Brandi Carlile makes a welcome return to the EFMF. The Seattle-based singer-songwriter was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 10 artists to watch for. Elton John said “Brandi has an amazing voice, she’s a great songwriter and has a tremendous career ahead of her.”

Guy Clark (USA)
doesn’t merely compose songs; he projects images and characters with the kind of hands-on care and respect of a literary master. Clark works slowly and with strict attention to detail, and has produced an impressive collection of timeless gems, leaving very little waste behind.

JP Cormier and the Elliott Brothers (Canada/NS )
began playing guitar, self taught, at the age of 5 and quickly became immersed in the rich musical heritage of his Cape Breton roots. Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sideman, innovator, recording artist, award winner. His names are many and wherever he goes he brings his unique brand of joy to audiences.

Amelia Curran (Canada/NF)
A songwriter by trade, but a writer at heart, Curran believes language is everything. She describes the craft of songwriting as an act of “expressing the inexpressible, a means of describing the indescribable.”

Kat Danser (Canada/AB)
Edmonton-based guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Kat Danser throws down funky, laidback rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. Her Swamp Blues style, steeped in early roots and blues traditions, distills a refreshing approach to roots, blues, and gospel music for the 21st Century.

De Temps Antan (Canada/PQ)
Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stomping grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, the three virtuosos blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in traditional Quebec music.

The Deep Dark Woods (Canada/SK)
The Deep Dark Woods approach their instruments with studied respect for the honoured traditions of the shadowy side of roots music. This Saskatoon group are known for their versatility, sifting through different sounds and styles.

Deer Tick (USA)
is a Providence, Rhode Island folk indie band making their EFMF debut. Band leader and lead singer John McCauley’s sound has been described as if he’s been gargling gravel with moonshine. He can croon, he can yelp and he can shout. He’s a superb lead singer, backed by a talented band.

Delhi 2 Dublin (Canada/BC)
Hour Magazine wrote that “Delhi 2 Dublin is the United Nations of rock ‘n’ roll”. The Vancouver, Canada-based band plays an energetic mash-up of Bhangra, Celtic, Dub, Reggae and Electronica with global rhythms and club beats.

Gaye Delorme (Canada/AB)
With the passing of Gaye Delorme, we have lost a man who could do it all from—gut wrenching blues to improvisational jazz-influenced experimentation to stunning flamenco styling.

For memorial information please see our News section https://edmontonfolkfest.org/gaye-delorme

Alpha Yaya Diallo (Canada/BC)
is a uniquely multi-talented artist. His dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing, with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the front ranks of African axemen.

Etran Finatawa (Niger)
is a Niger based band, formed in 2004, as part of the Festival au Désert near Timbuktu. Their sound blends North African Woodabe and Tuareg styles with modern music, such as electric guitars. They have extensively toured the world, including Europe and the United States, since 2005.

Fearing & White (Canada/Australia)
Here is a project that is greater than the sum of its parts. When those two parts are as individually talented as acclaimed singer/songwriters Stephen Fearing and Andy White, you know you’re in for a unique listening experience.

Jeremy Fisher (Canada/ON)
Canadian folk-pop troubadour Jeremy Fisher first broke onto the scene a decade ago, and since then his career has been on a steady upward trajectory. He favours unusual instrumentation like the mandolin and ukulele and prefers to tour countries by bicycle.

The Flatlanders featuring: Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Butch Hancock (USA)
were formed in Lubbock, Texas, in 1971, and its three main members were all singer-songwriters and guitarists: Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. Ely met Gilmore in Lubbock and, realizing they shared a love of Jimmie Rodgers, they formed a traditional country band. Always a welcome EFMF addition.

Amos Garrett & the Festival House Band (Canada/AB/ON)
The festival band returns once again with Amos Garrett (guitar), Kit Johnson (bass), Michelle Josef (drums), Ron Casat (keys), Rusty Reed (harmonica) and Dave Babcock (horns).

Mary Gauthier (USA)
is no stranger to the EFMF. She has created six groundbreaking albums of original songs, and has more than a dozen years of experience recording and touring around the world as well as a harvest of music industry awards, and covers of her songs by a roster of great artists .

Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo (France)
are a group of musicians from Arles and Montpellier, France who perform in Spanish with accent from Andalucía. Although group members were born in France, their parents were mostly gitanos, Spanish Romani people who fled Catalonia during the 1930s Spanish Civil War. An EFMF debut.

Gough, Clancy, Bracken & McCarthy (Ireland)
Donnchadh Gough plays bodhran and uillean pipes; Donal Clancy is on guitar; Daire Bracken is on fiddle and Benny McCarthy plays button accordion and together they are the original members of Danú.

Nanci Griffith (USA)
At the age of 6 she began to write songs, thinking of it as “part of the process of learning how to play guitar.” Then at the age of 14, when a campfire turn at the Kerrville Folk Festival caught the ear of singer-songwriter Tom Russell, she was on her way. Having recorded 18 albums and performed concerts all over the world, it’s safe to say that she’s never looked back.

The Holmes Brothers (USA)
Over the course of their 30-plus year career, The Holmes Brothers (bassist/vocalist Sherman Holmes, guitarist/pianist/vocalist Wendell Holmes, drummer/vocalist and brother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon) have been feeding the souls of their devoted and ever-growing fan base with a joyous and moving blend of blues, gospel, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll and country.

Ron Hynes (Canada/NF)
Frequently referred to as the “man of a thousand songs”, Ron Hynes’ songs have been covered by dozens of artists worldwide, including Emmylou Harris, Christy Moore, Mary Black, Denny Doherty, Murray McLauchlan, and most recently, classical soprano Hayley Westenra.

Wanda Jackson (USA)
When the justly crowned Queen of Rockabilly, recorded Let’s Have A Party, a tune she made into a hit of her own in 1958 even after one-time boyfriend Elvis Presley had released a version of it, her delivery of the chorus wasn’t so much a suggestion as a command. Her latest album, The Party Ain’t Over, was produced by Jack White and indicates, this feisty septuagenarian artist is as galvanizing as ever.

Sarah Jarosz (USA)
emerged on the acoustic music scene as a mandolin wunderkind in her young teens. Jamming onstage with bluegrass icons David Grisman and Ricky Skaggs, she played with a sure touch and real joy that belied her years. She quickly picked up the guitar and banjo. While her instrumental talents are formidable, Sarah is an equally gifted vocalist and songwriter.

James Keelaghan Trio (Canada/ON)
is one of Canada’s international stars. His passionate mix of roots rock, Americana, and contemporary folk has established Keelaghan’s presence in Europe, Australia, and North America. While growing up in western Canada he studied history, which became a major catalyst in his song writing.

Angelique Kidjo (Benin)
Born in west Africa, Angelique Kidjo is a Grammy award-winning recording artist deemed “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine. Kidjo’s internationally acclaimed repertoire includes collaborations with various recording artists such as Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Branford Marsalis, Joss Stone, and many more

Kíla (Ireland)
The Dublin-based jam band septet Kíla exploded onto the Irish music scene. Hailed as “the future of Irish music” by Hot Press, the band has captivated audiences with transcendental performances fusing Celtic and world idioms.

The Amazing Kreskin (USA) With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit, and the capacities of a bona fide Mentalist or thought reader, The Amazing Kreskin has, for some six decades, dramatized the unique facets of the human mind…his own. His very name has become an integral part of pop culture throughout the world.

k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang (Canada/AB)
k.d. lang is no stranger to this part of the world and will once again grace the EFMF mainstage. Joined by her band the Siss Boom Bang, she will close our festival for 2011.

Lissie (USA)
was born in Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River. She’s a straight-talking Midwesterner, all flaxen hair and big blue eyes, and this woman is gutsy and tough, with a big old voice to match it.

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band (USA)
Lyle Lovett is one of the most distinctive and original singer/songwriters to emerge during the ’80s. Combining a talent for incisive, witty lyrical detail with an eclectic array of music, ranging from country and folk to big-band swing and traditional pop, his literate, multi-layered songs stand out. A welcome return to EFMF.

Janiva Magness (USA)
is among the premier blues and R&B singers in the world today. Her voice possesses an earthy, raw honesty and beauty born from her life experience. A charismatic performer known for her electrifying live shows, Magness is a gutsy and dynamic musical powerhouse. She received the coveted 2009 Blues Music Awards for B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year (she is only the second woman to ever win this award, Koko Taylor being the first).

Taj Mahal Trio (USA)
Describe legendary musician Taj Mahal in a single word or phrase? Impossible. You could call him a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, ethnomusicologist, two-time Grammy-winner, world-class musical collaborator, musicians’ advocate, world traveler, fisherman, or cigar aficionado. These titles are all accurate, yet none convey the warmth, humour, and soulfulness of Taj and his music.

Imelda May (Ireland)
was born in Dublin and may be an unknown name to some, but to many she is already a superstar. She is unmistakable both in her music (a fusion of surf guitars, blues and rockabilly that wouldn’t be out of place in a David Lynch film) and her style, with a solitary curl and shock of blonde in her jet black hair. In Ireland, her debut album Love Tattoo has gone Triple Platinum.

John Mayall (UK)
is nicknamed “the Godfather of British Blues.” John ran a virtual school for British blues musicians and alumni of his Bluesbreakers include Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Jack Bruce and Peter Green. Known for his hard-driving blues, John is also an innovator, a painter, and a father of six. We are honoured to have him join us on Saturday night’s mainstage.

The Del McCoury Band & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band (USA)
With common roots in the rich musical gumbo of the American south in the 19th and early 20th centuries, bluegrass and jazz have sat alongside one another with a myriad of common influences and musical vocabularies that have nevertheless remained largely unexplored until now.

The McDades (Canada/AB/Que)
are known for traditional Celtic music blended with cool jazz accents and world music rhythms. Their groove lies somewhere between down home kitchen party and an after hours jazz/blues club. In other words they are perfect for a folk festival.

Mighty Popo (Canada/ON)
You could say that Mighty Popo is a Rwandan/Burundian refugee/survivor whose music is steeped in African tradition, however, that would not be the whole story. He held an effortless musicality as a member of the 2004 Juno Award winning African Guitar Summit, and has received kudos for his genre-busting solo work and his highlight performance at the Canadian edition of Bob Geldof’s international Live 8 concerts.

Mortal Coil (Canada/BC)
This group returns once again with a brilliant, colourful and graceful presence. They have been wowing crowds with their stunning visuals at festivals across Canada and the US for well over a decade.

Noah and the Whale (UK)
are an indie folk band from Twickenham, London and will be touring on the strength of their latest album Last Night on Earth. Watch for them close Friday night’s mainstage.

The Once (Canada/NF)
in the summer of 2004, Geraldine Hollett, Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale were charged with the task of providing little more than an evenings worth of music and song for tourists and countrymen. The three wove their voices and instruments together to create what is now the critically acclaimed folk trio known as The Once.

Los Paperboys (Canada/BC)
sound is Mexican Son Jarocho mixed in with Irish Jigs and Reels and a good dose of Country and Bluegrass. It has healthy servings of Ska, Soca and African Highlife and the band has been known to throw in a little White Boy Reggae. It is laced with strains of Soul, Pop and Funk.

Tim Robbins & the Rogues Gallery Band (USA)
Tim is a star in movies like Mystic River, The Shawshank Redemption and the satirical Bob Roberts. He comes from a musical family. His dad was in the band The Highwaymen. Tim has been playing guitar clandestinely for 30 years and we are about to hear the results.

Duke Robillard Band (USA)
Guitarist. Bandleader. Songwriter. Singer. Producer. Session musician. And a one-man cheering section for the blues community. BB King himself has called Duke “One of the great players,” The Houston Post called him “one of God’s guitarists. And the New York Times says “Robillard is a soloist of stunning force and originality.”

Garnet Rogers (Canada/ON)
was barely out of high school and on the road as a full- time working musician with his older brother Stan. Together they formed what has come to be accepted as one of the most influential acts in North American folk music. Garnet has established himself as ‘One of the major talents of our time”. Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “charismatic performer and singer”, Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with a voice to match.

Sean Rowe (USA)
hails from Troy, New York. His honest and haunting songwriting has already earned comparisons to Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks phase, for his abstract lyric phrasing, and the way he crafts an experience of emotion, rather than telling a linear tale.

John Rutherford (Canada/AB)
is often a member of several bands juggling dates, tours and projects simultaneously. He produces records and has written and produced music for film and television. A guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, John also plays ukulele.

The Secret Sisters (USA)
Laura and Lydia Rogers are fortified by an airtight familial camaraderie and emboldened with a zeal for country music. It was their love and respect for music and harmony that brought them to the attention of producer T Bone Burnett.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (USA)
Contrary to the rumoured explanations that abound like urban myths about one Los Angeles collective’s peculiar name, there is no ‘Edward Sharpe.’ Alex Ebert leads their concerts which are more aptly described as musical love-ins- rapturous, theatrical affairs where it is sometimes hard to discern between the musicians on stage (there are, give or take, 13 of them) and the fans in the crowd, all swaying and singing in a state of joyous euphoria.

Chris Smither (USA)
“My priority was, and still is, performing live,” says Chris Smither. He will be bringing his intricate finger-picking style, well travelled voice and great songs to Gallagher Park.

Street Performers
will once again be at the festival. Watch for the Privy People, Silver Elvis, Aytahn Ross, Heather D Swain, and Neatoe the Clown.

Ti Coca & Wanga Nègès (Haiti)
are to be noticed among the rare professional musicians who embrace the troubadour’s tradition– small-size bands of acoustic instruments with compositions that reveal a sweet and sour chronicle of the society. These ensembles are mainly characterized by a particular instrumentation, totally acoustic, that includes most of the time : guitar or banjo, accordion, drum, graj and maracas, double bass or manoumba.

KT Tunstall (Scotland)
is a Brit-Award winning, Grammy-nominated Scottish singer songwriter and guitarist who first came to a wider audience with her song Black Horse and a Cherry Tree and her debut album Eye to the Telescope. Her latest recording is called Tiger Suit. This is her EFMF debut.

U22 (Canada/AB)
This year’s lineup includes Ky Babyn, The Command Sisters, Braden Gates, Kayla Patrick, Jenie Thai and Scenic Route to Alaska.

Joe Louis Walker (USA)
Recently voted Most Outstanding Guitarist by Living Blues critics, Joe belongs in the very select club of original blues greats who revolutionized the art of the electric guitar. Considered one of the last of the great blues guitar heroes, alongside B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Otis Rush, Joe gives more than 100 fiery performances on all continents every year, appearing at major festivals from the US and Canada to Australia, Europe to Japan, the Far East to South America.

