Josh Ritter

The 34th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival gets underway this weekend July 15-17, starting off on Friday evening with musicians performing from all over the world thru Sunday night. This is one of my favourite music festivals, I have attended 29 festivals over the years! Each year, as much as I look forward to the music I also look forward to the food.

With over 60 groups and soloists set to grace the festival’s 8 stages, this year’s festival offers a stunning range of music in just one weekend: from Saharan sands to the backstreets of St. John’s, from ancient traditions to cutting-edge fusions; from world-renowned artists to fresh new voices – audiences can build their own festival experience from the rich choice available. The weekend festival performance schedule of concerts and workshops is now online at www.thefestival.bc.ca.

This year’s festival features a number of well known artists, including Gillian Welch, Rosanne Cash, Joel Plaskett Emergency, the Saharan sounds of Tinariwen, The Jayhawks, James Cotton Superharp, Buck 65, Jim Bryson and the Weakerthans Band, Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band and Justin Townes Earle to name a few. Actor/musician Tim Robbins picks up his guitar to perform with his Rogues Gallery Band. There’s music from around the world, including the Nomadic Caravan from India, South African superstars Freshlyground, Haiti’s Ti-Coca & Wanga-Nègès and the salsa brava sounds of Colombia’s La-33. Former child soldier, from Sudan, Emmanuel Jal visits with his powerful story and message of hope and reconciliation. The festival presents a range of powerful women’s voices, old-time acoustic, rocking electric and samples, beats and beyond. The full list of artists is below, with updates on changes to the originally-announced lineup.

In addition to the Food Area, which offers everything from flatbread to fish tacos to Mediterranean BBQ, there’s an Artisan Market with over 30 booths of handmade and imported items, a Community Village where environmental, social, cultural and community groups offer interactive experiences, and a Little Folk Village, with fun things and entertainment for the young and young at heart.

TICKETS are available online right now – 24 hours a day!

Call 604-602-9798 during office hours Monday to Saturday to July 14 at 2pm to order, or visit our street-level box office at 415 Dunsmuir St. Full ticket details below.

Tickets available online on the festival website www.thefestival.bc.ca , by phone at 604-602-9798, at the Festival Box Office at 415 Dunsmuir Street (at street level, M-F 9am-5pm), as well as at local outlets Highlife Records, Neptoon Records, Zulu Records & Banyen Books & Sound.

Ticket prices: Full weekend adult passes range from $150 (Advance) to $165 (at the gate).

One-day and evening tickets are available at Advance (to July 14 @ 2pm) and at the gate at adult, elder, student and youth rates. Children 12 years and under enter free (accompanied by adult). Group rates are available. Check the festival website for full ticket details.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY EVENING TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GATE (ONLY) STARTING AT 5PM EACH NIGHT: $40.

Festival Hours: the festival runs from 5pm – 11pm July 15; 10am – 11pm July 16 & 17.