2010 Performers

• Aterciopelados
• Natacha Atlas

• Debashish Bhattacharya
• Bobby “Blue” Bland
• Ray Bonneville
• John Boutte
• Colleen Brown
• Basia Bulat

• Calexico
• Brandi Carlile

• Dailey & Vincent
• Dala
• Gord Downie and the Country of Miracles
• Jakob Dylan & the Three Legs

• Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys

• Four Men and a Dog

• Amos Garrett and the House Band
• Genticorum
• The Gift

• John Hammond
• Sarah Harmer
• Ben Harper and RELENTLESS7
• Colin Hay
• The Levon Helm Band
• Jill Hennessy

• Diana Jones

• Ron Kavana & Brian McNeill
• Kailash Kher’s Kailasa
• Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba

• Lau
• Lunch At Allen’s

• Amanda Martinez
• Aurelio Martinez
• Dave McCann and the Firehearts
• The McDades
• Tony McManus
• Luis E. Mejia Godoy & Tierra Fertil Group
• Melanie
• Tony Michael
• Mississippi Sheiks Tribute Project
• Terry Morrison
• Van Morrison
• Mortal Coil

• Beth Nielsen Chapman

• John Prine
• Joe Pug

• Jimmy Rankin
• Kate Reid
• Zachary Richard
• Kate Rusby
• Tom Russell

• Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens
• Street Performers
• Jeff Stuart and the Hearts

• Tanya Tagaq with Cris Derksen and Celina Kalluk
• Te Vaka
• Vieux Farka Touré
• Chris Trapper
• Ian Tyson

• U22

• Le Vent du Nord

• The Waifs
• Patrick Watson and the Wooden Arms
• Holly Williams
• Dan Wilson

2009 Performers

• Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir
• Chloe Albert
• Arrested Development

• Issa Bagayogo
• Sam Baker with Gurf Morlix
• Jill Barber
• Breabach
• Chuck Brodsky

• Neko Case
• Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson
• Tracy Chapman
• Cherryholmes
• Chumbawamba Acoustic
• CKUA U22
• Slaid Cleaves
• Rodney Crowell
• Alex Cuba

• Cara Dillon

• Fred Eaglesmith
• Steve Earle
• Kathleen Edwards
• Eivør

• Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabate
• Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit
• David Francey, Dave Swarbrick and Jason Wilson

• Amos Garrett & the Festival House Band
• Dick Gaughan
• Great Lake Swimmers
• Patty Griffin

• Hanggai
• Hot Tuna
• Sierra Hull & Highway 111
• Iron & Wine

• Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings

• Alana Levandoski
• Old Man Luedecke

• Ashley MacIsaac
• Raul Malo
• Sarah McLachlan
• Tift Merritt
• Danny Michel
• Lynn Miles
• Mortal Coil

• Northern Cree Singers

• Idy Oulo
• Oysterband

• Steven Page
• Niamh Parsons with Graham Dunne
• Pavlo
• Pine Leaf Boys
• Joel Plaskett

• The Idan Raichel Project
• Kimmie Rhodes

• Boz Scaggs
• The Skydiggers
• Meaghan Smith
• Souljah Fyah
• Spirit of the West
• The SteelDrivers
• Ben Sures
• The Swiftys

• Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir
• Daby Touré

• The Wailers
• Loudon Wainwright III
• The Wooden Sky

2008 Lineup

• Amadou & Mariam

• Bellowhead
• Ridley Bent
• Black Pioneer Heritage Singers
• John Bottomley
• Bill Bourne & Madagascar Slim
• Moya Brennan
• Broken Social Scene
• Jon Brooks
• Alison Brown Quartet
• Buckwheat Zydeco

• Carolina Chocolate Drops
• Cat Power
• C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band
• CKUA U 22

• Brett Dennen
• Dervish
• The Jerry Douglas Band
• Luke Doucet & the White Falcon
• The Duhks
• Maria Dunn
• Jakob Dylan and the Gold Mountain Rebels

• The Fairfield Four
• Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Dan Frechette

• Amos Garrett &
  the Festival House Band
• Jian Ghomeshi
• Eliza Gilkyson with Nina Gerber

• Haugaard and Hoirup
• Colin Hay

• Chris Isaak

• Martyn Joseph

• Habib Koité & Bamada
• Craig Korth
• Kyrie Kristmanson

• Yves Lambert et le Bébert Orchestra
• Jonny Lang
• Little Miss Higgins
• The Claire Lynch Band

• Aimee Mann
• Romi Mayes
• Catherine MacLellan
• Mighty Popo
• Mortal Coil
• Shawn Mullins
• La Musgana

• Maura O’Connell
• Joan Osborne
• Outlaw Social

• Peatbog Faeries
• Karine Polwart

• John Reischman & the Jaybirds
• Luis Emilio Rios
• Don Ross & Andy McKee
• Tom Russell
• Serena Ryder

• The Sadies
• Ron Sexsmith
• Ryan Shaw
• Al Simmons
• Jayme Stone & Mansa Sissoko

• Téada
• Daby Touré
• The Dan Tyminski Band

• Abigail Washburn and the
  Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck
• Martha Wainwright
• Jim White
• Dar Williams
• Royal Wood
• Hawksley Workman
• John Wort Hannam

2007 Lineup

• African Guitar Summit
• Karla Anderson

• Baka Beyond
• BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
• Kim Beggs
• Eric, Leon and Yana Bibb
• Black Umfolosi
• Blackie & the Rodeo Kings
• Blue Rodeo
• Bill Bourne
• Buck 65
• Sarah Burnell
• Jim Byrnes

• Campbell Brothers
• City & Colour
• Guy Clark
• Compadres
• Crooked Still

• Dala
• Kat Danser
• Damien Dempsey

• Roy Forbes
• Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Don Freed and the Woodlands Cree Kids Choir
• Amos Garrett & the Festival House Band

• Mary Gauthier
• Jenn Grant
• Jackie Greene
• Nanci Griffith

• Rob Heath
• Jessica Heine
• James Hunter

• Seth Lakeman
• Penny Lang
• Little Willie Littlefield
• Los de Abajo

• Connie Kaldor
• Marie Knight

• Harry Manx & Kevin Breit
• Tony McManus
• Amy Millan
• Mortal Coil

• T. Nile
• Justin Nozuka

• Mary Margaret O’Hara
• Ollabelle
• Ndidi Onukwulu
• Ozomatli

• Andy Palacio & the Garifuna Collective
• Utah Phillips

• Justin Rutledge

• Buffy Sainte-Marie
• Darrell Scott and Kenny Malone
• Martin Sexton
• Martin Simpson
• Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys
• Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives

• Tagaq
• Vieux Farka Touré

• Tim Williams

2006 Lineup

• Kiran Ahluwalia
• Jenny Allen

• Baka Beyond
• Bedouin Soundclash
• Beolach
• Geoff Berner
• Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Salil Bhatt and Ramkumar Mishra
• The Blind Boys of Alabama
• Bill Bourne
• David Bromberg with Angel Band
• Greg Brown

• Chumbawamba
• Bruce Cockburn
• Jason Collett
• Mary Coughlan

• Iris DeMent
• The Duhks

• Feist

• Lennie Gallant
• Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band
• David Gray

• Sarah Harmer
• The Holmes Brothers

• Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul

• Michael Joseph and the Ridges

• K’Naan
• James Keelaghan
• Salif Keita
• Paul Kelly

• Lágbájá
• Mary Jane Lamond
• Bettye LaVette
• Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies

• Erynn Marshall and Chris Coole
• Lorrie Matheson
• The McDades
• Lynn Miles
• Mortal Coil

• The Neville Brothers

• Karine Polwart
• PorkBelly Futures

• Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
• Rodrigo Y Gabriela
• Linda Ronstadt
• Peter Rowan

• Sandy Scofield
• Show of Hands
• Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
• Solas
• Southern Routes
• Mark Sterling

• Susan Tedeschi
• Teddy Thompson
• Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir

• Rachelle van Zanten
• Le Vent du Nord

• The Waifs
• The Wailin’ Jennys
• Hawksley Workman

2005 Lineup

• Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
• Karla Anderson

• Waldemar Bastos
• The Bills
• Alpha Blondy and The Solar System
• Bill Bourne with Eivør Pálsdóttir
• Chuck Brodsky
• Alison Brown Quartet
• Jim Byrnes

• The Johnny Clegg Band
• J.P. Cormier
• Doug Cox and Sam Hurrie

• Danú
• Guy Davis
• Rachael Davis
• Alpha Yaya Diallo
• Lila Downs
• Maria Dunn

• Steve Earle
• Alejandro Escovedo

• Fiamma Fumana
• Ruthie Foster
• David Francey
• Bill Frisell

• Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band
• Mary Gauthier
• Eliza Gilkyson
• Thea Gilmore

• Jean Hewson and Christina Smith

• Jerusalem Ridge

• Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch & Fats Kaplin
• Alison Krauss and Union Station

• Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
• Amos Lee
• Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
• Alana Levandoski
• Laurie Lewis
• Oscar Lopez

• Vusi Mahlasela
• Harry Manx
• Carolyn Mark
• Loreena McKennitt
• Big Jay McNeely
• Wendy McNeill
• Men of Steel
• Danny Michel
• Allison Moorer
• Mortal Coil
• Pete Morton
• Alexi Murdoch

• Northern Cree Singers

• Old Reliable
• Oysterband

• Paris to Kyiv
• John Prine

• Édouard Richard
• Josh Ritter
• Roy Rogers and Norton Buffalo

• Shooglenifty
• Mavis Staples
• Al Stewart

• La Volée d’Castors

• Martha Wainwright
• The Warsaw Village Band
• The Weakerthans
• John Wort Hannam

2004 Lineup

• Allakomi (Que/Burkino Faso)

• Beolach (NS)
• Arlene Bishop (Ont)
• Blue Rodeo (ON)
• Bill Bourne (AB)
• Bowser and Blue (QUE)
• Bonnie Bramlett (USA)
• brava (NS)
• Jim Bryson (ON)
• David Byrne featuring the Tosca Strings (USA)

• Bobby Cameron (AB)
• Rodney Crowell (USA)

• Cory Danyluk & Sarah Card (AB)
• Rachael Davis (USA)
• Ani DiFranco (USA)
• The Dixie Hummingbirds (USA)
• Jerry Douglas (USA)
• Lucky Dube (South Africa)

• Fred Eaglesmith (ON)

• Ferron (BC/USA)
• Four Men and A Dog (Ireland)
• Michael Franti and Spearhead (USA)

• Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band (AB/ON)
• Dick Gaughan (Scotland)
• Genticorum (QUE)
• Great Big Sea (NFLD)

• Ken Hamm (BC)
• The Handsome Family (USA)
• Haugaard & Hoirup (Denmark)
• Andrea House (AB)

• Wanda Jackson (USA)
• Jaojoby (Madagascar)
• Martyn Joseph (Wales)

• Ron Kavana (Ireland)
• Paddy Keenan and Tommy O’Sullivan (Ireland)
• Kaki King (USA)

• Dennis Lakusta (BC)
• Lhasa (QUE)
• David Lindley (USA)

• Madagascar Slim (ON/Madagascar)
• The McDades (AB/QUE)
• Ellen McIlwaine (AB)
• Rory McLeod (England)
• Brian McNeill (Scotland)
• Natalie Merchant (USA)
• Lynn Miles (ON)
• Mortal Coil (BC)

• Nathan (MB)

• Oh Susanna (ON)

• The Paperboys (BC)
• Perfect Storm (AB)

• John Reischman and the Jaybirds (BC/USA)
• Garnet Rogers (ON)

• Earl Scruggs with Family and Friends (USA)
• Al Simmons (MB)
• Martin Simpson (England)
• Chris Smither (USA)
• Spirit of the West (BC)
• Rae Spoon (BC)
• The Strawbs (England)
• The Swiftys (AB)

• Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez (USA)
• Hans Theessink & Insingizi (Austria/Zimbabwe)
• Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir (USA)

• The Waybacks (USA)
• David Wilkie (AB)
• Hawksley Workman and the Wolves (QUE)

2003 Lineup

• Kiran Ahluwalia (ON)
• Karla Anderson (AB)
• The Arrogant Worms (ON)

• Bembeya Jazz (Guinea)
• Dan Bern (USA)
• Eric Bibb (UK)
• The Bill Hilly Band (BC)
• Blackie & the Rodeo Kings (ON)
• Blue Highway (USA)
• Ray Bonneville (QUE)
• Bill Bourne (AB)
• Paul Bromley (AB)
• The Brothers Cosmoline (ON)
• Pieta Brown with Bo Ramsey (USA)
• Solomon Burke (USA)

• Caitlin Cary (USA)
• Karan Casey Band (Ireland)
• Bruce Cockburn (ON)
• The Cottars (NS)
• Jim Cuddy (ON)

• Dervish (Ireland)
• The Duhks (MB)

• Kathleen Edwards (ON/QUE)
• David Essig (BC)

• Melissa Ferrick (USA)
• Festival House Band (AB/ON)
• Rosie Flores and Terry Clarke (USA/UK)
• Roy Forbes (BC)
• David Francey (Que)
• Don Freed (MB)
• Kelsey Fry (AB)
• The Funk Brothers (USA)

• Lennie Gallant (PEI)
• Filippo Gambetta (Italy)
• Mary Gauthier (USA)
• Patty Griffin (USA)
• Nanci Griffith (USA)

• Bob Jahrig (AB)
• Norah Jones (USA)

• Ledward Ka’apana (USA)
• James Keelaghan (MB)
• Paul Kelly (Australia)

• Daniel Lanois (ON)

• Janiva Magness (USA)
• Taj Mahal & The Trio (USA)
• Harry Manx and the Urban Turban (BC)
• Mariza (Portugal)
• Tony McManus (Scotland)
• Mortal Coil (BC)

• Dale Nikkel (AB)
• No Guff (AB)

• Pape and Cheikh (Senegal)
• Mike Plume (AB)

• Tom Russell (USA)

• Oliver Schroer (ON)
• Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (USA)
• Slainte Mhath (NS)
• Solas (USA)
• Davy Spillane (Ireland)
• Ben Sures (AB)

• Djelimady Tounkara (Mali)

• Valle Son (Cuba)
• Le Vent du Nord (Que)
• April Verch (ON)

• The Wailin’ Jennys (MB)
• Nathan Wiley (PEI)
• Dar Williams (USA)

2002 Lineup

• Terry Allen (USA) is a Lubbock-raised songwriter, artist and playwright. Wry, sardonic, irreverent and satirical, Terry Allen’s songs are like short stories with Twilight Zone-like twists to them.
• Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men (USA)- Grammy award winner (Best Traditional Folk Album of 2001), Dave is equally comfortable and adept playing his acoustic guitar and blazing on his well-worn Stratocaster. He will demonstrate both sides at our festival.
• Amadou et Mariam (Mali) met at the Institute for the Young Blind of Mali, in Bamako. Their story is touching and uncommon. They have overcome great obstacles to bring their music to the world. They will be joined by a full band for their Festival debut.
• B’Net Marrakech (The Women of Marrakech) (Morocco) play the music of both Arabs and Berbers, the original people of Morocco. Lush instrumentation, plaintive vocals and sharp syncopated rhythms are all part of this mesmerising experience.
• Long John Baldry with Andreas Schuld – (BC) Long John is a legend and one of the fathers of the British rock scene. This visit, he will perform songs from his recent album Remembering Leadbelly.
• Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys (USA) wow audiences with their rockabilly boogie sounds. Their musicianship and longevity have made them a touchstone in the roots music scene in the US.
• La Bottine Souriante (QC)- With 26 years together, eleven albums and more than two thousand shows under their belt, Best Live Band in the World, (BBC radio awards) show no sign of slowing down.
• Bowser and Blue (QC) are musical satirists from Montreal. Performing together since 1978 in pubs, theatres and on radio and television, they bring humour to their role as MCs on mainstage.
• Chuck Brodsky (USA) has a down-to-earth presence. His touching storytelling and dry, barb-witted social commentary bring both tears and laughter to the listener. Chuck combines arresting songwriting, groove-oriented guitar playing and a soulful, compassionate voice.
• Paul Bromley – (AB) Paul’s eclectic finger-style guitar-driven writing, coupled with a quirky sense of humour and genuine concern for the human condition make him a must see at this year’s Festival.
• Greg Brown (USA) uses music and words to paint powerful yet deceptively simple images upon a canvas of gospel, blues, country and jazz. You will experience the humour, warmth, insights and spirit of his legendary, live performances.
• Michael Jerome Browne (QC) is a multi-instrumentalist and interpreter of blues music tradition. He was awarded Acoustic Artist of the Year at the 2001 Maple Blues awards.
• Guy Clark (USA) is a craftsman. His tools are pen, paper and guitar. His inspiration comes from life’s little dramas and what he creates are songs that last. Verlon Thompson will accompany Guy on guitar.
• Kevin Cook (AB) has roots deep in the country and blues traditions, creating the foundation for his strong narrative songwriting style. His latest recording Trouble Light demonstrates his soulful singing, accomplished finger-style guitar work and his off-beat sense of humour.
• J.P. Cormier (NS) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and award winner. His stage presence combined with his razor sharp wit makes him an instant success with every audience. Hilda Chiasson-Cormier joins on piano, step dancing and harmony vocals.
• Doug Cox (BC) – Doug’s live performances include his own songs as well as traditional material in the blues, bluegrass, and other roots styles played on guitar, weissenborn, and dobro.
• D’Gary (Madagascar) is a dizzying and graceful guitarist. For his Edmonton debut singer Ratazanina and percussionist Xavier-Martial Francois will join him.
• Danú (Ireland) – Multi-award winners Danú perform Irish traditional music with a skill and sizzle that have captured the imagination and loyalty of fans worldwide. George Bernard Shaw was wrong-youth isn’t wasted on the young.
• Olu Dara (USA) is a band leader, composer and multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly blends Mississippi blues, modern funk and a wealth of African styles into a sound that is utterly American and pure Olu. He will bring along his four-piece band.
• Alpha Yaya Diallo (BC) has earned a great reputation for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows. His dextrous acoustic and electric guitar playing, wonderful original arrangements and his strong voice have placed him in the front ranks of African performers.
• Maria Dunn (AB) – Juno award nominee, Maria, is a captivating singer/songwriter. She brings characters from the past and the present to life in original music that pays homage to her Celtic roots and Canadian upbringing.
• Entourloupe (QC) are skilled musicians of the highest order, bringing traditional Quebec music that is compelling, accessible and lots of fun.
• Festival House Band (AB/ON) – Following a one year absence, Amos Garrett (guitar) returns to lead our house band with Kit Johnson (bass), Michelle Josef (drums), Rusty Reed (harmonica), Dave Babcock (horns) and Ron Casat (keyboards).
• Ruthie Foster (USA)- Ruthie’s native Texas roots are evident in her songs with their blues, gospel, country and folk influences. Cyd Cassone’s percussion and background vocals add perfect texture to Ruthie’s strong soulful vocal performances.
• Patty Griffin (USA) is a passionate singer-songwriter from Old Town, Maine. Her intimate and insightful lyrics are displayed in her highly acclaimed third release 1000 Kisses. She will make her Festival debut on Friday evening.
• Bruce Guthro (NS) is an honest storyteller with a striking voice. Winner of five categories at the 1998 East Coast Music Awards, Bruce is becoming well known across Canada and in Europe where he is the singer for Scotland’s Runrig.
• Joe Hall (ON) – After 32 years of performing and nine albums, Joe is primarily known for his comic writing and manic live shows. Sure there’s the funny stuff, but there is also great craftsmanship, thoughtfulness and poignancy in his work.
• Sarah Harmer (ON) – Formerly of Weeping Tile, Sarah’s intelligent, honest lyrics and catchy, finely crafted melodies soar with finesse. “Harmer is mesmerizing,” writes Billboard magazine.
• Corey Harris and the 5 X 5 (USA) – Corey uses his acoustic blues as a blasting off point, making up-to-date, original music that crosses all boundaries. “He’s a wonderfully tasteful guitar player with terrific slide technique, but above all he is simply a great singer.” Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records
• Ron Hynes (NF) is an award-winning songwriter who has been performing and writing wonderful songs for over 30 years. His most famous song, Sonny’s Dream has been recorded by Christy Moore, Mary Black and Emmylou Harris.
• Janis Ian (USA) – After four decades in the music business, Janis is still doing what she does best, writing great songs. She is currently touring with her 17th album God and the FBI.
• Indigo Girls (USA) – Folk music’s favourite duo, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers will close out the mainstage on Sunday night with a special acoustic show. Touring on the strength of their critically acclaimed new release Become You, they will provide a very special finale for the Festival.
• Andy Irvine (Ireland) was a founding member of supergroups Planxty and Patrick Street and recorded excellent collaborations with Paul Brady and Dick Gaughan. He is a troubadour of unquestionable integrity who has been singing about the heroism of the common man for over 30 years.
• Martyn Joseph (UK) is a charismatic and electrifying performer. Q magazine praises his “thoughtful lyrics, lungpower aplenty and a heart full of breathless emotions.”
• The Laws (BC) are Michelle and John, a songwriting duo, performing original music that crosses the boundaries of country, bluegrass and folk. With John on guitar and mandolin, Michelle on rhythm guitar, their instrumental work is flawless and inventive.
• Los Lobos – Following release of their 11th album Good Morning Aztlan, three time Grammy winners Los Lobos return to the festival with their distinctive blend of rock & roll, Latin, and soul.
• Nick Lowe (UK) is a respected songwriter, vocalist, musician, producer and much more. As a producer he has worked with Elvis Costello, John Hiatt and the Pretenders. He recently released his 11th album, The Convincer.
• Corb Lund Band (AB) – Their brand of old style country music captures the vibe of the Canadian prairies and mixes it with a young and indie perspective with the toe tappin’ sounds of acoustic guitar, stand-up bass and stripped down drums.
• Celso Machado and Qiu Xia He (BC) – The blending of a Chinese pipa player and a Brazilian guitarist might seem an odd cultural mix, until you listen to their magic on Celso’s CD Jonga Le.
• Stewart MacDougall (AB) moved to Edmonton from New Brunswick in 1980. He played with k.d. lang, Ian Tyson and The Great Western Orchestra and has recorded two solo albums Gathering Time and Heresay.
• Ashley MacIsaac (NS)- Ashley is a Canadian fiddle superstar whose parents’ Cape Breton home is stuffed with Juno, Gemini and East Coast Music Awards. He will perform solo and in a very special East Coast fiddle extravaganza on Sunday’s mainstage.
• Buddy MacMaster/Jerry Holland (NS) are two fiddle legends strongly rooted in Cape Breton’s traditions. They will participate in the Sunday night East Coast fiddle extravaganza.
• Harry Manx (BC) – In 1990, Harry became a student of VM Bhatt and remained with him for five years. In the spring of 2000, he returned to Canada, releasing his first CD, Dog My Cat, to great acclaim. Harry has a one-man band sound with lap slide guitar, blues harp and vocals.
• Kate & Anna McGarrigle (QC)- Since their debut album in 1976, their distinctive harmonies and songs have given their music a world stage. Growing up in a Laurentian Mountains village, Kate and Anna absorbed a rich musical heritage including ballads, blues, French Canadian folk songs and contemporary singer/songwriters.
• Mernie! (QC/ON) draws on their years of performance and study of a myriad of popular and traditional music from North America, the Arab world and India. Led by Maryem and Ernie Tollar, this is music without borders.
• Tony Michael (AB) has been playing fiddle and mandolin and singing for over two decades. His passion for music extends to bluegrass, celtic, folk, blues and country styles.
• Lynn Miles (ON) – Lynn’s songs are tender and subtle, full of thought-provoking lyrics and gentle melodies. With a beautiful singing style, she is never afraid to explore the more melancholy sides of life. Lynn creates powerful and truthful music.
• Keb’ Mo‘ (USA) Multiple Grammy and W.C. Handy award winner, Keb’s voice transforms from urgency to tenderness, while the groove is blues-based and burnished with a contemporary edge. He is a writer and singer who communicates heart to heart.
• Terry Morrison (AB) – A strong acoustic guitar player, Terry combines unique melodies, phrasing and rhythm to create her own brand of contemporary roots music with songs that both soothe and cut to the quick.
• Mortal Coil (BC) has been thrilling crowds with their stunning visuals at festivals across Canada and the U.S. for over ten years.
• The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (USA) – The original “Dirt Band” has reunited just as their watershed album Will the Circle Be Unbroken is re-released on CD. This group bridged the gaps separating traditional country and bluegrass from its rebellious country-rock counterpart. “O’ Brother, meet your Daddy.” (Washington Post)
• Tim O’Brien (USA) will be joined by Casey Driessen (fiddle), Bryan Sutton (guitar) and Dirk Powell (accordion). Tim is a singer of unusual clarity and originality, a multi-instrumentalist of rare ability and an incisive songwriter.
• Old Reliable (AB) blends Americana music with rock and roll and modern effects. The band is known for its varying musical personas, intelligent lyrics and mesmerizing live shows.
• Tom Phillips and the Men of Constant Sorrow (AB) play honest honky-tonk music laced with twangy lead guitar, steel guitar and accordion. Tom’s songs delve into timeless country music themes with humour and pathos.
• Paul Reddick and the Sidemen (ON) – Nominated for nine citations at the 2001 Maple Blues Awards, this unique group has been forging a brand of hard and steady blues for over a decade. They are Canada’s hottest blues band.
• Karen Savoca with Pete Heitzman (USA) – Playing conga and hand percussion, Karen infuses her music with a love of soul, R&B and world rhythms. She and guitarist Pete have been described as a mini-band with an elusive mix of melody, funk and spontaneity.
• Ron Sexsmith (ON)- Ron’s ability to conjure images, characters, plot or just plain emotion has earned him praise from Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney among others. Ron will make his Festival debut touring with his fourth album Blue Boy.
• Sharon Shannon (Ireland) is internationally known in the folk world for her accordion and fiddle playing, ground breaking solo albums and her many collaborations. She will be joined by Jim Murray (guitar), Mary Shannon (banjo and mandolin) and Pauline Scanlon (vocals).
• Six Nations Women Singers (ON) represent the Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca Nations and includes four members that have been singing together for over thirty years. Through their performances, they raise cultural awareness and funds to contribute to their community.
• Todd Snider (USA) veers from a hilariously insightful worldview to moments of tender beauty. This acoustic guitar-slinging songwriter weaves a vulnerability that draws his listener in. He brings a wry voice with an eye for inherent conflict and sardonic presence to this year’s Festival.
• Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir (USA) – Linda has tapped the diverse resources of African-American music, and the deeper she pursues her roots, the more her artistry blossoms. “It is this music, particularly the spirituals, which has kept black people alive through slavery, night riders and segregation.” Linda Tillery
• Rokia Traoré (Mali) – Her second album, Wanita, was voted #1 Album of the Year by fRoots magazine (London). Mentored by Ali FarkeToure, Rokia’s music is steeped in tradition and thoroughly integrated into a contemporary sound.
• Rhonda Vincent and the Rage (USA) – Voted the 2001 Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, Rhonda will be joined by The Rage, a group of top-notch bluegrass pickers for a very special performance.
• The Waifs (Australia) – In 1992, Donna and Vikki Simpson arrived back in Albany (Australia) homeless and dishevelled after a six-month tour. Josh Cunningham joined and they became known as The Waifs. A huge hit at our 2001 Festival, they will light up Thursday’s mainstage.
• Cheryl Wheeler (USA) is a poet, comic, a militant trend-defier and a savagely funny social critic. She is the writer of some of the prettiest and most intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene.
• Tim Williams (AB) settled in Canada in 1970. His skills on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin and six-string banjo are at home anywhere, from the largest festival stage to the smallest club.
• Richard Wood (PE) has won countless championships as a step dancer and fiddler. He continues to work on an innovative approach to traditional Celtic jigs, reels and strathspeys. Tempering the mix are sweet airs and lively polkas.
• Warren Zevon, an acclaimed singer-songwriter making his Edmonton Folk Festival debut, is best known for hits Werewolves in London and Poor Poor Pitiful Me.
• Zubot & Dawson (BC) – Guitar, dobro, Hawaiian guitar, fiddle and mandolin combine to make music they call strang music. They offer equal parts back porch spirit and cutting edge craftsmanship. Their musicianship is amazing.

2001 Lineup

• Jenny Allen (AB)
  is a Calgary singer/songwriter with one of best voices on the Canadian folk scene.
• Billy Boy Arnold (USA)
  is a superlative singer, songwriter, blues harp player, guitar player and bandleader. Eric Clapton, David Bowie and The Animals have recorded his music.
• The Be Good Tanyas (BC)
  deliver gorgeous three-part harmonies and old time blues and country. Their songs are so disarmingly natural that you think you’re hearing lost field recordings of some ancient Appalachian singers.
• Black Umfolosi (Zimbabwe)
  are well known for their acappella songs and marvelous harmonies mixed with intricate rhythms, clapping and shouting. Their singing is complemented by breakaway dance moves.
• Bill Bourne (AB)
  is a Juno-award winner and seven time nominee. Bill’s soulful voice blends brilliantly with his excellent guitar playing to make music ranging from blues, swing and gospel, to cajun, celtic and flamenco.
• Richard Buckner (AB)
  is a major songwriting talent who has moved to Festival City from south of the border. Richard will be joined by Jason Lowenstein on pedal steel for this very special engagement.
• Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer (USA)
  call their music “all original, post modern, mythic American” where characters from King Arthur’s roundtable, Native American spiritual symbolism and the gritty backroads of Texas mingle freely in the poetry of their songs.
• Eliza Carthy (England)
  has absorbed a rich tapestry of traditional sounds and reinvented them with captivating lyrics, entrancing vocal melodies and sublime fiddle playing.
• Neko Case & Her Boyfriends (USA)
  Sashay from torch songs and defiant road-house rockabilly to lonesome anguished hymns to lost love. Neko’s voice has been called “part Brenda Lee and part honky-tonk wolverine.”
• The Chicken Snails Roadshow (AB)
  are a five piece acoustic band which plays an assortment of bluegrass standards, original originals and unique takes on artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Green Day.
• Cindy Church (ON)
  Her close-to-your-ear voice has a warmth and tone that demands attention and she mixes genres with ease, from old style country to swing jazz with a touch of deep blues.
• J.P. Cormier (NS)
  is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and an East Coast Music Award winner as “Instrumentalist of the Year.” He is joined by Hilda Chiason-Cormier on piano, step dancing and harmony vocals.
• Cowboy Junkies (ON)
  In 1988 Cowboy Junkies released their second album The Trinity Sessions which proved to be a forerunner of the alt-country, no depression music of the 1990s. Nine recordings later we are delighted to present one of Canada’s best loved folk groups in their long awaited EFMF debut.
• Kris Demeanor (AB)
  Framed inside catchy melodies, Kris writes songs that capture the essence of youth and urban life.
• Gord Downie (ON)
  is the enigmatic lead singer and lyrical genius of Canada’s much-loved The Tragically Hip. Downie will close Friday night with lyrical masterpieces from his newest solo album Coke Machine Glow. Gord will be joined by The Dinner is Ruined and Julie Doiron.
• Maria Dunn & Shannon Johnson (AB)
  Maria is a captivating singer and songwriter who knows how to tell a good story and Shannon is an excellent fiddler and producer as well as a Juno Award Nominee.
• Stacey Earle with Mark Stuart (USA)
  play and sing ballads and musical poetry from the Tennessee Hills. Plain-spoken, humble and brutally honest, Stacey addresses the tough issues beneath the surface of love, friendship, duty, responsibility and familial loyalty. http://www.steveearle.net
• The Fairfield Four (USA)
  For male a capella gospel, you can’t surpass this group of 5 (yes 5) veteran singers originally from Nashville. Last seen in this area in 1996, they will appear as an added feature on Sunday evening’s mainstage as well as perform on the Sunday gospel workshop stage with Richie Havens, The Holmes Brothers and Maria Muldaur.
• Festival House Band (AB/ON/SK)
  Jack Semple (guitar) will be joined by Kit Johnson (bass), Michelle Josef (drums), Ron Casat (keys), Rusty Reed (harmonica) and Dave Babcock (horns). http://www.lilithitsnotfair.com
• The Flatlanders (USA)
  After marrying an old country-string-band sound with a spiritual sixties sensibility as the Flatlanders (Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, Jimmie Dale Gilmore) these three Lubbock-bred amigos have separately redefined Texas folk, country and rock.
• David Francey (PQ)
  is a singer and storyteller who can establish in moments, a personal rapport with his audience. His wry humour and astute observations combined with his open hearted singing style guarantee a successful festival debut.
• Rosco Gordon (USA)
  bolted to the top of the R&B charts in 1952 with his hit Booted. Nominated for a W.C. Handy Award for “Comeback Album of the the Year 2000” Rosco is sure to be in top form for his return to Edmonton.
• Great Big Sea (NF)
  With five East Coast Music Awards as Entertainer of the Year and known across the country for their incendiary and powerful performances Alan, Sean, Darrell and Bob will close our Saturday evening show.
• Tim Harrison (ON)
  Stirring ballads, beautiful melodies and great finger
  picking combined with wit and a knack for storytelling make Tim an
  audience favourite.
• Richie Havens (USA)
  began by organizing street corner singing groups and grew into one of folk music’s best interpreters. Remembered for his stirring version of Freedom in the movie Woodstock, Richie brings his bass voice and open tuned guitar to our festival.
• Jim Henry (AB)
  Jim’s songs touch all sides from wild and crazy to passionate and moving ballads that reviewers have called “truly beautiful music.”
• Joe Henry (USA)
  is a critically acclaimed singer who is coincidentally Madonna’s brother-in-law. Henry spans the realms between folk, country, and adult contemporary music, and more recently has made the transition to electric instrumentation and more expressionistic songwriting, apparent in his last two albums, Fuse and Scar.
• The Holmes Brothers (USA)
  create some of the most spiritually uplifting and down-right funky music today. Their breathtaking harmonies resonate with a passion and conviction matched only by their superior musicianship.
• Johnnie Johnson (USA)
  “The Father of Rock and Roll Piano”, Grammy nominee Johnnie Johnson has been performing for 67 of his 75 years. He was recently inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• Carlos del Junco (ON)
  is a master of the blues harmonica. Carlos and his band create a sensitive, soulful sound while never forgetting the rawness inherent in today’s blues.
• Ron Kavana, Mick Coyne and Steve White (Ireland)
  Ron, who needs no introduction, will be joined by an excellent uilleann piper and a brilliant percussionist.
• Paddy Keenan (Ireland/Japan)
  Generally acknowledged as the most accomplished uilleann piper performing today, Paddy has been described as “the Jimi Hendrix of the pipes.” Paddy will be joined by guitarist Junji Shirota.
• Joel Kroeker (AB)
  is an alt. folk singer/songwriter who combines political and personal insight with vocal fireworks and high velocity finger style guitar work.
• Dennis Lakusta (AB)
  As a songwriter Dennis is a gifted humourist and credits his Cree ancestry and Monty Python as the main influences for his irreverent take on contemporary North American culture.
• David Lindley with Wally Ingram (USA)
  Multi-instrumentalist David joins with ace drummer Wally in a performance that effortlessly combines American folk, blues, and bluegrass traditions with elements from African, Arabic, Asian, Celtic, Malagasy and Turkish musical sources.
• Baaba Maal featuring Daande Lenol (Senegal)
  With voices called to the heavens, the clatter of percussive instruments and bodies leaping and swirling they will bring the sights and sounds of Senegal to our Friday mainstage show.
• Dougie MacLean (Scotland)
  is one of Scotland’s most gifted and successful contemporary singer/songwriters. The son of a gardener, Dougie’s music is heavily influenced and inspired by rural values and by the stunning scenery that surrounds his birthplace and current residence.
• Natalie MacMaster (NS)
  On Sunday evening you’ll get foot tapping rave ups and heart rending waltzes along with step dancing and good old fashioned story telling. From a Grammy nomination to the world’s concert stages, it’s been a long road,but Natalie has always stayed true to her Cape Breton roots.
• Kathy Mattea (USA)
  Winner of two Country Music Awards as Female Vocalist of the Year, Kathy emerged from a folk and bluegrass background in West Virginia. She is a singer with a blue chip voice who has remained close to her roots.
• Danny Michel (ON)
  is known for witty songwriting filled with sweet melodies and wonderful guitar work. Danny’s lyrical imagery catches the ear as he delivers each word with flair.
• Los Morenos (AB)
  Their fluid sound is an impressive mixture of influences from traditional, contemporary jazz, rumba and Arabic sounds. Add an eclectic mixture of percussion instruments and you have a recipe for dancing.
• Mortal Coil (BC)
  Our favourite stilt walkers return with their special brand of magic.
• Maria Muldaur (USA)
  From jug-band through classic country, R & B, jazz, gospel, blues and New Orleans funk, Maria’s musical odyssey has led to her status as a favourite of the truly knowledgeable insiders.
• Tim O’Brien, Darrell Scott, Dirk Powell (USA)
  In 1999 Tim released The Crossing, a collection of original and traditional songs tracing his family’s Irish roots. Along with Kathy Mattea and other friends, Tim will present The Crossing on Saturday afternoon’s mainstage.
• Joan Osborne (USA)
  returns following her stunning Festival debut in 1998. The New Yorker describes Osborne as ‘one of the most distinct voices in rock.’ She follows up her 1998 album Relish and the infectious hit single ‘One Of Us’ with the 2000 release of the eclectic Righteous Love.
• Oysterband (England, Scotland, Wales)
  are one the best live bands in the world of folk music. Although influenced by all manner of music, running through the entire soul of the band is a heart beat rooted deeply in the traditional music of Britain.
• Niamh Parsons (Ireland)
  Niamh’s smoky, silken voice stands on its own in traditional Irish music. Touring with guitarist Graham Dunne, Niamh makes a welcome return to the EFMF.
• Kelly Joe Phelps (USA)
  plays folk music, though tinged with the sound of blues and country gospel. Kelly Joe’s lap slide guitar wizardry has caught the attention of guitar aficionados and his dusky, well-worn voice has the sort of visceral appeal that stays with a listener.
• Puentes Brothers (BC/Cuba)
  Alexis and Adonis Puentes grew up in Cuba playing the earthy, rhythmically sophisticated dance music called “Son.” The brothers will be joined by their father, Valentin Puentes, a noted guitarist, for a special reunion at our festival.
• Eddi Reader (Scotland)
  has one of those Midas voices and is one of Britain’s most beloved performers. With career stops as a background singer with the Eurythmics, member of punk band Gang of Four and lead singer with the folk group Fairground Attraction, this Glasgow native has a new group with singer/writer/musician Boo Hewerdine and guitar master Colin Reid.
• The Duke Robillard Band (USA)
  Expect plenty of hard core R & B, smoky Latin Jazz, swinging down-to-the-bone blues and acoustic country ballads when one of the most respected bands in the blues world comes to town.
• Billy Joe Shaver (USA)
  Stripped down acoustic gospel soul music from a Texas legend. Billy will be joined by guitarist Jesse Taylor.
• Shooglenifty (Scotland)
  are a six-piece Celtic band who perform instrumental music at the speed of light. With a lineup of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass and percussion, the band are winning a fast growing following.
• Martina Sorbara (ON)
  possesses a great voice with an amazing range. Influences of folk, jazz, pop and blues are evident as she switches between piano and guitar.
• Lyall Steel (AB)
  With a foundation in classical, flamenco and folk music, Lyall composes a musical hybrid on the nylon string classical guitar.
• Stoney Park (AB)
  is a group of eleven singers and drummers of the Nakoda Tribe, who live near Morley, Alberta. Dedicated to preserving traditional culture, the group has won numerous awards.
• Super Rail Band (Mali)
  Featuring Djelimady Tounkara on lead guitar, this eight piece band of thirty years longevity are one the most important groups in Africa.
• Kathryn Tickell (England)
  is a master of the Northumbrian pipes and one of England’s folk stars. We are delighted to welcome her for her EFMF debut.
• Toots & the Maytals (Jamaica)
  Toots is a legend of reggae music. We are very excited to finally present possibly the greatest reggae artist currently performing.
• Boubacar Traore
  brings a powerful voice, smooth guitar-playing and a repetitive kassonke-style blues. Traore personifies the close kinship between the acoustic voice-and-strings music of Mali’s fabled troubadors and that tradition’s direct descendant, African-American blues music. His most recent album, Macire, was named one of the Top 50 Albums of the Year 2000 by Rolling Stone Magazine
• La Volée d’Castors (PQ)
  knows how to express the inexhaustible richness of Quebec’s musical heritage. They offer progressive traditional music with a Québécois accent and just a hint of more current influences.
• Uday, East-West Fusion
  is a novel collaboration between tabla wiz Uday Ramdas from India and Terry and Jeremiah McDade (yes, of the McDade Family celtic tradition). Terry, a master of harp and flute, and son Jeremiah, who plays flute, whistles, fiddle and saxophone, combine with Uday to create an ecletic and exotic sound that defies cultural boundaries.
• Ann Vriend (AB)
  A chance meeting at our 2000 Festival between Ann and the musical director of Church Street led to the recording of demo material in New York. Ann will light up our Saturday afternoon blues jam and our Sunday morning gospel workshops.
• The Waifs (Australia)
  Arriving back in their home town, after a year on the road, homeless and disheveled, they became known as The Waifs. Sisters Vikki and Donna Simpson now front one of Australias most popular bands and they are going to be a big hit at the EFMF.
• Jennifer Warnes (USA)
  Perhaps the most sought after guest vocalist in the industry, Jennifer also has eight solo albums, three Best Song Oscars, two Grammys, twelve hit singles and the wonderful Famous Blue Raincoat on her resumé. A Thursday night special.
• Jesse Winchester (PQ)
  is perhaps the most well known American to have chosen Canadian exile over being drafted for the Vietnam War in 1967. A master songwriter, Jesse is performing some special engagements after an eleven year hiatus from touring.
• Wyrd Sisters (MB)
  take their name from the ancient triple goddess who represented the circular nature of life and the phases of the moon. Their songs appeal to the lover, the fool and the dreamer in us all.

2000 Lineup

• Eric Bibb
  — New York City native Eric Bibb embraces the timeless sounds of southern folk and gospel. Eric moves seamlessly from bluesman to singer-songwriter with grace, integrity and impeccable taste.
• Blackie & The Rodeo Kings
  started out as a side project for Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden, and Tom Wilson and has turned into an on-going career sidebar for the three musicians. In 1999 the trio joined forces again, releasing their double CD Kings of Love
• Blue Rodeo
  — Best known for their unique synthesis of country, rock and folk, Blue Rodeo transcends easy categorisation. This Juno Award-winning band makes a welcome return to the festival.
• Eric Bogle
  — Scottish born Eric emigrated to Australia and became an accountant. Fortunately, in his spare time he wrote songs. Songs such as And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda and No Mans Land earned him a reputation as a social commentator, which he says he has tried to live down ever since.
• ¡Bomba!
  is a quintet dedicated to exploring modern Latin sounds. Much like current day Cuban artists ¡Bomba! fuses traditional Latin and funk beats to create irresistible dance rhythms.
• Bill Bourne, Lester Quitzau, Madagascar Slim (Tri Continental)
  — A triple guitar and songwriting extravaganza with a heavy emphasis on the blues.
• Jackson Browne
  needs no introduction. His 1970’s albums “The Pretender” and “Running on Empty” are considered classics, not to mention his self-titled debut in 1972, “For Everyman” and “Late For The Sky. ” Rolling Stone Magazine named his 1986 release, “Lives In The Balance”, one of the 100 best albums of the decade. In the mid-90’s, he released the masterpiece “I’m Alive”, followed by “Looking East.” He is not a “voice of a generation” but instead, a “voice of all generations.”
• Les Bûcherons
  — Edmonton’s own “lumberjacks” celebrate French Canadian traditions with guitar, fiddle, button accordion, rhythm bones, jaw harp, washboard, wooden spoons, and the saw.
• Kev Carmody
  — Using a combination of folk and country music, his hard-hitting lyrics deal with black deaths in custody, land rights and aboriginal pride and dignity in his native Australia.
• Mary Chapin Carpenter
  — Grammy winner and songwriter extraordinaire Mary Chapin Carpenter brings her warmth and insight to our stage for the first time. Blending genres of folk, country and soul, this inspirational and moving songwriter takes us on a journey and exhibits her talents as a gifted and accomplished artist.
• Bruce Cockburn
  — Throughout three decades, Bruce’s songs have touched our hearts and our minds. With over 20 gold and platinum records, plus 10 Juno awards, Bruce returns, with band, in top form having captured his most recent Juno Award for “Breakfast in New Orleans, Dinner in Timbuktu”.
• Shawn Colvin
  is a multi-Grammy award winner. She picked up her first guitar at age 10 and as her family moved around Canada and the Midwest, music went with her. An excellent singer/songwriter, Shawn is also an actor, collaborator, and song interpreter.
• Mary Coughlan
  wowed us at the 1993 festival. This year she will perform in an acoustic format along with Professor Peter O’Brien (piano) and Jimmy Faulkner (guitar).
• Catie Curtis
  is a singer-songwriter from the US east coast folk music scene. Catie’s direct and powerful lyrics often deal with life’s dramatic complexities and difficult side steps, making each listening experience an intimate encounter.
• Danú
  perform Irish traditional music with skill and sizzle. The Waterford-based band “make a most exciting and highly musical sound that stirs the blood and lifts the heart,” according to Irish Music magazine, which named Danú the best overall traditional band of 1999.
• Dead Reckoners
  — Nashville’s supergroup makes a welcome return to Edmonton. The “Dead” are Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane, Mike Henderson, Tammy Rogers, Harry Stinson, and Alison Prestwood.
• Dervish
  hails from Sligo in the Northwest of Ireland and stand in the forefront of traditional Irish groups. A brilliant live band, fronted by vocalist Cathy Jordan.
• Steve Earle & the Dukes
  — Steve’s debut album “Guitar Town” started him on the road to four Grammy nominations. One of the best songwriters in roots music returns, with a band, for a very special appearance.
• Lorne Elliott
  armed with just his guitar and sense of humour, has been known to go “madly off in all directions.”
• The Festival House Band
  — Amos Garrett (guitar) returns withKit Johnson (bass), Ron Casat (keys), Rusty Reed (harmonica), Michelle Josef (drums) and Dave Babcock (horns).
• Sue Foley
  whips up a Texas hurricane with her fiery guitar riffs. Sue’s powerful vocals and compelling songs are influenced by the gin joints of rural Mississipi and the back porches of Nashville.
• Steve Forbert
  writes and sings about everyday loves, losses, regrets and hopes. He blends folk, country and R&B into his uniquely American sound.
• Lennie Gallant
  is a native of Rustico, PEI, and draws from his Acadian and Celtic roots, infusing his songs with his own dynamic style. Lennie will perform with his five-piece band.
• Colin Hay
  is the former frontman for multi-million selling “Men at Work” and makes a welcome return following his successful 1998 EFMF debut.
• Heartbreak Hill
  is a young four-piece band that extends the roots tradition of bluegrass music into some new, high-energy areas that touch on the future as well as the past of country music.
• Jerusalem Ridge’s
  unique blend of bluegrass, country, swing and acoustic gospel music, inevitably laced with its member’s genuine gift for improv entertaining has won a throng of fans across the country.
• Shannon Johnson
  grew up as part of Edmonton’s musical McDade family. She has made a name in the Alberta roots scene as an excellent fiddler, accompanist and producer.
• James Keelaghan & Oscar Lopez “Compadres”
  need no introduction to EFMF audiences. Blending Celtic and Latin roots into “Celtino” this high-energy duo backed by their favourite musicians will set Gallagher Park alight.
• Luann Kowalek’s
  songs are windows looking out on small slices of life that tell us about ourselves. Chris Smith and Sherry-Lee Heschel will join Luann.
• Christine Lavin
  is dubbed the funniest woman in folk. Her insightful songwriting keeps audiences thinking and laughing at the same time. She has just released her latest recording, “Getting in Touch with my Inner Bitch”.
• Jenny Lester
  is a rising star in the world of bluegrass music. Beginning onthe fiddle at age eight, Jenny has developed into a brilliant singer and willbe joined by John Reischman and Trisha Gagnon.
• Laura Love
  — Known for their lively and electric performances, Laura Love and her band have successfully wed African and Caribbean rhythms with traditional acoustic instruments and intriguing harmonies into a style known as Afro/Celtic.
• Lúnasa
  (pronounced LOO-nasa) is one of Ireland’s fastest rising new traditional bands. Not the “newcomers” they may appear to be, members of Lúnasa have brought their talents from other bands such as The Waterboys, The Sharon Shannon Band and Moving Cloud.
• Ellen McIlwaine’s
  unique style of slide guitar along with her powerfully moving vocals have earned her cult status.
• Mortal Coil
  — Vancouver’s stilt walkers return with their special brandof magic and stunning costumes.
• Moxy Früvous
  began at the dawn of the decade as buskers. In learning to engage the attention of self-absorbed city folk the band became very adept at street-level theatricality, humorous improvisation and singing in pristine four-part harmony
• Jimmy “T-99” Nelson
  made his name with big R&B hits in the early 1950’s including the song “T-99.” Now in his early eighties, Jimmy is on the comeback trail and is nominated for several of the upcoming W.C. Handy Awards.
• Night Sun
  is “what might happen if a bunch of Canadians played like a Greek wedding band at a Bar Mitzvah in Ireland.” (Canadian Musician magazine) Originating in the NWT, Night Sun is now based in Ontario.
• Odetta
  — With over 50 years in show business, 27 albums and more awards than we can list, it is no wonder Odetta is nicknamed “The Queen of American Folk Music.”
• Oh Susanna’s
  musical soul is the culmination of early Memphis rock, soulful Chicago blues and traditional roots music from the Appalachian mountains.
• Wilson Pickett
  brings a truckload of classic songs (Mustang Sally, In the Midnight Hour, 634-5789) plus his highly acclaimed new recording “It’s Harder Now “. This promises to be a power-packed performance of R&B and Soul Music.
• David Rea
  is a consummate musician. For over 30 years his complex guitar style has graced albums by Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia and Fairport Convention. He is a master of blues, and Celtic styles and enthrals audiences with his storytelling.
• Kimmie Rhodes
  grew up in Lubbock, Texas. Blessed with a great voice she says, “writing just sort of sneaked up on me.” Her songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Joe Ely and Waylon Jennings to name a few.
• Sonny Rhodes
  is one of the few blues steel guitarists. He began playing the guitar seriously at age twelve, and lists as his guitar influences T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton and B.B. King among others.
• Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali
  perform traditional Qawwali music of devotional praise and love songs based on classical Islam and Sufi texts.
• Garnet Rogers
  — With his smooth dark baritone, dramatic phrasing, and incredible range, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about ordinary people and the small victories of the everyday.
• Karen Savoca
  — Accompanied by Peter Heitzman on guitar, Karen’s soulful voice, conga playing and uplifting songs guarantee a successful EFMF debut.
• Scrüj MacDuhk
  — Winnipeg troupe Scrüj MacDuhk is collectively rewriting and renewing traditional folk music entirely on its own terms. Good songs, good tunes, good hearts and good times exemplify the mixture of Appalachian, Celtic and Bluegrass sounds of this exciting young band.
• Silk Road’s
  music combines the traditional styles of the East with new influences picked up in the West. They play Chinese music with western techniques, in addition to jazz, folk and Irish music on Chinese instruments.
• Al Simmons
  is a creative genius with the soul of a Vaudevillian. He is also a wizard of one-liners, quick costume changes, out of this world theatrical props, peculiar musical instruments and other assorted gadgets.
• Mark Sterling
  — Ex Hemingway Corner member, Mark is a multi instrumentalist and a singer songwriter in the blues, country and folk genres.
• Hans Theessink and Blue Groove
  is a wholesome mix of blues, gospel, New Orleans shuffle, Mississippi Roots and funky rhythms spiced up with earthy vocals. Expect outstanding and inventive bottleneck guitar played with great style and feeling.
• Linda Tillery & the Cultural Heritage Choir
  — California based, this multi-talented quintet sings gospel to traditional African-American music that combines a cappella and hand percussion styles.
• Rokia Traoré
  has distinguished herself as the voice of the new generation of African artists. She is from Mali, a country known for its griots and the traditions of kora and balafon. Though her music is steeped in tradition, Rokia thoroughly integrates her songs into a contemporary sound.
• Ian Tyson’s
  long history as one of Canada’s most important songwriters is old stuff by now. For all that, songs like Four Strong Winds, Someday Soon and Navajo Rug have become near anthems as folk festival fans know better than most.
• Wajjo
  is a unique blend of traditional African drumming patterns with Scottish bagpipe tunes. With a strong focus on history, Wajjo is sure to be a festival hit.
• Wilco
  is Jeff Tweedy, Jay Bennett, John Stirratt and Ken Coomer. Darlings with the critics for albums A.M., Being There and Summer Teeth they are also known for collaborations with Billy Bragg, Steve Forbert and many others.
• Dar Williams
  is funny, communicative, powerful and a terrific performer. But more than that, she is a great writer. People believe Dar Williams because she tells the truth.
• Zubot and Dawson’s
  Juno-nominated sound is truly fresh and unique. Dubbed avant-garde bluegrass, Vancouver’s Steve Dawson and Jesse Zubot tip their hats to blues, bluegrass, jazz and reggae to produce groove-based soundscapes.

1999 Lineup

• Allakomi – is made up of Seydou Zon, and his seven children. Since their arrival in Canada in 1995 the group has performed the music of their homeland Burkina Faso and other West African countries.
• Altan – is one of Ireland’s finest traditional groups. Altan’s propulsive twin fiddles are fleshed out by accordian, guitars and bouzouki and are the perfect complement for the pure voice of Mairead ni Mhaonaigh.
• Joan Armatrading – Jazz tinged or reggae-flavoured, elegantly orchestrated or simply arranged, Joan Armatrading’s songs are in the truest sense Soul Music.
• Joan Baez – We have been waiting for twenty years to host the singer who for many symbolises the folk revival. A very special Thursday evening show.
• Waldemar Bastos – is a singer songwriter who is called the “Voice of Angola”. Waldemar will bring his band and his songs of peace and optimism for a much anticipated Folk debut.
• Jennifer Berezan – Alberta born and California resident Jennifer returns to the EFMF with brilliant guitarist Nina Gerber as accompanist.
• Dan Bern – doesn’t write tidy couplets. Loaded words, tangential logic and surreal imagery flow out of him and there is substance beneath the surface shock.
• Rory Block – performs intense Delta blues, passionate folk and gripping originals. She is the 1998 winner of the WC Handy award for best acoustic blues artist.
• Bill Bourne – Juno Award winner, workshop host and EFMF favourite Bill Bourne is in effect the “house singer/songwriter” of the EFMF
• Greg Brown & Bo Ramsey – Roll out songs from the music they love – old country, blues, folk, gospel; songs that draw from the craziness and beauty around them.
• Boozoo Chavis – has been playing dance music on the Lousiana/East Texas “Crawfish Circuit” for four decades. Boozoo is a one of a kind originator, a living treasure that is the link between today’s funk driven zydeco and the Creole music of an earlier era.
• Jimmy Cliff – is the most successful reggae artist after Bob Marley. He has written and sung Reggae’s most enduring hits like “Many Rivers to Cross”, “Sitting in Limbo” “The Harder they Come”, as well as starred in cult movies.
• J.P. Cormier – Juno nominee and East Coast Music Award Winner J.P. Cormier sings and plays eight instruments with a virtuosity that seems impossible for one man to possess.
• Iris DeMent – Great songwriting and resonant vocals are the hallmarks of Iris DeMent’s work. She is able to touch the heart and engage the mind as she dissects the deeply flawed structure of the contemporary world.
• Alpha Yaya Diallo – is an artist of rare musical ability. This Juno award winner is a composer, band leader and guitarist extraordinaire.
• Floyd Dixon – plays piano and sings in the “jump” style of early rhythm and blues. Floyd is a WC Handy Award Winner and has been dubbed “Mr Magnificant” for “his impeccable piano technique, fabulous timing and his voice like a foghorn.”
• Drummers of Burundi – The extraordinary intensity and vitality of their performance is an emotional experience few western audiences will have ever encountered. A very special treat brought to us by W.O.M.A.D. and “OneReel” in Seattle.
• Maria Dunn Trio – Edmonton’s own Celtic influenced singer/songwriter returns to the EFMF with Shannon Johnson and Gary Koliger.
• Fred Eaglesmith – He is joined by Juno winner Willie P. Bennet, Ralph Schipper, and Hank Fisher.
• Alejandro Escovedo – has been described as a “roots-rock renaissance man.” The Austin singer/songwriter’s music ranges from blazing guitar-driven roots to folk style emotional explorations, from aching country and western to gripping real-life essays.
• Stephen Fearing – is one of Canada’s premiere singer/songwriters. Drawing on numerous musical influences including contemporary and traditional folk, country blues, gospel and jazz, he creates music that crosses genres.
• Ferron – sings her songs in a style that combines the hard edge of life with the tenderness of unbounded love. A welcome return for one of the best singer/songwriters in the world of folk music.
• Festival House Band – Amos Garrett (guitar) returns with Kit Johnson (bass), Ron Casat (keys), Rusty Reed (harmonica), Michelle Josef (drums), and Dave Babcock (horns).
• Archie Fisher – is making an EFMF debut. Britain’s Folk Roots magazine has dubbed Archie Fisher both the “James Dean and the Frank Sinatra” of folk music. He is a seminal figure in the Scottish folk revival.
• Dick Gaughan – long and distinguished musical career has brought wide international attention and acclaim. Known for his guitar wizardry, his velvet voice and his thought-provoking songwriting, Dick is considered by many as Scotland’s premier singer/songwriter.
• Jimmie Dale Gilmore – Grammy Award Winner Jimmie Dale Gilmore makes a welcome return to the EFMF. His music is a special brand of folk, rockabilly, and honky-tonk.
• Nanci Griffith – One of the top singer/songwriters in the world of folk music will grace our stage for her first show in Canada since 1990.
• Maura Hagen – brings her stunning, pure Celtic voice to our 20th Anniversary. An EFMF debut.
• Inti-Illimani – For three decades Inti-Illimani’s music has intoxicated audiences from around the globe. Wedded in traditional Latin American roots and playing on more than 30 wind, string and percussion instruments, the group’s compositions are a treasure for the human spirit.
• Gordie Johnson / Kelly Hoppe – A special Friday night acoustic performance from leading members of Big Sugar.
• Kavana, McNeill, Lynch, Lupari – EFMF favourite Ron Kavana returns with fantastic fiddler/songwriter Brian McNeill, ex Four Men and a Dog frontman Gino Lupari (bodhran/vocals) and uileann piper/songwriter Tomas Lynch. A gael force 10 sound.
• Habib Koite and Bamada – Every year a CD from an unknown artist arrives in our office and knocks us out. Habib is simply brilliant and further proof that Mali is a hothouse of roots music.
• Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies – Jez’s songs of Northern England are among the most widely sung on the British scene. Jez is joined by Billy Surgeoner, Simon Haworth, and Judy Dinning.
• Donal Lunny’s Coolfin (with Sharon Shannon) – For over 30 years, Donal Lunny has been the great innovator in Irish Music whether with Planxty, the Bothy Band or Moving Hearts. Donal’s new band features the cream of Irish folk musicians.
• Madagascar Slim – plays blues and increasingly, the music of his homeland Madagascar. Well known on the Toronto scene, Slim is making his Edmonton debut.
• Kate and Anna McGarrigle – Since their debut album in 1976, their distinctive harmonies and songs have given their music a world stage. This is their first EFMF since 1992 and follows the success of “The McGarrigle Hour.”
• Rory McLeod & Aimee Leonard – Festival favourite Rory is joined by bodhran master and lead singer of Anam, Aimee Leonard. Rory is a one man soul band, poet, and storyteller.
• Ralph McTell – is a folk music legend with “Clare to Here” and “Streets of London” among his many classic songs.
• Terry Morrison – Strong acoustic guitar combined with a unique sense of phrasing, melody, and rhythm from the backdrop for insightful, well crafted songs imaginatively delivered with Terry Morrison’s deep, rich voice.
• Mortal Coil – Vancouver’s stilt walkers return with their special brand of magic and their brilliant costumes.
• Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits “Tuku” to his fans, has a career spanning 20 years and 35 albums and is a super star in his native Zimbabwe. His EFMF debut promises to be a highlight.
• Geoff Muldaur – is back. His 1998 album “The Secret Handshake” won universal critical acclaim. “One of my favorite singers.” (Bonnie Raitt)
• The Paperboys – high energy shows have made them a favorite wherever they play. Combining blistering reels, cajun and pop tunes they pack the dance floors and win over fans and critics.
• Graham Parker – Singer/songwriter and critic’s favorite makes his first appearance at the EFMF.
• Ron Pearson – Edmonton magician and comedian will host stage 7 on Saturday.
• iKelly Joe Phelps – plays acoustic country blues as if he had lived 80 years in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta and yet he comes across as a true original.
• Steve Pineo – Calgary’s own prolific singer/songwriter as well as one fine guitarist makes a return to our festival.
• The Rankins – Five Juno Awards, over a dozen East Coast Music Awards and two million album sales have made the Rankins a driving force in the Canadian music scene.
• Lionel Rault – Singer/songwriter, guitarist and CKUA presenter, Lionel is a mainstay of Edmonton’s roots scene.
• Kimmie Rhodes – We fell in love with her album West Texas Heaven with guests Joe Ely, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. Her voice and songs are simply extraordinary.
• The Rockin’ Highliners – play jump, swing, blues with a style and energy unlike any of the band’s counterparts in this country.
• Roy Rogers & Shana Morrison – The reigning master of bottleneck slide guitar joins forces with a singer known for her soaring melodic lines and sophisticated use of dynamics. An EFMF debut.
• Tom Russell – Tom Russell has been called “one of the great undiscovered writers of “Gothic-western music.” He will be joined by Andrew Hardin on guitar.
• Laura Smith – Spun from moonlit nights and cool, crashing waves, Smith’s music is direct and honest. Fiddles, and guitar lilt and carry her spirited vocals, while her melodies and careful poetry dig deep.
• Ben Spencer – This young, dynamic songwriter blends traditional roots influences with a fresh intensity that ensure an engaging performance.
• Jane Siberry – is one of Canada’s leading singer/songwriters. A very special solo performance.
• Ben Sures – Fluid acoustic guitar, quirky songwriting and relaxed command of the stage are qualities that Ben will bring to he EFMF debut.
• Irma Thomas & the Professionals – In any style of music only a few great voices may transcend their specific genre and Irma Thomas’s voice is one such voice. Prepare for a treat from the Soul Queen of New Orleans on her EFMF debut.
• Ulali – features Pura Fe (Tuscarora), Soni (Mayan, Apache, Yaqui) and Jennifer (Toscarora). Founded in 1987, Ulali is the first Native women’s group to create their own sound from thier strong traditional roots and personal contemporary styles.
• Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble – embraces the classical and folk tradtions of China and each member is a hightly accomplished instrumentalist. Together they combine technical mastery with a passionate approach to music.
• Aditya Verma – Although he grew up in Canada, Aditya has spent most of the past eleven years in India learning the sorode. He will add tabla and tan pura for his Edmonton debut.
• Loudon Wainwright III – His razor like humour and wry introspection have grown sharper with time. His fatalistic wit is in full working order.
• Martha Wainwright – splits her time between Montreal and New York. Blessed with a wonderful voice, Martha’s songs are direct and accessible with a nod towards Cole Porter.
• Rufus Wainwright – Great voice combined with clever songwriting and a cabaret approach to performing make Rufus Wainwright a truly unique artist.
• Diamond Joe White – Born in the Alberta oil patch of Turner Valley, Joe has had a long and colorful career in Canadian music. His rough-shod sound along with his personality make for a complete package on stage.
• Andy White – Belfast singer/songwriter, Andy White is best known as Northern Ireland’s leading political incubator. An EFMF debut.
• Tim Williams – His skill on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, and six string banjo are at home anywhere, from the largest festival stage to the smallest club.
• Willie and Lobo – You’ll hear Salsa, Scottish/Appalachian reels, Middle Eastern chants, Irish jigs, zydeco, Jimi Hendrix and Tex-Mex – sometimes in the same song. A very welcome return.
• Bob Wiseman – has travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometers, performing his emotional and libelous confrontation songs about … MacDonalds, Pepsi, the CIA, Union Carbide, Richard Nixon and others … you get the idea.
• Richard Wood – is a fiddling dynamo from PEI. The 1998 East Coast Music Award Winner has been wowing audiences for over a decade. Prepare to be wowed.
• Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley – Jennifer’s flair for writing memorable tunes and her expressive fiddling and Hazel’s artfully rhythmic accompaniments on guitar and piano make these twin sisters from the Orkney Islands a must see.

1998 Lineup

• Jann Arden – Behind the powerful voice is a friend of Alberta’s folk festivals, a CKUA supporter and a gifted singer/songwriter who has remained rooted in Alberta. Edmonton’s favourite Calgarian returns to close mainstage on Sunday night.
• Balfa Toujours plays infectious accordion-led numbers and heart-felt twin fiddle pieces, all played with the relentless emotional edge characteristic of the Cajun tradition.
• Barachois plays Acadian traditional music-a rhythmic high voltage style of Celtic origins born in the heart of a tiny French community on PEI.
• Moe Berg – Pursuit of Happiness leader returns to the EFMF with his unique take on life, love and politics.
• Ray Bonneville is an accomplished guitarist and harmonica player, mixing musical styles, blending blues, country and rock elements to an intoxicating down home cocktail.
• Bill Bourne – A festival favourite returns with his brilliant songwriting and musicianship.
• Billy Bragg – We’ve waited for a long time to present one of the best songwriters in the world. At last…
• Richard Buckner is a singer/songwriter in the country-folk vein with a sandpaper baritone. His shimmering guitar work delivers his material with a frayed, convincing passion.
• Buckwheat Zydeco – The pride of Lafayette, Louisiana and his band lock into a ferocious groove of accordion-powered Creole dance music.
• Capercaillie – Karen Matheson’s vocals highlight the music of Scotland’s foremost traditional folk group.
• Susan Crowe – Elegant and understated, Susan Crowe’s music possesses a poet’s sensibility and a precise musicality. She will be joined by John Reischman (mandolin) and Brent Gubbels (bass).
• The Dead Reckoners – Nashville’s super group is made up of Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane, Tammy Rogers, Mike Henderson, Harry Stinson and Alison Prestwood. Superb.
• Edmonton Art Gallery – This year EAG will host the Loonie Art Laboratory in the family area. Great for artists of all ages.
• Ramblin’ Jack Elliot is a Grammy award winner who personifies the footloose, carefree, hitchhiking sing-for-your-supper troubadour.
• Jay Farrar (of Son Volt) – Lead singer/songwriter of Son Volt makes a rare solo acoustic appearance. An EFMF debut.
• The Festival House Band – Amos Garrett (guitar) returns with Kit Johnson (bass), Ron Casat (piano), Rusty Reed (harmonica), Michelle Josef (drums), and Dave Babcock (horns).
• Norman Foote – His clever songs, outrageous props and an offbeat sense of humour have delighted audiences across North America.
• Roy Forbes – Known for his intense guitar playing and a voice part Roy Orbison, part Billie Holiday, Roy Forbes makes a welcome return to the EFMF.
• Jennifer Gibson returns to this year’s festival on the heels of her new recording Be The Woman. Her music explores themes of independence, love won and love lost
• Arlo Guthrie is a singer/songwriter who grew up surrounded by the legends of North American folk music. Arlo has developed a distinctive style of his own over the past 30 years. An EFMF debut.
• Emmylou Harris – For over 20 years multi-Grammy award winner Emmylou Harris has nourished the souls of people hungry for great music. A highly anticipated return to the EFMF.
• Alvin Youngblood Hart became an acknowledged leader in the current revival of acoustic country blues following the release of his stunning 1996 debut Big Mama’s Door.
• Colin Hay was lead singer/songwriter of Australia’s Men at Work. A unique and powerful voice backed with skilled instrumentation delivers his songs straight to the hearts and minds of any audience.
• Chester Knight and the Wind – Juno Award nominee Chester Knight and the Wind fuses folk, roots with Aboriginal beats and melodies. Songs of desperate heartache to a tribute to Tecumseh, are woven together by Chester’s haunting voice.
• The Holmes Brothers are a unique blend of blues, gospel, soul, R & B and country that “suggests holiness but breathes the late-night juke joint air.”
• Imagination Market – Show off your creative side with the re-use of wonderful and unusual reclaimed discards at the imagination market.
• Jerusalem Ridge only reunite for special occasions. We are delighted to have Canada’s top bluegrass band.
• Paul Kelly is a brilliant Australian singer/songwriter and a dynamic live performer. He makes a welcome return to the EFMF.
• Luann Kowalek – Her instinct for imagery, melodies and honest lyrics make her an EFMF favourite. She returns this year, with new songs from her latest release, Late Night Heroes.
• Jennifer Kraatz played violin, clarinet and saxophone before graduating to guitar and songwriting in 1993. A festival debut for an artist born and raised in the folk-based community of Riverdale.
• Lhasa first appeared on a Canadian stage in 1992. Her innate sense of theatre grabs a hold of the audience. Her dramatic performances bring her audience to its collective feet, demanding more and more songs, each time she appears anywhere.
• The Lonesome River Band – Exceptional songwriting, coupled with vocal and instrumental prowess have made this group the leading contemporary band in bluegrass music.
• Baaba Maal Featuring Daande Lenol (Band) combines the timeless Fulani musical traditions of the tiny northern Senegalese villages with the cutting edge of contemporary Western music.
• Celso Machado is a Brazilian guitarist and composer who blends Moroccan, Egyptian, Portuguese and Brazilian influences into his own sound.
• Ashley MacIsaac and the Kitchen Devils – A very welcome EFMF debut to this young talented musician who has introduced the fiddle to a whole new generation of music lovers.
• Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited – Thomas Mapfumo’s consistent visionary outlook and musical innovations have made him a guiding spirit of Zimbabwean music and culture.
• Terry McDade and the McDades – Harpist Terry will be joined by family members Solon and Jeremiah, along with fiddler Shannon Johnson and percussionist Dwayne Hrynkin.
• Mike McDonald – Former leader of Junior Gone Wild, singer/songwriter Mike McDonald plays this year as a solo performer.
• Big Dave McLean has been playing and singing the blues for close to three decades and was the 1998 recipient of the “Great Canadian Blues Award” on CBC.
• Jay McShann – With a half a century in the music industry as pianist, singer and band leader, he retains the ability to impress audiences with his powerful keyboard work, amiable and laid-back vocals, and his ability to swing a band.
• Buddy & Julie Miller – Singer/Songwriters, husband and wife, the Millers will bring their talents of writing and voice to the EFMF for the first time.
• Mortal Coil is known for brilliant stilt performances in stunning costumes. A touch of magic for our festival.
• Mountain Song – Contemporary music blended with traditional native dances and songs create a vivid theatrical experience.
• Maria Muldaur – If popular music has a Renaissance woman, most likely it is Maria Muldaur. Blues, rock, jazz, big band swing, folk, Broadway tunes, gospel, country and children’s fare…Maria sings it all brilliantly.
• Muzsikás and Márta Sebestyén– Long celebrated as one of the world’s great traditional singers, Sebestyén is the featured vocalist on The English Patient’s Soundtrack and is joined by Hungary’s premiere folk group.
• Nomos – Formed in Cork, Ireland in 1990, Nomos are simply one of the most exhilarating traditional bands on the Irish music scene.
• Joan Osborne – Incorporating everything from gospel to Appalachian country vocal techniques, this native of Anchorage, Kentucky belts out an amazing range of music rooted in her powerful voice and her stunning lyrics.
• Dan Penn/Spooner Oldham – Major songwriter (Dark End of the Street) is joined by super session keyboardist along with the Festival House Band for a very special occasion.
• Mike Plume Band has been described as alternative country with an edge. Bob Seger’s crusted croak mixed with Springsteen images translated into a Canadian sensibility.
• Wyckham Porteous is one of the most gifted singer/songwriters on the scene today. With songs rich in vivid details and characterization, Wyckham seeks knowledge, wisdom and refuge with the same breath.
• The Duke Robillard Band – Duke’s signature guitar sound, flawless taste and unflagging invention has been acknowledged by Bob Dylan and Stevie Ray Vaughan and led Muddy Waters to say “Duke, if I had you, I’d rule the world.”
• Don Ross is a Montrealer who has established himself as one of the world’s premiere acoustic guitarists. He was the first Canadian to win first place at the US National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship.
• Yan Kuba Saho is a master Kora player from Gambia who performs songs honouring patrons, friends, and historical figures.
• Martin Sexton is a master of dynamics who can reduce an audience to silence with his blustering baritone and tease that silence with a fluttering falsetto.
• Silk Road have met with success playing bold and colourful arrangements of Chinese traditional music mixed with western performance techniques.
• Martin Simpson is a guitar player’s guitarist. His consummate skill and depth of playing is matched only by the range of his material and the passionate expression he brings to each performance.
• Chris Smith – Guitarist and singer/songwriter in his own right, Chris brings his musical talents to the EFMF.
• Chris Smither makes a welcome return to this year’s festival. He is a consummate singer/songwriter and musician. “A one-man band to the bone.”
• Bob Snider is a brilliant and hilarious songwriter and charming live performer who was nominated for a Juno in 1998.
• Spirit of the West – Fresh on the heels of one of their finest albums Weights and Measures, Geoff, John, Tobin, Vince and Hugh make a long awaited return to the EFMF.
• Mark Sterling Band – Mark will be joined by Edmonton’s Calvin Volrath (fiddle), Mike Lent (bass) and Gordie Matthews (guitar).
• Sweet Honey in the Rock is the most famous group of African American a capella women singers in the world of folk music. Simply spellbinding.
• Tapia Eta Leturia – High energy music from Basque. The pair’s musical performance has been described as “rousing the denizens of hell and raising priestly hackles with their wild fandangos.” A feast for the ears.
• Tarika is roots music from Madagascar. Expect virtuoso traditional music with the energy of punk rock.
• Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir – Linda Tillery’s own music reflects both her extraordinarily eclectic interest and her restless inquiries into African American culture. This a cappella group will dazzle once again.
• Toots and the Maytals – It doesn’t get any better in the world of Reggae. Toots is a powerful vocalist and performer and a reggae legend.

1997 Lineup

• Mose Allison Trio – Fusing rustic blues and jazz with gifted and often humourous lyrics Mose Allison has had a long and well respected musical career. An anticipated EFMF debut.
• Beautiful Joe – Fronted by Jane Hawley, Tim Leacock and Steve Pineo and anchored by Danny Patton and Ross Watson, there is a great buzz about this Alberta-based band.
• Blue Rodeo is Canada’s premiere roots band, known for their unique synthesis of rock, folk and country.
• Bill Bourne – No stranger to the EFMF, Bill Bourne’s brilliant songwriting and musicianship have made him a festival favourite.
• Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown moves adeptly from acoustic and electric blues to bluegrass, country, cajun and swing. Clarence is a musician’s musician.
• Greg Brown is one of the best and most prolific of American songwriters. His music is an intricate mix of insightful lyrics revealing powerful images painted on a canvas of gospel, blues, calypso and jazz.
• Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band – Chubby Carrier is nicknamed “the Jimi Hendrix” of the accordion. Joined by the Bayou Swamp band, this group will bring infectious dance music to this year’s festival.
• Dee Carstensen – Singer/songwriter and musician, Dee Carstensen makes her EFMF debut with an acoustic trio. Playing classical harp, her songs transcend musical genres.
• Susan Crowe – Quiet, elegant and understated, Susan Crowe’s music possesses a poet’s sensibility and a precise musicality. She will be accompanied by John Reischman and Brent Gubbels.
• Iris DeMent – This gifted singer/songwriter makes a welcome return to the festival. Her songs touch the heart and engage the mind.
• Dervish – Ireland’s Dervish has received critical acclaim and is considered one of the most important of all emerging Irish traditional musical groups.
• Jerry Douglas is one of the best dobro players. As player and as producer he has won numerous awards and has brought his distinctive talent to countless bluegrass, country and new acoustic recordings.
• Lucky Dube – South African reggae artist Lucky Dube has become one of the most important voices in international music. His songs which chronicle the struggles, hopes and issue of his homeland have made him a legend in Africa.
• Maria Dunn has been singing and playing accordion and guitar with Edmonton folk groups over the past five years.
• Fred J. Eaglesmith – Juno award winner Fred J. Eaglesmith is joined by Willie P. Bennett and Ralph Schipper. His music is unearthly and haunting with roots in country and energy in rock and roll.
• Edward II combines breezy Caribbean dance rhythms and raw English country dance tunes. Massive funky brass sound, nectar-drenched soul vocals, ringing African guitar riffs and pumping melodeon blend to make this band one of the most highly regarded in live roots music.
• Lorne Elliott – A keen observer of today’s trends and a unique performance style have made this Montrealer a master of comedy totally original, entertaining, foolish and uplifting.
• Joe Ely Band – Joe Ely sings of distance, about rivers and ranches, of smoldering passions and sad laments, of faraway longing and unrequited love. Returning to the EFMF with his full band, Joe will bring his unique country lyricism and rock energy to the festival audience.
• The Festival House Band – Amos Garrett (guitar) returns with Kit Johnson (bass), Ron Casat (piano), Rusty Reed (harmonica) and Dave Babcock (horns).
• La Galvaude are literally the youngest faces on the traditional French-Canadian music scene. They’ll bring audiences to their feet, dancing and begging for more.
• Dick Gaughan is Scotland’s top singer/songwriter. His album Handful of Earth was voted top album of the decade by UK’s prestigious Folk Roots Magazine.
• Great Big Sea are a rollicking Celtic Folk band from Newfoundland who has been making waves in the Canadian music scene. Uplifting and lively…be prepared to dance.
• John Hiatt – Singer/songwriter John Hiatt twists rock and soul; blues and R&B into rhythmic shapes that echo the deep and surprising way in which he sees things.
• Ron Hynes makes his EFMF debut. His songs strike responsive chords and have been recorded by dozens of artists including Emmylou Harris and Mary Black.
• Imagination Market – Show off your creative side with the re-use of wonderful and unusual reclaimed discards at the Imagination Market.
• Colin James – One of Canada’s most respected blues artists, Colin will showcase his mastery of acoustic blues during his EFMF debut.
• Marc Jordan – Take a quick look through liner notes of any number of best selling albums and the name below the song could very well be singer/songwriter Marc Jordan.
• Connie Kaldor – Multi-talented Connie Kaldor makes a welcome return this year to EFMF. Her music has been described as “unflinching views of both the brighter and darker sides of love, her songs are fresh and clear as a prairie sky.”
• Alias Ron Kavana Band – Voted top live band by Folk Roots, the Alias band returns this year to deliver a lively mix of traditional Celtic and R & B.
• Luann Kowalek – Her sensitive instinct for imagery, melodies and honest lyrics make this Edmonton native a festival favourite.
• Colin Linden will be joining Colin James on Sunday’s mainstage. Colin is well known to festival audiences as a top class singer/songwriter and guitarist.
• Stewart MacDougall – Singer/songwriter and performer Stewart MacDougall has been associated with many well known groups from Ian Tyson and the Chinook Arch Riders, k.d. lang and the reclines, Laura Vinson’s Red Wyng as well as Great Western Orchestra.
• Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens – Nobody cranks out mbaqanga, Africa’s hardest driving music with frisky riffing and a knockout downbeat, with more showmanship and verve than Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens.
• Mara! – From Australia, Mara! performs a unique blend of traditional vocal and instrumental repertoire from a variety of countries. Their music, ranging from medieval songs to powerful East European dances has received acclaim world-wide.
• ¡Maracujah! – After experiencing Maracujah’s pure musical delivery and frenzied stage performance you’ll understand why the group takes the name of the Brazilian passion fruit.
• Del McCoury Band recently collected six International Bluegrass Music Awards including “Entertainer of the Year”, quite simply this is the hottest bluegrass band around.
• Jimmy McCracklin is a blues survivor-an old-timer with the right credentials for a living blues legend.
• Brian McNeill played the EFMF a few years back as a member of the Battlefield Band. He is a gifted songwriter, fiddler, and collector of traditional tunes.
• Wendy McNeill – Making her festival debut, Wendy McNeill is the winner of the Old Strathcona Singer/Songwriter contest.
• R.B. Morris is a poet who writes emotionally intense songs full of ideas and unexpected word-plays and sings them in arrangements that emphasize the rhythmic interchange between words and music.
• Terry Morrison – Listening to this Edmonton-based singer/songwriter is like listening to someone telling you secrets. She can make you laugh, think and feel all in the space of one song.
• Tim O’Brien – Stunning vocals, fluency in mandolin, fiddle and guitar plus a natural gift for songwriting, makes Tim O’Brien a pleasure to hear.
• Sinéad O’Connor – One of the world’s best roots singer/songwriters makes a very special Edmonton debut at the EFMF with a ten-piece band.
• Oysterband – Their finely honed and skillful songwriting coupled with their driving energy, make England’s Oysterband one of the most exciting, eclectic bands in the folk world today.
• Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections – The new diva of Irish traditional music, Niamh is backed by three of Ireland’s finest young musicians.
• Fred Penner – Physical stature aside, Fred Penner really has become bigger than life with an impressive ten albums, record sales over the million mark, eight home videos and a popular television program. His love for entertaining families shows no signs of slowing down.
• Mike Plume Band – Mike is a transplanted Maritimer who grew up in Bonnyville. He writes and sings edgy acoustic folk and says he hasn’t sung a cover song in over two years.
• John Prine is one of the most talented and gifted songwriters of our generation. His songs touch the heart and the funny bone. John will be bringing his band for a first visit to EFMF since 1988.
• Quartette – One of the most electrifying musical collaborations on the Canadian music scene featuring Sylvia Tyson, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick and Alberta’s own Cindy Church.
• Martin Sexton is a rare, formidable talent on the verge of major recognition. His extraordinary writing ability and dynamic vocal range are guaranteed to leave a mark on Edmonton in August.
• Oh Susanna – Her narrative force, incisive and amazingly detailed lyrics and simple musical approach mark her as an artist to watch for.
• Chip Taylor – You’ve sung along to Wild Thing, Angel of the Morning, Try (Just a Little Bit Harder), or I Can’t Let Go. Chip Taylor is the writer behind those and many more classic hits.
• Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir – Linda Tillery’s own music reflects both her extraordinarily eclectic interests and her restless inquiries into African American culture. This five piece a cappella gospel group will dazzle.
• Valdy – No stranger to the Canadian folk music scene, Valdy is regarded as one of Canada’s most distinctive and successful minstrels.
• Ken and Chris Whitely – These two musical brothers have appeared on over 150 recordings between them and have just released an album of all original blues material.
• Willie and Lobo – You’ll hear Salsa, Scottish/Appalachian reels, Middle Eastern chants, Irish jigs, zydeco, Jimmy Hendrix and Tex Mex – sometimes all in the same song.
• Wyrd Sisters – A wyrd, wonderful time is guaranteed by this Winnipeg-based folk trio. As the Globe & Mail says “they sing a mean torch song, the ballads are haunting and the three rich voices are supported by lean, inventive, muscular arrangements.”

1996 Lineup

• Jann Arden is a two-time Juno-Award winner who will strike you with the lyrical beauty of her songs and the seemingly effortless power of her voice.
• Joan Armatrading is a brilliant singer/songwriter. Joan’s great guitar playing will be augmented by a string section for a “special” acoustic performance.
• Les Barker hails from Manchester, England, and in his own words says he is a writer of strange poems and was an accountant before he became a professional idiot.
• Blackie & The Rodeo Kings This year Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing, and Tom Wilson of Junkhouse have joined to record the songs of one of Canada’s greatest musical talents – Willie P. Bennett.
• Blue Rodeo – Canada’s premiere roots band, known for their unique synthesis of rock, folk and country.
• Bill Bourne & Shannon Johnson – Always a welcome addition to the EFMF. Bill’s brilliant song writing and musicianship combine with Shannon’s masterful fiddle playing.
• Paul Brady – A great songwriter (ask Bonnie Raitt or Tina Turner) and a wonderful guitar and tin whistle player. We are delighted to welcome one of Ireland’s top artists.
• Les Bûcherons – Edmonton’s own “Lumberjacks” celebrate French Canadian traditions with instruments such as guitar, fiddle, button accordion, rhythm bones, jaw harp, washboard, wooden spoons, and even the saw.
• Richard Buckner is a singer/songwriter in the country-folk vein with a sandpaper baritone. His shimmering guitar work delivers his material with a frayed, convincing passion.
• Captain Tractor Edmonton’s hottest new band has been making quite a name for themselves at home, across Canada and in New Zealand.
• Rosanne Cash – Rosanne Cash’s highly personal and expressive songs have made her one of America’s best singer/songwriters.
• Bruce Cockburn is one of Canada’s best and although hard to believe, this is Bruce’s EFMF debut performance. We are delighted he said “yes” and look forward to a special solo performance.
• Catie Curtis Prepare yourself for a distinctive new voice. Her songwriting and natural performance style have garnered fans and rave reviews.
• Alpha Yaya Diallo & Bafing – These African musicians fuse elements of traditional rhythms with modern funk, Jazz and Afro beats bringing exciting new music.
• Steve Earle & The Dukes – There are a lot of ways you can describe Steve Earle: renegade rocker, country maverick, American poet, hopeless romantic and fearless heart. But it all comes down to a single word – survivor.
• The Fairfield Four – One of the world’s most influential gospel singing groups returns to the EFMF following their stunning debut in 1993.
• The Festival House Band – Amos Garrett (guitar) returns with Kit Johnson (bass), Ron Casat (keyboards), Rusty Reed (harmonica), Dave Babcock (horns) and Bohdan Hluszko (percussion).
• The Flirtations – They’ll make you giggle. They’ll make you scream. They’ll make you sit back in awe. But mostly they’ll make you ask your friends if they’ve ever heard of the Flirtations, the world’s most famous proudly gay a cappella group.
• Four Bitchin’ Babes – Fax it! Charge It! Don’t ask me what’s for dinner! Be prepared for more life according to Christine Lavin, Debi Smith, Megon McDonough and Sally Fingerett.
• Four Men and a Dog Combines Irish traditional music with the contemporary influences of jazz, R&B and country swing. The group’s first recording, Barking Mad, was chosen as Album of the Year by Folk Roots magazine.
• Lennie Gallant – A native of Rustico, P.E.I., Gallant draws from his Acadian and Celtic roots, adding his own dynamic style.
• Jimmie Dale Gilmore is a Grammy Award winner for “Best Contemporary Folk Album”. His music is a synthesis of folk, rockabilly and honky-tonk country.
• John Hammond is one of the premier blues artists of our time, taking musical stories of life and love from one regional pocket to another.
• Paul Hann – As a concert and recording artist, television/radio personality, composer of film music and children’s performer, Paul does it all.
• Bert Jansch – Former member of Pentangle, Jansch has become a popular exponent of the “folk baroque” style. An EFMF debut.
• James Keelaghan – He has emerged as one of the most gifted songwriters of his generation, acclaimed by critics and fans.
• Paul Kelly is a brilliant Australian singer/songwriter and a dynamic live performer. We have tried to bring him to the EFMF for three years. Finally…
• Luann Kowalek – Her sensitive instinct for imagery, melodies and her honest lyrics have made this Edmonton native a favourite.
• Penny Lang – A voice that caresses, strong and true. Her songs are emotionally powerful observations of the human condition, sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous, always memorable.
• k.d.lang – Alberta’s most successful musical export returns to her roots for her first Edmonton performance since 1989 and will play on Sunday night as she did in 1985.
• Anne Lederman Trio – Anne Lederman is a dynamic fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, both a composer and a bearer of tradition. Her current project with Laura Cesar (bass) and Sacha Luminsky (accordion) is a tour de force of original and traditional Canadian music.
• Limpopo – They have taken the U.S. and Canada by storm with their wild and crazy stage antics and music ranging from Russian folk to rock n’ roll.
• David Lindley and Hani Naser – “Mr. Dave” is a king of the strings and a musical adventurer. A truly original artist. Simply top class. He is joined by long-time collaborator and percussionist, Hani Naser.
• Laura Love Band – A first time appearance at the EFMF, they successfully wed African and Caribbean rhythms with traditional acoustic instruments and intriguing harmonies into a style that they call “Afro/Celtic.”
• Jay McShann – At 82, his finesse and power would be impressive in a pianist half his age; the balance between a propulsive left hand anchored in blues, boogie and stride, and a mischief-making right hand.
• Keb’Mo’ – a.k.a. Kevin Moore, was born with “nothing but the blues.” He fuses elements of American pop culture with elements of the bedrock blues tradition.
• Terry Morrison – Listening to this Edmonton based singer songwriter is like listening to someone telling your secrets. She can make you laugh, think, feel and get angry all in the space of an evening.
• The Nields are making a first time appearance at the EFMF. Their music ranges from comic to poignant, and is always full of surprises.
• A Night of Reckoning – A gifted collective of singer/songwriters and musicians from Nashville (Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane, Harry Stinson, Tammy Rogers and Mike Henderson) join for a special EFMF performance.
• Tim and Mollie O’Brien and the O’Boys – First time appearance for this sibling team. They create sweet harmonies, playing country, bluegrass, jazz, folk, spirituals and a cappella.
• Ron Pearson – Makes the impossible…possible. He is a gifted raconteur, gentle humorist and a witty trickster with a natural knack for people.
• Wyckham Porteous – He is one of the most gifted songwriters on the scene today. With songs rich in vivid details and characterization, Wyckham seeks knowledge, wisdom and refuge all in the same breath.
• Lionel Rault – Over the past two decades Lionel, alone or with a band, has been a mainstay of Edmonton’s music scene. EFMF fans are familiar with Lionel – it is his fourth appearance at the festival.
• Red Thunder (Chadi K’azi) Native Dance Theatre – The dancers, who are from different Nations across Canada, focus on both historical and traditional forms of dance, and adaptations of other contemporary dance forms to embody the spirit of aboriginal First Nations.
• The Duke Robillard Band – His formidable command of blues, R&B, swing and roots styles is well known – Muddy Waters once said, “You know Duke, if I had you, I’d rule the world!”
• Tom Russell and Andrew Hardin – Tom Russell has been called, “one of the great undiscovered writers of Gothic-western music” and a “tour de force of social Americana.” He will be joined by Andrew Hardin on guitar.
• Martin Simpson and Friends – Returning to the festival, Simpson is a guitar player’s guitarist. His consummate skill and the depth of his playing is overshadowed only by the “range of his material and the passionate expression he brings to each performance.”
• Chris Smith – Edmonton’s own guitarist/songwriter is a member of the Marlin Spike House Band and also leader of the Piemyn.
• Laura Smith
• Takadja means “to vibrate while dancing.” This international ensemble of percussionists, dancers and vocalists mix equal doses of ecstatic virtuosity, technical precision, and respect for tradition with the passion that comes from truly celebrating life.
• Värttinä – This 10 piece Finnish group is fronted by the powerful voices of four women who sing of Finnish love songs, marriage songs and songs of everyday life in their native tongue.
• Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Her songs have been covered by Emmylou Harris, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, and Tim & Mollie O’Brien. Gillian’s songs are haunting yet wondrously spiritual.
• Scott Wicken is an Edmonton performance poet and songwriter who makes his EFMF debut.
• Dar Williams – At 28, this vibrant performer is on a constant search. For truth, for time, for the essence of what makes for great songs and performance.
• Tim Williams – A blues-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who has been described as “one of the finest songwriters anywhere.”
• Victoria Williams – Widely acclaimed and respected as a songwriter, her music has been recorded by Lou Reed, Pearl Jam, the Waterboys and many others. She is a writer of craft and talent, an artist who, with vivid words and melodies, paints unforgettable pictures.
• Wolfstone – Scottish traditional music melded with the youthful exuberance of contemporary rock. They have been described as “Celtic Grunge” and “Bagpipes with an attitude.”

1995 Lineup

• Jerry Alfred and the Medicine Beat
• Alias Ron Kavana
• Arcady
• Bajourou
• Long John Baldry
• Barenaked Ladies
• Brad Bayley
• Moe Berg
• The Blue Shadows
• La bottine Souriante
• Bill Bourne and Shannon Johnson
• Greg Brown
• Kevin Burke’s Open House
• Burning Spear
• Chesapeake
• Cindy Church
• Ry Cooder
• Elvis Costello
• Ani DiFranco
• Festival House Band: Amos Garrett, Kit Johnson, Ron Casat, Rusty Read, Dave Babcock, Bohdan Hlusko
• Norman Foote, Rosco Gordon
• Veda Hille
• Imagination Market
• Rickie Lee Jones
• Juba
• Mark Koenig
• Luann Kowalek
• Limpopo
• Oscar Lopez
• Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies
• Lynette Maurice
• Loreena McKennitt
• Rory McLeod
• Natalie MacMaster
• Nashville Bluegrass Band
• Prairie Oyster
• John Reischman
• Tracy Riley
• Sierra Maestra
• Silk Road
• Lana Skauge
• Jo-El Sonnier
• The Staple Singers
• Ali Farka Toure
• The Voice Squad
• Junior Wells
• Women of Albion

1994 Lineup

• The Austin Lounge Lizards
• Russ Berenberg, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer
• Bear Valley Folk Dancers and Musicians
• Blue Rodeo
• Bill Bourne & Shannon Johnson
• Ruth Brown
• Solomon Burke
• T Bone Burnett
• Frank Carroll
• Ceolbeg
• Guy Clark
• Terry Clarke
• Gaye Delorme
• Joe Ely
• Alejandro Escovedo
• Stephen Fearing
• Four Men & a Dog
• Don Freed
• The Festival House Band: Amos Garrett, Bohdan Hluszko, Kit Johnson, Rusty Reed, Ron Casat
• Richard Greene and The Grass is Greener
• Marie-Lynn Hammond
• Slavek Hanzlik
• Dan Hicks and the Acoustic Warriors
• The House Band
• Janis Ian
• Jim Jackson
• Jr. Gone Wild
• Alias Ron Kavana and Terry Woods as The Bucks
• Paddy Keenan
• Taj Mahal
• Lynette Maurice
• Henry McCullough
• Murray McLauchlan
• Tony Michael
• Joni Mitchell
• Katy Moffatt
• Pamela Morgan
• Morin Khuur
• Snooky Pryor
• Quartette
• Lester Quitzau
• Tochi Reagon
• John Renbourn
• Peter Rowan and the Rowan Brothers
• Tom Russell, Barrence Whitfield, Andrew Hardin
• Saffire– The Uppity Blues Women
• Oumou Sangare
• Jessica Schoenberg
• Sharon Shannon
• Martin Simpson
• Tarika
• Richard Thompson
• Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie
• Toronto Women’s Blues Review
• Tony Trischka
• Jimmy Witherspoon

1993 Lineup

• Ad Vielle Que Pourra
• Bad Livers
• Jennifer Berezan
• John Bottomley
• Bourbon Tabernacle Choir
• Charles Brown
• Les Bucherons
• J.J. Cale
• Mary Coughlan
• Johnny Cunningham
• Iris DeMent
• Ani DiFranco
• Honeyboy Edwards
• The Fairfield Four
• Finjan
• Roy Forbes
• Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band
• Jennifer Gibson
• Great Western Orchestra
• Danny Greenspoon
• The Ken Hamm èTrio & Tony Trischka
• The Keith Hancock Band
• Roy Harper
• Imagination Market
• Jerusalem Ridge
• Santiago Jimenez Jr.
• Kaetz & Glover
• Brenda Kahn
• Robert Earl Keen Jr.
• James Keelaghan
• Angelique Kidjo
• Colin Linden
• Ismael Lo
• Donal Lunny & Paddy Glackin
• Baaba Maal
• Edward II
• Ellen McIlwaine
• Dave Moore
• Moxy Früvous
• Nashville Bluegrass Band
• Randy Newman
• nickel finger
• Liam O’Flynn
• Wyckham Porteous
• Lester Quitzau
• Rawlins Cross
• Don Ross
• Laura Smith
• June Tabor
• Hans Theessink an Jon Sass
• The Topp Twins
• Els Trobadors
• Tuva Ensemble Overtone Singers
• Laura Vinson, Free Spirit and the Spirit Song Dance Theatre
• Kevin Welch
• Nancy White
• Major Conrad Flapps
• Steve Forbert
• Andy Irvine
• Rory McLeod
• Triona and Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill

1992 Lineup

• 3 Dead Trolls in a Baggie
• Pat Alger
• Dave Alvin
• O.J. Anderson
• Apurimac
• Dan Ar Braz
• Arcady
• The Bhundu Boys
• Bourne and MacLeod
• David Broza
• Meryn Cadell
• Cindy Church and Nathan Tinkham
• Ry Cooder
• Edward II
• David Essig
• Four Bitchin’ Babes
• Christine Lavin
• Julie Gold
• Sally Fingerett
• Lennie Gallant
• Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band: Bohdan Hluszko, Kit Johnson, Ron Casat, Rusty Reed
• Dick Gaughan
• The Hard Rock Miners
• Judy Anderson-Hansen and Steve Hansen
• Jane Hawley
• The Holmes Brothers
• Jackson Delta
• Tom Jackson, Shingoose, Dave Cramer
• Paul Ubana Jones
• Alias Ron Kavana
• Laurie Lewis & the Grant Street Band
• David Lindley
• Robert Jr. Lockwood
• Oscar Lopez
• Charlie Louvin & Charles Whitstein
• Manigance
• Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited
• Mark Koenig Trio
• Mike McDonald
• Eileen McGann
• Kate & Anna McGarrigle
• Tommy McGinty
• Tony Michael
• Lynn Miles
• Cathy Miller
• Pete Morton
• Geoff Muldaur
• Maria Muldaur
• Open Mind
• Colleen Peterson
• Lionel Rault
• Red Thunder Cultural Society
• Karl Roth
• Tom Russell
• Lesley Schatz
• Peggy Seeger & Irrene Scott
• The Seldom Scene
• Al Simmons
• Martin & Jessica Simpson
• Watson Smarch
• Chris Smither
• Toots and the Maytals
• Triple Threat
• Lucinda Williams
• Kathleen Yearwood

1991 Lineup

• Acoustically Inclined
• Jann Arden
• Teddy Borowiecki
• Bob Bossin and Calvin Cairns
• Bill Bourne and Alan MacLeod
• Pol Brennan, Guo Yue, and Joji Hirota
• Charlie Brown
• Capercaillie
• Ron Casat
• Cindy Church and the Rhythm Rangers
• Allen Dobb
• Stephen Fearing
• Ferron
• Figgy Duff
• Drue Franklin
• Fred Garbo
• Amos Garrett
• Great Western Orchestra
• Clive Gregson and Christine Collister
• John Hammond
• Paul Hann
• Jane Hawley and the Cranky Brats
• Bohdan Hluszko
• Mark Holmgren
• Imagination Market
• Inner Circle
• Paul James
• Kit Johnson
• Jr. Gone Wild
• Bobby King and Terry Evans
• Toto La Momposina
• Dale Ladoucer
• Alain Lamontagne
• Patty Larkin
• Oscar Lopez
• Los Lobos
• Bill Miller
• Katy Moffatt
• Mouth Music
• Martin Swan and Talitha MacKenzie
• New Blue Velvet Band
• Oyster Band
• Mari Boine Persen
• Crystal Plamondon
• The Rankin Family
• Rusty Reed
• Zachary Richard
• Tom Russell
• Saffire–The Uppity Blues Women
• David Schnaufer
• Johnny and Candy Shines and Kent DuChaine
• Lindi Smith
• Sons of Blues
• TALES: Tigge Anderson, Liz Dorman, John March, Gayle de Vos
• Three Times the Blues
• Violent Femmes
• Cheryl Wheeler
• Steve Young

1990 Lineup

• A-Maize Theatre Productions
• Altan
• Dan Ar Bras
• Artis the Spoonman
• Battlefield Band
• Jennifer Berezan
• Boiled in Lead
• L.J. Booth
• David Bromberg
• Solomon Burke
• Carmen Campagne
• Jacques Chauvin
• Crash Test Dummies
• Gaye Delorme
• Michael Doucet and Beausoleil
• Jerry Douglas
• Stephen Fearing
• The Four Brothers
• Norman Foote
• Lennie Gallant
• Davey Graham
• Grievous Angels
• Emmylou Harris
• The House Band: Amos Garrett, Kit Johnson, Bohdan Hlusko, Teddy Borowiecki, Ron Casat
• Imagination Market
• Jerusalem Ridge
• Jr. Gone Wild
• Juba
• The Kafala Brothers
• James Keelaghan
• Mark Koenig
• Fred Koller
• Tom Kubinek
• La Bottine Souriante
• Les Bucherons
• Emmylou Harris
• Laurie Lewis and Grant Street
• Oscar Lopez
• Danny Mack
• Loreena McKennitt
• Metamora
• Lyn Miles
• Mae Moore
• Faith Nolan
• Jim Page
• Wyckham Porteous
• Ranch Romance
• Peter Rowan
• Martin Simpson and Jessica Simpson
• Davy Spillane
• Koko Taylor
• Hans Theessink and Jon Sass
• 3 x the Blues
• Laura Vinson
• Papa Wemba
• David Wilkie and Stewart MacDougall
• Women in the Round: Ashley Cleveland, Karen Stalely, Pam Tillis, Tricia Walker

1989 Lineup

• Russ Barenberg
• Emile Benoit
• Pierre Bensusan
• Jennifer Berezan
• Heather Bishoop
• Rory Block
• Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones
• T Bone Burnett
• Bill Bourne and Alan MacLeod
• Capercaillie
• Margaret Christl
• Chenille Sisters
• Guy Clark
• Deighton Family
• Gaye Delorme
• Jerry Douglas
• Joe Ely
• Free Hot Lunch
• Amos Garrrett
• The Great Western Orchestra
• Rufus Guinchard
• Michael Hedges
• The House Band: Kit Johnson, Bohdan Hlusko
• Flaco Jimenez
• Juba
• Connie Kaldor
• James Keelaghan
• Robert Earl Keen Jr.
• Bobby King and Terry Evans
• Christine Lavin
• Oscar Lopez and Manuel Jara
• Joan MacIsaac
• Edgar Meyer
• Roger McGuinn
• Ellen McIlwaine
• Sarah McLachlan
• Big Miller
• Patsy Montana
• Bob Neuwirth
• Jim Payne
• Colleen Peterson
• Pied Pumpkin
• Pinetop Perkins
• Lional Rault
• Preston Reed
• Rusty Reed
• Garnet Rogers
• Doug Sahm
• Lesley Schatz
• Show of Hands
• Jane Siberry
• Martin Simpson
• Slim Pickins Bluegrass Band
• Spirit of the West
• Sugar Blue
• Gene Taylor
• Timbuk 3
• Wayne Toups & Zydecajun
• Loudon Wainwright III
• Jerry Jeff Walker
• White Braid Society of Dancers and Drummers
• Lucinda Williams

1988 Lineup

• Alley Scatz
• David Amram
• Mr. B
• Long John Baldry
• Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones
• Sonny Rhodes
• Rick Danko, Garth Hudson and the Colin Linden Band
• Papa John Creach
• Figgy Duff
• Snooks Eaglin
• Stephen Fearing
• Flaco Jimenez and Doug Sahm
• Roy Forbes
• Jimmie Dale Gilmore
• Grande Ol’ Uproar
• The David Grisman Quartet
• Butch Hancock & Marce Lacounture
• Bill Henderson
• Hot Rize
• Festival Rhythm Section: Kit Johnson, Bohdan Hlusko
• Kelly Jay & Rusty Reed
• Jim Keelaghan
• Bobby King & Terry Evans
• Mark Koenig
• The Legendary Blues Band
• Lyle Lovett
• Joan MacIsaac
• Ian Mathews
• Maria Muldaur, Amos Garrett & the ‘Eh’ Team
• Bob Neuwirth
• Mickey Newbury
• Sunny Moser
• Colleen Peterson
• John Prine
• Rault Brothers Band
• The Tom Russell Band
• Dr. Ross
• Doug Sahm
• Lesley Schatz
• Jane Siberry
• Al Simmons
• Slim Pickins Bluegrass Band
• Darden Smith
• Tamarack
• Richard Thompson
• Sylvia Tyson
• Shari Ulrich
• Ken Whitely
• Uncle Bonsai
• Tim Williams
• Norman Foote
• Paul Hann
• Izzi
• Joie-de-Vivre
• Mugs Mullen
• The Nebulous Rebels
• W.P. Puppeteers
• Doc Myles Snow
• Sun Ergos
• T.A.L.E.S. with Grant MacEwan
• Trickster

1987 Lineup

• Phil Alvin
• Eric Andersen
• Tony Bird
• Eric Bogle
• Rory Block
• Bill Bourne
• Jethro Burns
• The Great Western Orchestra
• Rosanne Cash
• Rodney Crowell
• Guy Clark
• Bob Carpenter
• Eddy Clearwater
• Gaye Delorme Quartet
• Dave Essig
• John Fahey
• Ferron
• Terry Garthwaite
• Bill Garrett & Curley boy Stubbs
• Amos Garrett, Gene Taylor, Doug Sahm, Kit Johnson, Bohdan Hlusko
• Huara: Music of Clay and Concrete
• Humphrey & the Dumptrucks
• James Keelaghan
• Christine Lavin
• John D. Loudermilk
• Ellen McIlwaine
• Murray McLauchlan
• Big Miller
• Randy Newman
• Danny O’Keefe
• Oyster Band
• Yank Rachel
• Rare Air
• John Renbourne
• The Romaniacs
• Peter Rowan & Mark O’Connor
• Jerry Douglas
• Tom Russell
• Lesley Schatz
• John Sebastian
• Shuffle Demons
• Al Simmons
• Eugene Smith
• Spirit of the West
• Ian Tyson
• Shari Ulrich
• Sneezy Waters
• Diamond Joe White Izzi
• The Nebulous Rebels
• Townes Van Zandt
• Jacques Chauvin
• Major Conrad Flapps
• Noreen Crone-Findlay
• Paul Hann
• Gumboot Lollypop
• Sun-Degos
• Trickster
• T.A.L.E.S.

1986 Lineup

• Alpaka
• O.J. Anderson
• Roy Bailey
• Willie P. Bennett & Colin Linden
• Bim (Roy Forbes)
• Bill Bourne
• Boys of the Lough
• Guy Clark
• The Robert Cray Band
• Gaye Delorme
• The Dixie Flyers
• Donovan
• Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
• Mimi Farina
• Lowell Fulson
• Joe Hall
• John Hiatt
• Iowa Rose
• Luther ‘Guitar Junior’ Johnson & The Magic Rockers
• Lo Jai
• Eileen McGann
• Ellen McIlwaine
• Murray McLauchlan
• Katy & Hugh Moffat with the Cowtones & The Mandolin Kid
• Geoff Muldauar, Amos Garrett with Richard Greene
• The Original Balkan Jam
• Prairie Oyster
• Bev Ross
• Doug Sahm
• Jim Serediak
• John Stewart
• Sunnyland Slim
• The Smith Sisters
• Spirit of the West
• John Steins & Scott Sheerin
• Gene Taylor
• Tunoonik (Inuit) Theatre Group
• Ian Tyson
• Valdy
• Townes Van Zandt
• Richard White
• Jesse Winchester
• Ian Whitcomb & Dick Zimmerman
• The Balloon Man
• Doc Myles Show
• Mark & Maggie Haines
• Paul Hann
• J.J. The Juggling Fool
• McDade Family Band with Bob Short
• Gilbert Parent & Amelia Kaminski
• Small Change Theatre
• T.A.L.E.S.

1985 Lineup

• David Amram
• Frankie Armstrong
• Anonymous
• The Balloon Man
• The Battlefield Band
• Ken Bloom
• Bob Brozman
• La Bottine Souriante
• Buckwheat Zydeco
• Ginni Climmens
• Finjan
• Doc Myles Snow
• Ma Fletcher
• Girls Who Wear Glasses
• The Gryphon Quintet
• Gwinyai & Sukutai Marimba Ensemble
• John Hammond
• Iowa Rose
• Paula Jardine
• Ian Johnstone
• Kenuppets
• Vera Johnson
• k.d. Lang & the Reclines
• Lost in the Colonies
• Laughing Moon Theatre
• Moshe Le Nuage
• Limited Edition
• The McDade Family Band
• The Moon’s a Rabbit
• Roberto Morganti
• Linda Morrison
• Vassilios Papachristou with Zyklos
• Gilbert Parent
• Phuzz and Friends
• Paulo
• Queen Ida & the Bon Temps Zydeco Band
• Faith Petric
• The Reel World String Band
• Leon Rosselson
• Randy Raine-Reusch
• Riders in the Sky
• Shuffle Creek Dancers
• Shingoose
• Spirit of the West
• Judy Small
• Al Simmons
• John Steins & Scott Sheerin
• Paddy Tutty
• Winston Wuttunee
• Whiskey Jack
• Moz Wright
• Chris Whiteley and Caitlin Hanford
• Jesse Colin Young and the Youngbloods

1984 Lineup

• Alley Scatz
• Peter Alsop
• Asleep at the Wheel
• Folle Avoine
• Avner the Eccentric
• Stevie Beck
• Blue Flame Stringband
• Bob Brozman
• Tony Bird
• Margaret Christl
• David Burgin and the Nightshades
• Guy Clark
• Vassar Clements
• Gaye Delorme
• Ginnie Clemmens
• Dick Damron
• Darcie Deaville
• Alexander Eppler Group
• Shawn Claxton Easly
• Eritage
• Cathy Fink
• David Essig
• Gary Fjellgaard
• Conrad Flapps
• Brian Glow
• Robin Flower Band
• Gaby Haas
• Ken Hamm
• Paul Hann
• Marie-Lynn Hammond
• Hamish Imlach
• Chris Hillman & Al Perkins
• The Chris Hillman-Bernie Leadon Band
• The Incredible Isreal
• Jeff Jenkins
• Dr. John
• Si Kahn
• Kin Lalat
• k.d. Lang
• Denise Larson
• Colin Linden
• Steve Lehner & Maureen May
• Joan MacIsaac
• Patric Marks
• Moshe Le Nuage
• Rita MacNeil
• Maria Muldaur
• The Original Balkan Jam
• Lee & Sandy Paley
• One Yellow Rabbit
• Jim Post
• Queen Ida & the Bon Temps Zydeco Band
• Red Clay Ramblers
• Garnet Rogers
• Doc Myles Snow
• Peter Rowan & Mark O’Connor
• Soupe de Jour
• Stockton’s Wing
• Sweetgrass
• Sukay
• Tannahil Weavers
• Sylvia Tyson
• Valdy
• The Wild Colonial Boys
• Paul Wood & Doug Johnson
• Peter Paul Van Camp

1983 Lineup

• Alpaka
• O.J. Anderson
• Holly Arntzen
• Artis the Spoonman
• Long John Baldry
• The Balloon Man
• The Banfields
• John Bayley
• Bim (Roy Forbes)
• La Bottine Souriante
• Bryan Bowers
• Rodney Brown
• Brahan Seer
• Todd Butler
• Margaret Christl
• Bob Carpenter
• Christy and Fred Cook
• Crooked Creek
• Mike Cross
• Willie Dixon and the Chicago Allstars
• Eclectricity
• Paul Finkleman
• David Essig
• Ma Fletcher
• Robin Flower Band
• John Hammond
• Gumboot Lolipop
• Paul Hann
• Chris Hilman & Al Perkins
• Tim Harrison
• The Incredible Isreal
• Leo Kottke
• Tom Jackson
• The Mara-Berries
• Sid Marty
• Murray McLauchlan
• Walt Michael & Co.
• J.P. Nystoms
• Tom Paley
• Lee & Sandy Paley
• Gilbert Parrent
• Utah Phillips
• Pied Pear
• Pupetmongers Powell
• Randy Raine-Reusch
• Riders in the Sky
• Reilly & Maloney
• Gamble Rogers
• Bev Ross
• Jon Sirkis
• Bob Schneider
• Stringband
• Tiv the Clown
• Paddy Tutty
• Tony Trischka & Skyline
• Loudon Wainwright III
• Whiskey Jack
• Mason Williams
• Diamond Joe White
• Winston Wuttunee

1982 Lineup

• Mike Absalom
• Peter Alsop
• Holly Arntzen
• John Bayley
• Heather Bishop
• Oscar Brand
• Brandywine
• Gatemouth Brown
• Ronnie Burkett
• Jeff Cahill
• Steve Cormier
• Beverly Cotten
• The Dillards
• The Doug Dillard Band
• Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
• Eritage
• The Folktellers
• Don Freed
• Amos Garrett, David Burgin
• Ken Hamm
• Steve Hansen
• Hotfoot Quintet
• Houndog
• Dakota Dave Hull & Sean Blackburn
• Connie Kaldor
• Alain Lamontagne
• Su Chong Lim
• John Malone
• Joan MacIsaac
• The McDade Family
• John McEuen
• Dave McLean
• Merrytime
• Will Millar
• Ann Mortifee
• Muddy York
• Na Cabarfeidh
• Tom Paxton
• Utah Phillips
• Pied Pear
• Jim Post
• Bary Louis Polisar
• Reel Union
• Stan Rogers
• Betsy Rose & Cathy Winter
• Bob Schneider
• Tom See
• Dave Sereda
• Jon Sirkis
• Lyall Steel
• John Styles
• Touchstone
• Dave Van Ronk
• Doc Watson
• David Wilcox

1981 Lineup

• Peter Alsop
• Bim (Roy Forbes)
• Heather Bishop
• Ken Bloom
• Kevin Burke & Michael O’Domhnaill
• Calvin Cairns
• Michael Calihoo
• Margaret Christl
• Alexandre Cirque
• Beverly Cotten
• Ferron
• Ma Fetcher
• Don Freed
• Paul Hann
• Andrij Hornjatkevyk
• Vera Johnson
• Ian Johnstone
• Connie Kaldor
• Su Chong Lim
• Lost In The Colonies
• Pattie B. MacDonald
• Joan MacIsaac
• Big Dave MacLean
• Muddy York
• Odetta
• Tom Paley
• Tom Paxton
• Pied Pear
• Fred Penner
• Jim Post
• Randy Raine-Reusch
• River City Ramblers
• Stan Rogers
• The Romaniuk Family
• Tom See
• The Shamrock Players
• Doc Myles Snow
• Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee
• Diamond Joe White
• Jesse Winchester

1980 Lineup

• Chris Crilly
• Doug Dillard Band
• Duck Donald Band
• Figgy Duff
• Fat Chants
• Fender
• Cilla Fisher & Artie Trezise
• Bill Garrett
• Frank Gay & Nick Van Der Meent
• Danny Greenspoon
• Peter Gzowski
• Marie-Lyn Hammond
• Caitlin Hanford & Linda Morrison
• Paul Hann
• Houndog
• Hamish Imlach
• Tom Jackson
• Connie Kaldor
• Oliver Krol
• Denise Larson & Friends
• Joan MacIsaac
• The Manitoba Puppet Theatre
• Debbie McClatchy
• The McDade Family
• Odetta
• Pied Pear
• Jim Post
• Randy Raine-Reusch
• Stan Rogers
• Bev Ross
• Mose Scarlett
• David Sereda
• Al Simmons, Barbara Freundl & Human Jukebox
• Rob Storeshaw
• Stringband
• Curly Boy Stubbs
• Sukay
• Sweetgrass
• Sylvia tyson & the Great Speckled Bird
• Sheri Ulrich
• Valdy
• Peter Paul Van Camp
• Wheatland County
• Robin Williamson
• Diamond Joe White
• Richard White
• David Woodhead
• Holly Wright